Guests are growing increasingly frustrated with Disney California Adventure Park as reports of operational failures and closures continue to surface. A recent Reddit post detailed one visitor’s rain-soaked day filled with breakdowns, ride closures, and technical difficulties, leading many to question the park’s reliability.
While Disneyland remains a beloved icon, California Adventure has had a more complicated history. Opening in 2001, the park struggled to find its identity, initially criticized for lacking Disney’s signature charm. A multi-billion-dollar transformation in the 2010s introduced Cars Land, a revamped entrance, and other additions that elevated the park’s reputation.
Today, it boasts popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers, as well as the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus.
However, issues persist. The guest who shared their recent visit described a rough experience from the start. At rope drop, they waited in the uncovered queue for Mission: BREAKOUT! in the rain, only to be informed that only two out of six gantries were operational.
Meanwhile, major attractions—including WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers, and Toy Story Midway Mania!—were all closed with little explanation.
The day didn’t improve much. When trying to redeem a Lightning Lane for WEB SLINGERS, they encountered a long delay before the ride ultimately broke down, ejecting them from the queue. In another frustrating moment, the guest was told that Rollickin’ Roadsters couldn’t operate due to rain. “Apparently the ride was so poorly constructed that even a chance of rain means that it can’t run because they have to cover all the vehicles,” they said.
They also encountered smaller but noticeable maintenance issues, such as the broken Donald Duck effect at the end of Mickey’s PhilharMagic and repeated minor shutdowns on The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. The guest’s final attempt to salvage the day ended in disappointment, as they waited in a long queue for Radiator Springs Racers only for it to break down, prompting them to leave.
Other guests echoed similar experiences, particularly with Mission: BREAKOUT! As one Reddit user noted, “Guardians has been having a rough time lately. I haven’t seen all the lifts working in quite a while. If only 2 out of 6 loading areas are available that means only one actual shaft is working. I’m glad they’re finally gonna be shutting it down for a refurb here soon.”
Another visitor shared nearly the same struggles with closures, writing, “I can vouch for this as well. I too was in line when they kept reminding us that 2/6 gantries were running. When they said none were running, me and my friend hopped out of line. We walked over to Incredicoaster and the second we got in line it closed. We walked up to Midway Mania right as it closed. Got in line for the Pal A Round and it closed after we stood there for around 5 minutes.”
They went on to describe their experience with Radiator Springs Racers: “While we were on Radiator Springs Racers (which I splurged and bought a Lightning Lane single pass which I NEVER do) the ride stopped in the tire room. After about 5 minutes we started going again and finished the ride. Cast let us stay in our car and go again and we were very appreciative. I’m from out of town and still had a great day overall (was at the resort from open to close) but yes… it was a rough day at times. Very disappointing start to our day.”
Despite upcoming projects like a Coco (2017) ride, Avengers Campus expansion, and a rumored Avatar-themed experience, many guests feel the park’s current state is lacking. Whether these frustrations are short-term issues or signs of a deeper problem remains to be seen.
Have you visited Disney California Adventure recently? What was your experience like?
