Disfans

I asked my brother Mike what his Top Ten favorite things about California Adventure are. Mike is younger than me, and also single with no kids, and he lives in Southern California. I thought he might have a slightly different perspective that y’all might enjoy. Here’s what he had to say…Jen

Yes, I was the one who made the joke about doing everything in California Adventure in a couple hours. This is the public perception, and I am used to park hopping, after all. Somewhat surprisingly though, you can fill out the whole day with nothing but California Adventure. Of course, CA has one major advantage over it’s neighbor: they can sell alcohol freely throughout the park. (Although this doesn’t make a difference to me personally.) You see, when CA was built, they applied for a liquor license in advance. At Disneyland, they needed an address, and that’s part of how the famous “Club 33″ got started. Anyhow, here are my top ten things to do at Disneyland’s California Adventure:

10. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by Gift shops. Not at all surprising. What is interesting is the exclusive toys you can find, such as monorails, cars and dolls. Noticeably absent are any replicas of the submarine voyage subs. (hint, hint). The true draw for me tho, are the many different parts of Mr. Potato head! You can grab a box, get a potato head (if you need one) and fill it with as many parts as you can fit in there. (the lid has to close) They are always making new parts, like Mr. Incredible, pirate eyes, Disney princesses, etc. If you have a nephew or godson, you have the perfect excuse to go in and play with toys.

9. Grizzly River Run. This is pretty much your standard get in a round raft and spin around and get wet ride. Oh, and the mountain is shaped like a bear. Something to do if it is very hot.

8. Ariel’s Grotto. I like this place. It’s a fun restaurant to sit down and eat. You will either have to make reservations, or show up at a certain time for “stand by” seating. It costs about 20 bucks, but the meal includes an appetizer (soup or salad) a main entree, drink and dessert. That’s too much food for lunch to me, so I usually go there for dinner. The Disney princesses will come out to your table for a photo op. One time when Belle came around, my brothers and I all said “Bonjour!” …It was funny at the time, I swear.

7. Disney Animation: Animation Academy. This is a new favorite I discovered fairly recently. It’s basically a drawing class. When you go in, you are given a huge clipboard with paper and pencil. An artist will show you step by step how to draw a different character each time. My Minnie Mouse and Pooh Bear were ok, but my Tigger needed help.

6. Disney’s Electrical Parade. While no longer “The Main Street Electrical Parade”, the name is the only difference. I wasn’t really all that into it as a kid, but It grew on me. That darn music still gets stuck in your head.

5. Drawn to the Magic. While you’re near the Disney animation building, check out the “Drawn to the Magic” stage show. It is usually on the stage next to “Monsters, inc.”, or just outside the animation building itself. Three singers dance and sing various songs from the Disney animated features. Three costumed characters appear at the end for the kids. They are generally one “hero” (Hercules, or Woody) one “princess” (Cinderella) and one “magic sidekick” (Sorcerer Mickey) There are generally around 3 or 4 shows between 11 am to 4 pm. I’ve heard rumors that this show may end soon, so I may have to come up with a new number 5.

4. Speaking of music, you have to see “Aladdin the Musical Spectacular”. It is a well done professional musical, in an air conditioned building. You can view it multiple times, thanks to the Improvisation role of the Genie. One time, when Aladdin tells the Genie he wants to do something special for him, the Genie responds: “Guitar hero for X-Box?” You have to see it. Put it on the list. Right now.

3. Ok, now for the rest of the thrill rides. These are the things I do whenever I go to CA, whether park hopping or not. First is Soarin Over California. Once you are strapped in, you are elevated in front of a huge screen, and treated to a flight simulator.

2. California Screamin’. This is the Second thing we usually do, after getting a fastpass to Space Mountain at that other park, and hitting Soarin’. Need for speed, baby! Can you say 0 to 55 in zero seconds? I knew you could. This coaster uses steam catapaults to launch ya, so you can pretend you’re in “Top Gun”. The only Disney coaster with a loop, so far. Lotsa fun. Don’t forget to goof off for the camera.

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. If this were just an elevator ride, it would be much less appealing. For fans of the Twilight Zone, this is a must! Rod Serling himself* Introduces the ride, and sets up the whole experience. Then you have the randomness of the drops, and the “slightly faster than natural” speed. Well worth it, every single time.

*They used an old clip from the Twilight Zone, and hired an impersonator. It sounds dead on tho.

Well, there ya have it.
MJT