Top 15+ Things for Teens in California Adventure

If you're planning a visit to Disneyland resort with a teen in your group, or are a teen, then set aside a day of play for Disney California Adventure.  Full of daring thrill rides, nostalgic Disney characters, plus a little of the Disney magic, Disney California Adventure has everything teens want in a theme park.

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1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission -BREAKOUT!

Guardians of the Galaxy:  MISSION -Breakout! soon became a breakout star attraction of Disney California Adventure when it replaced Tower of Terror.  With a storyline of Rocket Raccoon calling on visitors to breakout his Guardian friends from The Collector's cages, and fired by some rockin' throwback tunes featured in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, this attraction is a must for teens.

2. The Incredicoaster

Teens said a sad good-bye to another iconic attraction earlier this year as the California Screamin' coaster launched its final car to make way for the new Pixar Pier-themed area in the former Paradise Pier location.  The coaster frame itself will remain the same but anticipation is starting to build for the Incredicoaster as “The Incredibles” ride along with guests on a wild chase after baby Jack-Jack.  The new attraction, with special effects, snappy music, and a loading dock reminiscent of the Parr family home, is schedule to open June 23rd.

3. Goofy's Fly School

Not to be outdone by its neighboring coaster, Goofy's Sky School is a quick-thrill ride simulating a wild and jarring trip in Southern California traffic.  Not really (maybe), but this attraction is fun for all ages, especially the teenage set as reflected in the long queues.

4. Grizzly River Run

What Splash Mountain is to Disneyland Park, Grizzly River Run is to Disney California Adventure Park minus the singing Animatronics.  Inspired heavily by California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, this water ride simulates a trip down the rapids in a glorified inner-tube.  Thrill ride plus water is a perfect combination for any teen.

5. Radiator Springs Racers

By far, one of the most popular attractions in Disneyland Resort is Radiator Springs Racers which combines the nostalgia of the “Cars” movies many of today's teens have grown up with, along with some fast-paced road action.  And, if you can, take a spin on the course at night under the neon glow of Radiator Springs.  It's right out of the movie set.

6. Animation Building

For some down time, the Animation Building in Hollywood Land offers two creatively entertaining attractions for teens.  First up is Turtle Talk with Crush which is an interactive underwater adventure dialogue featuring Crush and several friends from both the “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory” movies.

Teens who desire a creative outlet can discover their inner artist at the Animation Academy sessions where they learn to illustrate a character of choice from Disney animators.  Character sessions are listed daily and occur every 30 minutes and yes, guests take their illustrations home with them.

7. Soarin' Around the World

This ride isn't necessarily full of big thrills but it's one of the most popular rides in Disney's California Adventure that teens of all ages will enjoy! If you have teens that aren't necessarily into big thrills, this ride is a great choice for them.

8. Toy Story Midway Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania is fun for all ages and is definitely NOT just for small kids! This interactive midway style arcade ride is full of fun spins and 3D effects.

9. Pixar Pal-A-Round

Ferris wheels and teenagers just go hand in hand! Teens will love the variety of great photos you can catch at the top of this ferris wheel. More adventurous teens can opt for the swinging option to turn the Mickey Pal-A-Round into a thrill ride!

10. Smokejumpers Grill

Smokejumpers Grill in Grizzly Peak area offers hearty burgers (beef, chicken, and jackfruit) with sides of fries with or without chili.  With a trip through the adjoining produce bar, these entrees will fill up any hungry or hangry teen.

11. Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta

If pizza is more in style, head over to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta for a slice of cheesy pie.  The standard cheese and pepperoni varieties are available daily with a specialty pizza rotation- sometimes cheeseburger or even pesto chicken.  Be on the lookout.

12. Vendor Carts

For teens on-the-go, portable foods and vendor carts are scattered about to satisfy any hunger pains.  From Corn Dog Castle corn dogs, to Cozy Cone Motel‘s bacon mac ‘n cheese cone, to cotton candy or Mickey ice cream bars.

13. Avengers Campus Meet & Greets

Most teens love Marvel and California Adventure is full of Marvel meet and greets. Teens can find an abundance of Marvel characters including in Avengers Campus:

• Doctor Strange
• Spiderman
• Thor
• Loki
• Captain America
• Black Panther
• Black Widow
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Dance Off
• Groot
• Captain Marvel

Make sure your teen has the Disneyland app downloaded on their phone so they can find these characters roaming the park and their meet/greet times!

14. Pixar Pier Games

Pixar Pier has plenty of great midway style games that teens will love such as WALL•E Space Race, Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Prizes include a variety of stuffed characters themed to each game booth.

15. Photo Ops

Instagram walls is the hot new trend taking off in the Disneyland resort for all ages but teens especially have been caught up in the craze. Teens will find plenty of great options for Instagram walls in this park plus plenty of photo ops scattered around in areas like Avengers Campus. Pixar Pier is full of great Instagram locations including all of the billboard walls as you pass along the pier.

Tips and Tricks for Teens

• Disneyland Resort Park rules and regulations, guests 14 years and older do not need a chaperone to enjoy the parks. Guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a guest 14 years or older.  Guests 14 years and older, also may not wear costumes or character masks.
• Make sure your teen has the Disneyland app installed on their phones! This will help them find characters, Genie+ times, and wait times for rides!
• Buy Genie+ for your teens so they can skip the lines!

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You can discover more about planning your trip to Disneyland from these links:

• Disneyland Restaurant Reviews
• Disneyland Character Dining
• How to Plan Your Disneyland Trip
• Disneyland in the Summer
• 40+ Places to Find Cheap Food in Disneyland