Disneyland and California Adventure renovated and reopened
| July 10, 2012 | Posted by Carrie under Disney |
It’s been a few months since we spent a day at the Happiest Place on Earth. We’ve been waiting with anticipation for the new attractions to open.
We were not disappointed. Disneyland and California Adventure continue to get better and better.
Let’s start with Cars Land. Disney people: you did good. Walking down the main street of Cars Land is like walking through the movie. The attention to detail is amazing.
The Radiator Springs Racers is the feature ride of the new land. It’s a fun tour through the Cars movie that ends with a race. Really really fun! A very popular new ride with a really long wait.
Tip: get to the park when it opens and go straight to the ride. The Fast Pass line is really long. If you want to get on the ride twice in one day, have one person in your party get a Fast Pass while the rest of you wait in line.
We waited about an hour and 15 minutes at 8AM to get on the ride. Fast Pass distribution ran out by 9:30AM. Our Fast Passes got us on the ride again at 2PM. Check out this website for information about early entry for Annual Passholders. You must register ahead of your planned visit.
Cars Land also includes a Luigi’s Tires ride (bumper cars) and a Mater – Tractor Tipping ride that is a spinning kind of adventure.
Also new to California Adventure (that replaced the Mission Tortilla Factory) is a Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop. We made sure to make a stop for a sample and then returned later in the day for a fantastic ice cream sundae. Perfect new treat location in California Adventure.
We also made a stop at Toy Story Mania. This is my husband’s favorite ride.
Tip: My family likes to read all about the Easter Eggs on the ride and try to get super high scores. While MMT still scores much higher than I do, I didn’t do to shabby on this day (I’m player 2).
I”m sure you’ve all heard the hubub about Starbucks being available at Disneyland.
While I’m never one to turn down some Starbucks, I have to say that the line inside seemed almost as long as the Radiator Springs ride. Not worth it.
Tip: if you want coffee, go to the Market House inside Disneyland. Keep your reciept and return to the Market House any time during the day for free refills. Best deal in the park.
And, the Market House now has real half and half. There is also non-dairy creamer, but I prefer half and half and was super excited.
We also rode on the newly renovated Matterhorn. The wait was about 30 minutes. The new Matterhorn cars are separate seating, no more lap seating.
It was fun and fast and really enjoyable. The ride earned three thumbs up from my kids.
Tip: fun kid activity at Disneyland – Pin Trading. My kids enjoy looking for new pins and trading with Cast Members. It’s super simple and fun and I personally love that they do it on their own and take the initiative to interact with the Cast Members. Here is a great introduction to Pin Trading from Disney.
I hope you all get a chance to check out the new Cars Land and the other fun renovations at Disneyland and California Adventure. Have you already gone?
Looks like so much fun! We haven’t been to Disneyland in about 3 years, but we always have a great time:) The sundae looks delish:)
hikermom recently posted..What Do You Carry on Your Run?
Looks awesome! We will probably be going later this year, so this is great info!
Cinnamon @ eatpraytri recently posted..ABC’s of Happiness
I’ve never done CA adventure land… but with a 9-month at home, I imagine it is in my future. Excellent photos.
Pavement Runner recently posted..3 Websites Good For The Entire Body
I have never been to anything Disney, but those pictures are amazing and make me want to go! The Cars exhibit is great.
Jan recently posted..Half Marathon Training
Looks like a great vacation so far! I’ve been to Disney World but never Disneyland.
Suzanne recently posted..Several Firsts