January 2018 – present
BACKGROUND
California Adventure proudly debuted its largest land, Paradise Pier, on opening day in 2001. Over time, the land went through an extensive refurbishment, becoming a Victorian beachside playground. In 2017, Disney announced plans to split Paradise Pier into two new lands. The first, Pixar Pier, would encompass the southern section of the land, from the bridge to the ferris wheel. The second, Paradise Gardens Park, would keep the same seaside theming. Paradise Gardens Park officially opened as its own land in January 2018, though its look and feel had already become a familiar sight to park visitors.
THE EXPERIENCE
Paradise Gardens Park celebrates classic seaside amusement parks up and down the California coast. Visitors choose from a range of thrilling experiences, from the iconic Little Mermaid dark ride to the wild Goofy’s Sky School. After exploring the rides, guests can grab a bite to eat from one of the land’s four dining options, and enjoy the peaceful Paradise Gardens. During seasonal festivals, the gardens host exclusive entertainment, activities, character meet and greets, and specialty food offerings. There’s always something going on in Paradise Gardens Park, giving visitors the chance to experience something new each time they visit.
CHARACTERS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Army Men (from Toy Story)
- Mulan (during Lunar New Year)
- Mushu (during Lunar New Year)
- Princess Elena (during Festival of the Holidays)
ATTRACTIONS
- Festival of the Holidays (seasonal)
- Food and Wine Festival (seasonal)
- Golden Zephyr
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Lunar New Year Festival (seasonal)
- Silly Symphony Swings
DINING
- Bayside Brews
- Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
- Corn Dog Castle
- Magic Key Terrace
- Mendocino Terrace
- Paradise Garden Grill
- Sonoma Terrace
- Wine Country Trattoria
SHOPS
TRIVIA
Though most lands in California Adventure have distinct signage parking entrances, Paradise Gardens Park does not. Technically, the land starts at the Embarcadero and Little Mermaid intersection, and ends at the Silly Symphony swings.
The change from Paradise Pier to Paradise Gardens Park marked the area’s third theming since 2001. (Standard California boardwalk from 2001 – 2007, Victorian theming from 2007-2017, split into two lands 2018 – present).
TOURING TIPS
When you visit California Adventure, always check the event schedule to see if Paradise Gardens Park has a festival during your stay. Each one has unique offerings, and transform the land with new décor and food stands. If there is no festival scheduled during your stay, don’t skip Paradise Gardens Park! In my opinion, the best time to visit is sunset; I love watching the sunlight slowly disappear as the neon lights make the park glow.
