AmericaJR.com [ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: Add Disney's California Adventure theme park to your vacation plans ]

by Gloria Rzucidlo

gloria1025@yahoo.com

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Disney's California Adventure is a rather new theme park which opened on February 8, 2001. It is located right next door to Disneyland and Downtown Disney. The 67-acre park was initiated by former Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner. The park is divided into themed "districts."

My husband and son and I went on the newest ride called "Soarin' over California." Riders are in a seat with your feet dangling and the movie screen surrounds you in flight over famous sights in California. You will pass over the Golden Gate bridge, in a hot air balloon and into the deserts and mountains. I was holding on for dear life. If you are really afraid of heights, maybe this one would not be a good choice.

Also in the Golden State district is the Grizzly Peak Recreation area consisting of Grizzly River Run. We went on this raft ride, twisting and turning down cliffs and raging rapids. The park attendant said, "Enjoy your shower!" And boy did we get wet.

In the Pacific Wharf is the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar which gives you a preview of the exciting upcoming changes in store for the theme park. A new ride will debut in June 2012 called "Cars Land." This ride is based on the movie "Cars" and will take you on a journey of Radiator Springs. The preview presentation gives you highlights of what is to come and Imagineers speak telling how it was designed and created from imagination.

Paradise Pier is on Paradise Bay with rides such as Mickey's Fun Wheel, a roller coaster called California Screamin', Goofy's Sky School, Silly Symphony swings, King Triton's Carousel, jumpin' jellyfish, and the Golden Zephyr. Another ride which I recommend is the Little Mermaid-Ariel's undersea adventure. We sat in conches going down below sea-level, make-believe of course, and see all the creatures that live under the sea, along with Ariel herself.

A Bug's Land was another one of my favorites. This is a humorous 3D adventure on "it's tough to be a bug." You feel water squirting in your face and bugs in your seat. Don't forget to strap on your bug eyes! There are also small children rides in this district.

Then there is the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes you on the elevator ride of your life. Drop in if you dare! We also stopped at the Animation Academy where a Disney animator teaches guests step by step to draw some of Disney's cartoon characters. You are given easels with paper and we each drew Cheshire Cat. Monsters Inc. is another attraction where the heros race through Monstropolis to return Boo to her room.

There are also Disney dining throughout the park. At 8:45 p.m. is the World of Color at Paradise Bay. A dazzling display of music, color, water and fire intertwining in another dimension of Disney magic. If you want to get right in front, I suggest you get there early. Spaces fill up fast.
I would definitely recommend coming to Disney's California Adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Cars Land, a new themed section of the park, is currently under construction. It is set to open on June 15, 2012 and is based on the Cars animated film. Cars Land will feature three attractions, three restaurants and four shops. A soft opening for this new themed land is set for June 5.

One day tickets are $74 for ages three to nine and $80 for ages 10 and up. Park Hopper tickets for one day are $99 for ages three to nine and $105 for ages 10 and up. Visitors from southern California can receive discounts on two or three day tickets. In addition, monthly payments are also available for SoCal residents. Click here to purchase your tickets online.

For more information about the Disney's California Adventure theme park, visit disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure.