Disney California Adventure holds many special experiences, including theme-tastic foods, movie-based thrill rides and exciting new additions such as Avengers Campus. But did you know that there are some hidden treasures that make Disney California Adventure extra special? These Disney California Adventure hidden gems are small details to keep an eye out for so you don't miss them on your next visit — don't blink!
Here's the inside scoop on our favorite hidden gems in Disney California Adventure.
The Frog Family's Top 5 California Adventure Hidden Gems
California Adventure Hidden Gem #1: Sh-Boom
Life feels like it really could be a dream when you're strolling through Cars Land. Every inch of this land is spectacularly detailed and creates a fantastical sense of immersion. And that is a huge part of what fuels the feeling of Disney magic in the parks. Everything from the notorious blinking yellow stop light ("I'm telling you man, every third blink is slower") to the statue of Stanley in front of the firehouse is exactly where it should be. The imagineers did not froget a single thing while creating this part of Disney California Adventure. And that includes one of the best parts of the movie for which Cars Land was created. In "Cars" Lightning McQueen helps to fix up Radiator Springs and brings life back into the old forgotten town. There is a beautiful scene where Lightning and Mater gather Radiator Springs' inhabitants to watch as they light up the town with every shop and stop's neon lights while the song "Sh-Boom" plays.
Did you know that you can actually see that moment in real life? That's right, every day at sundown Cars Land is lit up building by building to the familiar "life could be a dream" song. It's a little bit of a guessing game when exactly it happens, but if you're in the area around sunset you won't miss it. All of the Cars Land cast members gather beforehand on the street and play little games with everyone waiting. The music playing in the land then quiets and "Sh-Boom" begins. Slowly but surely all the lights begin to illuminate. This such a unique and magical moment and we highly recommend racing over to Cars Land to catch it.
California Adventure Hidden Gem #2: Easter Eggs
Disney movies are known for having “Easter eggs.” Those are characters and other elements from Disney movies (or other sources) subtly inserted into different Disney movies. There are several Easter eggs planted around California Adventure. Do you have a special tadpole who picks up on tiny details or is the first to spot hidden Mickeys? Then put them to work looking for Buzz Lightyear hiding beneath a traffic cone inside of the Cozy Cone Motel lobby (on the cone restaurant side). There's one on each side of the building. Ham and Rex are hiding here too! But they are harder to spot, because they are on the same side as the Cars character meet and greets! Watch the traffic light in Cars Land.
There’s also the many Disneyland, Marvel and Tower of Terror Easter Eggs in Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: BREAKOUT! You can find them in the lobby, Tivan’s office and the boiler room. Look for Harold, the old Matterhorn yeti (so that’s where he went!) in the boiler room. One of Tivan's offices has an actual hidden Mickey and the other has a hidden Minnie. Can you spot these statues on the shelves? What about a bellhop cap from Tower of Terror?
When riding Monsters, Inc., pay attention to the scene in which Boo hits Randall with a bat. Some of his markings may contain hidden Mickeys. In the sushi restaurant scene, can you spot Mickey Mouse in the mob outside the window? Keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of details in this park. As your clamshell car exits the Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, look to your left. You’ll see a wooden cabinet with images of Hans Christian Andersen and the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen.
California Adventure Hidden Gem #3: Paradise Gardens Park
While Paradise Gardens Park is not exactly hidden, it is tucked away in the back corner of the park next to Goofy’s Sky School. It's early to overlook it. At certain times during the year, you’ll definitely want to hop in to see what’s going on. This is where some special stuff happens. The area keeps California Adventure fresh and exciting.
Our favorite times to visit are during Halloween, when the area is Coco themed, or during the holidays, when you can meet Mirabel, the Three Caballeros or Mickey and friends. During the Lunar New Year, you can also meet Mulan and Mushu! There are other Disneyland special events that are celebrated in this area, too. Besides special character meet and greets, you may encounter free crafts, photo walls, new treats to try, a rotating menu at Paradise Garden Grill and musical entertainment. Depending on your timing, you might get to learn about different cultures or participate in cultural traditions. Plus, Paradise Gardens is home to Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, so if you have a family member toadally obsessed with a tasty slice or some yummy noodles, they've got you covered.
California Adventure Hidden Gem #4: Citizens of Buena Vista Street
While they aren't exactly hidden, be sure to take the time to stop and observe the citizens of Buena Vista Street. They are elaborately dressed characters from an unspecific era. They told us they were from “19 doodle doo.” It falls somewhere in the 1920s to 1930s. This cast of characters brings humor and personality to Buena Vista Street. Plus it immerses guests into a time of dreams and possibilities reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Be sure to chat with them as they have some interesting stories to share! Ask the letter carrier on the trike if she's got any mail for you. Definitely catch a performance of the the musical Group Five & Dime.
California Adventure Hidden Gem #5: “The Office” in the Lamplight Lounge
The whole downstairs dining room of the Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier is a hidden gem. It's filled with art and memorabilia from Pixar movies that will excite fans of all ages. Everywhere you look, you’ll discover something to explore further. Even a quick trip to the restroom will delay your return to your table because of all of the details and famous movie quotes written on the walls to take in.
But there is a truly hidden room — so hidden that you have to crank a handle and open a vault to gain access to it. “The Office” is a private dining room open to one party at the time. It has a maximum room capacity of 13. There are wooden board games on the walls for you and the whole froggy family to play. The room even has a private porch over the water. Regular guests (aka non-VIP frog friends) cannot reserve it. But if you have the correct party size and it’s available, you just might gain access to this special California Adventure hidden gem. Be sure to order some frogtastic fizzy drinks and tasty food — I am drooling just thinking of the Lobster Nachos!
Have you uncovered any other California Adventure hidden gems? If so, please share them in the comments section below — and seriously, tell us if you spot Ham and Rex in the Cozy Cone lobby! If you are planning a trip to Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure Park®, you’ll be hoppy to discover that you can now purchase discounted Disneyland multi-day tickets from Undercover Tourist.
Related: 10 Not-to-Miss Disney California Adventure Rides
Related: The Best Quick-Service Restaurants at Disney California Adventure Park
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