Grizzly River Run

 The Grizzly River Run is a fantastic water ride. This is a ride you will want to wear a poncho on. You can purchase one in the store right in front of the ride. We always buy them at the dollar store before we come and carry it in our backpack.

Its a great way to cool off on a hot day. You will get wet on this ride. Everyone gets wet. You must be 42 inches to ride this ride. The line moves quickly on this ride and it is worth the wait!

California Adventure

California Adventure is located right across from Disneyland. In the good old days it used to be the parking lot for Disneyland. It opened in 2001. If you are looking for thrill rides, you have to check out this park. We have found that one full day in this park is plenty to do all you want. One of the interesting features of this park is that it serves alcohol, which is different from Disneyland (except for in Club33).

California Adventure- Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania is located in the back of the park. The roller coaster California screamin runs right over top of it. There is no height or age restriction on this ride so anyone can ride it.

 Be prepared to wait a while in this line, 45-60 min is common. It is worth the wait...I promise.

 Riders sit in pairs in these cars and use the "guns" to shoot at 3D targets throughout the ride.

3D glasses are a must on this ride. You get points for ever game you play.

The Train!

 The train that travels all around the park is one of those things that you will definitely want to do when you are hot or tired. It is so relaxing to take a grand tour around the park. In case you didn't know, there are 2 options in addition to the regular ride. First is the "tender" ride. If you ask a cast member at the train station you could find yourself with the engineer. You can even ask them questions!

Early in your day stop at the Main street train depot and reserve your spot on the Lily Belle. It is a caboose that seats about 15 people. It was designed by Walt Disney's wife Lillian. It originally was the transportation for all the "important" people who came to the park. In 2006 it was refurbished and now all you need is a reservation. BUT get there first thing in the morning to make your reservation or you may miss out.

Finding Nemo Ride

When I was younger this was one of my favorite rides. The original submarine ride was in the park from 1959- 1998. It was then closed for almost 10 years and reopened in 2007.
The ride is now based on the movie Finding Nemo.

The ride is about 15 minutes long, and you must walk down a narrow spiral staircase and sit in an enclosed submarine the entire time. My children were fascinated by this ride on our last visit. When the ride first opened the line was an hour or longer all the time. The last few visits we have noticed the line to be much shorter. It is also in the shade so the wait is easier.

tip #12

How to keep your young children happy

First of all have snacks and drinks available at all times. I carry snacks in my backpack so that when we are waiting in line they are on hand.
Second, have a plan for waiting in line. Have something to distract them in line. Bubbles are a fun distraction and get everyone around you happy because it distracts their children too! You can also play games in line like I spy, or "Guess what Disney character I am." We love to talk about the ride and what our favorite part is. We also try to find something new on the ride each time we ride it.
Third, recognize that tired children are grumpy children! Don't be afraid to leave to park for a nap. Or if you prefer, ride the train the whole way around the park a few times. You can rest while seeing the park.
Last, have fun! Please be kind to your children and don't yell at them. It is the Happiest Place on Earth!

Sailing Ship Columbia

In Frontierland, you can hop on the Sailing Ship Columbia for a tour around the Rivers of America.
The ship originated in 1958 and is based on an 18th century sailing ship.