DCA Hidden Gems

Most visitors rush past half of Disney California Adventure on their way to Radiator Springs Racers. These spots are worth your time.

Animation Academy in Hollywood Land is a free guided drawing class where a Disney artist teaches you to draw a classic character. Classes run every 30 minutes, it's air-conditioned, and you take home your artwork. Seasonal character options rotate throughout the year. Nearby, Turtle Talk with Crush is aimed at kids but the real-time animated conversation technology is impressive and funny for adults too. In Cars Land, go back after dark. The neon lights transform the area into a recreation of the movie's Radiator Springs. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters has almost no wait most afternoons and uses a trackless ride system with different dance patterns each time.

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a playground area that most adults overlook, but it has good photo spots and a zip line. For food, the Carthay Circle Lounge (downstairs, no reservation needed) serves the same fried biscuits as the upstairs restaurant at a fraction of the price. The Boudin Bakery tour in San Fransokyo Square is free and includes a sourdough sample. Check the park schedule for the Pixar Pals dance party near Paradise Gardens. It's a low-key character meet-and-greet with shorter waits than the formal greeting spots.