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Trip on: March17, 2001

Trip Update: July 14, 2002

By George Chen

        First of all, I must say, I agree with all the people who say that the TV commercials for Disney's California Adventure were cheesy. But, I am a Disney fan, so I decided to go anyway. When you first enter the park, you are greeted by a bunch of shops, like all other parks, but you are also greeted with excellent scenery. A large model of the Golden Gate Bridge, a beautiful synchronized water fountain/sculpture, and a large Grizzly Bear come in view.

        I first went on Grizzly River Run, a water raft ride. It was wonderful and the scenery was very well done. BTW, you defiantly will get wet, so come prepared. Next, I went to look at the Paradise Pier section of the park. Paradise Pier is themed to look like an old beachfront amusement park, like Coney Island or the Santa Monica Pier. The first ride that I went on there was the Maliboomer, a Whoa Belly Tower thrill ride that is similar to Supreme Scream, Pitt Fall, Power Tower, among others. It was very fun. One thing I recommend doing on this ride is to carry a penny and let it go when you are at the top. The penny will float in midair if you do it properly. Next, I went on the Orange Stinger, a chain ride where you sit in little swings and fly to the sides. This ride is enclosed in a large orange and is fun because it feels like you are going to fall out. The next ride I went on is one of the park's main features, the roller coaster. It is called California Screamin'. This ride appears to be a traditional boardwalk wooden roller coaster, but it actually is a high tech steel coaster. Fun Fact: Less than half the steel they use as supports are actually needed, they just are there for decoration. This ride has one inversion and is very cool. I like it because the ride has a soundtrack that plays while you ride. Also, you start by being launched from 0-55 mph. That is really fun. They also have a giant ferris wheel. It is called the Sun Wheel and there are only 2 of its kind in the world. You have a choice between stationary cars that go around the side and moving cars which run on a track that goes in and out. Now that I have ridden it before, I really suggest you ride the stationary cars. The swinging cars swing to almost vertical, and they make me sick. It is especially hard on you since the ride is loaded very slowly.

        In the Golden Valley District, Disney has placed several restaurants and a beautiful little farm (aka water playground). The main attraction is a 3-D movie called "It's tough to be a Bug," hosted by characters from "It's a Bug's Life." I highly recommend that you do NOT see this. The scenery is wonderful and all, but the show packs too many special effects into one tight bundle. They spray "Essence of Stinkbug" on you and drop giant black widow spiders within 2 feet above your head. Also, the seats have little bumps in them that go up and down and make this show very uncomfortable. Remember, you have been warned.

        The Hollywood Backlot area is the 2nd best "land" in the park. There, I recommend you go to Disney's Animation, where you can see how they develop cartoon characters, preview movies, and visit the Sorcerer's Workshop, a hands on exhibit where you can learn a few tricks of the trade and also learn what Disney character you are most like. Be sure to spend a while in the workshop, the scenery in there is fantastic. The backlot also includes "Muppet Vision 3-D," another 3-D movie which, I have to say, is considerable better than "It's tough to be a Bug." They also have a car ride called Superstar Limo, where you go through the streets of Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and more and see cartoonified sights along the way.

        A note that I should make is that California Adventure also includes another roller coaster, Mulholland Madness, which was broken down when I went. It is a steel wild mouse coaster and looks like a lot of fun.

        The shows at California Adventure are great. Be sure to see their parade and the numerous theatres around the park. The best one is by far Soaring Over California, a mix of an IMAX movie and a motion simulator. Basically, you hang glide over California. It is a great show/ride since not only do you "fly", they blow scented air according to the area that you are flying over.

        Overall, Disney's California Adventure is a great park and demonstrates that Disney still has the magic touch. I hope that this review helped you plan your trip and gave you something to look forward to.

Trip Update: This time I got to go on more rides that I missed the first time.

Mullholland Madness: A wild mouse coaster that is way too jerky, which is why, I found out, it was closed the first time.

Who wants to be a millionaire Play It!: A fun interactive show based off the game show, you can win prizes if you get in the hot seat. Lots of fun, a must see.

Blast! at the Hyperion Theater: An excellent show, standing ovation every time. They unfortunately will be leaving soon.

Golden Dreams: This relaxing and very well done movie is a great thing to see when taking a break from the sun. The show features Whoopi Goldberg and very well done special effects.

Mission Tortilla/Boudin Bakery: These tours show you how their products are made and offers a free sample. Good for when you have extra time and need a little snack.

More info: www.disneyland.com

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