Paradise Pier

February 2001 – January 2018

BACKGROUND

When California Adventure was first conceptualized, Imagineers envisioned a pier similar to those found all over the coast of California. Originally, Paradise Pier resembled a seaside amusement park, but from 2008-2009, Imagineers refurbished and expanded the land. The new theme was reminiscent of a 1920’s Victorian boardwalk, with new attractions and the World of Color show rounding out its expansion. For seventeen years, Paradise Pier remained one of the most popular lands in California Adventure, drawing millions of nostalgic guests to its old-fashioned coasters, restaurants, and classic boardwalk games.

THE EXPERIENCE

Paradise Pier was the largest land in California Adventure, offering a wide variety of entertainment and dining. Upon entering Paradise Pier from any direction, guests had an incredible view of the water, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and California Screamin’. Guests exploring the pier could explore boardwalk rides, play games, shop, grab a bite to eat, or just enjoy the view. Whether guests wanted to brave the big rides or take a stroll through a classic American boardwalk with a bag of popcorn, Paradise Pier had something for everyone.

CHARACTERS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER

• Buzz Lightyear
• Woody
• Jessie
• Army Men (from Toy Story)
• Mr. Potato Head
• Goofy
• Pluto
• Donald Duck
• Lilo (rare)
• Stitch (rare)

ATTRACTIONS

• California Screamin’
• Golden Dreams
• Golden Zephyr (now in Paradise Park)
• Goofy’s Sky School (now in Paradise Park)
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish (now in Paradise Park)
• King Triton’s Carousel
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure (now in Paradise Park)
• Maliboomer
• Mickey’s Fun Wheel
• Mulholland Madness
• Orange Stinger
• Silly Symphony Swings (now in Paradise Park)
• SS Rustworthy
• Sun Wheel
• Toy Story Midway Mania! 
• World Of Color (now in Paradise Park)

DINING

• Ariel’s Grotto
• Bayside Brews (now in Paradise Park)
• Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (now in Paradise Park)
• Burger Invasion
• Catch A Flave
• Corn Dog Castle (now in Paradise Park)
• Cove Bar
• Paradise Garden Grill (now in Paradise Park)
• Paradise Pier Ice Cream Company
• Pizza Oom Mow Mow

SHOPS

• Boardwalk Bazaar
• Embarcadero (now in Paradise Park)
• Seaside Souvenirs (now in Paradise Park)
• Sideshow Shirts
• Souvenir 66

CLOSURE

Despite its massive size, Paradise Pier actually had a lot of underutilized space. Imagineers had been searching for a way to incorporate more Pixar into the resort for a while, and at D23 2017, Disney finally announced the new Pixar hub in the park. Paradise Pier would split into two lands: Paradise Park and Pixar Pier. January 7, 2018 marked Paradise Pier’s final day of operation, before the official separation into two smaller lands.

TRIVIA

Paradise Pier saw the most change of any California Adventure land. Since it’s opening in 2001, Paradise Pier closed eleven rides/attractions and nine restaurants/shops.

Several times a day, Goofy conducted a water show in Paradise Bay. Classical music played as Goofy sent water shooting above the water.