California Adventure Park's Paradise Gardens Park (formally Paradise Pier) 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
You must go on this ride if you love the Little Mermaid movies. This is especially enjoyable for the younger audience, but everyone can enjoy reliving the story.
Glide on your chariot through the magical kingdom of the mermaids and sing along to the popular under-the-sea tunes.
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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 many turns, drops, and sudden stops, but it is not very fast. The sides of the tracks are wide open, giving 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-step instructions on flying. <LightningLane Available>
Tip: Some rides offer LightningLane. It is a way to avoid long lines at some rides. Read more here.
Jumpin' Jellyfish
At the Jumpin’ Jellyfish, 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 gently drop them to the ground. They can enjoy a nice view of Paradise Bay on the way down.
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".
You have a great view of Paradise Bay and the other rides around you as you spin.
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 pyrotechnics display. 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.
To guarantee a viewing spot, you must use the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass app to book LightningLane tickets. Those free tickets run out quickly, so make it your first stop when you arrive at the park. You can combine those LightningLanes with another ride LightningLanes.
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 plan to have dinner anyway, this is a good way to catch the show.
Interesting Fact: World of Color is one of the most technologically advanced shows ever created, with over 1,200 fountains and numerous special effects!