Pixar Pier

June 2018 – present

BACKGROUND

In both Disneyland and California Adventure, Pixar never really had its “home”. Sure, the Toy Story gang wandered Paradise Pier, the Cars cast owned Cars Land, and Nemo and friends swam in the Tomorrowland lagoon, among others. But compared to Disney animation features, Pixar was significantly underrepresented at the Disneyland Resort. Disney formally acquired Pixar in 2006, and by then, it seemed inevitable that the studio’s productions would expand at the resort. In 2017, Disney finally announced a new general Pixar Land: Pixar Pier. The existing Paradise Pier would split in two: Paradise Gardens Park (the waterfront space) and Pixar Pier (the rear boardwalk). Pixar Pier officially opened to the public in June 2018, less than one year after its first announcement.

THE EXPERIENCE

Visitors to Pixar Pier have the chance to explore a series of “neighborhoods”, almost like mini-lands within a larger boardwalk. The tour of the pier begins across an extended bridge, with a glowing marquee above. Here, visitors can stop by the Lamplight Lounge, the land’s largest restaurant and the only dining area that extends onto the bay. Once on the boardwalk, the neighborhoods line up as follows:

• Incredibles Park – The Incredibles gang hangs out in this region of the Pier. Here you’ll find the Incredicoaster, Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums, and a small courtyard with a stylized mid-century modern fountain.
• Toy Story Boardwalk – Next we move into the world of Toy Story. This play area shrinks visitors down to the size of a toy, like a miniature west coast Toy Story Land. The Boardwalk includes Toy Story Midway Mania!, Jessie’s Critter Carousel (opening in 2019), Poultry Palace, and Señor Buzz Churros.
• Pixar Promenade – The center promenade in Pixar Pier maintains general theming, without celebrating one particular film series. The open stage features life entertainment throughout the day, and the Luxo Jr. Ball fountain makes for a great photo op. Visitors can explore the Pixar Pal-A-Round and try their hand the boardwalk games themed to A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, and Toy Story.
• Inside Out Headquarters – Finally, Inside Out anchors the western end of Pixar Pier. This space hosts two dining options: Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Angry Dogs. And starting in 2019, visitors will also ride the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, a new boardwalk-style attraction.

CHARACTERS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER

• Edna Mode
• Mr. Incredible
• Mrs. Incredible
• Frozone
• Woody
• Buzz Lightyear
• Jessie
• Joy
• Sadness

ATTRACTIONS

• Incredicoaster
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel
• Pixar Pal-A-Round
• Toy Story Midway Mania!

DINING

• Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
• Angry Dogs
• Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums
• Lamplight Lounge
• Poultry Palace

SHOPS

• Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
• Knick’s Knacks

TRIVIA

Pixar Pier is the first land at the Disneyland Resort to open “unfinished”. The land opened with only 2/4 of its attractions, and while Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff was just partially complete. But Disney definitely felt the pressure to have the land open before Star Wars Land created mass attention across the promenade in 2019.

Since its opening in 2001, this part of California Adventure has actually been rethemed/reconstructed twice. The first time was a transformation turning Paradise Pier from a typical California beach town to a Victorian boardwalk.

TOURING TIPS

Since Pixar Pier has two fast pass attractions (Incredicoaster and Midway Mania!), the land gets crowded, especially in the afternoons. I’d highly recommend fast pass or using single rider for the Incredicoaster. If you don’t have fast pass and have to wait in line, I’d actually highly recommend saving Pixar Pier for the evening. This area is really pretty at sunset, and it’s fun to see the neon lights turn on and give the park an extra glow.