We conclude this series of fun facts about WDW and Disneyland parks with a look at some fun facts from California Adventure. We hope you enjoyed reading more about the parks!
By D’land Diva
1. California Adventure was built in Disneyland’s old parking lot. Yes, I do remember parking in this lot and I remember when they first broke ground for California Adventure and they were parking us over by the Disneyland Hotel. We had to take a five minute or so tram ride across a busy street to get to Disneyland’s entrance.
2. Some initial reviews of California Adventure were…poor. In fact, the park didn’t really get the attendance numbers they were expecting. To be honest, there were a lot of cardboard cut out looking decorations and not that many interesting rides in the first few years. As more rides were added, and Cars Land and Buena Vista Street opened, park attendance increased. It was clear the quality of entertainment and theming was there this time around.
3. California Adventure was first supposed to be WestCot. This was a west coast version of Epcot. Financial concerns put the project on hold and the idea was re-worked to be a California themed park. Construction on California Adventure began in 1998.
4. Check out the Buena Vista Bugle. This is a free newspaper and it makes a great souvenir. The stories are cute and entertaining. You can find the newspaper stand near the Red Car Trolley stop near the front entrance.
5. For a Broadway quality show, check out Aladdin at the Hyperion Theater. Some Diva tips: the show is 40 minutes long and restrooms are outside the building, so plan accordingly if you can! Also, the seats higher up have a better view.
6. A lot of people forget about A Bug’s Land. This is a really fun land in the park where there are five entertaining rides and attractions. Our family loves the bumper cars and the little train ride. During the summer, your kids will not want to miss the water play areas. The theming in this section of the park is especially detailed.
7. The number 47 is hidden throughout Condor Flats. In 1947, the sound barrier was broken by Chuck Yeager.
8. If you are eating at the Pacific Wharf, be sure to listen for the Mariachi Divas. This all woman music group is super entertaining and plays sets in the dining areas. At Christmas time, they play Christmas music as well!
9. You can draw Olaf at the Animation Academy in Hollywood Land! Check the schedule set up outside the building for drawing times.
10. Tower of Terror is 183 feet tall and the tallest ride at the Disneyland Resort. It is also one of the tallest buildings in Anaheim and can be spotted from the 57 freeway.
11. Award Wieners in Hollywood Land offers a tasty vegetarian option: the Portobello Mushroom Philly. It’s not all hot dogs, folks!
12. California Screamin’ reaches a top speed of 55 miles per hour. This makes it the fastest ride at the Disneyland Resort and one of the fastest rides at any Disney park. It is also the eighth longest roller coaster IN THE WORLD.
13. Unlike Disneyland, alcohol is sold in various locations throughout California Adventure. The Cove Bar is one of the more popular drinking spots for annual passholders, and it serves up a tasty dish of lobster nachos.
14. Toy Story Midway Mania is one of the most technically advanced rides developed by Imagineers. Industrial Ethernet is used for the ride’s control system.
15. The Pixar Play Parade is one of the most popular and entertaining parades to run at California Adventure and the Disneyland Resort. You can get very wet while watching the parade, however, so be careful with those cameras!
16. Radiator Springs Racers is the most expensive ride built by a theme park. It is estimated to have cost $200 million. In this writer’s opinion, it is worth every penny!
17. There are more than 1,200 fountains used in the World of Color Show.
18. Be sure to check out Goofy’s Instant Concert in Paradise Pier. This show that takes place several times during the day, is fun, and uses some of the World of Color fountains.
19. One of the best things about Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, is Roz at the end of the ride. She often singles out riders specifically and makes a comment to them. She has commented how handsome D’land Diva hubby is several times now. Grrrr…
20. Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in the Little Mermaid, also voices the character in the attraction.
