Visiting a Disney theme park for the first time is an exciting experience for the whole family. The air is full of anticipation, and emotions are on a high, which means that how you start your experience can set the tone for the whole day. Continuing our Best First Rides for Kids series, here is a list of the top five attractions in Disney California Adventure Park that will gently ease your kids into the spirit of Disney.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is the perfect first ride for any young fan of this classic tale. The slow-moving ride is packed full of excitement, music, and wonder as guests descend under the sea to be part of her world. The darker moments with Ursula are short and not as intimidating as scenes from the original movie or the most recent live-action remake. You will surely emerge above sea level with your mind filled with the infectious tunes of this beloved film.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
A bit further around Pixar Pier, you can find Jessie’s Critter Carousel, which has all of your favorite friends from the Toy Story movies and shorts. This attraction is a great way to allow younger kids to acclimatize to the area, which has several larger rides nearby and tends to be a bit noisier than other areas, thanks to the IncrediCoaster. They can take in all the sights and sounds while enjoying a nice calm ride with their favorite Toy Story characters.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
This attraction might look like a tame ride, but believe me, the Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree tractors quickly get their swing on and provide a thrilling experience for adults as well as kids. The line for this ride moves quickly, and the outdoor setting is perfect for any little ones nervous about not knowing what to expect from Disney rides. They will be able to see each rotation while you wait, complete with all the smiles and laughter from the other guests.
Radiator Springs Racers
If you have a fan of Cars with you, don’t miss this landmark attraction in Cars Land. Radiator Springs Racers is a bit more of a challenge on the thrill scale and does have a height limitation of 40″ minimum. However, for those tall enough to enjoy the attraction, it’s an unmissable experience that will bring your family into the heart of Radiator Springs.
Disney Junior Dance Party
If you’ve had a long journey to get to the parks, you might have kids that feel a little bit squirmish. The Disney Junior Dance Party can be precisely what you need. Let your little ones shake out all that excess energy with their favorite Disney Junior characters for an exciting family event that everyone can enjoy. You might even get to meet one of them after the show!
If you’ve had a first ride experience with your kids that you would like to share, add it to the comments below or start a new conversation on our DISboards community.
Earlier In This Series…
- The Best ‘First Rides’ for Kids in Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- The Best ‘First Rides’ for Kids in Walt Disney World’s EPCOT
- The Best ‘First Rides’ for Kids in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Best ‘First Rides’ for Kids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- The Best ‘First Rides’ for Kids in Disney’s California Adventure Park (This Article)
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