There is something about Disney’s California Adventure that sets the park apart from any other experience. It is hard to explain the difference—but I also find it hard to decide which I like better, or even if I should, between Disneyland and California Adventure. Both are wonderful—both are beyond any expectation.
I think what makes California Adventure wonderful for me is the entry to the park focusing on old Los Angeles and Buena Vista Street. I enjoy walking down the street and the nostalgic feeling I get when I’m there. This is unlike Disneyland—where there is the nostalgia, but with a sense of magic. For instance, how many towns in the Midwest have Sleeping Beauty’s Castle on one end of the street? California Adventure retains this nostalgic feel through the first part of the park—it transitions into other lands as you walk deeper into the park, but Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land are well themed with nostalgia.
The major difference—something that I appreciate from each park—is that Disneyland seems to maintain the original and traditional Disney personality, where California Adventure aggressively promotes the latest Disney trends. These trends are viewed from the emphasis on “Frozen”. Today, we visited Ana and Elsa, played in snow, and went to a family dance party all themed from “Frozen”. Deeper inside the park, you can also find Cars Land, Bug’s Land, and Toy Story Midway Mania.
There is a different atmosphere in Disney’s California Adventure, one that I really enjoy. I can’t wait to spend part of my last day there tomorrow!