Great news for Disney and Pixar lovers: Disney California Adventure’s Pixar Pier – previously Paradise Pier – has been officially open to the public as of Saturday, June 23, 2018!
The land still offers many of the same rides and other features but with a Pixar twist. While most attractions, restaurants, gift shops, and the like have already opened up, there are also a few more surprises in Pixar Pier arriving later on.
Let’s check out what Pixar Pier currently offers and what is soon to come.
Rides and Attractions
Incredicoaster
Previously California Screamin’, the Incredibles-themed Incredicoaster is now open! Make sure to get to the Incredicoaster quickly or opt for a Fastpass as lines have been lengthy since it began operating.
Pixar Pal-A-Round
Mickey’s Fun Wheel, the 160-foot-tall Ferris wheel that has been an iconic attraction in California Adventure since 2009, has been renamed the Pixar Pal-A-Round. You can opt for swinging or non-swinging gondolas as you wish. This ride is wonderful to go on in the evening, so you can watch the sun set over beautiful California Adventure.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Toy Story Midway Mania!, as it’s already Pixar-themed, has not had any upgrades or additions since Pixar Pier opened; however, it was temporarily closed as the park transformed – but it’s back in action! The only change that was made since is the fact that the Fastpass entrance was moved further down.
If you have yet to go on this 4D ride-and-game-combo, you must check it out. When it first arrived in 2008, the wait time was long for years. That said, you best bet is to try to get on this ride first before the Incredicoaster now that the newness and hype has died down a little and all eyes are now on the revamped California Screamin’.
Midway Games
Paradise Pier may now be transformed, but Pixar Pier still offers a fun boardwalk vibe with four new carnival games! To top it off, prizes are Pixar-themed. (Please note that Midway Games are not free to play.)
Bullseye Stallion Stampede
Based off the Toy Story series, Bullseye Stallion Stampede is a skee ball-inspired game where players roll rubber balls into different leveled holes to make their horse run faster. The goal is to try to get your balls into the highest-tired slots as possible. First one whose horse crosses the prairie wins a prize!
Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss
In this A Bug’s Life-themed carnival game, players attempt to throw giant candy corns into the mouth of Heimlich the hungry caterpillar.
WALL·E Space Race
Using a canon-like fire extinguisher, players must shoot WALL·E and Eve higher up into space. The player with the best aim, and thus faster WALL·E and Eve, wins the game!
La Luna Star Catcher
In La Luna Star Catcher inspired by a Disney Short, players use a fishing pole to collect magnetic stars floating down a moving stream of water. Each star has a tiny, colored dot indicating what prize you will receive! (Hint: Red dots are the rarest, earning you a better prize.) This is the only Pixar Pier game that guarantees a prize!
Entertainment
Paint the Night Parade + New Incredibles Float
The Paint the Night Parade in Pixar Pier will be featuring the biggest Pixar-inspired parade in California Adventure. Be sure to look out for the brand-new Incredibles float while you’re watching. Also be sure to research and book a special dining package before the parade starts.
Pixarmonic Orchestra
Check out the Pixarmonic Orchestra playing fun tunes featuring a variety of instruments include a cello, cowbells, kazoos, slide whistles, and more. The group will be moving from the Paradise Garden Bandstand right into Pixar Pier itself.
Restaurants and Food Stands
Abominable Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
Beat the summer heat with ice creams and other cold treats at this tasty food stand in Pixar Pier. Their lemon ice cream is a fan favorite.
Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge offers both Pixar-inspired décor and foods including ratatouille (from the movie Ratatouille) and different pastas, sandwiches, burgers, and other delicious meals.
Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums
For top-notch cookies and different-flavored milks, head on over to Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums!
Senor Buzz’s Churros
Stop by Senor Buzz’s Churros for a warm, cinnamon-y churro. They offer their signature cinnamon sugar churro as well as a spicy option.
Poultry Palace
Chow down on a fresh chicken drumstick box with crispy cole slaw or a large turkey leg and corn-on-the-cob at Pixar Pier’s Poultry Palace.
Angry Dogs
Inside Out-inspired Angry Dogs offers the best and freshest hot dogs in all of California Adventure. Pair hot fries or potato chips with your dog – and if you want a little heat or other added flavors, Angry Dogs has a lovely variation of condiments to pick from.
Gift Shops
Knick’s Knacks
Offering a plethora of Pixar classic souvenirs and other favorites from apparel to toys to houseware products, you’ll want to check out this gift shop before ending your California Adventure trip. Knick’s Knacks also has incredible Pixar concept art up for grabs and a character sketch artist on duty if you wish to have your own art created.
Coming Soon to Pixar Pier
The World of Color
The World of Color has been open since 2010, but rumor has it that one of its major fountains has been damaged, affecting the quality of the show. Recent World of Color tickets have been refunded until proper repairs are underway. That said, if you’re hoping to see this colorful, breath-taking show soon, there may be a waiting time.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
In the summer of 2019, we can expect Jessie’s Critter Carousel to appear in Pixar Pier in replacement of King Triton’s Carousel! In fact, it’s already under construction.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
In 2019, Pixar Pier will have an Inside Out-themed ride called the Emotional Whirlwind! Riders will sit in large, twirling baskets that go up and down.
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionary
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionary, a tasty gift shop with Disney sweet treats, is rumored to be officially open later this summer. You’ll be able to find caramel apples, cake pops, and other goodies.
Overall, Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim, California is already in full-swing with the exception of a few more additions yet to come.
In fact, thousands have already checked out the new California Adventure land. Photographs of the land since reopening depict that park guests are shoulder-to-shoulder at times. Pixar Pier is a hit! But now your Pixar friends are happily waiting for you to arrive.