As the smaller of the resort’s two theme parks, Disney California Adventure® Park is the ideal place to start or end your visit to Disneyland® Resort. Purchase a Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper Ticket and explore alongside the neighboring Disneyland® Park or choose from single- or multi-day access options to the Disney California Adventure® Park instead.
However you choose to visit, don’t miss the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus, home to the Guardians of the Galaxy ride; Paradise Gardens Park, where you can enjoy The Little Mermaid~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; and the family-friendly Cars Land, ideal for younger kids.
The Disney California Adventure® Park is situated about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of downtown LA and 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Santa Monica. While there are some free connections running from nearby public transport hubs, arriving by private vehicle is easiest. There are three parking lots to choose from: Mickey and Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story. Each charges by the hour and connects to the park via shuttles and buses.
Disney California Adventure® Park, like the rest of Disneyland® Resort, is at its most popular during school holidays, the summer months, and weekends. Avoid these dates for a quieter experience. For an extra-special festive experience, visit at Christmas or Lunar New Year; although the park tends to be busier than usual, it’s worth the longer wait times.
Unvaccinated visitors aged 2 and up must now wear a face covering at all times; proof of theme park reservation, as well as a theme park ticket, are required to enter; FASTPASS and Disney® MaxPass privileges are currently unavailable, as are Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour experiences, meet-and-greets, and parades. It’s also strongly recommended that you only visit Disneyland® Park after testing negative for COVID-19 or once you’re fully vaccinated.