The best times to visit Disney California Adventure are days when Disneyland Park is overly crowded—but don't expect to find this park deserted! Now that it has so many headliner attractions, like World of Color, Radiator Springs Racers, and Toy Story Midway Mania, visitors have started to realize that DCA deserves at least a full day on its own. If you can show up at rope drop, you can get so much more done! Since it still has far fewer rides than its big brother across the Esplanade, however, it’s not uncommon for guests to leave DCA in mid-afternoon and hop over to Disneyland Park, so DCA may be somewhat quieter later in the day, at least until World of Color shows begin (barring special events or shows). If you have park hopping privileges on your park admission, there’s no reason you can’t hop back and forth between the parks all day if you wish. Do note, however, that DCA tends to close earlier than Disneyland Park. If you can visit this park at any time of the year, it’s always best to avoid school vacations, when kids and their parents throng both parks. 

Ooooh, aliens in the
Pixar Play Parade
by GingerJ

For those in need of guidance, here are our favorite spots in the park:

Best Places to Cool Off—Grizzly River Run, Princess Dot’s Puddle Park, and any of the indoor attractions with air conditioning such as It’s Tough To Be a Bug!, Disney Animation, and the Hyperion Theater. Soarin’ gets points, too—while it isn’t long, it does generate a cooling breeze.

Best Place to Relax—On a bench on the boardwalk in Pixar Pier, at a shaded table on Pacific Wharf.

Best Places to Burn Off Energy—Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, the midway on Pixar Pier, Flik’s Fun Fair.

Best Place to Propose—On top of Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

Best Place to Sneak a Kiss—Ariel's Undersea Adventure (Go on and kiss the girl!). 

Best Places to Get Your Adrenaline Going—Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, California Screamin’, Radiator Springs Racers.

Best Place to Get a Snack—Pixar Pier Ice Cream Company (ice cream floats...yum!).

Best Place to Be in the Evening—Pixar Pier.

Best Places for Meals—Carthay Circle Restaurant, the Pacific Wharf District.

Best Places to Watch the Parade—Terrace seats outside Wine Country Trattoria.