Hollywood Land is an immersive area at Disney California Adventure Park that is inspired by…read more1930s-1940s Hollywood filmmaking. It was one of the parks' opening lands in 2001. Some attractions here are Monsters Inc, Animation Academy, and Mickey's PhilharMagic. There's also an outdoor theater that hosts performances. There's not as much to do in this area compared to the other lands and is more of a relaxing area with more chairs and tables for sitting.

I have been to Disney California Adventure Park many times and haven't spent much time in this…read morethemed land. Hollywood Land is inspired by the 1930s Golden Age period of Hollywood. I decided on my last trip to check it out. There is only one ride in Hollywood Land - Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! That ride will eventually close for the upcoming Avatar land. The Red Car Trolley that used to run up and down the street also closed down recently. This area has changed a lot since it was called Hollywood Pictures Backlot when the park first opened. The 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater has shown musicals like Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, Frozen - Live at the Hyperion and Rogers: The Musical over the years. I saw the Aladdin years back. Mickey's PhilharMagic is a 4D film attraction. I remember a Muppet attraction that was once here, but I guess that is gone too. The Disney Animation Building is cool if you are into seeing how Disney magic comes to life. There are a few places for food and drinks and a place to shop. Other than that, there is not much here other than it is a cool place to go for a stroll.

DISNEYLAND RIDE #2: Astro Orbitor…read more While waiting for our Lightning Lane Pass for the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride to become available, we decided to try out the Astro Orbitor located right at the entrance of Tomorrowland. I think the wait time for this ride was about 20 minutes. As far as I know, they did not have the Lightning Lane Pass. My LTP and I didn't think about going on this ride separately and we tried to get into the same seat together, but both of us were too big to fit in (I'm smaller than him so I got in first). Thank goodness the ride staff conducts safety checks on everyone first before it starts. We couldn't find the seatbelt and we thought we weren't going to put it on in time for the ride to begin. He eventually got off and I did the ride by myself while he watched. Come to think of it, sitting together is mostly aimed at parents with small children. I really like rides that take you up in the air - it literally feels like you're flying. The weather was perfect to ride this ride in the middle of the day as well, it wasn't too hot or too cold. Even though it was a short one, I still had fun. It's very easy to find, too.

It's not thrilling, but it's historic -- like space camp run by Hallmark…read more Before there was Space Mountain, before Star Tours made you puke in 3D, there was the Astro Orbitor -- Disneyland's retro-futuristic carnival ride dressed up like NASA. It's basically Dumbo the Flying Elephant's sci-fi cousin, except here you orbit "space rockets" instead of flying pachyderms. This ride has gone through more identity crises than a rock band in the '70s. It debuted in 1956 as the Astro Jets, then got renamed the Tomorrowland Jets (because United Airlines complained about the name), then became the Rocket Jets in 1967. Back then, it sat way up on a platform above Tomorrowland, looking like the centerpiece of NASA's fever dream. In 1998, Disneyland gave Tomorrowland a gold-and-bronze steampunk makeover, moved the ride down to ground level, and renamed it Astro Orbitor. Here's the kicker: you used to have a lever to make your rocket go up and down -- just like Dumbo. It gave you some control, some thrill, like you were piloting your own space adventure. Now? Depending on when you ride, that feature feels more "suggested" than real. You spin, you rise, you dip -- but mostly you're just along for the ride, watching the Matterhorn photobomb your orbit. The line? Brutal -- long, slow, and hot. Once you're in, though, the ride itself is charming in a nostalgic, "this used to be the future" kind of way. You strap in, blast off, and spin around like a human satellite. It's short, it's simple, and it's mostly about the view -- Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and a glimpse of Sleeping Beauty Castle all whirl by in neon and nostalgia. The Astro Orbitor is proof that sometimes the future just looks like Dumbo with a paint job. Astro Orbitor is a Tomorrowland classic. It's not the flashiest or the fastest, but it's got history, charm, and the kind of retro-future vibe that reminds you of what Disneyland used to dream the year 2000 would look like. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the selfie with the Matterhorn in the background.

How can this ride not put a smile on your face???? Ever since I was a child, It's a Small World has…read morebrought joy and love to its riders in its messages of laughter, tears, hopes and fears. It's a small world after all! Over the years this ride has also gotten a few makeovers, new storybook characters (look for all the Easter Eggs!) and refreshed figures that make the attraction look just as good as it did when it first opened. Obviously you have to go during the holidays as well, it brings such a festive vibe and spirit to your season - this is a can't be missed attraction to all Disney (and even non-Disney) fans.

One of my favorite rides at the park. It is a cute and fun ride, but it's very relaxing, and also a…read moreconditioned on the hot summer day there can be long lines, but it seems to move pretty quickly since it is a row of books You really can't go wrong with a straight special treatment for kids.

Well... this whole adventure started with us somehow ending up in the wrong line. I figured we were…read moreabout to spend the next week and a half waiting. Then a Cast Member came over, smiled, worked some Disney magic, and moved us into the Lightning Lane. Suddenly we were rocketing to the front faster than this ride launches you into another tax bracket. The building itself is incredible. Disney absolutely nailed the atmosphere. You're looking around at all the details, thinking, "This is pretty cool." Then the doors close. Then your stomach files for unemployment. Now, I've been on roller coasters before, but this thing doesn't just go up and down it tries to convince your soul to leave your body for a couple of seconds. You're buckled in tight, yet somehow your brain is yelling, "You ain't attached to nothin'!" I looked over and some of the kids had that thousand-yard stare like they'd just seen adulthood. A few adults weren't looking much better. By the time it was over, everyone was laughing, catching their breath, and wondering what exactly had just happened. If you're looking for a calm, relaxing ride... keep walking. If you want a ride that'll shake every loose quarter out of your pockets and leave you grinning like an idiot afterward, this one's worth every second. Disney definitely earned all five stars on this one.

Hands-down, this is the best ride in both parks not even a competition. The cast members are always…read morefriendly, funny and quick. I personally like the Halloween version better, but both are extremely fun. No matter how many times I go my heart starts pumping as soon as I get into the elevator. I have only gone a few times because this ride is not worth doing personally unless you have a lightning lane. And it's really hard to get a lightning lane for this ride, they sell out super quick and early. My situation is different as I usually go with my family. If I were to go alone, i will be more than willing to wait for this ride. The land itself is very cool if you like Marvel. They have some pretty cool merch in the area and the chicken falafel they have is really good. Unfortunately, pyms restaurant right by it, has gone extremely downhill and I would avoid it.

Home to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which is such a treasured piece of Disneyland history…read more Personally, this is what draws me in to the Opera House. Also, you can't beat the air conditioning and taking a moment to relax in the theatre seats after a long day as well. Such a historic piece of park history and a must see if you've never been to the Disneyland Resort. From the Disneyland App: The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is temporarily unavailable while Walt Disney - A Magical Life, a new show that explores the life of Walt Disney, plays at the Main Street Opera House. The 2 shows will eventually be presented on a rotating basis. So be mindful and check the app for what is playing!

It's been a few years since I've last visited the Main Street Opera House! The Main Street Opera…read moreHouse is in Disneyland and is located in Main Street, U.S.A. You'll notice it as soon as you walk into the theme park on the right side! The space originally opened up in 1955. At the time, the building was home to the "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" attraction. The Main Street Opera House is now showing Walt Disney, A Magical Life. The gallery has a all new experience now. It features the evolution of Walt Disney's dream of Disneyland Park! There was a variety of audio animatronic technology in the gallery before entering the theater for the show. It will eventually go on rotation with "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln." If you have some time before the show, you can explore the Disney Gallery. It shows Disneyland before, during, and after construction. It's quite inspiring. You'll see a variety of Imagineering and Walt Disney Archives with relics and memorabilia from the early stages. I really enjoyed looking at the detailed scale model of Disneyland in the early years. The theater is air conditioned which is great, especially during the summer. It's also typically quiet and doesn't get too busy inside. It's a nice break from the theme park rides!

The Baseline: For a theme park attraction, a quality experiences must be provided, the attraction…read moremust be fun and engaging, an immersive environment must be established, the queue line must be themed, and safety must be a top priority. Queue: The queue is a fantastic experience that feels like part of the attraction itself as a ruined temple. The detailed temple ruins, ancient artifacts, and immersive jungle atmosphere make the wait engaging from start to finish. he pre-ride film is a highlight, featuring Sallah (voiced by John Rhys-Davies or at least a sound-a-like voice actor), whose familiar character helps set up the story and build excitement for the adventure ahead. Every detail adds to the sense of adventure, making this one of the most enjoyable and well-themed queues in the park. Attraction: Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye is one of Disneyland's most thrilling and immersive attractions, placing guests on a high-speed expedition through a cursed ancient temple in search of Indiana Jones. Riders board rugged troop transport vehicles and race through a series of dangerous encounters, including fiery caverns, supernatural mummies, giant insects, collapsing bridges, and a massive cobra that lunges toward the vehicle. The attraction combines elaborate sets, special effects, motion-based ride technology, and nonstop action to create the feeling of starring in an Indiana Jones movie. The adventure culminates in the ride's iconic finale, where a gigantic rolling boulder appears to hurtle directly toward riders, delivering one of the most memorable moments in all of Disneyland. This ride still holds up after being open for years.

This ride dates back to 1995- I was so excited when I heard this ride was coming to Disneyland as I…read moream a big fan of Indian Jones. Note, Disneyworld does not have this ride. When you are on this ride you will feel part of the movie as you board a 12-person vehicle...as you meander in line. While you are in line, there are noises in the air, dim flickering lights, and items for you to enjoy to keep the time passing by. Once you are on the ride, you will be bouncing from one action shot to the another with sensory overload- from noise, air, water and more. The question is will you make it to the end? Or will you miss the rope, or get hit by a massive ball, or be attacked???? Time will only tell.... Pro tip- Make sure you secure your hat, sunglasses fun, etc as you will bouncing a lot throughout the ride. Also, the wait time for this ride can be long, so best to enjoy it at night or when everybody is eating lunch.

As promised, now that I am home, I will write a through review of this. Disneyland's Season of The…read moreForce officially opened today, and I went and it was sure packed, but I loved it!! I do not know if this is a temporary change to help promote the movie or if it will be a permanent change. I hope they keep it because I really like it. It is not a new area in the park, but part of Tomorrowland that has been taken over by Star Wars. In a nutshell, much of Tomorrowland has been taken over by Star Wars. Space Mountain is now Hyperspace Mountain and is Star Wars themed. What used to be Captain Eo is now Path of the Jedi, which is a show with clips from all 6 Star Wars movies and clips of the newest on coming out this December. The old Innovations building is now the Star Wars Launch Bay which is basically a tribute to Star Wars. Star Tours, which is already Star Wars theme now has elements of the new movie in the ride. There is Star Wars themed food and drinks in this area. I myself bought quite a few items. I tried the Jedi chicken sandwich ($10), both the light and dark side lemonades which also come with glow cubes ($8 each) , the TIE fighter popcorn container (very popular AND expensive - $18!!), BB-8 sipper ($13). I'm coming back this weekend, so I will try more items then. This is a must see for any Star Wars fan. I can't wait to go back this weekend. Of course, I'll be back many more times than that! Both kids and adults will love this!

If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll want to check out Season of the Force at Disneyland going on…read moreright now in Tomorrowland. Disneyland has given in to Star Wars mania for the time being and is promoting it heavily with Path of the Jedi at the Magic Eye theater, Hyperspace Mountain, a new scene at Star Tours, and the entire 1st floor of Innoventions is dedicated to Star Wars including a meet & greet with Darth Vader and Chewbacca. This cross-promotional marketing event is for the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie coming out on December 18th. Hopefully, this will give most of us a taste for what Star Wars Land will be like when Disneyland closes down Big Thunder Ranch, and parts of Rivers of America for the scheduled construction. In the meantime, you can enjoy the galaxy far, far away, right at Disneyland.

This ride is a classic. One of the best rides in Disneyland Park. This is an actual rollercoaster…read morebut it doesn't not have any loops or corkscrews. If you have anyone in your party sensitive to sound or flashing lights, be mindful of this ride. This ride has Star Wars fighting scenes in a room full of stars. It's really cool! This ride always has a long line so you'll want to get here super early or ride it during parades to shorten the line time. You also have an opportunity to purchase your photo at the end of the ride.

In a galaxy far far away…read more.. Every year for May the 4th (now known as Force Awakens season), Space Mountain is themed to Hyperspace Mountain. This is by far my favorite holiday overlay at the Disneyland resort and I look forward to it so much! Heck, I even book trips solely for the intention of riding this multiple times before the theming is removed. You have to check this out, even if you normally aren't a fan of Space Mountain. My mom said it's better, but still not her favorite. Definitely a must try, even if it's just for one lap around the galaxy. May the force be with you!