Princess Dot Puddle Park: Some splashing fun for little ones
Written: Apr 23 '04 (Updated Jun 21 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Kids can have fun and get wet, benches for parents, cute theme
Cons: Kids can get really soaked and might be uncomfortable in their wet clothing
The Bottom Line: A fun water attraction that appeals to lots of ages.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Princess Dot Puddle Park - California Adventure |
Princess Dot Puddle Park is located in Disney's California Adventure Park. It is not a ride but a water attraction. My 4 year old happily spent 30 minutes playing here but we timed it for the end of the day so he could immediately change out of his wet clothes.
LOCATION AND THEMING - A BUG'S LAND
Princess Dot Puddle Park is located in A Bug's Land which is based on the Disney / Pixar movie "A Bug's Life." This area has one of the best theming jobs I have ever seen in any park. The detail is amazing and you will find something cute or clever in every corner. Even the foliage and landscaping are designed to make guests feel as small as bugs. Benches are designed to look like they were made out of popscicle sticks - lights are made of gigantic drinking straws and fireflies. All of the rides and attractions in this area are designed for small children (although I saw a lot of adults on them). Even if you don't have small children, take a walk through to check it out.
Princess Dot Puddle Park is in the middle of A Bug's Land. It is surrounded by foliage on three sides with a couple of entrances. There are benches for parents to sit and mind their children.
THE ATTRACTION
This attraction is basically a very elaborate water fountain. There are about 10 different fountains embedded in the ground that squirt water at random intervals. Sometimes, you will have no water for about 30 seconds which surprises all the children. Then, all of a sudden, water will "jump" from one area to the next. Then, all the fountains might start squirting little drops of water. The preschool and older children playing in this area loved the surprises and jumping in and out of the squirts. However, some of the youngest children got surprised when they got a blast of water unexpectedly and some toddlers ended up in tears.
The "floor" of the attraction is flat with several grates. These grates allow the water to shoot up and also let the water drain off the floor. Because the floor is flat, there is no danger of tripping over anything. I noticed many parents removed their kids shoes so they wouldn't get wet. I had my 4 year old keep his shoes on because I was afraid the wet cement floor would be slippery. I didn't see any children fall - but we paid the price in sneakers that took 2 days to completely dry out.
Of course, this is water play so children get very wet. Some parents had the foresight to bring bathing suits but most did not. Their children made a run for the water and the parents quickly shooed them out to avoid wet clothes and shoes. If you think your children will enjoy this area, consider bringing a bathing suit or an extra set of clothes (there is a bathroom very close by to change).
SAFETY
The only thing I didn't like about this attraction is that there were always many excited children running around in the small area. I don't think the attraction itself poses any safety threat, but I could see two children crashing into each other. While my 4 year old was playing, a parent allowed a 5 or 6 year old to run around the area with a plastic pirate sword that could have probably hurt another child. We had to sit out for a few minutes until that child left the area.
The age range is also large. There were toddlers through teens playing in the area. Toddlers and smaller children could get easily smushed by the older children. On a crowded day, I would watch my kids closely in this area.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
My son loved this area of the park and I can give it 4 stars based on the fun he had. I subtracted one star because I think this attraction can be a bit dangerous when it is crowded. I think the key to enjoying this attraction is to make sure your child is supervised and the area is not too crowded. Also, plan ahead with a bathing suit or change of clothes.
MY REVIEWS OF THE DISNEY THEME PARKS IN CALIFORNIA
Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK HOTELS IN CALIFORNIA
Disney’s Grand Californian
Marriott Suites Anaheim
Residence Inn Anaheim
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK RESTAURANTS
Storyteller’s Cafe
Blue Bayou
Wine Country Trattoria
Goofy’s Kitchen
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Soarin’ Over California
Grizzly River Run
The Sun Wheel
Orange Stinger
Mulholland Madness
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D
It’s Tough to be a Bug 3D
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Flik’s Flyers
Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
Misson Tortilla Factory Tour
Boudin Bakery Factory Tour
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEYLAND
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones Adventure
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Peter Pan’s Flight
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Alice in Wonderland
Matterhorn Bobsleds
It’s a Small World
Tarzan’s Tree House
Aladdin’s Oasis
Splash Mountain
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Autotopia
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D
Astro Orbitor
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
MY REVIEWS OF OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Legoland
SeaWorld San Diego
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Wild Animal Park
Balboa Park
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego’s Old Town
The Museum of Making Music
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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modernmarvel
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