Disney California Adventure- Radiator Springs Racers

 The Cars ride is the best attraction in California Adventure  by far . It is similar to WDW Test Track but with more turns and dips, as you race near the end of the ride it seems faster . The inside portion of the ride is entertaining as well and if your car goes to the left it gets the tire shop option .Watch your vehicle appear to get new white wall tires when you look into the mirror. If you want to avoid a long wait ( like a hour plus) then obtain a  Fastpass  early in the day or if feasible use the single rider line . The switch option is also available if you need it. While you  wait in line enjoy the impressive colored rock scenery ,the  bridge and trees in the distance appear far away because they have been scaled down.Riding at night is an even better experience out on the track when you race and the rocks are  all lit up orange and red. Despite breaking down  often and long waits in line  this ranks right up there with the best Disney Attractions.

Top 10 Things to do at Disneyland (If you only have 1 day)

 If  I only had one day at Disneyland,  these are my top ten things to do. The sequence is loosely in order of priority but another day I could switch some around.  It might be challenging to accomplish all on a shorter day so I'm assuming an 8 am to 12 midnight day at the Disneyland park.  Utilizing Fast Pass whenever possible and if some in your family or group are too small for some of the rides then using the switch when available.


1. Pirates of the Caribbean
The last ride personally supervised by Walt Disney... great Animatronics.

2. Indiana Jones Adventure
A thrilling ride in a jeep , I would use Fast Pass or early morning to experience this one.

3. Big Thunder Mountain
Better to ride at night ... entertaining on the way up and down.

4. Splash Mountain
 Based on story of Brer Rabbit and then log Plummets and you get wet.

5. Buzz Light Year
Control your vehicle and shoot targets for points. Get Zurg!

6. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Extensively refurbished and opens soon.  I remember when it was 20,000 leagues but I like the Submarines still.

7. Peter Pan's Flight
Fly over London and Never Never land.

8. Star Tours
Updated in 2011, you can experience 54 variations and you could be the rebel spy!

9. Monorail or Disneyland Railroad
What would be a visit to DL be without riding one of these or both ?

10. Fantasmic Show
At the end of the show after the Climatic big finish I heard a gentleman behind me in an  Jamaican  Accent say  " Only in  America..." :)

Ride Up front in Monorail at Disneyland

The Mark VII Monorail

We just came back from a taking our grand kids to their first time at Disneyland. The weather was a challenge with the heat but it prompted us to ask if we could ride up front in the Monorail which is air conditioned. It provides a wide view of the park below as you travel along the rail and had our granddaughter giggling every time the driver would sound the horn.We rode from Downtown Disney station to Tomorrow Land bypassing the crowds entering the park that morning .
      I would suggest trying this during less busy times at the Monorail station . Move towards the front of the train  and ask a cast member if you can ride with  the pilot . The front compartment holds  five people plus driver but they limit the number of passengers to four .
      Despite triple digit temperatures it was rewarding to see our little first time visitors take in all that the Magic kingdom has to offer.