With each visit to Disney California Adventure, I feel like I uncover a new favorite detail -whether big or small- that adds to the magic of the place. After walking down the bustling streets of Buena Vista Street, taking in the sights of the grand Carthay Circle Theater, I continued on into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Land.
This area brings a vintage charm reminiscent of the 1930s golden age of cinema and invites all into a world of Hollywood dreams. While the land has seen many changes to its attraction lineup over the years (including various Broadway-style productions, the loss of the west coast’s MuppetVision 3D with the addition of PhilharMagic, and the previous home to Disney’s shortest-lived attraction ever: Superstar Limo). While many guests are running off to the nearby popular attractions of Avengers Campus or Cars Land, there are a number of hidden gems within Hollywood Land which don’t require a Lightning Lane. From tucked-away spots to unique offerings, let’s dive into some of the charming, lesser-known treasures that make this corner of Disney California Adventure all the more special.
Rainbow Benches
Along the left side of the street, just before Mickey’s Philharmagic, you’ll find a wall flanked with benches and sprawling rainbow mosaics.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll discover various items incorporated into the art – toy dinosaurs, old cups and saucers, glass marbles, silverware, heart and flower designs, broken pieces of intricate pottery, fruit shapes, jack-o-lanterns… I almost always notice something new. Each of the little pieces are thoughtfully divided up into their respective hues, creating a technicolor masterpiece.
This is easily one of my favorite details in the entire Disneyland Resort. Stop for a spell and take it all in!
Animation Respite
Just across from that colorful bench area is the Animation Building.
Along the Hollywood street full of facades, many may not know there’s a building full of attractions just inside this lit corridor.
Once inside, you’ll find the lobby area featuring a 360-degree experience of Disney and Pixar concept art, sketches, and final animated movie moments – all set to the music from the films. From Show White and Sleeping Beauty, to Up and Tangled; this area is a little pocket of Disney-branded relaxation you may not have expected to find at DCA.
There are some benches in the middle of the room that make this a welcome mid-day rest stop or break from the summer heat. This is also a prime area to let your little ones let out some energy with all of that space!
In addition to the seating and movie views, there are actual attractions in here! You can hop in line for one of these animation-based experiences:
- Animation Academy – A drawing tutorial hosted by a Disney animator, occurring every 30 minutes
- Character Close-Up – Meet and greet Anna & Elsa from Frozen
- Sorcerer’s Workshop – Create a custom zoetrope image
- Turtle Talk with Crush – An interactive show featuring Crush, the 150-year old sea turtle, of Finding Nemo
Peruse ‘Off the Page’
At the exit to Animation, and from the main walkway from Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll find Off the Page.
This shop is dedicated to limited edition collectibles such as paintings, prints, figurines, live animator sketches you can take home, Disney pins and Christmas ornaments. It’s one of the few “Art of Disney” shops on Disneyland property. You’re more likely to find something a little more unique versus your Emporium or Elias & Co. souvenirs. Don’t miss it!
Starring Snacks
There are quite a few snack stops sprinkled around Hollywood Land. It’s hard to miss Schmoozie’s Smoothies on the corner near those colorful mosaics, offering fresh fruit smoothies and coffee beverages. Award Weiners offers up gourmet hot dogs, including plant-based options, and my favorite quirky fries at DCA.
The filmstrip fries are a must-have. They often feature a seasonally-topped fries, but the plain ones do just fine as a quick pick-me-up snack. They’re thick potato cuts served hot, and their shape is just too fun!
Back in the “Hollywood Studios” area of the land, just past the dark ride Monsters, Inc – Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, you can quench your thirst at the Hollywood Lounge.
They’re serving up some tasty cocktails and mocktails back here! My go-to on my last Disneyland trip was the Seaborn POG Margarita, with Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava. It’s fruity, bubbly, and refreshing. I couldn’t get enough! (No really, I went back another two times during my trip…) It’s safe to say it’s one of my favorite beverages I’ve ever had at Disneyland Resort.
However you choose to explore Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Land, remember to have fun discovering new-to-you details outside of the main attractions… And hey, maybe I’ll catch you endlessly staring at those rainbow mosaics too?
