Disney’s California Adventure is a rather underrated theme park. Some critics say it’s the worst park in Disney’s history. True, the overall design of the park isn’t that good considering Disney’s standards: California Adventure lacks a centre, a landmark, and has a very unfortunate shape which divides the park into two halves.
However, there’s a major revamp addressing the park’s design and a very promising new attraction on the way. 'Radiator Springs Racers', themed on Pixar’s movie ‘Cars’ and featuring the same ride technology as 'Test Track' in Epcot and 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' in Disney Sea Japan, is scheduled to open in 2012. It will replace the parking lot behind Tower of Terror and, therefore, fill the gap of attractions in the ‘missing’ middle of the park, uniting the two halves.
But even now, the park features some really good thrill rides, which Disneyland next door lacks:
- 'Soarin’ Over California': originally designed exclusively for this park, this is an awesome movie ‘ride’, which makes you feel like you’re flying over California’s landmarks. Wind blows in your face, your feet are dangling in the air and the inspiring experience won’t leave you as sick as some flight simulators do.
- 'Tower of Terror': good, though not as good as the version in Florida! You will scream a lot, but don’t eat before!
- 'California Screamin’: a long, fast and smooth fun fair roller coaster of classic non-themed appearance with a speedy upwards acceleration at the beginning.
- 'It’s Tough to Be a Bug!': the best 3-D movie ever produced for a Disney theme park with a great storyline and surprising effects like bugs and spiders attacking the audience. Everything fits together here and every joke is funny. It’s a MUST, for kids, adults and the cool guys with the oversized sunglasses in between!
- 'Toy Story Midway Mania!': the newest addition to this park is a classy shoot-em-up video game-themed ride.
Other attractions include the 'Grizzly River Run' (a medium quality river rapids ride with no surprises and no animatronics), 'Monsters Inc.' ride for the kids, 'Muppet Vision' (a 3-D movie which is not half as fun as It’s Tough to Be a Bug!) and some classic fun fair rides at the far end of the park. It’s really worth the time visiting both parks: Disneyland next door and this one.
