RMH Travel Comparing Disneyland to Walt Disney World....California Adventures Attractions reviewed of each and Almost Every Attraction.

This is the second part of my two part blog series, that I started after review my blogs that I wrote in 2017. In those blogs I compared all of Walt Disney World attraction to Disneyland’s if they have similar rides. But, what I saw was I never did the reverse. And I have to say its because Walt Disney World is newer to me, only having been a dozen or so times. Whereas I grew up going to Disneyland. Its my home away from home. But, I notices so many in my Disneyland Group saying they are pro when it comes to Walt Disney World but are new to Disneyland and I thought, hey why not do a reverse blog. So, I have already done Disneyland park, you can view that blog here. Now, I am going to do California Adventure Park. 

Before I get started here are the links to my blogs about Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Disney Hollywood Studio

Disney Animal Kingdom

If this is the first review blog you are reading of mine, I also want to say that these are my personal opinions and I try to keep it as unbiased as I can. If I know that my opinion can be debate, I will point that out. I have to say very few rides at California Adventures, compare to Walt Disney World. But, I still try to name a ride that may sort of remind me of Walt Disney World’s ride.

  

Buena Vista Street

Red Car Trolley - It’s a old time Trolley car that picks you up in front of the park and currently has 3 stops, the second stop is at the end of Buena Vista Street (kind of like taking a Main Street Vehicle), the third stop is in Hollywood Land just outside Gradian’s of the Galaxy ride. 

Mortimers Market-right when you get into the park to the right side of the park you will see bathrooms, and ATM and a fruit stand. That is what this is.

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream- Dreyer’s ice cream scooped into different sundaes, they have specialty bowls sometimes. I have gotten several Mickey Kitchen Sinks from here.

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café-Fancy name for STARBUCKS inside the park.

Carthay Circle Restaurant-I would say this is the most popular sit-down place at Disney California. I mostly sit in the bar area, because I love their Martin’s with big ice ball in the middle. It is considered signature dining, usually with dinner you get special viewing area for their night show.

Carthay Circle Lounge-inside the restaurant is technically another place to eat, it’s their bar area and honestly where I end up more often than at the Restaurant. Eating here you don’t get the tickets for the night shows. But, its first come first serve and since I usually dine here on whim, its why I have spent more time at the Lounge than sit down.

Hollywood Land

Disney Junior Dance Party-This show has changed since I have seen it. Last time I saw it, it was the puppet show.  To be honest I haven’t been to the park with a toddler in the last few years, but from the reviews I have read and scene I will have to say this show is just like the one at Disney Hollywood Studios. Tie

Sunset Showcase Theater-When this first opened it was a Muppet 4D show, then it became, and I guess is currently a preview theater. You can preview the newest movies coming out. At one time, it was the Anne and Elsa, sing along show, kind of like the one at Hollywood Studios. Occasional they have other specials there. One night I was invited to a Mortimer Mouse private party, where the theater showed the original Mortimer stories.

Disney Animation-Huge building that should be its own mini land with several attractions, and they are:

            Sorcerer’s Workshop-You walk around, learn how to draw, there are computer screen in Beast library area where you learn what characters you are, then you walk on and they have the interactive room where Ursula can steal your voice. I know inside Hollywood Studios, I have done the Ursula thing, but I can’t recall exactly where, but the drawing and Beast room is unique, or I some how missed it at Walt Disney World.

            Anne & Elsa’s Royal Welcome-Meet Anne & Elsa. Sorry no pictures from me.

            Animation Academy-Learn how to draw several of your favorite Disney Characters. They used to have this at Disney Hollywood Studios. But it isn’t there anymore, but it’s the same thing.

            Turtle Talk with Crush-A cute show where audience members can ask Crush some questions. Its just like the one at Epcot.

The Hollywood Backlot Stage-This stage show changes all the time. I have scene high school performers here mostly. Everything from Dance to Band.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sully-All ages can go on this ride. And when this movie was my son’s favorite, we went on it A LOT! its for all ages. Super cute, if you love the movie Monsters, Inc you will love this ride.

Frozen-Live at the Hyperion-Broadway like show of Frozen.

Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission:BREAKOUT!-When I review Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this ride was west coast version of Hollywood Tower of Terror. Now, where I compared East coast verse West coast Tower of Terror, I had said Walt Disney World version won, because it was longer. Why am I telling you all this, well, even though it’s a new ride with new theme, they didn’t change the track of the ride at all. So, its Tower of the Terror with Guardians of the Galaxy twist. I like the new twist and that is all I am going to say. You have to try the ride out for yourself…but I wanted to give this warning because well when my son turns 40 inches, he was under 3. I took him on all the rides that were 40 inches this one included. After Space Mountain he wasn’t sure if he was going to like it or not, all the other rides he loved…but this one. HE HATED it, 6 months later we tried them all again. Space he LOVE, he still hated this one. 2 years later, tried again, same. He gets to the point of loving Rocking Rollercoaster, and California Screamin’ (now Incredicoaster), so I make him try this ride again and still no. So, if for some reason you don’t like Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World…then I won’t try this ride. can’t compare anymore

Award Wieners-foot long hot dogs and sausages. I have eaten here a few times. They are hot dogs, nothing to rave about nothing to say yuck about.

Schmoozier-Fruit smoothies and doughnuts. Nothing special.

Fairfax Market-Another fruit stand

Studio Catering Co.-Street Tacos and nachos. Nothing special…honestly I love Cocina, that if I wanted something Mexican, I would eat there.

‘a bug’s land’

Even though this land is closing in a few short weeks…I will review this land. I am so super sad that its closing. This was the first place my son loved overall about Disney. Before he really understood movies so that Alice, or Monster Inc or Peter Pan could make sense to him, he loved bug’s land rides. I am so sad that this land is closing, I feel like there is so little that little ones can do at California Adventures and now there will be even less, because I don’t see Marvel Land being build with them in mind. ☹

It’s Tough to be a Bug! -Already closed, and if it wasn’t this could have been an attraction that I could say was the SAME as the show at Animal Kingdom. But, it was the first to be closed in preparing for Marvel Land (I honest think its because it wasn’t that popular out here)

Francis’ Ladybug Boogi – tea cups with a twist, you have to lean to make them spin more rather than spin the wheel in the middle.

Flik’s Flyers-You are in little buckets that lift you off in the air and then spin, reminds me of carnival rides.

Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies- Bumper cars with a Disney twist. This ride has a height requirement of 36 inches

Princess Dot Puddle Park-when its warm, my son could spend hours playing in the two water splash areas that make up Puddle Park. I saw some splash areas at Walt Disney World, but never saw Cast Members there telling parents what I have seen happen at Disney California Adventure. Everyone at all times must have shoes and tops on, even in the water play areas.

Cars Land

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree-You sit in little tractors and they do a country dance where you are whipped in circles. You must be 32 inches to ride this ride

 Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roasters-You get to choose to ride in a Roadster and then the Cars do an Italian dance with you in the car. There are several types of dancing so each ride is a new dance. You must be 32 inches to ride this ride

Radiator Springs Racers-I have scene so many people compare this ride to Test Track, and to me the only thing the same is the cars you sit in to go on the ride are built the same. Racers you go thru Radiator Springs, and then a second car joins, and then you race. And it’s the weight of the car that determines who will win the race. Test Track you go thru different test of the car…that is it. No racing, no cute views of a cute town. If someone tell you, they are the same or similar don’t BELIEVE them. not even close enough to compare

Filmore’s Taste-In-Fruit stand

Cozy Cone Motel-There are several cones, each one serves us a different treat, from flavored popcorn, frozen beverages (including adult), ice cream, cones filled with mac and cheese, chili con queso. Most people who have tried these treats have strong reactions, so I am just going to write my favorite saying, “One person’s yum is another person’s yuck.” Enough people feel its yum that there are lines for most of the stands there.

Flo’s V8 Café-Rotisserie sandwiches, salads, home-style sides, house-made pies. I am not that fond of this place, it is so close to the Wharf which has lots of great food choices that I really don’t eat here unless I am with a friend that wants to.

Grizzly Peak

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail-HUGE play area, you can climb up trees and walk across bridges, big slides, little slides, a zip line type ride, wall climbing, treasure hunting. There is only one way in and one way out but, still its so big you can easily lose a child in there.

Grizzly River Run-Some people compare this ride to Kali River Rapids, others say it can’t be compared except for the fact that they both are Rapid rides. I say my son once went on this ride 45 times in one day. (long story to that) Anyways, you will get wet on this ride, most people don’t know that there are FREE lockers near this ride that you can store your stuff in while on the ride only. The lockers are located behind the DVC stand can’t really compare

Soarin’ Around the World-Visit places around the world. The ques are different than Walt Disney World version, and where Disney World’s ends at Epcot, this version ends at Disneyland. I will agree the ending scene at Walt Disney World is slightly longer, so I guess with that you can say it wins, but really kind of the same ride. -Walt Disney World

Smokejumper Grill-Burgers, Chicken sandwiches, fries and drinks. they used to have really good milkshakes, but someone said they tried to get one this year and was told no…the burgers are ok, they have a side bar where you can put stuff on your burger.

Refreshment Point-It’s a Coca-Cola stand where you get over 60 flavors of coke.

Storytellers Café-I find it funny that this is put on a map of California Adventure park because it is in fact inside Disney California Hotel, yes if you are staying at the Hotel this is where you will enter the park and not the front gate. But the Napa Rose is closer to the entrance to the park than Storyteller is, and White Water (their quick service place is just as far, and to be honest I will eat and White Water often, I get their nachos, you get a nice big helping, also you can get some novelty ice cream bars there and use your annual pass discount, making it cheaper than getting it from a vendor) Back to the Restaurant…since they put it on the map….They host Chip N Dales Critter Breakfast right now, and for breakfast it’s a buffet, the character breakfast is changing July 11, to Mickey’s . After breakfast the place becomes a buffet or menu dining options. The food is ok.

Pacific Wharf

should be called dining corner, if you all want something unique to eat you can get it here, as all places share dining tables.

The Bakery Tour-You get to walk thru a bakery, and sample fresh sourdough bread.

Pacific Wharf Distribution Co-Beer you can get handcrafted Karl Stauss beer here.

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill-Tacos, burritos, chicken and more. If I am in the mood for Mexican and I am at Disney, this is where I prefer to eat.

Lucky Fortune Cookery-Stir-Fry Flavors from Asia Its ok stir fry.

Rita’s Baja blenders-Frozen margaritas and nonalcoholic versions. 

Pacific Wharf Café-Famous for their Boudin Bread bowl soups. Though I am still loyal to Royal Street (located at Disneyland) for my bread bowl. Most people say this place service better bread bowls. Oh, they also have salads and sandwiches.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop-Chocolatey goodness and ice cream! My aunt loves this place and I know so many people do, but I have a confession…I am not fond of Ghirardelli chocolate (not a big chocolate person to begin with so…) Anyways, something to note this is the ONLY place inside either parks that does NOT accept Disney Gift cards, or rewards points.

Alfresco Tasting Terrace-You can get Disney Family Wines and appetizers. I am not a wine person, ok I am not a cheap wine person but I am also poor and the bottles I can afford I don’t like. Before my son I was a person assistance and was used to $400 +++ bottles and those are the only ones I tolerated. And I don’t want to spend that much on wine any more so….I avoid Wine tasting places.

Mendocino Terrace-another wine and snack place

Wine Country Trattoria-This is a sit-down place. I have only been here with a work conference, and our menu was pre-selected. They are part of the eat dinner here and get VIP area to night shows, but the food selection my son won’t eat so I have only eaten here once, and it was ok.

Sonoma Terrace-California Craft Beer and Wine

Pixar Pier (technically when I am writing this its Paradise Pier but June 22, it will be renamed, and the rides listed on the map that are changing that day are already closed)

King Triton’s Carousel-(closed will open Jessie’s Critter Carrousel) It’s a carousel used to be different fishes as shows below, now it will be different types of horses that look like Bulls-eye.

Toy Story Midway Mania! – The ride itself is JUST like Walt Disney Worlds, now the que lines are very different. Only recently has this Toy Story Mania gotten FastPass feature. If you take in the ques I guess Walt Disney Wins

Silly Symphony Swings-you must be 40 inches to ride and 48 inches to ride alone.

Goofy’s Sky School-My son loves LOVES this ride. You must be 42 inches tall, its jerky somewhat. The original ride was called Mullholland Madness when it first opened and for anyone that has ever driven Mullholland Canyon in So Cal it can remind you of the road. Lots of twist and turns. Well at least the first part of the ride.

Jumpin’ Jellyfish-It’s a slow ride up high and then dropping low. You must be 40 inches to ride this ride. There usually isn’t a wait on slow days for this ride. I recalled when my son was 2 ½ years old, we were passing the ride, and no one was in line, I joked I should see if my son was tall enough and surprisingly the Cast Member said he was, and then asked if we wanted to go on. I was like YEAH. So, this was my son’s first 40 inch ride.

Golden Zephyr- If there is any wind, this ride is shut down. Huge Zephyr that spin and they you float out into the air and back.

The Little Mermaid~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure-The ride is the same at Walt Disney World except we have a hidden character from another movie hidden in ours. Ok, if you want to compare everything, Walt Disney World’s has a better que, but I think most of Walt Disney World’s que are better but way longer…because more people are at their parks. Anyways, I am give the win to the park with the slight difference where it counts…actually on the ride Disneyland for the win

World of Color-Of ALL the night time shows at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks this is my FAVORITE. I have to admit when I first saw it, I was off to the side and the projectors weren’t that great, (they have been updated at least twice that I know of, and maybe a 3^rd since it has been down for so long recently and has a delay re-opening.

Bayside Brew-Beer and Pretzels enough said

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta-We eat here a lot, I really like the pasta and pizza is one of my son’s favorite meals. And I really don’t like the pizza selection at Disneyland, though they claimed they just changed their recipes there and I haven’t tried the new pizzas yet.

Paradise Garden Grill- Marinated grilled skewers. This place is really good but is often close and anytime Disney is having some kind of special festival at California Adventures they like to change the type of food service here. I have scene it turn into a Mexican Joint, a few others I can’t recall of the top of my head I think burgers once. I wish they would stick to the original food cause it’s really tasty.  This place share sitting area with Boardwalk, and the sitting area has a stage where they place a variety of full band music.

Corn Dog Castle- It is a debate whether this place corn dogs are better than the red wagons and my personal opinion is neither place is all that great, yes, they are big and freshly made but I personal like the corn dogs I get at our local Fair better.

Shocking, the map doesn’t list Mickey’s Fun Wheel or its new name in a few days, Pixar Pal-Around or as I call it Micky’s Death Wheel- It’s a HUGE fair wheel, with stationary gondolas and then SWINGING DEATH ones.

Well, I have come to the end of my map! Not much here that really compares to Walt Disney World. But, its one of the reasons why I love the park so much. There are lots of rides also at Walt Disney World that neither Disneyland nor Disney California Adventure has, and as you can see from my listing all the rides at all the theme parks, even when they do have the SAME name, most of them are still not the same on both coast. So, I say always visit both! Here is the map I used while writing this blog. (Also, want to say this blog will be update with more pictures soon. I have lost my file with a LOT of picture missing. I remember taking them but can't seem to find the file!)

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