Top Things to do in Orange County
Top Hotels in Orange County
- 1. The Westin Anaheim Resort
- 2. The Anaheim Hotel
- 3. Capri Laguna On The Beach
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center
- 5. Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort
- 6. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
- 7. Best Western Los Alamitos Inn & Suites
- 8. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate
- 9. Kings Inn Anaheim
- 10. The Westin Anaheim Resort
Countries
The 10 Best Rides & Activities in Orange County, Orange County
Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbor, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Restaurants in Orange County
1. Animation Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By mrbird00
I am not an artist, but I still love the Animation Academy at the Disneyland California Adventure Park. Even though my drawing didn't come close to that of the real Disney artist that led the class, it was still fun and a great way to escape the rain that hit the park that day. The waiting area of the Animation Academy is shared with other attractions and features multiple screens of different sizes and shapes that show the creative process that takes place in creating some of the iconic animated scenes from favorite Disney movies. I didn't get to return to the Academy during my visit, but I know one of my daughters returned at least two more times since she truly is an artist. It is definitely one of the highlights for her when we visit Disneyland!
2. Radiator Springs Racers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By jeepncolo - Denver, United States
This ride is unlike any other ride in both Disney parks!! The physical experience is unlike any other ride. The ride immersion is like any other ride in both parks. The ride vehicles are unlike any other in the park! A great ride for a wide variety of ages. FastPass recommended.
3. Toy Story Midway Mania!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By WillieMacfan - Healdsburg, United States
Ride takes you through toy story venues while you shoot at targets and build your score. The shooting is actually popping a strong at various "targets". Offers the added enjoyment of competition as your score is totaled at the end and your seatmates scores are shown with yours. Clearly the more you ride this attraction the more likely you will increase your score- hint- if you google this ride there are suggestions as to how to increase your score. I rode with my 8 year old grandson- I was more than happy to end up with the exact same score as him as he fired almost twice as many shots as I did. Aim low! Generally on weekdays the line is not too bad.
4. Fantasmic!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 917 reviews
Reviewed By lwj - San Jose, United States
Fantasmic! is a combination of live action and projected Disney images and movie clips on a mist screen. It features fireworks, pyrotechnics, lasers, searchlights, decorated boats, water effects and animatronics, all coordinated to various familiar sound clips taken from Disney movies and broadcasts. It is usually performed twice a night on the Rivers of America from Tom Sawyer’s Island and lasts about 25 minutes. Better seating for the reserved sections can be obtained for visitors who purchase a dining package at the Blue Bayou, New Orleans Square Restaurant, River Belle Terrace or Hungry Bear Restaurant. Our reserved area from the Blue Bayou was close to the water in the middle section and included a foam pad to sit on. The basic story is a voyage through Mickey Mouse's imagination that culminates in a battle against various Disney Villains. This show is an enjoyable experience and should NOT be missed.
5. Haunted Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By misty_bee_Wyo - Sheridan, United States
We visited Disney in December, so the Haunted Mansion is re-imagined at this time in a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. Lots to see and I can’t imagine it would actually be scary to anyone but tiny toddlers, maybe. Classic ride and very worth experiencing!
6. Grizzly River Run
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By WillieMacfan - Healdsburg, United States
Warning- you will get wet no matter where you sit, It is just a matter of "how wet". Fun ride-you climb into a circular raft that fits about eight. The raft takes you up until you hit a series of water falls and dips. Meanwhile the raft will move in circles as it hits certain areas so everyone is likely go over the falls backwards at least once. Depending on the weight in the raft more or less water will splash into the raft. We (group of five-4 adults and one grandchild age eight) rode with three teenagers we had never met. This ride will cause everyone in the raft to interact and have a blast. Suggestions: 1. Obviously, not a wonderful ride on a cold day or night. 2. Can get crowded, particularly on warm days, so use a max pass to avoid the lines. 3. If you really want to try to stay dry, where a poncho. 4. Try to keep your feet as high up on the center console as possible to avoid getting your shoes and socks soaked. By all means, you must ride this attraction- I would have been happy to ride it continuously for half a day at least.
7. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By GreggMS - Grand Rapids, United States
This ride is true to the movie. Great special effects and animation. Very entertaining ride and children will love this.
8. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By bradmW5031FW - St. Albert, Canada
Its really a ride for 12 and under, but still fun as a parent of some older kids to shoot through the lineup and go for a spin. A definite must ride for parents with kids 3-8.
9. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By lwj - San Jose, United States
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is one of my favorite interactive rides in Disneyland... Join Star Command, board your XP-40 Space Cruiser and help stop the Evil Emperor Zurg from stealing crystallic fusion cells. Destroy Zurg’s secret weapon by shooting targets with your laser pistols and accumulating points. The target values from lowest to highest are circles, squares, diamonds and triangles. When lit, the values are increased... the ride features two confrontations with Zurg himself. Aim for the hidden target on Zurg between his breast plates just below the Z on his chest for extra points. Astro Blasters takes you to infinity and beyond!
10. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By WillieMacfan - Healdsburg, United States
Thunder Mountain has been a staple of Frontier Land for many years. Essentially it is a short roller coaster ride that is enjoyable for all ages. There is a height minimum; my eight year old grandson easily met the requirements and enjoyed the ride. It is fast and does encounter ups/downs/turns and jolts. As a senior citizen I could have done without the jolts; but to see my grandson's joy made up for any pain. Line on a weekday was not bad.
