If you like carnival rides, you’ll love Paradise Pier, designed to look like a combination of all the beachside amusement piers in California. The state-of-the-art California Screamin’ roller coaster resembles an old wooden coaster, but it’s got a smooth-as-silk steel track: it feels like you’re being shot out of a cannon. Just as popular is Toy Story Midway Mania! – a 4-D ride where you earn points by shooting at targets while your carnival car swivels and careens through an oversize, old-fashioned game arcade.

Want a bird’s-eye view of the park? Head to Mickey’s Fun Wheel, a 15-story Ferris wheel where gondolas pitch and yaw in little loops as well as the big one (unless you’ve requested one of the stationary ones).

About half of Paradise Pier is dedicated to kid-friendly rides. Nearby, Silly Symphony Swings is a hybrid carousel with tornado-like chair swings, the pre-school set can ride a more sedate version on the Golden Zephyr and bounce along on the Jumpin' Jellyfish. Goofy’s Sky School is a cute and relatively tame cartoon-themed coaster ride. Cool your jets or get a pick-me up at the Boudin Bakery or the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Mickey's Fun Wheel

0.05 MILES

The most visible ride at Disney California Adventure is this 15-story Ferris wheel. As you get a bird's-eye view of the park, the gondolas pitch and yaw…

2. Toy Story Midway Mania!

0.05 MILES

One of the most popular rides in Paradise Pier. This 4D ride lets you earn points by shooting at targets while your carnival car swivels and careens…

3. Golden Zephyr

0.05 MILES

Kid-friendly retro 'spaceships' take off, spinning around a central column.

4. Jumpin' Jellyfish

0.06 MILES

A pod of jellyfish bob up and down on 40ft stalks of 'kelp' and parachute down. It's tame enough for even preschoolers.

5. Silly Symphony Swings

0.07 MILES

Silly Symphony Swings is a hybrid carousel with tornado-like chair swings. A central canopy rocks you side to side as you swing around.

6. California Screamin'

0.07 MILES

Paradise Pier's state-of-the-art roller coaster resembles an old wooden coaster, but it’s got a smooth-as-silk steel track: it feels like you’re being…

7. Goofy’s Sky School

0.11 MILES

Cute and relatively tame, three-story cartoon-themed coaster ride. FastPass available.

8. Grizzly River Run

0.13 MILES

Grizzly River Run takes you and seven friends in a circular raft up 275ft before sending you down a faux Sierra Nevada river. You will get wet, so come…