Disney California Adventure park is home to some incredible attractions. California Adventure is full of amazing thrill rides, but it also contains a variety of dark rides as well that are suitable for guests of all ages and heights. Disney California Adventure is a park that cannot be missed for families who appreciate gentle, slow-moving attractions. Here are some of the best dark rides at California Adventure!
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
This dark ride has all the charm and aesthetics of a classic Disney dark ride but presented in a modern way with highly advanced audio-animatronics. The Little Mermaid- Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a charming dark ride that explores the story of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in an immersive and fun way. Guests climb aboard a “clam-mobile” and slowly make their way through several scenes as seen in the 1989 classic film. Guests will find themselves dancing along to “Under the Sea” and frightened by Ursula’s life-size audio-animatronic performing “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. This attraction is slow-moving and gentle and suitable for guests of all ages, however small children might be frightened of the dark during some scenes.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley To The Rescue
California Adventure has so much to offer for Pixar fans! Pixar Pier is a boardwalk that is filled with your favorite Pixar characters and attractions representing different Pixar films. One of these attractions is Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley To The Rescue. This fun dark ride takes guests on a wild taxi ride through Monstropolis as a human child is on the loose! Watch as Mike and Sulley rush to get Boo back to her home. Guests will find some familiar characters from the Monsters, Inc. film and experience some iconic scenes from the movie as well. This attraction is slow-moving and suitable for guests of all heights and ages. Some smaller guests might find the dark frightening during this attraction, but be assured that the monsters seen in this attraction are friendly and not scary at all!
Soarin’ Around The World
This dark ride is a bit untraditional in style but should make an appearance on everyone’s “must do” list! Soarin’ Around The World is an attraction that utilizes a hang-gliding simulator and a larger-than-life IMAX screen with digital projection to transport guests throughout the world. Soarin’ Around The World, formerly known as Soarin’ Over California, has been updated to include several different world icons such as The Eiffel Tower, The Great Wall of China, The Himalayas, and the sandy beaches of Fiji. This tour of the world is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Special effects like scent are used to really immerse guests in the experience. This attraction does have a height requirement of 40 inches or taller, but it is not an intense attraction. Soarin’ Around The World is gentle and perfect for young children. Although guests should be aware that this attraction does lift you quite high, so those with a fear of heights should not look down!
Do you visit California Adventure for the thrill rides or the dark rides? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
