Disney California Adventure Park may not have the extensive history or number of attractions as Disneyland, but it has rapidly evolved since its 2001 debut. Through impressive transformations and the addition of new lands and experiences, DCA has reinvented itself as a park worth discovering.
Unlike Disneyland proper, guests can experience nearly everything on a “must-do” list in a single day. That may not always be the case, with new attractions coming soon to Avengers Campus and an Avatar-themed land in development. Still, depending on one’s preferences, first-timers can easily experience the best DCA has to offer and create a worthwhile theme park day.
1. Soarin’ Around the World or Soarin’ Over California
Since Opening day on February 8, 2001, Soarin’ has wowed and astonished guests with its unique and beautiful experience. Guests are given bird’s-eye views of breathtaking landscapes, rising in the air in their seats and feeling like they are soaring through the air, with scents, wind, and mist to add to the atmosphere.
Complete with a score by renowned film composer Jerry Goldsmith, Soarin’ remains one of the few rides that gives guests a true feeling of euphoria.
Originally conceived as Soarin’ Over California, with scenes from across the varied state, the attraction changed to Soarin’ Around the World in 2016, with breathtaking views from across the globe, including Germany, China, India, Australia, France, Brazil, Fiji, and more. In 2019, the California version returned for the Food and Wine Festival, and has since returned each year during that event. Whichever version one rides, Soarin’ remains the finest and most timeless attraction in DCA.
2. Radiator Springs Racers
After a multi-year transformation that saw the addition of Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers opened in June 2012. Ever since, the attraction has become one of, if not the most popular and beloved in the entire park- and for good reason.
Like the land itself, guests become immersed in the colorful landscape as they board a racing car and enjoy a leisurely ride, encountering Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other Cars from the films. You then race side by side with another car in an exhilarating, high-speed ride through a breathtaking landscape, complete with twists, turns, and dips. Which car wins is random, but that doesn’t stop visitors from having a grand time.
Every first-time guest won’t be able to experience this attraction, with a height requirement of 40 inches and a speed too much for some. Still, for everyone else, don’t let the frequent long lines stop you from hopping on this incredible ride.
3. Toy Story Midway Mania!
Not many DCA attractions can say they have a better version of a similar ride in Disneyland, but Toy Story Midway Mania can. While Disneyland has another Pixar and Toy Story-themed game-based ride in Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, it pales in comparison to Midway Mania.
On DCA’s attraction, four guests board each vehicle (two on each side) and don 3D glasses. They’re then taken (sometimes spun) through various virtual environments complete with Toy Story characters, lively music, and the objective to shoot as many targets as possible.
With the added fun of a competition, whoever gets the highest score in the vehicle attains bragging rights for the rest of the day. Still, competition aside, first-timers especially should not miss the Pixar Pier staple.
4. The Little Mermaid- Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Although plans for a Little Mermaid-based attraction date all the way back to the late 1990s, it wasn’t until 2011 that it finally came to fruition. Replacing Golden Dreams, a film located in a building meant to emulate San Francisco’s Palace of the Fine Arts, Disney transformed the exterior and interiors into a spectacular dark ride that delights fans of the 1989 animated film.
Guests board giant clam shells on an omni-mover ride system and slowly relive Ariel’s story with hundreds of colorful, lively animatronics and that iconic music from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
Guests, young and old, delight in this attraction that brings the film to life, helping guests relive their childhood and introducing a new generation to the story. Known as a people eater in that it moves guests in and out quickly, putting Ariel’s Undersea Adventure on a first-timers list remains essential for its efficiency and entertainment.
5. Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters
Cars Land bolsters some of the best theming and attractions in all of DCA. While Radiator Springs Racers remains the crown jewel, the land’s other rides are just as creative and fun. However, between Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi’s edges out Mater’s for first-timers for a few reasons.
Both attractions offer riders small thrills, but Mater’s whips guests around much more. For that reason, Luigi’s will be the better alternative, especially for those with small children. Likewise, the music and overall vibe of Luigi’s is more lowkey, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a family-friendly experience.
6. Pixar Pal-A-Round
Although some guests call the Pixar Pal-A-Round the “Wheel of Death,” first-time guests who don’t have an aversion to heights should definitely try this classic attraction. Formerly Mickey’s Fun Wheel, this Ferris Wheel was re-themed for the Pixar Pier transformation in 2018. However, the ride itself and the central Mickey face remained the same.
Guests have two choices on the Pixar Pal-A-Round: swinging or non-swinging gondolas. Most first-timers should go for the non-swinging gondola, especially if you’re not a thrill-seeker. You’ll get the same beautiful views in a traditional, stress-free Ferris wheel experience.
The brave can opt for swinging gondolas. But fair warning, they will not be for the faint of heart. Some find them exceptionally fun, while others find them terrifying. It’s up to each individual, but regardless, the attraction remains a “must-do.”
7. Animation Academy
Not everything a first-timer should experience involves an actual ride. The Disneyland Resort features a number of shows and walk-through attractions that many overlook, but would surely enjoy. In Disney California Adventure, many guests walk right by the Animation Building in Hollywood Land, unaware of the wonders inside.
Of the various things guests can see, the Animation Academy sits at the top for its unique learning opportunity. Throughout the day, a Disney artist teaches an auditorium of guests how to draw various characters with easy-to-follow steps. Given a board, a piece of paper, and a pencil, you can enjoy the thrill of seeing a character brought to artistic life by your own hand. Creating a unique memory, it’s also one of the few attractions that gives guests a free souvenir to bring home.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: BREAKOUT!
With fewer attractions at DCA, the must-dos for first-timers unexpectedly include thrill rides that may not be for everyone. Still, of the two attractions in Avengers Campus, Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: BREAKOUT remains the most iconic. Although many fans balked when Disney re-themed the attraction from The Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy, it quickly became a popular favorite.
The premise of the ride sees Rocket Raccoon recruiting guests to help break out his friends from the Collector’s Fortress. What follows includes fast and frequent drops, and an electric upbeat soundtrack including “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar, “I Want You Back” by the Jackson Five, and “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley.
With the added bonus of seeing favorite characters like Star Lord and Gamora, and the fact that DCA is the only Disney Park with this specific attraction, Mission: BREAKOUT will be near the top of every thrill seeker’s list.
9. Incredicoaster
While Mission: BREAKOUT has become an iconic emblem of DCA, the most iconic has to be the park’s original and signature roller coaster. Originally called California Screamin’, it was re-themed to the Pixar classic The Incredibles and renamed the Incredicoaster in 2018.
Living up to both names, this attraction provides riders with incredible views and plenty of heart-pounding thrills that induce screams from all who ride.
Though not for everyone, the Incredicoaster stands out for its individualism and old-fashioned feel combined with modern technology and retro designs. It remains the best of both worlds: an homage to seaside coasters and mid-century modern architecture with the modernity of a smoother and sleeker ride.
10. Games of Pixar Pier
These days, theme parks have become quite expensive, so some may balk at anything that requires extra money. Still, one should try the Games of Pixar Pier, especially for first-time visitors.
To play, simply purchase a game card for $5 per game, which gives you tokens to use at any of the four stations. Each themed to various Pixar properties, the games reminiscent of classic carnival Boardwalk games include, La Luna Star Catcher, Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, WALL•E Space Race, and Bullseye Stallion Stampede.
Pro-tips: of the four games, always play La Luna. It’s the one that always guarantees a prize. For the others, try to play when it’s less crowded or have more than one person in your party play. That way, you’ll be more likely to win something.
Considering the price of merchandise, $5 for an adorable plush, and the joy of winning it yourself, makes the Games of Pixar Pier more than worth it.