TOP 5 Disney’s California Adventure Attractions

This much-maligned park has made some amazing strides in recent years. At this point it has some of my favorite attractions to be found in any Disney theme park!

So without further ado, let’s look at the Top 5 DCA attractions:

A T T R A C T I O N     F I V E

REDWOOD CREEK CHALLENGE TRAIL

Redwood Trail

Synopsis: Take in glorious wilderness sights and embark on exciting adventures along the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. You’re free to explore the area in any order you wish, but wherever you go, you’ll find plenty of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy together!

From climbing to exploring your youngsters will wear themselves out in no time! And you just might meet Russel and Dug from the Pixar movie UP! This fun area is at number five due to its selected target audience that somewhat excludes older guests.

A T T R A C T I O N     F O U R

MATER’S JUNKYARD JAMBOREE

Maters Junkyard Jamboree

Synopsis: Board a trailer pulled by an adorable little tractor and swing in time to lively music. Mater rounded up a herd of little tractors for some old-fashioned dancing fun. If you look closely, you’ll notice that no 2 of the 22 tractors are the same. They have different spots, mouths and eye colors. The one thing they all share: they love to dance!

Tractor     Tractor Crossing

This won’t appeal to every age group and is of course aimed at the shorter members of Disney fandom. But even taller riders are sure to have a good time as they sing along with Mater! This sits at the number four spot because of its selected target audience.

A T T R A C T I O N     T H R E E

SOARIN’ AROUND THE WORLD

Soarin Around the World

Synopsis: The globetrotting kicks off in the Swiss Alps, as clouds clear the way and unveil a towering sight familiar to longtime Disneyland fans. But the adventure doesn’t end there… it’s just beginning! Throughout your tour, you’ll hop past The Great Pyramids of Egypt, sail across the spectacular Sydney Harbour, cruise near Mount Kilimanjaro and explore many other picturesque locales.

This is your chance to feel like you’re flying on a hang-gliding ride along the horizon—all set to an iconic musical score—before coming in for a climactic and unforgettable landing!

With new locations this fan favorite just got even better! But its only number three on the list because it isn’t unique to this park, appearing in Walt Disney World’s Epcot as well.

But it does begin to ramp up the selections preparing the way for the top two attractions that both deliver all the thrills and chills anyone could possibly handle:

A T T R A C T I O N     T W O

CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN’

Cali Screamin

Synopsis: Race up a steep incline to an altitude of almost 120 feet, then take the plunge downward! Buckle up in a coaster car and glide to the launch zone along a rocky jetty on Paradise Bay. As you anxiously wait for the starting signal, hold on tight as the excited voice of a carnival sideshow barker overhead begins the countdown to your whirlwind ride. And then, take off!

Catapult past splashing waves and swoop, swirl, dip and curl in and out of the Paradise Pier boardwalk area. Hurtle into the sky blue “scream tube” and then twist and turn until you reach a brief lull at the peak. Catch your breath for half a second before diving into the loop-de-loop that winds 360 degrees around a blazing sunburst.

Cali Screamin cars

This is the longest and fastest roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort and one blast of a ride I can tell you! If you love fast and furious, you need to experience this attraction!

A T T R A C T I O N     O N E

RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS

Racers

Synopsis: Kick the fun into overdrive on this auto race attraction that features familiar characters, fantastic scenery and “wheel” thrills! Come side-by-side with your competition. Your car is pitted against another for a friendly race for first place at the checked flag. Zip over hills, zoom around high-banked turns, and cruise down camelback straightaways past spectacular red-rock formations.

While there is only one winner, everyone is sure to have a great time. Just like in the Cars movie, the focus is on the journey, not the finish line!

Racers Racing

Test Track in Walt Disney World’s Epcot was the inspiration for this hyper-attraction. But in my opinion the Racers take the technology to all new heights! The environment is truly immersive and I dare anyone to deny this attraction belongs in the top spot.

Conclusion: DCA has many other great attractions from shows to dark rides. But I think I have chosen the best five must-try offerings in this park. Do you agree? Let us all know what your favorite DCA attraction is in the comments below!

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4 Responses to TOP 5 Disney’s California Adventure Attractions

  1. FAB list!!! Here’s out Top 5. They’re all very tame. so try not to judge 😉

    5. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
    4. The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
    3. Soarin’ Around the World
    2. Radiator Springs Racers
    1. Toy Story Midway Mania!

    Like

    • disneynouns says:

      I was tempted to add Mike and Sully as I really enjoyed it. Although I didn’t state it in the article, I tried to focus on attractions that were only in DCA, which left Ariel and Toy Story out. I cheated by using Soarin’! LOL

      I like your list!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Mike Ellis says:

    Great post, Lee, I saw this from the Blogorail Twitter feed. I like the selections you chose, except I would change things around a bit. Here’s my top 5 DCA attractions:

    5) Mickey’s Fun Wheel
    4) Soarin’ Around the World
    3) Grizzly River Run
    2) Radiator Springs Racers
    1) California Screamin’

    Of course, like any Disney fan, that list is subject to change daily, hourly, perhaps even by the minute or second! 🙂

    Mike

    Like

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