It is most ironic that I have anything to say on the subject. When Disney California Adventure was first conceived and created there were to be no characters anywhere within it.It was to be a more adult centered. I don't really understand how no characters equates to adult. To me no characters equates to Epcot which in turn means bor-ing. Did I say that out loud? Regardless, there are lots of characters at DCA.

As you enter the gates and pass under the scale Golden Gate Bridge you come upon the the sun sculpture in the entry plaza. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and sometimes Daisy are to be found here. But with a difference, they look like they are on vacation, they have on casual clothes and baseball caps and shorts. I suppose they are to look at home in California. I think its still a little bit forced but that is probably just me.

Very close to the sun sculpture is the Entrance to Hollywood Pictures Backlot. This is where the most and the best characters hang out. Sometimes out on the street and sometimes in the Animation Building. Sometimes Jasmine and Quasimodo, Milo and Kida, and several other Atlantis characters, Mulan in her warrior outfit, Mushu, Kuzko. Pretty much any character would be at home here as any of the characters are animated and belong in the animation building, all of the characters are on film and belong in theory in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. If you think about it they all have appeared in a movie and with a suspension of disbelief are actors on the Disney lot.

A little further in the Backlot there is a sort of a stage show where Donald is attempting to direct and Goofy, Minnie and the rest are playing different parts in the making of this fake movie. After their shtick is over they often stick aground and may pose for photographs.

Closer to the Hyperion Theater there is a black and white Dalmatian spotted trailer. As you might guess this is Cruella DeVil's. As far as I can tell this is the only reliable place you can catch a villain. I mean its not like she is there 24 hours a day. but its still pretty cool and Cruella, like many villains will tease you and will appear standoffish and mean. This is of course and act I enjoy playing along.

Chip and Dale can be found in the Redwood Creek Challenge in the Golden State. They seem to hold a special place at DCA as they are woodland creatures.It makes a certain amount of sense I guess.

Flik and Atta can be found in A Bug's Land of course. Even before there was a Bug's Land and there was only Its Tough To Be A Bug they could be found there.

I understand that sometimes Miss Piggy is available for pictures. I can only assume this is near Jim Henson's Muppet Theater 3D.

More Later.


Tips and Tricks for Taking Pictures with Disney Characters Part IV

Tips and Tricks for Taking Pictures with Disney Characters Part II

Tips and Tricks for Taking Pictures with Disney Characters