My Disney California Adventure Bucket List

There were precisely three things I wanted to do at Disney California Adventure park.  In no particular order, they were: watch Frozen Live at the Hyperion, ride the Tower of Terror, and order one of the secret drinks at the Cove Bar. 

This was easier said than done.  When we arrived at the park, fast passes to both Frozen and Tower of Terror were already gone and the line to the Cove Bar was cruelly long with no signs of movement.  It was quite depressing. 

After dinner, we decided to commit the time and wait in the estimated 120 minute line for Tower of Terror.  The line was especially long due to only 2 of the 3 elevators working.  The third was being overhauled in preparation for the new Guardians of Galaxy ride slated for next year.  Adding to the ride's popularity was being able to ride it for the first time in complete darkness.  It definitely made the ride scarier! 

Since we were staying at the one of the Disney properties, we had access to the park an hour before the park opened.  With only the Frozen Fast Pass on my mind, I got up early the next morning and was first in the fast pass line.  My excitement was soon crushed when I learned that I wouldn't be able to get fast passes for the rest of my family since their tickets had not been scanned yet as they were still dreaming away in their hotel beds.  Feeling defeated, I rode the Tower of Terror to cheer me up.  

I went back to the hotel and dressed the child I could carry and we headed back to the park for the fast passes.  When we arrived, fast passes were still available for the 11:30am show.  I decided to wait until those fast passes ran out so I could get better seating for the next show.  When fast passes opened up for the 1:30pm show, we got orchestra seating!  The fast pass gives you a time to return and the earlier you are, the better seating choices you'll have in your designated section.  The show was fantastic and great to watch!  I'm glad I didn't miss it. 

Finally, only the Cove Bar was left on my list!  It says it opens daily at 11am, but I arrived at 10:30am and was able to get a table.  While we waited for the rest of the family to meet us, my son kept busy watching the California Screamin' take off and I enjoyed my Mickey's Fun Wheel drink - a super pretty variation of the long island iced tea.  The menu items are somewhat limited, but we loved the lobster nachos!  Service was great and was the best meal we had in the park on this visit.