 Source: Disney Wiki July 2011 – November 2014 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Phineas & Ferb held their dance party in Paradise Pier’s large open plaza, where Pacific Wharf, Grizzly Peak, and Paradise Pier met. Then and now, this plaza is right next to the Little Mermaid entrance. BACKGROUND California Adventure, like Disneyland, has its own […] Read more…
 Source: Yesterland February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Treasures in Paradise drew attention right as visitors crossed into the south side of Paradise Pier. To find the shop, visitors crossed the boardwalk bridge. The shop stood on the left side, across from Ariel’s Grotto. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Miscellaneous tees, toys, and […] Read more…
 Source: Jim Hill Media February 2001 – October 2001 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Avalon Cove drew attention not just from its high-profile owner (Wolfgang Puck), but due to its massive building jutting out into Paradise Bay. You couldn’t miss this dining spot; it was the only table service restaurant on the boardwalk side of the […] Read more…
February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Sideshow Shirts marked the last stop on the boardwalk for Paradise Pier shoppers. The massive storefront hid beneath the California Screamin’ track, close to the Mickey’s Fun Wheel entrance. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Tees, plus some ears and other seasonal accessories Unique Features – Giant Barker […] Read more…
December 2002 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Ariel’s Grotto stuck out, as it was the only restaurant to actually extend into Paradise Bay. To reach the entrance of the restaurant, visitors walked along the bridge to Paradise Pier, next to Pacific Wharf. The entryway was on the right of the bridge, before the […] Read more…
 Source: Trulia February 2001 – October 2008 LOCATION Paradise Pier – The Sun Wheel was pretty difficult to miss; the massive Ferris wheel overlooked Paradise Bay. The wheel still stands today, but is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel. BACKGROUND Every California beach boardwalk needs a Ferris wheel, and Paradise Pier was no exception. Imagineers designed a […] Read more…
With the official retirement of Paradise Pier last week, I’ve been looking through some of my photos from the boardwalk. This beautiful land didn’t skimp on the details, and the Victorian theming wasn’t its only nod to the past. In fact, one of the shop signs paid tribute to a 1960s Disney classic:Â The Jungle Book. […] Read more…
In the next few months, Paradise Pier will disappear into the Disneyland history books. This massive 14-acre land will split in half. Some of the space will maintain its turn-of-the-century charm, while the rest will become a Pixar wonderland. Though I think this is actually a very positive change for California Adventure (see my original […] Read more…
When the sun sets at the Disneyland Resort, most visitors start streaming back into Disneyland. It’s a shame, though, because California Adventure does neon lights like nobody else! Paradise Pier was one of my favorite places to spend the evening in California Adventure. The gorgeous glow brought new life to the boardwalk, and of course…World of […] Read more…
April 2009 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – The Boardwalk Bazaar was hidden on the back side of the pier. To find this shop, visitors would head behind California Screamin‘s track, between Midway Mania and Mickey’s Fun Wheel. You’d see the shop along the boardwalk, between Sideshow Shirts and the boardwalk games. EXPERIENCE Details: […] Read more…
California Adventure’s entire purpose is to celebrate the best of California. And what’s more Californian than a gorgeous seaside boardwalk? Paradise Pier sprawled across 14 acres, making it the largest land at the resort. And every section of Paradise Pier had something fun for everyone: roller coasters, tamer rides, boardwalk games, snack carts, and live […] Read more…
February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – When you arrived in Paradise Pier, you’d cross the bridge next to Pacific Wharf and head toward the back part of the bay. You’d find Paradise Pier Ice Cream Company on your left, around the corner from the gift shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick […] Read more…
February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – If you followed the main path, across the bridge, you’d find the Cove Bar on your right, just beyond the entrance to Ariel’s Grotto. You could also reach the Bar from the rear of Paradise Pier, by following the path next to the California Screamin’ launch […] Read more…
February 2001 – March 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Follow the path on either side of the bay to reach the far end of Paradise Pier, where Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Toy Story Midway Mania sit. You’d find King Triton’s Carousel in the center of this walkway, between California Screamin’ and Midway Mania. BACKGROUND King Triton’s […] Read more…