Stepping into California Adventure Park was like walking into a scene from a movie.
The last time I was at Disneyland, California Adventure was no such thing. Let that soak in a while (yes it’s been that long)! You can imagine when we got there just how exciting this was for everyone, adults included. A whole other park to play in and soak up, and if I may (don’t curse my name disney-obsessed people) this side of the magical world reigns supreme in shows. From the Frozen Sing-Along to Disney Junior’s Live on Stage, we were all in awe to the standards of their entertainment. California Adventure Park is mesmerizing!
I told you I would keep to my word, yesterday was all about Disneyland, while today is all about California Adventure. The rest of the week will bring the low-down on the Photopass+ (for those who have been contemplating it – contemplate no more!) as well other things to do in California that are not related in anyway to Mickey the Mouse. STAY TUNED because we’re just getting started!
Sammy said “The Grizzly River Run kinda’ gave me that feeling of comfort, being back home. With the ambiance of living on the Pacific Northwest, it also didn’t hurt that your dad lost his hat, almost like the ride never ended. I got to see him sweat hoping that your mum didn’t find out!”
I said “Oh man! So many gooders, I would have to say The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (I mean come’on did you see Sammy’s face? ), Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Radiator Springs Racers, Grizzly River Run, and hands down the BEST RIDE was Toy Story Midway Mania (and may I add I kicked Sammy’s butt?)
Sofia said “I really liked the fishy Carousel (King Triton’s Carousel), remember mama? Also, ummmm, the bear park that nana took me on, with that wizzy slide (Redwood Creek Challenge Trail), and Mater! Yeah yeah, totally Mater! What was that long long line-up one mama? Like 100 minutes? That one was so good yeah (Toy Story Midway Mania)!
If you ever for a moment think that the entertainment, street shows and parades in either park are not a must see, you’re dead wrong. Some of our most cherished memories were sitting among the seats at these shows. I got goosebumps sitting and watching the Frozen Sing-Along, as I said in regards to Disneyland no detail was missed in every aspect of this park; entertainment included. We had enough time to catch 2 shows, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Disney Junior – Live on Stage. We also caught Operation Playtime, with the green army men and Sofia caught the Pixar Play Parade with her nana and papa (while we tortured ourselves on the Tower of Terror). These shows should not be looked past, they’re a MUST SEE when you are travelling with kids.
Frozen Sing-Along: Like the movie, this show was insane. We sung along to all our most favorite Frozen songs, giggled along with the real life characters (honestly these people were bang-on to the cast) and still talk about the snow that fell from the sky at the end of the show. If you are lucky enough to be at the park while this show is playing, do not miss it!
Disney Junior – Live on Stage!: Possibly Sofia’s favorite show, we had the most fun getting showered with over-flowing sudsy bubbles, a wild snowstorm, and shiny gold doubloons. This show is sure to please children and adults who watch (and have no choice but to watch) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffin, Sofia the First and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Great show with such high energy, we left there with smiles on our faces that could never be wiped off.
Operation Playtime: One of those street shows we stumbled across, talk about being at the right place at the right time. As we go and snag a bag of cotton candy the show literally strolls in beside us. Poking fun with the audience and even as bringing up some kids and adults into the comedy act. I wished that Sammy was there to see it with us, but literally it was one of those things we stumbled into. A MUST SEE especially with those kids who love and grew up with Toy Story.
I’m not entirely sure if this rings true but it seemed like California Adventure had far more places and options to eat than Disneyland (not that I found there wasn’t enough for us to choose from in Disney), but it seemed liked the skies was the limits once you stepped into Pacific Wharf. From street vendor carts to actual sit down shops to outdoor restaurants, everyone in the family was sure to find something here they loved here. We did the best we could to spread out and cover as much edible ground their was (for research purposes of course) and I think we did a bang up job, we enjoyed Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, and Smokejumpers Grill.
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill: Great outdoor restaurant that has something for everyone, even the picky eater called miss Sofia Marie. From real authentic Mexican food, burritos and tacos, to simple cheese and chicken quesadilla’s, this adorable eatery made us all happy and our tummies full.
Lucky Fortune Cookery: Enjoyed by my cousin, she marched back to our table with this cute little take out box full of food. She said it was crazy delicious and filling, which what else can you ask for when stopping for a quick bite to eat before…. MORE FUN?!
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop: I doubt I would ever forgive myself if we passed by this little sweet shop. Jam’packed with every chocolate you could ever dream up, this is a MUST SEE/TASTE when you are in California Adventure Park. They were pumping out milkshakes, ice cream, banana splits, and Espresso’s, this place was what dreams are made of. If you even like chocolate in the slightest, don’t miss it!
Smokejumpers Grill: Great stop tucked away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a good old burger and salad. Great place we stumbled upon at the perfect time, lunch time, stopped and got a much needed fuel up including an amazing make-you-own salad type feature with yummy additions like grilled peppers and feta cheese. Sofia enjoyed this place the most after making a little birdie friend who thoroughly enjoyed her french fry fumbles to the ground.
I THINK IT’S CLEAR California Adventure Park won our hearts, starting with our eyes! Oh how I miss it, I just must go back, if not for the rides, for the spectacular shows!
What were your favorite parts of California Adventure?
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