Update – June 26, 2018
Please check out the following videos, which we received after the original articles were published.
Disney’s big new summer attraction this year is a whole ‘new’ land . . . Pixar Pier. Well, not completely new, more of a reimagining. But the change between the old Paradise Pier and the new Pixar Pier is pronounced. The attention to detail has been increased, there are far more characters, there’s more storytelling, there’s upbeat music from the Pixar films you love, new food, new entertainment . . . it’s very much a new experience worth seeing. But before we dive in, one word of caution, the land is NOT finished. The carousel, new Inside Out ride, and Bing Bong’s Confectionary are not complete and will open at a later date. And due to heavy marketing, it is likely that this land (and the Incredicoaster in particular) is going to be packed for the foreseeable future. While Pixar Pier opens for a special paid event on Friday the 22nd, and to the general public on Saturday the 23rd, we were able to see it all TODAY and have news, views and reviews for you below. There is a LOT to cover in the article and even more in our social media:
(We are updating LIVE from DCA. Please continue to check in periodically throughout the weekend for more updates!)
Let’s start with a quick walkthrough of the new land with Dusty Sage:
The Pier still has many familiar elements, but in new form. For example, the billboards remain, but they now sport Pixar characters in a seaside setting.
We’ll break it down for you and check out all of the rides, shops, restaurants and entertainment . . .
The Rides of Pixar Pier
The attraction roster of Pixar Pier will seem familiar to you. There’s still a coaster, Ferris Wheel, Midway Mania, and a carousel. But the way they look and sound has all been changed (with the exception of the popular Midway Mania which remains mostly unchanged).
Incredicoaster
Like the Guardians of the Galaxy remake of Tower of Terror last year, the Incredicoaster is a remake of a previous attraction which results in a very different experience. Here’s a bit of video from Dusty Sage. Our full review of the new Incredicoaster is available HERE
They took a coaster with no story and gave it one. There are now props, a storyline, music from the Incredibles films and lots of little special effects and easter eggs. It’s not the best Disney coaster by a long shot, but a big improvement over the plain jane CA Screamin’.
Pal-A-Round
The Fun Wheel has a new name and characters on the outside of the gondolas, but it is essentially the same experience as before. This retheme is mainly a new paint job and brighter canopy over the queue. Name aside, this is really two attractions in one, a standard Ferris Wheel and a sliding coaster. You choose which type of car you’d like to ride and get in line. While I appreciate the thrill of the sliding cars, I just can’t do them anymore. I don’t know about you, but for me, this version of the Wheel is the scariest thing in the resort for me. Not intense, disorienting and spooky. The traditional fixed car version of the wheel is thrilling enough for me with great views of the Pier and surrounding areas.
Toy Story Midway Mania
The popular shooter attraction remains unchanged.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
The old King Triton Carousel will be rethemed to Toy Story . . . but won’t open until sometime next year. Here’s what the construction site looks like now:
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (Coming 2019)
The only information Disney has released about the upcoming Inside Out attraction is the name, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, and a bit of concept art that shows an attraction similar to Flik’s Flyers in the soon to close Bugs Land. We suspect a rethemed version of that attraction to open on the west end of the Pier next year, it looks to be stationed right on the old Maliboomer pad.
Pixar Pier Dining
One thing that has definitely been improved in the Pier are the dining options. There is one sit down restaurant/lounge and several fast food options.
Lamplight Lounge
Here are some highlights from Matt and Dusty. More to come!
There’s even a hidden room at the Lamplight Lounge. If you get an opportunity to see the “Office,” take it. The room is a sort of speakeasy. A cast member has to offer you the opportunity and then you have to figure out how to get in. It’s like a room you escape to rather than from.
The food at the Lamplight Lounge is very good and creative as well. It’s also designed to look great on camera. Instagram was certainly a consideration on much of what you see in Pixar Pier.
Our full review of the wonderful new Lamplight Lounge is available HERE
Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
We’ve been lucky enough to be able to enjoy these delicious, yet questionable, treats since the beginning of May. Although nothing here is new, it’s a delightful experience to see this playful theme as a part of a much bigger Pixar world. If you like Dole Whip, give this lemon flavored version a try.
Poultry Palace
Located at Toy Story Boardwalk, guests can enjoy turkey legs and chicken drumsticks. These tasty poultry offerings are served from a whimsical stand that looks like an oversized meal box and juice box featured in the Pixar short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry.”
Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums
As you exit the Incredicoaster, which features cookie smells to lure the baby Jack Jack, you’ll encounter freshly baked cookies that you can buy . . . devious! There are several options here, a hot brown butter cookie, a gluten-friendly blackberry filled cookie, and a shortbread cookie. And, of course, you’ll find milk, chocolate milk, and strawberry milk (including soy and almond milk option). Truly delicious.
Señor Buzz Churros
This churro cart is inspired by Spanish Buzz and, rightfully so, serves up a delicious churro with a spicy flare. Also available, is a classic churro that’s out of this world!
Angry Dogs
Further along the path, discover Anger from “Inside Out.” The more Anger burns with rage, the hotter these dogs get!
Pixar Pier Shopping
Knick’s Knacks
Pixar’s new flagship store at the Disneyland Resort opened over a month ago along with Adorable Snowman’s Frosted Treats. We’ve covered the shop extensively on MiceChat and the product mix hasn’t changed much. But we do encourage you Pixar fans to check it out.
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
The newest candy shop at the resort is not ready for prime time and still behind construction walls until later this summer.
Pixar Pier Entertainment
Paint the Night – New Incredibles Float
When Paint the Night moved from Disneyland to California Adventure, some changes needed to be made. Rather than remove the Red Car Trolly wires from Buena Vista Street, they decided to alter some of the floats to remove their highest elements. But the Frozen float had to go. In its place, a new float inspired by the Incredibles has made its debut. The float features some neat special effects and a video orb around Violet.
Characters
One thing Pixar Pier has a lot of is Character. We found Russell, Flick, Atta, Jessie, Woodie, Buzz, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Edna Mode, and Frozone during our journey, but there are many more characters who make the rounds. Disney has taken a quiet corner of the park and turned it into character cove.
Pixarmonic Orchestra
The new Pixar Park Bandstand now hosts the Pixarmonic Orchestra. It’s a great venue for them, though it’s odd that the bandshell doesn’t have a stage. Because the band performs at ground level, only the folks in front will have a good view.
Pixar Ball
It’s no replacement for the water playground in a Bugs Land, but there’s a large ball floating on water near the Games of the Boardwalk (similar to the one in Tomorrowland). It’s oddly out of place, just tucked away in a corner with seemingly no rhyme nor reason.
This article is a work in progress. In our attempt to share photos and videos with you as we process them, we’ll be updating this column through the weekend. Please keep checking back and don’t forget to share with your friends and family!
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