Paradise Pier
Paradise Pier celebrates the glory days of California's seaside amusement parks when Californians and tourists alike sought sun and fun at the beach. It sports an authentic boardwalk and some modern interpretations of classic amusement park rides.
California Screamin'
Ages 2–4: |
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Ages 5–10: |
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Ages 11–15: |
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Ages 16–adult: |
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At first glance, California Screamin' looks like a classic wooden roller coaster, but when you notice riders going heels over head through a vertical loop, you realize the wooden framework is really a façade that cleverly conceals a tubular steel track. When it was built, California Screamin's 6,072-foot track was the world's fourth longest, and designers didn't waste a single foot of it packing in turns, drops, and twists, including the signature 360-degree loop around Mickey's face. The trains are broken into six 4-person units, which catapult from zero to 55 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds.
Due to its popularity, waits can be ninety minutes or longer. fastpass is available and so are Single Rider line and Child Swap options. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall and in good enough condition to stand all the fast twists, turns, and drops.
For a beautiful view of California Adventure, ride California Screamin' in the evening or at night when the park is lit up. That is, if you can keep your eyes open as you fly around the track. Souvenir photos taken during your ride will be on sale at the exit.
Games of the Boardwalk
Along the boardwalk, you'll find a handful of skill- and luck-based carnival games, priced between $1 and $2 per play. Prizes include plush toys. It's a fun way to spend some time, if you don't mind spending a bit more money.
Golden Zephyr
Ages 2–4: |
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Ages 5–10: |
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Ages 11–15: |
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Ages 16–adult: |
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A simple, rotating swing ride, Golden Zephyr is gentle enough for just about anyone, unless you're extraordinarily prone to dizziness. The silver rocket ships hold fourteen people each (seven rows with two people per row), and they swing around in the air for about two minutes.
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Jumpin' Jellyfish is a little bit like a gentler version of Maliboomer, lifting riders into the air and then raising and lowering them in a series of successively shorter drops, all of which takes about a minute. Two people can ride per seat. Jumpin' Jellyfish is a pretty ride that isn't scary, unless you're afraid of heights. It's most suitable for children up to age twelve, who are at least 40 inches tall.
King Triton's Carousel
Ages 2–4: |
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Ages 5–10: |
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Ages 11–15: |
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Ages 16–adult: |
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As you can guess from its name, this beautiful carousel has a water theme. Instead of riding horses, guests sit on colorful sea creatures, such as fish, dolphins, and seahorses. Some of the creatures are stationary, while others move up and down as you go around. The ride lasts about two minutes. Parents can stand next to their child or ride with them. There's also a nice viewing area where you can take pictures of the kids as they ride.
Maliboomer
Ages 2–4: |
N.S. |
Ages 5–10: |
N.S. |
Ages 11–15: |
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Ages 16–adult: |
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What comes down must go up first — in this case, extremely fast. The theme is an old-fashioned carnival test of strength: Use a hammer to hit a lever and ring the bell, but Disney hits the hammer and you fly up to ring the bell. Maliboomer shoots you (four people per bench) 180 feet into the air in four seconds. After that, you bounce a few times before returning to the ground. The whole thing takes about forty-five seconds. The view from Maliboomer is beautiful at night, but the thrill is the same anytime.
Riders must be at least 52 inches tall and able to stand some fast ups and downs (especially the ups). This fairly popular ride offers a Single Rider option, but no fastpass.
Mulholland Madness
Designed for those not brave enough to experience California Screamin', Mulholland Madness is a traditional roller coaster, but one designed for young people. It offers a much tamer, although fun experience as you race along the track, and its biggest thrill is the feeling that you're going to plummet off the track before your car abruptly turns. The best place to experience the sensation is the front row, but riders who are afraid of heights may be more comfortable in the back.
Riders must be at least 42 inches tall and able to stand the turns and drops. To reduce the wait, use fastpass or take the Single Rider option.
Orange Stinger
Ages 2–4: |
N.S. |
Ages 5–10: |
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Ages 11–15: |
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Ages 16–adult: |
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You'll know when you've reached the Orange Stinger because it's shaped like a giant half-peeled orange. Inside the oversize piece of fruit are single-person swings that rise into the air and spin around. This family-oriented ride is suitable for anyone over 48 inches tall, unless they're prone to dizziness.
S.S. rustworthy
Ages 2–4: |
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Ages 5–10: |
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Ages 11–15: |
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Ages 16–adult: |
N.S. |
The rustworthy looks like an old fireboat full of things to climb and fire hoses to squirt. Kids under the age of twelve will enjoy playing here. Anyone who experiences the S.S. rustworthy is going to get wet, so it's best to have a change of clothes on hand.
Sun Wheel
The Ferris wheel with a giant, grinning sun on its face isn't quite as simple as it might look at first glance. Stand and watch it for a minute, and you'll realize that some of the gondolas are mounted on oval tracks that make them slide around and rock back and forth, while others remain fixed.
Four adults can ride in each gondola, and you go around twice: the first time starting and stopping to let people board and then once without stopping. The view from the Sun Wheel is great — you can see all of the park and beyond — but the wire-mesh enclosure prevents taking good pictures unless your camera has a very small lens.
Before you get on, watch the ride for a minute and decide which kind of car you want to ride in. Some people get quite unnerved by the moving cars while others love them. The fixed ones go higher and the line to get on them is shorter. After you've decided, pick the line that matches your choice.
