The Disney Resort is practically in my backyard. Throughout the years we learned a lot about Disney’s parks, hotels, shopping, and restaurants. In these pages, we will share our knowledge with you.
Paradise Garden Park takes you back to the days of seaside carnivals with thrill rides, parlor games, and fast food.
This area surrounds a large lake where the “World of Color” show plays.
For an overview of California Adventure, go here.
The Little Mermaid
If you loved the Little Mermaid movies you must go on this ride. This is especially enjoyable for the younger audience, but everyone can have fun reliving the story.
Glide on your chariot through the magical kingdom of the mermaids and sing along to the popular under the sea tunes.
This ride is similar to Small World in Disneyland but with a nautical theme.
Goofy's Sky School
This is a crazy rollercoaster ride where Goofy will "teach" you how to fly. It is based on Disney's animated cartoon "Goofy's Glider".
The ride has a lot of turns, drops and sudden stops, but it is not very fast. The sides of the tracks are wide open. This gives the rider the feeling of falling off on sharp turns. The open sides and sudden drops may be unsettling for small children.
As you fly in your gliders, billboards on the sides of the tracks show Goofy giving step by steps instructions on how to fly. <FastPass Available>
Tip: Some rides offer FastPass. It is a way to avoid long lines at some rides. Read more here.
Jumpin' Jellyfish
At the Jumpin’ Jellyfish, the younger kids can enjoy a parachute jump through a Kelp forest. The secure seats will take them up to a height of 40 feet and then drop them gently to the ground. On the way down they can enjoy a nice view of Paradise Bay.
Tip: If you have loose shoes or slippers on, take them off before the ride or you will lose them.
Silly Symphony Swings
Huge spinning swings rock you back and forth as they spin you round and round - synchronized to the music of "The Band Concert".
As you spin, you have a great view of Paradise Bay and the other rides around you.
Golden Zypher
Ride on a retro rocketship and take a relaxing journey as you spin over the waters of Paradise Bay.
World of Color Show
To end your day at California Adventure with awe and wonderment, you must plan to view this spectacular show.
The show projects various movie clips from the vast Disney and Pixar collections on a giant screen of water and mist – with a fiery display of pyrotechnics. Accompanying the spectacular display is a magical musical score.
The show also utilizes lights, water, fire, fog, and lasers. Expect to see clips from The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Fantasia 2000, WALL-E, Toy Story, Aladdin and many more.
Tip: The show plays 2 times on the weekend and one time on weekdays. It is immensely popular so you will need to plan ahead.
The best way to attend the show is to head straight to Grizzly River Run ride and get FastPass tickets (or use the app). Those free tickets run out quickly, so make it your first stop when you arrive at the park. You can combine those FastPasses with other ride FastPasses.
Another option is to reserve a dining package at one of the sit-down restaurants surrounding Paradise Bay (Lamplight Lounge, Carthay Circle Restaurant, Wine Country Trattoria). Dining at those places is a little pricey, but if you were planning to have dinner anyway, this it is a good way to catch the show too. <FastPass Available>