Having reimagined Africa, Asia, and Europe in central Florida, Disney has now built a theme park that looks much closer to home for inspiration. How close? Right outside the gates. Situated on 55 acres adjacent to Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure aims to re-create the Golden State's considerable charms smack in the middle of Anaheim. With elements of Hollywood, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, and an old-fashioned Pacific Coast amusement pier all packed into what was once a parking lot (though you'd never know it for the mountains of earth Disney has moved), visiting families can hit the state's highlights without worrying about exceeding the mileage limits on their rental cars.

The $1.4 billion expansion has three main components: the new theme park; an outdoor pedestrian mall of movie theaters, shops, restaurants, and dance clubs called Downtown Disney, a concept borrowed from Walt Disney World; and the stylish 750-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel that's decked out with three pools, four eateries, and many rooms that look directly into the park. In addition to putting guests closer to the action than any other Disney lodging option in California or Florida, the hotel also completes Disneyland's transformation from pleasant day-trip into self-contained destination (room rates for a family of four start around $235 per night based on availability; call (714) 956-6425).

For families, the main draw will be the cleverly laid out and visually arresting California Adventure theme park. Following tried-and-true convention, the theme park consists of three distinct zones--Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Golden State, and Paradise Pier--each of which contains a heady run of rides, shows, and theme restaurants. Just some of the highlights appear on the following page.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change.