25 Jun 2018
Disney debuts Pixar Pier at California theme park
BY Tom Anstey
Disney has kicked off its summer of Pixar at its Disneyland Resort in California, with the official launch of the rebranded Pixar Pier.
The former boardwalk reopens after closing in January for its redevelopment. Anchored by the redesigned Incredibles-themed Incredicoaster, Pixar Pier features four different themed neighbourhoods using Pixar’s most popular IPs.
Created by Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH, the former California Screamin’ rollercoaster has undergone a complete makeover, with the new experience featuring a mid-century, modern-style loading area, new character moments and redesigned carriages. The ride takes guests on an adventure with the Parr family, who have to chase after baby Jack-Jack. The ride story is based on Incredibles 2, which opened in theatres 15 June.
The park’s existing Toy Story Mania! 4D ride, which opened in 2008 and was manufactured by ETF Ride Systems, is the centrepiece of the Toy Story-themed neighbourhood. In 2019, guests will also be able to ride Jessie's Critter Carousel.
Based on Inside Out, the third neighbourhood sits on the western side of the boardwalk. Inspired by Joy, Sadness and the emotions of the 2015 film, this neighbourhood will feature another new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open in 2019.
The final neighbourhood celebrates the stories of Pixar. California Adventure’s iconic Mickey’s Fun Wheel has been given a new look, with each of the ride’s 24 gondolas featuring different characters. The park's iconic Mickey Mouse remains on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. For the Boardwalk, its midway games are inspired by Pixar characters such as A Bug’s Life and WALL.E. Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar has also been transformed, with the venue becoming a Pixar-themed lounge and grill.
Remaining areas of Paradise Pier – including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – become part of a new land known as Paradise Park.
The new attractions debut during "Pixar Fest" – an event celebrating Pixar which runs at the Disneyland Resort through to 3 September. Among the special events on tap, Pixar Fest features the daily “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” – a multimedia fireworks show at Disneyland Park.
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