Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Speakers play a synchronized soundtrack complete with recorded canned screaming and a
carnival barker cameo by actor Neil Patrick Harris.
We were impressed by the length of the course and the smoothness of the ride. From
beginning to end, the ride is about 2½ minutes, with 2 minutes of actual ride time. En
route the coaster slows enough on curves and on transition hills to let you take in the nice
view.Onthe scary-o-meter,Screamin' iscertainly worse than Space Mountain butdoesn't
really compare with some of the steel coasters at nearby Magic Mountain. What Scream-
in' loses in fright potential, however, it makes up for in variety. Along its course, Disney
has placed every known curve, hill, dip, and loop in roller coaster design.
A Carlsbad, California, woman found the roller coaster to be a smooth operator:
California Screamin' was WONDERFUL, and I am a 57-year-old mom, not an
adrenaline-crazed young adult! It was my first ever upside-down ride, but it
wassosmoothandquick[that]Ionlyfelt agentle pressurepushingmeintothe
seat. It was so fun [that] I went again! Don't miss this one, at any age!
A Texas woman agrees, writing:
I hate roller coasters, and I love California Screamin'. Very smooth.
TOURING TIPS
California Screamin' is a serious coaster, a coaster that makes Space Moun-
tain look like Dumbo. Secure any hats, cameras, eyeglasses, or anything else that might be
ripped from your person during the ride. Stay away completely if you're prone to motion
sickness.
Engineered to run several trains at once, California Screamin' does a better job than
any roller coaster we've seen at handling crowds, at least when the attraction is running at
full capacity. The coaster is sometimes shut down two or more times a day for technical
problems. Early in the morning, however, it's usually easy to get two or three rides under
your belt in about 15 minutes. Ride in the first hour the park is open or use Fastpass or the
single-rider line (enter up the ramp to the left of the queue).
Golden Zephyr
What it is
Zephyrs spinning around a central tower.
Scope and scale
Minor attraction.
When
to go
The first 90 minutes the park is open or just before closing.
Special comments
Totally
redundant; can't operate on breezy days.
Duration of ride
About 2½ minutes.
Loading speed
Slow.
