The Complete Guide to Attractions and Rides at California Adventure in 2024
Disney California Adventure, located across the street from Disneyland, first welcomed visitors in 2001 with a focus on the beauty of California. However, the rides at California Adventure have evolved greatly since the park first opened! Over the years, the park has become a vibrant mix of different lands and attractions, incorporating elements from various Disney brands. The arrival of Cars Land in 2012 marked a significant shift towards embracing the beloved Pixar films, characters, and stories. And just recently, in 2021, Avengers Campus swung open its doors, introducing the thrilling world of Marvel to the park.
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Planning a Disneyland vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Disneyland Resort has to offer this year including the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon, the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and more!
Update… Disney is replacing FastPass and MaxPass with the brand new Disney Genie and Disney Genie+. The new system is very similar to Disneyland’s MaxPass as it is an add-on purchase allowing you to make “Lightning Lane” reservations throughout your day in the parks. There is also the option to purchase Individual Attraction reservations for select top-tier attractions. For more information, be sure to visit our guide. Happy Planning!
Avengers Campus – 4 Attractions
Avengers Campus, which debuted in 2021, offers an immersive experience for visitors to interact with iconic superheroes like Dr. Strange, Iron Man, and more. Notable attractions within this exciting setting include Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.
Ancient Sanctum
Discover the enigmatic ancient sanctum’s ruins and uncover its secrets. Learn from Doctor Strange about the Orb of Cagliostro, which is especially active at night.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Avengers Headquarters
Guests will encounter “some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and watch them spring into action to defend the Avengers command center.” Featured heroes include Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Thor, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, The Wasp, The Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America, and Shang-Chi.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
This dark ride based on the Guardians of the Galaxy is definitely a thrill. Be prepared for several free-fall moments like those found in the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios in Florida. While this ride certainly has its “ups and downs” (pun intended), it isn’t necessarily scary like Tower of Terror. In fact, you will most likely find yourself laughing for most of the ride.
- Height Restrictions: 40 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement and can handle the thrills
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: Yes
- Ride Photo: Yes
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
When Spider-Bots malfunction and get stuck in replication mode (and make their escape from a WEB Workshop), you will join Spider-Man in defeating them before they wreak havoc on the Avengers Campus. This is a brand new family-friendly ride that will be interactive and allow you to take part in all the superhero action.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 3-4 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: Yes
- Ride Photo: No
- Additional Info: This ride offers a Single Rider Line for those who don’t mind riding alone without their party. The line is located to the left of the standby entrance. Once you enter the building, you’ll be led to the right to watch the pre-show before heading down a different hallway from other riders to get sorted into your vehicle.
Cars Land – 3 Attractions
Cars Land is truly impressive. This area of California Adventure takes guests on an immersive journey to Radiator Springs. It is home to one of the best attractions in the park, Radiator Springs Racers.
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
Experience a thrilling ride as you spin and twirl in vibrant miniature cars, inspired by Luigi’s family. Enjoy the exhilarating twists and turns to lively music.
- Height Restrictions: 32 inches or taller (children under seven must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older)
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 1 minute
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement
- When to Visit: First two hours of the day
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Enjoy an old-fashioned spinning square dance in Mater’s salvage yard as you ride in trailers hitched to baby tractors.
- Height Restrictions: 32 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement
- When to Visit: First two hours of the day
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Radiator Springs Racers
One of California Adventure’s most popular rides is the thrilling Radiator Springs Racers. Guests hop in themed cars and zoom through the lively town, becoming fully immersed in the action. The excitement reaches its peak as two cars line up and compete in a high-speed race to the finish.
- Height Restrictions: 40 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: The Lightning Lane of this top-tier attraction is only available as an Individual Attraction purchase and not included as part of Genie+
- Attraction Length: About 4 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement and enjoys thrills
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with an Individual Lightning Lane selection
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: Yes
- Additional Info: This ride offers a Single Rider Line for those who don’t mind riding alone without their party. Stay in the left-hand lane when you enter the queue.
Grizzly Peak – 3 Attractions
Grizzly Peak boasts exciting attractions such as Grizzly River Run, a thrilling white-water raft ride, and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, an outdoor playground resembling an obstacle course, perfect for children. In 2015, Grizzly Peak expanded by integrating the neighboring Condor Flats area and adding Soarin’ Around the World to its list of attractions.
Grizzly River Run
This water raft ride is quite the thrill. Be prepared to get wet soaked!
- Height Restrictions: 42 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 6 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement and doesn’t mind getting wet
- When to Visit: First two hours of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
- Additional Info: This ride offers a Single Rider Line for those who don’t mind riding alone without their party. Simply follow the Single Rider sign, and you will receive a pass to hand to the attendant. Also, there are lockers next to the large grizzly bear statue that you can use to store any items you don’t want to get wet. (They are complimentary for the first two hours.)
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
This is not a ride but rather a chance to explore the great outdoors with multiple activities for the whole family.
- Height Restrictions: Any height with the following exceptions: Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb – 42 inches or taller, Hoot n’ Holler Log Slides – 32 inches or taller, Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower – must be between 42-63 inches tall and under age 13
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Soarin’ Around the World
Take a simulated parasailing flight around the world in this 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX theatre. While it is a simulator, be prepared for heights, gentle motion, breathtaking sights, and even smells as you travel to some of the world’s most exciting destinations.
- Height Restrictions: 40 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 4-5 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement and can handle a simulator
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with an Individual Lightning Lane selection
- Open for Early Entry: Yes
- Ride Photo: No
- Additional Info: This ride offers a Single Rider Line for those who don’t mind riding alone without their party. Also, this attraction usually transforms into “Soarin’ Over California” during the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
Hollywood Land – 8 Attractions
Hollywood Land is an enchanting homage to the dazzling era of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Experience the magic of Mickey’s Philharmagic, a delightful Disney show showcasing an exquisite orchestral soundtrack. Embark on an exciting adventure through Monstropolis with Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, a captivating dark ride. Unleash your artistic talents at the Animation Academy, where you can partake in art lessons and master the art of drawing beloved Disney characters.
Animation Academy
This hands-on animation workshop gives guests the opportunity to learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: Classes begin every 30 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Disney Junior Dance Party!
Join the excitement with Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey, and Minnie as they bring laughter and entertainment to preschoolers (and their parents) in this engaging 30-minute show. From Hot Dog Hills, Mickey and the Roadster Racers will also be part of the fun.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 30 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone, especially fans of Disney Junior
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This is actually a 12-minute, 3D movie starring Donald Duck that features kid-friendly in-house special effects. Some of the songs include “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast, “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” from The Lion King, and “You Can Fly” from Peter Pan.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 12 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
This cute slow-moving dark ride is perfect for young kids and families who enjoyed the movie.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 4 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: First two hours of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: Yes
- Ride Photo: No
Red Car Trolley
Experience the allure of Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land aboard a delightful vintage trolley. While this is more of a transportation option than an “attraction,” it does feature four convenient stops: Buena Vista Street (near the park entrance), Carthay Circle (across from Carthay Circle Restaurant), Hollywood Boulevard (by Disney Animation building), and Sunset Boulevard (near Hyperion Theater).
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Rogers: The Musical – Closing August 31, 2023
According to Disney, this Marvel-themed show is a “larger-than-life one-act musical coming this summer for a limited time to the Hyperion Theater.”
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 35 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Sorcerer’s Workshop
Located in the Disney Animation Building, enter the “Magic Mirror Realm” and experience two hands-on exhibitions revealing the tricks of the animators’ art.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Turtle Talk with Crush
In this popular attraction, your family can chat live with the totally tubular sea turtle Crush from Finding Nemo!
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 17 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Paradise Gardens Park – 6 Attractions
The area of the park is designed to resemble the Victorian boardwalks that once were featured along California’s coast. Popular attractions include Goofy’s Sky School, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and Silly Symphony Swings.
Golden Zephyr
This is a simple swing ride that moves in circles much like Dumbo (only you don’t get to control the height of your vehicle.) It provides some amazing views of the park, especially at night.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Goofy’s Sky School
This smaller roller coaster is based on a 1940 short cartoon called “Goofy’s Glider.” It can certainly be a great option for families with kids who want to ride a coaster but are too short (or not quite ready) to ride the Incredicoaster.
- Height Restrictions: 42 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement and enjoys coasters
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
- Additional Info: This ride offers a Single Rider Line for those who don’t mind riding alone without their party.
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Take a gentle ride on a brightly colored jellyfish as a cable lifts the vehicle 40 feet in the air. You will then float back to earth, bobbing up and down on the way. This ride can be amazingly beautiful at night.
- Height Restrictions: 40 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Go “under the sea” with Ariel inside a giant clamshell! This slow-moving dark ride takes you through the story of how Ariel found her prince and lived happily ever after.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 7 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: Yes
- Ride Photo: No
Paradise Garden Bandstand
Located in the midst of the Paradise Garden eating area, this small covered stage offers a convenient spot for entertainment. Situated near various quick-service food stands and ample seating, it is an ideal location to enjoy live performances. The artists and schedules may vary, but typically, performances start around 11:30 AM and run until about 5:30 PM. For the specific schedule, refer to the daily Entertainment Times Guide or the Disneyland app.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Silly Symphony Swings
This swinging attraction (which is similar to the Golden Zephyr) is based on Walt Disney’s “Silly Symphonies.” In fact, you’ll find Mickey Mouse, the band conductor on top.
- Height Restrictions: 48 inches to ride alone or 40 to ride in a double swing with a responsible person
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Pixar Pier – 6 Attractions
Pixar Pier boasts a collection of beloved Pixar-themed attractions, such as the thrilling Incredicoaster, the whimsical Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, the lively Jessie’s Critter Carousel, and the interactive Toy Story Midway Mania!
Games of Pixar Pier
Enjoy four different boardwalk games featuring your favorite Pixar characters. Games include La Luna Star Catcher, Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, WALL·E Space Race, and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. (Games require prepaid credits to play. You can purchase these credits at nearby dispensing machines.)
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: N/A
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Incredicoaster
Featuring a 108-foot drop and a 360-degree loop, this high-speed roller coaster is incredible! But perhaps one of the best parts of this ride is the takeoff! Riding at night is amazing as well!
- Height Restrictions: 48 inches or taller
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who meets the height requirement and enjoys coasters
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: Yes
- Ride Photo: Yes
- Additional Info: This ride offers a Single Rider Line for those who don’t mind riding alone without their party.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Based on the movie Inside Out, take a ride on one of 8 “Memory Movers” as you fly in a circle. While this ride is super cute and colorful, it is quite simple much like the Dumbo ride in Disneyland.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 1-2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: First two hours of the day
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
This super cute carousel is based on the adorable desert critters from the world of Woody’s Roundup in Toy Story 2.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 2 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Pixar Pal-A-Round
This attraction is actually a 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel that includes a ride within a ride. Some of the gondolas slide along the interior curves of a loop as the wheel turns! Both swinging and non-swinging cars are available.
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 9 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone who isn’t afraid of heights
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
- Additional Info: There are two separate lines for this attraction. “Swinging” cars swing as the wheel rotates and can be a bit scary for younger ones. “Non-swinging” cars remain stationary as the wheel rotates.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Shrink down to the size of one of Andy’s toys and take part in five different 3D carnival games featuring all of your favorite Toy Story characters. You will compete for the top prize (bragging rights, of course) with the person sitting to you, so be prepared to unleash your competitive side!
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: Yes
- Attraction Length: About 8 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: First hour of the day or anytime with Genie+
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
San Fransokyo Square – 1 Attraction
Formerly known as Pacific Wharf, San Fransokyo Square in California Adventure is set to debut on August 31, 2023. This revamped area will whisk guests away to a near-future world that imaginatively combines elements of San Francisco and Tokyo.
The Bakery Tour
This walk-through attraction takes guests through the history of the Boudin Bakery, as well as how bread is baked for various restaurants throughout the Disneyland Resort
- Height Restrictions: Any height
- Genie+ Attraction: No
- Attraction Length: About 9-10 minutes
- Who Should Enjoy: Anyone
- When to Visit: Anytime
- Open for Early Entry: No
- Ride Photo: No
Free Printable Checklist
Print out our free checklist below to keep track of all your must-see rides at Disney’s California Adventure! And be sure to visit our resource library for more free printables to simplify your Disney vacation planning!
I hope you enjoyed this unofficial guide to attractions and rides at California Adventure! Looking to plan your first Disneyland Resort vacation? Be sure to visit our step-by-step guide to start planning!
And be sure to visit the official Disneyland website for more information about your favorite rides and attractions!
