Some say California Adventure has more of an adult vibe to it in comparison to the OG, Disneyland, and I don’t necessarily disagree. However, that is by design and purposeful. We don’t want two of the same theme parks right across from each other, offering us the same experience. So, if you’re questioning if there is enough to do in DCA (Disney California Adventure) that are not rides, I got you covered.
Nothing listed here is something that you can experience in Disneyland; however it still brings the Magic of Disney without question! Who doesn’t want a cold beer while you’re waiting in line or listening to live music outside on a sunny Southern California day?. . . umm…yes, please! Here are all the attractions and entertainment DCA has to offer that are not rides, available to all ages and abilities.
Non ride Entertainment:
- Avengers campus- there are so many character “patrolling” the campus through out the day you are guaranteed to see multiple Avengers and even some Villains.
- Spider-Man show – every 30-40mins
- Black Panther and Black Widow show- every hour
- Dr. Strange show- every hour
- Wakanda Warrior show -every hour
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance off
You are able to enjoy these shows simply by being in Avenger Campus. There are designated standing areas so that through traffic can continue to move, so it’s easy to catch these quick entertaining shows if you know when they are starting.
- Disney Jr Dance Party
- Shopping
- Ana and Elsa Meet and Greet
- Turtle talk with Crush
- Character meet and greet
- Live stage plays at the Hyperion Theater
- People watching is always entertaining
- Five and Dime live music performances
- World of Color – night time show
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic -3D show
- Animation Academy
- Sorcerer’s workshop
- Red car Trolley rides
- Bakery tour
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- Pixar Pier games
- Lamplight Lounge- This restaurant is so one of a kind and a Pixar themed dream I had to add it (be sure to make reservations! )
- Live Music at the Hollywood back lot
- Live Music in the Paradise Garden Bandstand, sit at a table have a meal or a beer(or both) and enjoy
- Food and Wine Festival March – April
- Festival of Holidays – Holiday time in the parks November – January , its basically another Food and Wine festival
In addition, California Adventure is a foodies dream! The portions are often small enough to snack all day or share so you can indulge in as much deliciousness as possible. Moreover, there is also beer and adult beverages offered at almost all food vendors.
Pro Tip:
On the park map in your Disneyland App that shows ride wait times, you can select the drop down at the top that will give you a list of other options to choose from. Such as, Characters, Restrooms or Entertainment which will show you the show times and locations of almost everything listed.
So, if you are still wondering if it is worth the price of a ticket into the park even though you might not enjoy rides, the answer is YES! There is always enough Disney Magic to go around and most of it is not found on the rides.
