This was our first trip to California Adventure. The fist thing I want to say is that California Adventure is directed more toward older kids. Our kids were smaller and many of the main attractions were not geared toward their age group. One ride that the whole family enjoyed was Soaring over California. That was also one of the few rides in the park that accepted Fast pass for less waiting in line. The other thing we all really enjoyed was the electric light parade that used to be at Disneyland. The kids really loved that. It was almost worth "hopping over" to California Adventure just for those two attractions.

Too many crowds, too many nasty little bratty children, too many Disney people trying to take our picture—it added up to a disappointing time. The rest of this review coming soon...

We landed at LAX on Wednesday afternoon, and the temperature was welcoming, especially after leaving our sub-zero climate back home. At this time of year, you can't exactly expect it to be beach weather, but it's warm during the day and cool in the evenings. We were staying with a relative in Orange County, so we had to drive for about an hour. If your travel plans are for SoCal and money is no object, I suggest you get a flight to Long Beach or John Wayne Airport to eliminate the commute time from LAX. With a relative in this area, we saved money on some tickets to Disneyland/California Adventure. SoCal residents get discounted tickets, which we picked up at the local grocery store.

On March 23, we set off for Disneyland and paid $10 cash for parking. All other stores took credit/debit cards. If you have small children, bring your stroller, a definite lifesaver. Lines were the number-one disadvantage. Kids wanted to get autographs, and the lines for that took time away from seeing other things in the park. I recall seeing the entire park over 10 years ago in one full day without children. The parade of dreams was definitely a crowd-pleaser, and my kids enjoyed it thoroughly. It would be a good idea to make sure to get a decent spot before it starts. Times vary during the season, so check their website. The kids were getting tired, so we didn't stay for the fireworks, but we were told that they were spectacular.

On March 27, with the Disney pass we purchased, we were able to go to California Adventure on another day. Again, parking was $10 cash. There were lots of things to see and do, but having small kids, we were limited. FastPass helped out with the lines. It is definitely a must to see Soaring over California, unless you get motion sickness easily. My 6-year-loved it even more the second time she went on it. Monsters Inc. was good for small kids, but would be boring for older kids/adults. Muppets Theatre was a pretty cool 3-D experience. The Bugs Life area good for smaller children. The block party parade was fun, but trying to find a place to sit was impossible. I suggest getting a spot early. Times vary during the season. The weather at this time of year is unpredictable, so I suggest bringing clothing for warm and cool temperatures. We had some rain later, around 6pm.

There are tons of hotels and restaurants just outside the park. Eating inside the park can be expensive, and taking a rest at your hotel would be refreshing before heading back for more fun. Most are within walking distance.

Disney's California Adventure is much more relaxed than its sister park across the way. The crowds are a lot thinner, and there's practically no waiting to greet the characters.

Speaking of characters, find out which one you are! In the Animator's Workshop, I'm Mulan, and Jason is Cogsworth. You know, the clock in Beauty and the Beast. His thoughts on that? "I'm a freakin' chronometer!"

Don't miss the Aladdin show! Show up early to get seats, and get reserved seating if at all possible. I know, it's a long wait, but seriously, I would pay for the show. It's kept fresh and up-to-date, and it's amazing.

While just relaxing, we checked out the Mission Tortilla Factory Tour (wins hands-down for cutest video, and if you've never had a fresh tortilla, you are missing out!) and the Boudin Bakery Tour (interesting as well). There are lots of opportunities to sit or walk in air-conditioned comfort, stop in and check things out.

After hitting most of the rides, we ate lunch at the in-park McDonalds. Then we visited the winery presentation and video, the bakery tour, the tortilla factory (free tortilla included!), the Muppets 3-D, and Tough to Be a Bug (multisensory experience). And we still had time to hit the rides again!

Thanks to our multiple AAA FastPass tickets and the light Sunday crowds, we were able to ride many things multiple times and without much wait. Regis and Kelly were in the park filming their morning show, but their presence did not impede traffic or prevent us from getting on any desired rides.

We even caught a glimpse of comedian Carrot Top doing interviews in the park for Regis and Kelly.

Not being a big fan of parades, I have to say that the Electric Light Parade was very entertaining. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it as a must-see at the Disneyland Resort!

I would have to say that California Adventure is a great addition to the Disney family of theme parks!