Pixar Pier is one of those instances where Disneyland didn’t exactly design from the ground up. Instead, Paradise Pier broke apart, with the boardwalk area getting some new coloring and details – but the bones were there. That’s largely why so much of the concept art is remarkably accurate compared to most imagery we see before a land opens. So when I started digging into this artwork, I wanted to see if I could spot any differences – elements that didn’t come to life after all. Let’s dive in.
First, the marquee.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
This one is remarkable close to the final product. Everything from the tiny lightbulbs to the little color patterns seems to match the concept art.
Next, the Incredicoaster. In the concept art, we saw the change from California Screamin‘s theming to mid-century modern architecture.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
The angle I captured below doesn’t quite have the same width, but this is where slight differences start to emerge. The final product doesn’t have nearly as much greenery as the concept art, and the beautiful stonework is fairly hidden from view on the walkway.
The central promenade in the land ended up with the largest design differences. The Pixar Pals Theater never came to fruition. Instead, this space has been used at various times for character meet and greets and live band performances. Additionally, the Pixar ball fountain is not as large or colorful as depicted here.
In the image below, it might take you a few moments to spot the Pixar ball. Definitely not the cheerful yellow in the concept art!
Now, back to an image that’s quite close to the final product. The Angry Dogs stand doesn’t seem like a landmark…but who doesn’t love Anger?
Source: Fresh Baked Disney
And the final product:
Over in the Toy Story area, Jessie’s Critter Carousel is an eye-catching attraction.
Source: Travel to the Magic
From concept art to final design, the changes appear quite small. The tent doesn’t reach too high in the carousel, and the mirror panels inside are a little less detailed. But otherwise, this one’s dead on.
And finally, the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.
Source: CGTN
In a few years, when the plants have some time to grow, the final product may look a bit more like the concept art. But for now, this area too is a lot less green than depicted. The marquee ended up looking a little different too, but otherwise this one is also fairly close.
To be honest, I wasn’t that surprised that it was a struggle to find differences between concept art and final product. I guess when you’re just retheming an existing area, you don’t need that much artistic license. Here’s to hoping Disneyland continues producing net-new spaces with much more interesting concept art to explore!