Disney California Adventure

History

Disney California Adventure Park, commonly referred to as Disney California Adventure, is a theme park located in Anaheim, California, owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its Parks, Experiences and Products division. The park opened on February 8, 2001, and is the second of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort complex, after Disneyland Park.

The concept of a theme park dedicated to California arose from a meeting of Disney executives in 1995, following the cancellation of the WestCOT project. Construction of the park began in 1998, and was completed by early 2001. Disney initially projected high attendance rates at the new park, but a series of preview openings held in January 2001 led to negative reviews, and the park opened to mediocre attendance.

Throughout the park's first decade, Disney sought to increase attendance by adding five new areas, each with a unique theme and new attractions. In 2007, Disney announced a major expansion of the park as well as a major overhaul of a significant portion of the original park. Construction lasted for five years and was completed in stages, culminating with the opening of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land in June 2012.

A view of Disney California Adventure Park with its iconic Ferris wheel and roller coaster.

Layout and Attractions

Disney California Adventure is divided into eight themed lands. The park's layout and attractions are inspired by California's culture and landmarks.

Buena Vista Street

Buena Vista Street is the first area guests see when they enter the park. The area is named after the street on which the Walt Disney Studios is located in Burbank, California. The street is a representation of Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney moved there in the 1920s. The area includes several shops and restaurants, and features a replica of the Carthay Circle Theatre, where Walt Disney's first feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered in 1937.

Hollywood Land

Hollywood Land is inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s. It includes attractions such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a drop tower dark ride, and the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, a dark ride based on the characters from the Disney·Pixar film Monsters, Inc.

Grizzly Peak

Grizzly Peak is themed around California's wilderness and national parks. The area's main attraction is Grizzly River Run, a river rapids ride around a mountain. The mountain is also the park's icon, similar to Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Paradise Gardens Park

Paradise Gardens Park is inspired by California's coastal boardwalks. It includes attractions such as the California Screamin', a roller coaster that is one of the park's original attractions, and the Pixar Pal-A-Round, a Ferris wheel with gondolas that swing.

Pacific Wharf

Pacific Wharf is based on Monterey's Cannery Row area. It includes dining and shopping areas, and hosts the Boudin Bakery Tour, which shows the process of baking sourdough bread.

Cars Land

Cars Land is based on the fictional town of Radiator Springs from Disney·Pixar's Cars films. The area's main attraction is Radiator Springs Racers, a slot car dark ride.

Pixar Pier

Pixar Pier is a retheming of the former Paradise Pier, inspired by the classic American boardwalks. The area features four neighborhoods representing various Pixar films.

Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus is a Marvel Cinematic Universe-themed area. The campus is set up by the Avengers to recruit the next generation of superheroes.