Disneyland resort's larger but less crowded park, Disney California Adventure ((disneyland.disney.go.com; from $104 per person for a single day ticket) ) celebrates the natural and cultural glories of the Golden State but lacks the density of attractions and depth of imagination.
The land that greets you through the gates of DCA is the Buena Vista Street of 1920s Hollywood, when the Walt Disney Studios rose to prominence for making Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first-ever full length animated film. Note: this is a separate park from Disneyland, and requires separate admission or a park hopper ticket. It's not recommended that you visit both parks on the same day.
In Hollywood Land, which mimics Hollywood Boulevard, there are meet-and-greets with Mickey and friends in Old Hollywood garb and the Animation Academy where you can learn to draw Disney characters. Avengers Campus, the Marvel-themed land, has rides like WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! On Pixar Pier, the Incredicoaster rockets you into the air with the Incredibles family, and in Cars Land, you can zoom through Ornament Valley on Radiator Springs Racers, a thrilling but kid-friendly car race ride. On Grizzly Peak, one of the original lands from the park’s 2001 opening, you can make a splash on the Grizzly River Run, or fly above the clouds on Soarin’ Across the World, a 4D movie experience.
