Disneyland Part II: California Adventure - hidden gems

Yes, I know...it's been months. But I'm here now, so I guess that's all that matters. On to the Disneyland fun!

Built as a love letter to the great state it resides in, Disney's California Adventure is basically a new and improved version of Disneyland. In fact, I'm pretty sure that California Adventure is considered as innovative and exciting as Disneyland was upon it's first opening. Many people also refer to California Adventure as the "Pixar Park" because of all the Pixar movie-themed attractions. Here you can get your picture taken with Lightning McQueen and Mater, ride Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue!, earn points in the 3D adventure Toy Story Mania!, explore life from an ant's perspective in A Bug's Land, and see all of your favorite CGI characters in the Pixar Play Parade (see video below).
There are a few things that you MUST do while in California Adventure. Here they are listed according to age:

Toddlers to 10 years: A Bug's Land and Playhouse Disney Live On Stage!

• A Bug's Land features variations on many of the same rides as Fantasyland, but the lines are generally MUCH shorter, and there is lots of shade.
• Playhouse Disney Live On Stage! showcases all of your favorite Playhouse Disney friends in a 40 minute presentation. The kids can dance, clap and sing along with Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, and of course Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Both of these attractions were some of Peter's absolute favorites!

Kids & Teens: Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular, Hollywood Tower of Terror, and California Screamin'.

• Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular is an hour long, Broadway-style production, based on the Disney film. There are lots of jokes, soaring music, elaborate costumes and sets, and amazing special effects. Even little Peter sat through the entire performance!
• Hollywood Tower of Terror & California Screamin' - two great rides that makes teens scream, and should not be missed by kids or adults.

Adults: Off the Page, Pacific Wharf Cafe, Soarin' Over California, and the music of Condor Flats.

• Off the Page is an attraction and a store, which features amazing Disney artwork displayed on massive screens. It's also a great place to stop and rest from the rain or the sun (I love that you can park your stroller inside).
• The Pacific Wharf Cafe (in my opinion) is the best place to stop and eat at either of the Disneyland parks. Featuring a small variety of delicious soups and salads (all served in the famous Boudin's sourdough bread bowls), this food is the most bang for your buck. Meals run around $10, but because everything is served in a bread bowl, it is very filling. I heart the creamy clam chowder!
• Soarin' Over California is hands-down the best ride in California Adventure, and should NOT be missed. All I have to say is - AMAZING!
• While stopping in to see Lightning McQueen, or waiting for your group to finish Soarin' Over California, sit down and take a rest in Condor Flats. Featuring some of my favorite music in all the parks (including scores by John Williams and Rachel Portman to name a few). This is one of the best areas to take a break from your busy day. (See Cupcake Chowder for a complete playlist).

See you at the park!

Pixar Play Parade from Metenney on Vimeo.

Disneyland mosaic (left to right)
1. PK gets Goofy.
2. Steamboat Willie was our favorite!
3. Polka dots.
4. How about a nice cup of tea?
5. Ryan loves to spin fast!
6. The two-headed monster (Nate & Sofia) try to keep dry.
7. Peter loves Dumbo.
8. Lightning McQueen.
9. Mater in the Pixar Play Parade.
10. Sleeping while mommy and daddy did some shopping.
11. The Three Caballeros.
12. Ryan hugs it out with Toy Story characters.
13. PK knocks on the White Rabbit's door.