Jessie’s Critter Carousel is a charming carousel ride located in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The ride features 56 different critters inspired by the “Woody’s Roundup” segment from Toy Story 2. The carousel offers a fun and relaxing experience for guests of all ages, with no height requirement.
Average Wait Times and Best Times to Ride
The average wait times for Jessie’s Critter Carousel are generally short, typically ranging from 5 to 6 minutes during the day. Early mornings and late evenings, when the park’s crowd tends to flock towards the major attractions, are the ideal times to hop on this carousel. The carousel looks particularly magical at night when it is lit up, so consider going for a spin after dark if you can.Â
Height Requirements, Single Rider, Genie+, and Lightning Lane
There is no height requirement for Jessie’s Critter Carousel, making it accessible for guests of all ages. The ride does not offer a Single Rider line and is not included in the Genie+ service or Individual Lightning Lane selections, most likely because of the short wait times.
Rider Switch and DAS
Rider Switch and DAS are available, and cast members are always helpful to accommodate guests with specific needs.
Location
Jessie’s Critter Carousel is located in the central section of Pixar Pier. To find the attraction, walk over the bridge from the park entrance and follow the path as it curves down towards the water. Look for the brightly colored carousel critters spinning around near the Incredicoaster.
History, Design, and Architecture
Jessie’s Critter Carousel opened in April 2019, replacing the former King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea.
King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea
- It was an attraction located in Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure Park.
- The carousel featured sea creatures like seahorses, whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and flying fish instead of traditional horses.
- It opened on February 8, 2001, the same day the park opened.
- The attraction was themed to King Triton from The Little Mermaid. A large mural of King Triton was painted on the wall behind the carousel.
- It had calliope-style music playing classic boardwalk tunes.
- In 2010, there were plans to give it a new Victorian-style façade but that project was canceled.
- It closed permanently on March 5, 2018 to make way for Jessie’s Critter Carousel as part of the Pixar Pier retheme.
- Jessie’s Critter Carousel reused the same infrastructure but with all new critter figures inspired by Toy Story. It opened in April 2019.
The new ride features a variety of cute and distinctive critters, including an armadillo, skunk, rabbit, raccoon, beaver, fox, squirrel, deer, bobcat, owl, dog, turtle, and more. Each critter has its own unique saddle for riders to hop onto. A massive western mural showing Jessie and her pals having fun on the ranch serves as the backdrop along the rear of the carousel.
Ride Experience, Queue, and Music
The ride experience on Jessie’s Critter Carousel is a whimsical two-minute spin on Jessie’s favorite critter pals from her wild west adventures. Up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children can fit onto each critter. As the carousel slowly rotates counter-clockwise to upbeat western music, riders can take in views of the Incredicoaster rollercoaster, the bay, and the central promenade of Pixar Pier.
The queue area is decorated with a toy western town theme, featuring buildings like the Critter Bank and Livery Stable. Wanted posters for Woody and Jessie line the walls. The music played in the line matches the Old West atmosphere and gets you excited for the ride. Once on board your critter, the ride begins with Jessie’s voice welcoming you to the carousel and encouraging you to hang on tight. Then western music with banjos and fiddles starts up as your critter gently goes up and down and around in a circle.
The two-minute ride time gives you a chance to spot other fun details, like the snake and lizard critters chasing each other’s tails. You can wave to guests passing by on the promenade below and maybe even get a high-five from Mr. Incredible on the Incredicoaster. Too soon the ride is over, leaving you smiling and looking forward to hopping on for another spin.
Personal Take
In a park filled with jaw-dropping thrill rides and immersive attractions, Jessie’s Critter Carousel stands out as a testament to Disney’s attention to detail. It’s a simple, classic ride, but with that unmistakable Pixar charm. The joyous laughter of children, the sweet melodies playing, and the gentle whirl of the carousel make it a nostalgic and heartwarming experience, reminiscent of simpler times. Whether you’re a child or simply a child at heart, this ride is a gentle reminder of the joys of youth and the magic that comes with letting your imagination run wild.
Conclusion
With its charming theming, family-friendly experience, and short wait times, Jessie’s Critter Carousel is a delightful addition to Pixar Pier that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s a perfect low-key attraction for taking a quick break during a long day at the park. Spinning around on Jessie’s cute critter friends is an experience that will have you yelling “Yee-haw!”
