The new entirely Pixar-themed area of Disney California Adventure Park – Pixar Pier – enthusiastically opened its gates on June 23rd, and it’s got more than enough to offer to all the fellow Pixar fans out there.
First up – the attractions!
There are currently 3 attractions at Pixar Pier – The Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, and the Pixar Pal-A-Round – with more due to be added in 2019 (Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and Jessie’s Critter Carousel). Toy Story Midway Mania makes you feel like you’ve shrunk down to the size of Woody and Buzz while you compete in a variety of target shooting games, while the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel lets you sit back, relax, and take in your surroundings and the wonderful views. If you’re looking for more of a thrill, there are swinging gondolas too!
The Incredicoaster is an Incredibles 2 themed rollercoaster, complete with Michael Giacchino’s iconic soundtrack. And this isn’t just the movie soundtrack – Giacchino arranged music specifically for the Incredicoaster, to play alongside a high-speed race to catch Jack-Jack. If you’re looking for an immersive experience, then look no further than this super-powered ride.
“People when they’re riding it…they’re gonna have an emotional connection right off the bat. They’re gonna feel like they’re really in the movie. And I think that they’re gonna walk away from this, humming the music and saying ‘we have to go and do that again’.” – Michael Giacchino
Watch Disneyland’s feature on the orchestration below:
What else?
This isn’t anywhere near the extent of what Pixar Pier has to offer – there are all sorts of snacks taking inspiration from our favourite Pixar movies (a ‘Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num’, anyone?), including the Poultry Palace, which you may recognise from the Toy Story toon Small Fry.
“Some Nutrients – Many Preservatives”
There are also plenty of games (with prizes!) to try out – the La Luna themed one being my personal favourite. The WALL-E Space Race comes in as a close second though.
I love how the team who came up with concepts/designed/built Pixar Pier were clearly driven by creativity and a sense of fun. I think that’s why I feel the most excited about the Lamplight Lounge (and that’s why I saved it until last). The Lamplight Lounge is a ‘restaurant celebrating creativity’; its walls and ceilings are adorned with posters, concept art, promotional art and memorabilia from Pixar movies spanning all the way back to Toy Story.
Have you been lucky enough to visit the Pixar Pier yet? If so – please share your photos and experiences with us! What was your favourite part? Did you sample all the snacks? Let us know on Twitter. Tags: Disney Parks, pixar pier Last modified: July 2, 2018
