Disney California Adventure Virtual Tour
We’ve all been there – sitting at home desperately wanting to go back to the Disneyland Resort. We start thinking back to memories of walking around the parks, going on rides, chewing on cotton-candy, dining in the restaurants, having an ice-cold Dole Whip, and the warm, fuzzy feeling we get when we’re at the parks.
Thing is though, we can’t just snap our fingers and suddenly appear at the resort (not yet – soon hopefully).
However, what I’m offering you instead is a virtual tour of one of the parks, Disney California Adventure, so you can feel like you’re really there!
The great thing about this California Adventure experience is that it is completely free. And you won’t get aching feet or sunburn.
Click here to go to the Disney Wonder Virtual Tour if you want to experience a Disney Cruise after you have been to the park.
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE VIRTUAL TOUR TIPS
- Light up a candle from Magic Candle Company if you have one. Trust me, this adds so much to the experience!
- If you have any Disney related clothing, wear it, as it makes it more fun!
- If you have a Disney California Adventure mug, use it and make yourself a warm drink.
- Use headphones – it’s more immersive.
- Play the videos on fullscreen, that way you get the full effect.
Now, it’s time to start the tour!
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE MAIN ENTRANCE
After making your way through security, you arrive at the gate and you’re bursting with excitement! Disney music is playing, the ticket machines are making that whistle sound, and you can already smell candy floss coming from the park.
To get into the mood, here is the music that plays at the California Adventure Park entrance.
BUENA VISTA STREET
You have now arrived at Buena Vista Street. Ready to explore?
If this were my typical day at DCA, this would be the point where I’m looking at the MaxPass options, wondering how even when I’d stayed at a hotel, got up at 5 AM, skipped breakfast, and ran to the park in order to be the first to get in, I still didn’t manage to get a Fastpass for Radiator Springs Racers.
If you were at the park you would maybe have enjoyed a Disneyland Character Breakfast.
You may not have Mickey or Minnie there in person but you can enjoy the next best thing at home with some Mickey Pancakes.Want to make Mickey Waffles at home? It’s easy with this Waffle and Pancake Mix
that they use in the parks and your choice of Disney Waffle Maker.HOLLYWOOD LAND
The first ride we’ll head to is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! To get there we have to go through Hollywood Land, an area based on the golden age of Hollywood.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – MISSION: BREAKOUT!
You’ve made it to Guardians! A little tip for this ride: let go of the handrails and put your hands on your knees. That way when you drop, your arms will float up as you go down. Trust me – it’s really cool!
If this were a virtual tour of my day, we’d be going on this about 10 times at least – this is my all-time favorite theme-park attraction.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: AWESOME DANCE-OFF
Perfect timing! Just as you come off the Guardians, the Awesome Dance-Off show is playing!
Since this a show involving audience participation, this would be the part where I’d be running away.
FROZEN: A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR
After watching (or running away from) the show, you walk just a little to the Hyperion Theater to watch Frozen: Live At The Hyperion Theater. Enjoy the show!
MONSTERS INC. MIKE & SULLEY TO THE RESCUE
Next up is Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully To The Rescue. Sit back and have fun!
ANIMATION ACADEMY
Now you might be wanting a break from the rides – or just want a nap – so you head to the Animation Academy then take a seat on one of the comfy chairs and admire the artwork being displayed on the screens around you.
If you wanted to, you can take one of the drawing lessons they offer here. Grab yourself a piece of paper and give it a try!
CARS LAND
After having a bit of a break at the Animation Academy, you decide to take a stroll around Cars Land.
RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS
Next up is Radiator Springs Racers. For full-effect, place a laptop on the dashboard of your car, play this video, then drive the same route as the ride as you’re staring at the video. It’ll feel just like the ride! Don’t look at the road! Otherwise, you’ll break the immersion!
DISCLAIMER: Please don’t do that.
GRIZZLY PEAK
Your next Fastpass is for Soarin’ Around The World, so you head on over to Grizzly Peak.
SOARIN’ AROUND THE WORLD
Purchase the Flying Over Orange Groves candle here, so you can get the full experience.
PIXAR PIER
Next, you take a walk around Pixar Pier. The best part is when you walk past Jack Jack’s cookie stand and you get a whiff of those delicious chocolate-chip cookies!
THE LITTLE MERMAID – ARIEL’S UNDERSEA ADVENTURE
Time to take a journey under the sea on Ariel’s Undersea Adventure!
INCREDICOASTER
Now that you’ve done a couple of slow-rides, now you’re feeling you want to go on something that’s fast. The next ride is the Incredicoaster!
TOY STORY MIDWAY MANIA
It’s almost time for World of Color, but you still have time for one more ride. See how high of a score you can get on Toy Story Midway Mania!
WORLD OF COLOR
The grand finale. Enjoy World of Color!
Which of these Disney California Adventure experiences did you enjoy most?
Join my Disney Cruise Group for exclusive Tips and Free Giveaways!
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.