Pixar Pier at Night

Pixar Pier Guide – Everything You Need To See, Do and Eat

Step into the larger-than-life world of Pixar Animation Studios at Disney California Adventure Park in Disneyland Resort. Nestled on the shores of Paradise Bay—next to Paradise Gardens Park, Cars Land and the new San Fransokyo Square—this technicolor corner of California Adventure Park brings to life some beloved Pixar films, like Inside Out, The Incredibles, Toy Story and more.

Here, Pixar fans can rocket around the park like Jack-Jack, visit Headquarters inside Riley’s mind and experience her emotions at work, go for a rootin’-tootin’ ride with Jessie and her critter pals and rub elbows with their favorite Pixar characters—and that’s just to name a few. There’s a lot to see and do (and eat!) at Pixar Pier, so keep reading to find out how you can take your Disneyland vacation to infinity and beyond.

Ferris wheel with Mickey Mouse head

Pixar Pier – Experience the World of Pixar at Disney California Adventure Park

Once known as Paradise Pier, in an homage to the beachfront boardwalks of California, the area was then re-imagined into the Pixar-inspired land that we know and love today. When Pixar Pier opened to guests on June 23rd, 2018, it offered three attractions, as well as some dining outlets, gift shops and games. Since then, it has expanded to include a total of five rides, Pixar-themed boardwalk-style games, character meet-and-greet opportunities, five eateries and two merchandise locations.

But, while the theming may be new, along with some of the dining and shopping venues, several Pixar Pier attractions have actually been at California Adventure for quite some time. Instead, they were holdovers from Paradise Pier that were revamped to fit the animated new theme, like the Incredicoaster, which was previously known as California Screamin’, and the Pixar Pal-A-Round, which was first the Sun Wheel and then Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

In general, Pixar Pier is loosely divided into four neighborhoods: Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Pixar Promenade and Inside Out Headquarters. You will also see nods to other iconic Pixar movies and shorts, such as the company’s adorable mascot, the Luxo Jr., who greets guests from atop the Pixar Pier sign.

Pixar Pier signage

What to See, Do and Eat at Pixar Pier

So, exactly does Pixar Pier have in store for folks visiting California Adventure? Read on as we break down all of the adventure that’s out there. Let’s get started!

Pixar Pier Attractions

Incredicoaster (Formerly California Screamin’)

The Incredicoaster is one of the landmark attractions of Pixar Pier, as well as Disneyland Resort overall. Previously known as California Screamin’, which was styled after the classic wooden coasters of California’s boardwalks, it’s the only roller coaster at Disneyland that takes guests upside down and sends you blasting off at over 55 miles per hour.

As you can probably tell from the name, this superpowered roller coaster ride is themed around The Incredibles and features the voices and animatronics of many of the characters from the movies. Without giving too much away, the attraction follows the superhero family as they try to chase down Jack-Jack, who has escaped from the fabulous and fashionable Edna Mode, his favorite babysitter. The roller coaster highlights many of the Incredibles’ powers throughout the ride, mostly in the three tunnels you enter along the way.

Lightning Lane Availability: Disney Genie+

Height Restriction: At least 48” or taller

Best for: Teens, Adults

Incredicoaster with palm trees at dusk

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

One brand-new ride to make its way to Pixar Pier is Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, which opened a little over a year after the rest of the re-themed land on June 28, 2019. The closest attraction to Paradise Gardens Park, it’s just around the corner from rides like the Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s Sky School and Golden Zephyr.

Designed in the style of Flik’s Flyers at what was once A Bug’s Land, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind takes guests on a gentle ride through the workplace of Riley’s Emotions as they climb aboard a basket-style Memory Mover then slowly fly around shelves lined with glowing recollections. (Personally, we think doing Up! houses with balloons would have been a cooler version of this attraction. #missedopportunity)

Lightning Lane Availability: None

Height Restriction: None

Best for: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens

Fear and Disgust on a Disneyland attraction

Jessie’s Critter Carousel (Formerly King Triton’s Carousel)

Previously King Triton’s Carousel, Jessie’s Critter Carousel opened on April 5, 2019. For this colorful merry-go-round ride, guests gallop into the world of Woody’s Roundup alongside everyone’s favorite yodeling cowgirl, Jessie. Instead of the typical carousel horses, Jessie’s Critter Carousel offers a cartoonish assortment of desert critters, like armadillos, rabbits, turtles, buzzards, skunks and more.

Lightning Lane Availability: None

Height Restriction: None

Best for: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens

Large Statue of Jessie with Red and Yellow Carousel in Daytime at Jessie's Critter Carousel

Pixar Pal-A-Round (Formerly the Sun Wheel and Mickey’s Fun Wheel)

Although it has seen a few different iterations throughout its life, first as the Sun Wheel and then as Mickey’s Fun Wheel before becoming the Ferris wheel it is today, the Pixar Pal-A-Round continues to be the icon of California Adventure Park, even having a role in the World of Color show that plays nightly.

Along with panoramic views of the theme park, riders also enjoy sightings of Pixar friends like Coco, Merida, Sully, Buzz, and many more, who are featured on the ride’s various gondolas. What’s more, this isn’t your typical Ferris wheel ride. Instead of only stationary gondolas, guests can choose from either non-swinging or swinging gondolas, one of only two Ferris wheels to do so in the United States. The other, the Wonder Wheel, is the original and can be found at New York’s Coney Island.

Lightning Lane Availability: None

Height Restriction: None

Best for: All Ages

Mickey ferris wheel around water

Toy Story Midway Mania!

Unlike the other rides in Pixar Pier, Toy Story Midway Mania is the only attraction to stay exactly the same throughout the area’s transformation. (Because it’s already Pixar, obviously!) A guest favorite for many years, Toy Story Mania opened on June 17, 2008, maintaining its same condition, with the exception of updated costumes for the Cast Members who work there.

This high-tech dark ride shrinks riders down to the size of a toy and immerses them in a 4D adventure inspired by carnival midway games. Throughout Toy Story Midway Mania, guests challenge their fellow riders to see who can achieve the highest score, using their spring-action launcher to sling virtual eggs, darts, baseballs and more at a whole toybox full of moving objects.

Lightning Lane Availability: Disney Genie+

Height Restriction: None

Best for: All Ages

Midway Mania signage at dusk

Games of Pixar Pier

No boardwalk is complete without some boardwalk games, and Pixar Pier is no exception. Taking the place of the previous game booths at Paradise Pier, the Games of Pixar Pier offer the same old-fashioned fun with a Pixar-inspired twist. Games include:

La Luna Star Catcher: Catch a falling star! Throw out a line during this family-friendly game featuring Bambino, Papa and Grandfather Nonno from La Luna, the Academy Award-nominated Pixar short, and find out how many magnetic stars you can reel in.

Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss: Heimlich is a hungry, hungry, hungry caterpillar (as per usual). During this game inspired by A Bug’s Life, guests can take aim at his mouth, trying to toss in supersized pieces of candy corn.

La Luna Star Catcher

WALL-E Space Race: Taking inspiration from one of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved power couples and their adorable dance through the stars, WALL•E Space Race sees, players use a “fire extinguisher” to thrust WALL•E and Eve ever higher as they spin through space.

Bullseye Stallion Stampede: Gallop your trusty steed across the prairie in this skeeball-like game themed after Pixar’s Toy Story 2. For this game, you’ll sit at one end of a table and roll rubber balls into the correct holes to make your stallion run faster. The higher the point value of the hole, the faster your horse races.

Just like any boardwalk or midway game, Pixar Pier games cost $5 each (subject to change), with four different game booths to choose from. There are several kiosks where you can pay to get a game card. It’s pay-per-play, and there is a minimum, so be sure to keep that in mind. Of course, if you win, you’ll also get to take home an adorable Pixar-themed prize. The only game to always include a prize at the end is La Luna Star Catcher, making it a great choice for kids. Win or lose, they’re sure to be a great time for the whole family.

Pixar Pier Dining

Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

Need to cool off during your day? Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats is an ice cream shop towards the top of Pixar Pier that serves up some awesome frozen treats, including lemon-flavored ice cream inspired by Monsters, Inc. This place is awesome and a must-try when you go, even if it’s cold outside. Read our review to find out our favorites.

Angry Dogs

A holdover from Paradise Pier, Angry Dogs is a re-themed cart inspired by Inside Out that serves hot dogs à la Anger, as well as chips and drinks like soda and beer. Two styles of hot dogs are available—Angry (AKA spicy) and Slightly Annoyed (not-so-spicy). It’s located in the mid-part of Pixar Pier towards Pixar Pal-A-Round. To find out what we thought of Angry Dogs, check out our review.

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums

If you’re looking for something sweet to power you through your day, you can’t beat Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums. This super snack cart offers up one of our favorite snacks at the Disney Parks, giant, thick cookies along with assorted milks. The chocolate chip Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num is a classic, or try the chocolate-covered shortbread or the gluten-free option filled with blackberry jam.

Angry Dogs Entrance Sign

Lamplight Lounge

Located in what was once Ariel’s Grotto and Cove Bar, Lamplight Lounge is a laidback gastropub that boasts creative cuisine, signature cocktails, on-the-water views of Paradise Bay and an incredible setting inspired by the artistry of Pixar Animation Studio. The upper part of the lounge (designated as Boardwalk Dining) is a first-come, first-served seating arrangement with a walk-up list, while the downstairs part accepts reservations. While the food options vary slightly between the upper and lower levels, the drink selection at each is the same, featuring alcoholic odes to filmmaking and Pixar movies. Don’t miss the fan-favorite lobster nachos. Check out our full Lamplight Lounge review here.

Poultry Palace

Don’t be surprised if you walk into Poultry Palace and think, “Gosh, this place looks familiar,” and the déjà vu of it all may very well drive you crazy. To save you some sanity, Poultry Palace is one of the Toy Story Toons called “Small Fry” featuring Buzz Lightyear and Rex. Anywho, this place serves up, you guessed it, lots of poultry options, including turkey legs, chicken drumsticks with coleslaw and corn on the cob. Read all about it in our review.

Señor Buzz Churros

Churros are a favorite snack of Disneyland guests, and you’ll find some great ones at Senor Buzz Churros. The menu here is on the small side, offering only two churro varieties alongside soda and water. Go for the classic cinnamon-sugar version or tantalize your taste buds with the spicy Caliente Churro.

Cookie cart in front of roller coaster

Pixar Pier Entertainment

It wouldn’t be a boardwalk without some entertainment. World of Color is the grand finale of any evening at California Adventure and an absolute can’t-miss entertainment offering. While not officially part of Pixar Pier, operations in this part of the park are affected by the show, which takes place on Paradise Bay. Some attractions, including the Incredicoaster, Pixar Pal-A-Round and Games of Pixar Pier all close down when World of Color takes to the water, as do the Silly Symphony Swings, Golden Zephyr and Jumpin’ Jellyfish in Paradise Gardens Park.

Meet Pixar Pals at Pixar Pier

You can’t go to the Disney Parks and not take time for a character meet-and-greet or two (or ten). Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photo ops at Pixar Pier, as Pixar characters are always out and about. In Incredibles Park, meet supers like Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone, as well as the always-stylish Edna Mode. Toy Story Boardwalk boasts appearances by Woody, Bo Peep and Buzz Lightyear, while they’ve also been known to stop by over on Pixar Promenade, along with Joy and Sadness from Inside Out.

Fountains and Mickey ferris wheel at night

Pixar Pier Shops

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff

Whether you’re looking for a wearable memento or a sugary souvenir, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff has it all. This combination clothing-and-candy shop stocks an array of Pixar- and Disney-themed items like t-shirts, hats, toys, plushies and home decor. However, the main event here is all of the delicious candy, much of which is inspired by Disney and Pixar characters. Stop by for caramel apples, cake pops, cookies, saltwater taffy, cereal bars, rainbow cotton candy and more.

Knick’s Knacks

Inspired by a classic Pixar short from 1989 called Knick Knack, Knick’s Knacks offers apparel, toys, housewares and more themed after everything Pixar. In true Pixar Animation Studio fashion, it also features an animator’s desk where you can have pictures drawn of characters. Found at the top of the Pier, the shop is a decent size and carries lots of stuff, so be sure to stop by and take a look around.

Knick's Knacks Store

Well, Pixar fans, that brings our grand tour of Pixar Pier to a close. What’s your favorite ride at Pixar Pier? Do you miss anything about Paradise Pier? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can make your Disneyland visit a little more affordable and save money with our discount Disney tickets.