Now that “a bug’s land” at California Adventure has closed (cue torrent of tears), you may be wondering if there is anything for the smallest adventurers to do at DCA. The answer is an emphatic “YES”! There are so many fun places to experience with kids under 40 inches.
Let’s start in Cars Land, by far the cutest area in all of DCA. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree both have a 32” height requirement. These 2 rides are a blast! Both are available for Rider Switch so you can take your toddlers on the ride while another member of your party wrangles the under 32” crowd.
Next up is Paradise Gardens Park. Both the Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure have no height requirement so even your tiniest babes can ride with the whole family. Little A asks to go on these 2 rides Every. Single. Time. And the Golden Zephyr offers great views of our next stop…
Pixar Pier! The newest imagining of the Pier might center around the Incredicoaster (which has a 48” height requirement) but there is still plenty do to with the little ones. With no height requirement, Pixar-Pal-Around and Toy Story Midway Mania are where you’ll want to head to. Keep in mind that Pixar-Pal-Around has 2 options – Swinging and Non-Swinging gondolas. Personally, I LOVE the swinging gondolas, but Adam and Little A always veto that idea haha. And there’s more to come at Pixar Pier! Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind will both open in 2019. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is going to be a re-purposed Flik’s Flyers from “a bug’s land” and we couldn’t be more excited about it!
Just behind The Little Mermaid is an area known as Grizzly Peak. While most people head back here to ride Grizzly River Run, the hidden gem is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail where kids of all ages can explore, climb and run to their hearts content. This is an excellent place to let the kids get their wiggles out and take a break from the crowds. AND, there are benches for mom and dad! Don’t forget to ask the park rangers for a map. It lists 6 tasks that need to be accomplished to earn their Wilderness Explorer badges. When you’re all done, head back to the park rangers to get your Senior Wilderness Explorer sticker.
Last up is Hollywood Land and while there is only 1 ride here, there is so much to do you could fill your whole morning. We’ll start with the lovable Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue where you’ll help our favorite Monsters get Boo back to her door. Don’t forget a photo in front of Boo’s purple door out in front of the ride. Next, head over to the Animation Academy Building. When you walk in, take a seat in the main room and sing along to scenes from your favorite Disney movies (and soak up all the delish air conditioning) Next, turn right and you’re at Turtle Talk with Crush, where your kids can ask Crush questions and get live answers!
After a chat with our favorite turtle, we always head to the Sorcerer’s Workshop where you’ll find the Beast’s Library. Answer questions from an enchanted book and find out which Disney character you resemble. Head back out into the main room and get in line to meet Anna & Elsa, the highlight of the Animation Academy.
And you can’t forget that the entertainment at DCA is second to none! Disney Junior Dance Party is the perfect show for littles who love to dance (and adults who need to sit down for a bit) and the Paint the Night parade is by far MY FAVORITE DISNEY PARADE EVER! It’s spectacular!
So, even though our beloved “a bug’s land” is no more, there are still so many wonderful things to do with babies, toddlers and preschoolers at California Adventure. Come for a visit and then let us know what your favorite was!
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Great roundup!!!
Thanks!