April 2019 – present
LOCATION
Pixar Pier – Jessie’s Critter Carousel overlooks the central section of Pixar Pier. To find the attraction, walk over the bridge and follow the path as it curves down to the lower boardwalk. You’ll see the carousel on your left, just after the Incredicoaster. If you’re coming from the other side, by Goofy’s Sky School, follow the main path past the Pal-A-Round and promenade. You’ll see the carousel on your right, a little past the Midway Mania building.
BACKGROUND
California Adventure’s lineup always included a carousel. From 2001 – 2018, King Triton ruled the carousel, with riders hopping onto fish, whales, and other sea creatures for rides around the pier. But in 2018, the Paradise Pier space in the park broke into two new lands, and the boardwalk area took on a new Pixar theme. King Triton no longer fit in the new theme, so the carousel closed for a makeover. The attraction reopened in 2019, with Toy Story’s Jessie and her critters replacing the sea creatures.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Single Rider Line – no
- Fast Pass – no
- Height Requirement – none
- Duration – 2:00
Visitors to Jessie’s Critter Carousel have 56 different critters to choose from. Once inside the corral, the critters take off on a two minute ride. Along the way, riders can enjoy views of the Incredicoaster, the bay, and the central promenade, or check out the massive western mural along the rear. After two minutes, the critters slow to a crawl, allowing riders to hop off and roam the rest of Pixar Pier’s various neighborhoods.
MY RATING: ★★★☆☆
The Critter Carousel is a fun break from the wilder rides in Pixar Pier. The critters themselves are cute and distinctive, and the mural in the back adds some much needed atmosphere. The carousel’s location does somewhat obstruct views of the surrounding area, so don’t expect the panorma you get from the Fantasyland version. But the lines here tend to stay short and the ride itself is quite enjoyable.
VISITING TIPS
I like to ride the Carousel when I’m waiting for a Midway Mania or Incredicoaster fast pass window. Generally speaking, the lines here don’t get too crazy (unless you’re visiting on a super busy day when everything is nuts). I’d also recommend riding if you’re waiting for members of your party to ride scarier attractions like the coaster or the Pal-A-Round; you can still do something fun while you skip out on the big rides.
TRIVIA
Though Jessie is a character in Toy Story 2, 3, and 4, this attraction specifically draws inspiration from “Woody’s Roundup” in Toy Story 2.
