Top 5 Things to Do-California Adventure After Dark

Have you ever wondered what is there to do after dark at the Disneyland Resort? Don’t think that because it is dark that the fun is over! The Disneyland Resort has so much for you to do and experience after dark! As requested, I have come up with a list of the top 5 things to do at California Adventure after dark. If you missed it and would like to read about the Top 5 Things to do at Disneyland at Night, you can find it here.

Top 5 Things to Do-California Adventure After Dark

Sometimes I feel like I neglect California Adventure. By not blogging about it much and by not spending as much time in California Adventure as much as I do Disneyland. I grew up going to Disneyland every year or two. It is where my heart lies. However, there is a piece in my heart for California Adventure. It is growing on me! It has some very cool things to do, and lots of awesome things to see after dark. Today let’s take a look at what is in my opinion, the Top 5 Things to Do After Dark in California Adventure.

1. WORLD OF COLOR
2. OUTDOOR RIDES
3. LIGHTING
4. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY-MONSTERS AFTER DARK (Seasonal)
5. CARS LAND

World of Color

The first thing to do in California Adventure after dark is to see World of Color. This nighttime show is pretty spectacular! I have to admit that Fantasmic is still my absolute favorite. Even so, World of Color is not to be missed! The way that Disney Imagineers combine water, lights, color, pyrotechnic effects and projection are amazing! My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this show in California Adventure after dark.

There are three ways to get a spot to see World of Color. You will need to get a FastPass (basically tickets), purchase a Dining Package, or purchase a Dessert Party.

• FastPass: They are available day of the show at park opening. If you go with this option, make sure to get there early. The machines are located by Little Mermaid Ariels Undersea Adventure.
• Dining Package: Reservations are highly recommended. With this option, you purchase a 3-course meal at a participating location. At the end of the meal, you receive your vouchers for a viewing area. (More information here.)
• Dessert Party: For this final option, you also reserve ahead. There is a special viewing area that includes desserts, sparkling beverages, and reserved seating. It costs… however, if it is like the Fantasmic one they used to do, it is so worth it! (More information here.)

Fun Tip: At the Disneyland Resort they sell special ears that “glow with the show”. If you purchase them and then see the show they will light up with different colors at different times. It is a pretty cool effect when everyone is watching the show.

Outdoor Rides

Next on the list for California Adventure after dark is the outdoor rides. This is where California Adventure can one-up Disneyland. The majority of attractions at Califonia Adventure are outside! In the same way at Disneyland, the rides feel like they are so much faster at night. In addition to that, there are a lot more opportunities to have lights all over the attractions to create some fun effects. Especially if you are a photographer. If you have a chance to experience California Adventure after dark, make sure you ride the outdoor rides.

For example, Luigi’s Rolickin Roadsters in Cars Land has lights strung up across the “dance floor” and each ride vehicle has lights along the side of them. It is fun to watch this attraction during the day, as well as, after dark.

Lighting

Third on the list of things to do at California Adventure after dark is to check out all the lights! I am a country girl, but I do like to see city lights. Preferably from a distance, however, when you are at a Disney Resort it is so fun to see all the lights and the way each area of the park lights up.

For example, the entrance gates to California Adventure, are all lit up at night and it looks cool! Another example is Buena Vista Street. Between the street lampposts, and the lighting on Carthay Circle. It is something you will definitely want to see. Not to mention Hollywood land with all the signage lit up.

Another spot you will not want to miss is Paradise Pier (soon to be Pixar Pier). With the Fun Wheel all lit up and the water down below, you get a wonderful reflection from the lighting.

Guardians of the Galaxy-Monsters After Dark (Seasonal)

I was a bit hesitant to include this one since it is seasonal. However, it is something to do in California Adventure after dark and it looks pretty cool!

Personally, I have yet to see this in person. Both the original version and the after-dark version. In any case, I have seen others riding it and it looks exciting! Technology nowadays is amazing! The music on this attraction is pretty cool as well. You will enjoy that, especially if you have experienced the 80’s or 80’s music. If you happen to be in the park with this version running, make sure to give it go!

Cars Land

I just recently did a post on Cars Land. In my opinion, this is the best land in California Adventure! The theming of this land is amazing! Between the Route 66 painted on the road just like the real Route 66, the signs all over, and the decorations made from car parts. Cars Land has so many different things for you to look at, explore, and ride. Of all the places in California Aventure after dark, this is the one to check out!

Once the sun goes down, the neons come up!

Well… on. But you get what I mean.

There are neons galore all through this land. It is a cool sight to see. I highly recommend that you check it out during your trip. You won’t be disappointed here. I know I wasn’t when I first saw it.

In addition to the neons, the Cadillac Mountain Range is lit up at night. The Mountain is where Cars Racers attraction is. The lighting at night is beautiful. It makes for a pretty backdrop for photos as well.

Tip: When you are experiencing California Adventure after dark, be sure to get a light-up drink at Flo’s V8 Cafe. They add a light-up shape to the drink. It makes for a fun and bright drinking experience. (Hint, light up drinks are available at multiple locations around the park. Fun and small enough to pack souvenirs.)

In Conclusion

I hope that these, California Adventure after dark tips, help you out on your next trip. Nighttime truly is a whole new experience at the Disneyland Resort! Especially in California Adventure. For this reason, be sure to check out the parks after dark on your next trip!

As always, for the current information on the Disneyland Resort visit the official website.

Questions or Comments

If you have any questions or comments on today’s California Adventure after Dark post, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to help out!

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