Disneyland’s long-awaited revamp of Paradise Pier at California Adventure is finally open to the public. The former California boardwalk and carnival theme are taking a queue from it’s most popular ride Toy Story Midway Mania. Everything on Paradise Pier has a Pixar Makeover. Read on to learn more about Pixar Pier’s 4 new “neighborhoods” and inspiring Lamplight Lounge.
Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland’s Pixar Pier
The Neighborhoods
Pixar Pier formerly known as Paradise Pier is officially opened and ready to explore from the rides, photo ops, food, drink and more. You will find that Pixar Pier is divided up into 4 Neighborhoods based on the movies. They are Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Inside Out Headquarters and Pixar Promenade.
Incredibles Park
This is the location for the new Incredi Coaster. According to the story, The Incredibles are honored their own coaster and are going to ride it for the first time, Jack Jack and Edna Mode stay behind because they don’t meet the height requirement, Jack Jack gets loose and the coaster becomes a mad dash to catch him.
Toy Story Boardwalk
This is an expansion of Toy Story Midway Mania and it includes a Carousel called Jesse’s Critter Carousel. The carousel is still on “preorder” from Al’s Toy Barn for 2019. The critters on the carousel are those featured as “prizes” at the end of Mania.
The best thing about this neighborhood is all of the funny food stops with references to the Toy Story movies. My favorite is Senior Buzz Churros, a recall to the Spanish setting on the Buzz Lightyear figure displayed in Toy Story 3.
Pixar Promenade
The space formerly occupied by midway games now has midway games themed to Pixar. Bullseye Stallion Stampede is still there, along with new games Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, Wall-E Space Race, and La Luna Star Catcher, based on one of my favorite Pixar shorts. The prizes are all unique to the Pixar Property the games represent.
The Promenade is also home to the Pixar Pal-Around. While guests outside the pier will still recognize it as Mickey’s Fun Wheel. a closer look reveals new character painted gondolas that are all Pixar.
Inside Out Headquarters
While the Whirlwind of Emotions will not be open until next year. concept art reveals that it will be the exact same ride as Flick’s Fliers in Flik’s Fun Fair. Until then you can get good and angry about it and have a hot dog over at Angry Dogs. I guess Anger is done with pizza after the broccoli incident.
You won’t have to wait too long for more Inside Out, because Later this Summer Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff opens in the neighborhood.
Food & Drink
Lamplight Lounge
Throughout the pier are food carts and sit down restaurants themed to the movies we love such as Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums, The Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats and more, but the greatest place to eat and relax is the Lamplight Lounge.
This is a big, open, indoor space with plenty of covered outdoor seating overlooking the bay. It’s welcoming and has a very inspirational vibe for story lovers. The whole lounge is decked with tons of Pixar art and memorabilia.
Lamplight Lounge was Formerly Ariel’s Grotto and it’s new look is the most drastic change to the pier next to the Incredi Coaster loading station. The menu includes bites, bigger bites, donuts and a menu for “budding artists” (kids). The menu also features beer, cocktails, cocktails, and signature non-alcoholic beverages.
Poultry Place
If you remember Toy Story Toons, Poultry Place may look familiar to you. Not only is this location have an Instagram Worthy photo ops but you can chow down on a Jumbo Turkey Leg, or a Chicken Drumstick Box with coleslaw.
Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums
Right inside the Incredibles park, you will spot a kiosk of Jack-Jack’s favorite snack. They serve warm chocolate chip cookies and a variety of flavored milk. There is also a gluten-free option that is a shortbread cookie.
Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
The best place to cool off is at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. My favorite is the Pixar Pier Frozen Parfait which consists of non-dairy lemon soft serve and blue raspberry slushie. But you can also get soft serve ice cream on a cone in chocolate, vanilla and dole-whip style non-dairy lemon.
Angry Dogs
Based on the emotion angry from Inside Out, you can pick up a hot dog at this food stand and get angry about it if you want to but I find that hard to believe you will since you are in the most magical place ever.
Senor Buzz Churros
You cannot leave Disneyland without picking up a churro, it is a much-needed staple when you visit. But these churros served at Senor Buzz Churros are not any like any other ordinary churro. In fact, they are a bit spicy, hence the Spanish name. At this food stand, you will find Spicy Caliente and Cinnamon Sugar Galaxy Churros.
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionery
And finally, stock up on candy before you leave the park at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionery. You can also find slushies, and other Disney candy shop and Pixar themed items. And don’t forget to snap a photo of Bing Bong on the wall in the shop.
Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots at Pixar Pier
- Pixar Pal-A-Round
- Poultry Palace Juice Box
- WALL•E and EVE wall
- Bing Bong Purple wall
- Incredibles character wall
- Color-blocked wall in Incredibles Park
- Lamplight Lounge Cars table
- Lamplight Lounge entrance
- Adventure is out there awing
- Pixar Pier entrance sign
- Buzz Light Year wings
- Luxo Ball water fountain
- Angry Dogs sign
- Al’s Toy Barn sign
- Finding Dory Keep our Pier Clean sign
- The Adventure is Down There sign
- Pixar Pier Gate
- Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
- Luxo Ball Wall
- Pixar Balloon Wall
And while you’re there be sure to check out Pixar Fest running through September 3rd! There are plenty of things to do from trying delicious treats, drinks, attractions, Pixar Play Parade, Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular and so much more.
