Disney's California Adventure - (714) 781-4565

Get your money's worth, because this park doesn't have much and you'll be quickly disappointed. Here's how you make the most of your visit: 1. Make sure you score a FastPass for California Soaring. It's the BEST ride in the whole park! I try to go as often as possible, if it weren't for the killer line! Oh yeah, if you're terrified of heights, it's still worth getting over your phobia for this one. 2. CORN DOG!!! CORN DOG!!! CORN DOG!!! Literally the BEST one I've EVER had! I'd go for the spicy. And if you've got buddies to share the cheese on the stick --- it's worth the heartburn. 3. ALCOHOL!!! Yes, a theme park where you're allowed to get inebriated. It's even ENCOURAGED since they've stuck a whole wine tasting section to represent Napa. If red, white or sparkling is NOT your thing --- there's Margaritas and Hefenweisen just around the bend. 4. ROCKIN' OUT to the Red Hot Chili Peppers on California Screaming. 5. Did I mention you get to DRINK and GO ON the rides? Just try not to puke!!!

I felt like I was in a construction zone. Oh wait... I was in a construction zone. I've been coming here every year with my daughter (for the last 7 years). Now that she's almost 17, I can feel the time that I have left with her to do trips like this, slipping away. Talk about taking the Magic out of the Magic Kingdom. The 'ocean' near the coaster and ferris wheel had been completely drained, and instead of shimmering waters, the guests were treated to a panorama of heavy construction equipment (I'll try to upload pictures). The ferris wheel was surrounded by scaffolding, in preparation of attaching a large Mickey face to the centre of the large wheel. There were plywood walls in many areas for the purpose of limiting the exposure of new development. One bridgeway was closed to the public and covered in green tarps. When I am charged full admission prices, there are certain associated expectations that come with it. I expected the seaside boardwalk atmosphere I paid for. Not today. Not this week. I can appreciate the fact that Disneyland is adding new attractions, which should be available in the Spring of 2010. I just wish I knew about if beforehand. There was nothing about the construction on their website.

I recently heard that this park will be going through some major changes in the next few years. Thank goodness! This park has so much potential and does have some decent e-ticket rides such as the Tower of Terror and Soarin over California. The biggest issue I had was that a lot of the attractions were un-original and uninspired. What sets Disneyland apart from other theme parks is the theming, originality and innovation in their attractions. Those elements are not in the majority of the attractions at DCA. Let's hope the changes they have planned will make DCA reach it's true potential as a Disney theme park.