This newer area of Disney adds a lot to the older Magic Kingdom area although it may not have enough (yet) to make it more than a one-day attraction. Even if getting through it in less than a day, being able to go hop over to the Magic Kingdom using the Park Hopper pass makes it worth going to.

For some reason, the California Adventure had shorter hours than the Magic Kingdom, but again we just hopped over to the other park when California Adventure closed. Making use of the FastPass will help you get around to everything faster rather than standing in the rather significant lines.

We got our discount tickets through getawaytoday.com and had good, fast service through them.

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A miniature version of the Golden State, experience the best of each of California's major areas here: Hollywood, San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and the mid-state farming areas.

The Paradise Pier area features rides and a midway, reminiscent of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A huge Ferris wheel that, from afar, appears to dip into the water, will take you on a leisurely spin, offering panoramic views of the whole area; or you can choose a "sliding" car for a bit more excitement. A wooden roller coaster like Santa Cruz' famous Big Dipper, California Screamin' is a good one. We rode it three times in as many days. Fast Pass is available. Mulholland Madness, a smaller, arguably scarier roller coaster is also here. Maliboomer is not for the faint of heart, shooting you 180 feet into the air before dropping you back down. Yes, I conquered my fears and enjoyed it enough to do it twice!

The Golden State area is the place to wind down. Take a stroll through the tortilla factory and get a free, hot tortilla -- mmmmm! Tour the Boudin Bakery, munching on a piece of sourdough bread while enjoying a very funny tour with Rosie O'Donnell and Colin Mochrie. Soarin' Over California absolutely cannot be missed. Use a Fast Pass, or get in the single rider line. We went back three times for this incredible experience! Watch for the "hidden Mickeys" on the screen. There are two that I noticed! Golden Dreams is a 70mm film, narrated by Whoopie Goldberg covering the history of California. Probably boring for some, but we thoroughly enjoyed it, and it's a great place to cool down if it's hot outside. Don't miss It's Tough to be a Bug. It's the same attraction as the one in WDW, but it's such a kick! Small children may be frightened, but the rest of us enjoy the surprises!

The Hollywood Picture Backlot features the not-to-be-missed Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular. Spectacular it is. The first thing you need to do when you arrive in the morning is send one of your party to the line just outside the Hollywood Backlot to get tickets. They hand out all the tickets in the morning for the two or three shows. Don't be discouraged by an incredibly long line. The Hyperion Theater will accommodate several hundred people in each show. This musical was incredible! Las Vegas glitz, Hollywood glamour. The sets, costumes, quality of performers - wow! While waiting for showtime, try your hand at Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Play It! Everyone has the chance to win the grand prize of the day, which is often a three-day cruise or another fun trip. Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D is also worth a look, fun for all ages. If you've still got time, Disney Animation has several interactive areas. Our favorite was lending our voices to scenes from The Lion King.

I really liked the California theme. Each section had tidbits of information regarding California. There is supposed to be a new section opening this summer for the little people, which should be a nice addition, since there wasn't a whole lot for my daughter to do.

I enjoyed the bread and torilla tour in the cannery section. California Adventure also has a Baby Center that I used many times to feed and change our baby. My toddler loved the miniature potties also. The Center was air conditioned and very clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

California Adventure is Disney's newest theme park, located across from the entrance to Disneyland. The close proximity of the two parks makes it very easy for park hopping if you have a park hopper passport

Upon entering California Adventure you will be in the Sunshine Plaza, with sun sculpture and waterfall.

From here you can head to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. In the Backlot is The Muppets 3D show, which is fun for all ages. I have seen it a number of times and keep going back. The Hyperion Theatre has a show "Steps in Time" about a teenager and his fairy godmother. The singing and dancing were very good but the voice of the fairy god mother kind of grated on my nerves, but otherwise it was okay.

My favorite part of this area was the Disney Animation Studio, where you learn about animation and also can take a computer quiz to find out which character you are most like. There is also an opportunity to sing/act a part in a film. I really like this area, but the line ups were always very long. With only about 6 machines, expect a long wait even when the park isn't too busy. The worst attraction in this area - Superstar Limo. Some people getting off of this ride really seemed to enjoy it but we found it dull, it is a car ride through Hollywood with cardboard cutouts of the streets of Hollywood.

The Golden State was a favorite area, with Soaring over California and the Grizzly River Rapids. The rapids were a lot of fun. You are warned you will get wet, but you will probably get soaked. Go late in the day so you aren't walking around in wet clothes all day. The Bugs Life 3D film was also a lot of fun, with surprises.

At the back of the park is Paradise Pier. The rides here are mainly for those with a strong stomach. California Screamin', a high speed roller coaster; Mailboomer, a high speed launch; and the Sun Wheel, a Ferris wheel with cars in the middle that slide back and forth.

Each area also has theme restaurants, snack bars and shops .

There is a daily parade, Eureka, which was very upbeat and colorful. It is a tribute to the different areas of California. For summer they are also adding the Electric Light Parade.

Overall I liked California Adventure, but did not feel it was worth the same admission as Disneyland. The park is not as large as Disneyland, there are not as many rides, and there were limited rides for families with children. Perhaps in a few years with some expansion there will be a broadened range of rides and attractions.

On the plus side, the characters are very accessible in the Sunshine Plaza area, without the long waits that Disneyland has.

Do hold on to the map they give you when you firts step in. It has the park's map, parade's routes, list of restaurants and cafes in every land, list of shops, list of rides and shows, and whether or not they carry a fastpass, have restrictions, and all and every kind of specifics.

My personal oh-my-god recommendations are: Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Rocket Rods. Categorized as, oh well, not that bad: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. The always classics should be Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventure, Star Tours, Honey I shrunk the Audience, Innoventions, the Disney Railroad... oh well. I'm sure if you've been there at some time you already have your personal favorites.