Pacific Wharf

June 2012 – August 2023

BACKGROUND

When California Adventure first opened in 2001, Pacific Wharf was technically part of Paradise Pier, although it was very similar to how it appears now. As the park expanded and Paradise Pier was renovated, Pacific Wharf began to take on an identity of its own. By 2007, when California Adventure experienced its first major overhaul and expansion, Pacific Wharf had become its own distinct area in the park, and it officially became its own land in 2012.

THE EXPERIENCE

If New Orleans Square is the dining hub of Disneyland, Pacific Wharf was definitely the dining hub of California Adventure. Pacific Wharf was the only land in the Disneyland Resort without a single major attraction, serving almost exclusively as a rest and refuel area overlooking the pier. The wharf had a wide range of restaurants with tons of outdoor seating. And despite the eclectic mix of Chinese, Mexican, and American eateries, the wharf had a distinct Northern California feel. The buildings and window displays were modeled after the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and Cannery Row in Monterey. Whether guests were in search of a quick bite to eat or wanted to explore the waterfront viewing areas, Pacific Wharf offered a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of California Adventure.

CHARACTERS

• None

ATTRACTIONS

• Boudin Bakery Tour

DINING

• Alfresco Tasting Terrace
• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
• Ghirardelli Soda Fountain
• Lucky Fortune Cookery
• Mendocino Terrace
• Pacific Wharf Café
• Rita’s Baja Blenders
• Sonoma Terrace
• Wine Country Trattoria

SHOPS

• none

CLOSURE

At D23 Expo 2022, Disney announced plans to breathe new life into California Adventure’s quiet square. Seeing an opportunity to add another franchise into the park, the land changed from northern California to San Fransokyo, the fictional city blending San Francisco and Tokyo from Big Hero 6. The blueprint of the land remains unchanged, but the look and feel is definitely different than it was as Pacific Wharf.

TRIVIA

At the Farmer’s Market stand, you can buy sourdough bread shaped like Mickey.

Boudin and Ghirardelli are both world famous San Francisco landmarks. Boudin makes all of its bread in its San Francisco factory, and Ghirardelli’s main factory is located in Ghirardelli square, near the waterfront.

The rear entrance to Pacific Wharf feeds from Cars Land. This area offers beautiful views of the Radiator Springs Racers landscape, and is a great place for family photos.