Entrance to California Screamin'
Paradise Pier was designed as a seaside amusement park to recall the old vintage amusement parks that once could be found on many California piers. According to Disney’s press release from 1999, Paradise Pier would be littered with “traditional seaside attractions – each given a unique Disney twist.” The end result, however, was interpreted as a lightly-themed collection of typical carnival rides that featured very little thematic design. Most of the rides were typical amusement rides themed like … typical amusement rides. Instead of looking at this collection of attractions as creative theming, many members of the general public looked at this park – especially Paradise Pier – as being built on the cheap. This was mixed in with uninspired stucco architecture and pun-laden names that seemed more fitting to the local mall than the next-door neighbor of the original Disneyland.
Whether or not this was Disney’s original intention, the public has spoken, and for the first time in the history of Disney theme parks, the entire park is being redesigned in phases. The first phase, in addition to the new Carsland, is focusing on the renovation of both the entrance plaza and Paradise Pier. While the end result of this phase one expansion can be previewed at The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar in The Golden State, the reality is that much of Paradise Pier will be under construction and behind work walls from now until 2011. A few new adventures are being added, some existing attractions will be heavily re-themed to an elaborate seaside Victorian architectural style, and a couple attractions are being removed altogether. During all of this construction (which includes a drained Paradise Pier Lagoon through the end of 2009), many of the attractions will still be open, it will just be a bit more difficult to get to them. One of the most anticipated new attractions coming to Paradise Pier in 2010 is The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Adventure, a massive E-ticket Audio-Animatronic musical adventure. Also being built into the lagoon is Walt Disney’s World of Color, set to be the world’s most advanced water and pyrotechnic-driven show featuring a host of Disney characters and exploring the emotions (love, anger, sympathy, joy) found in the Disney films.
Paradise Pier is bordered by The Golden State on its north and east sides, with The Bay Area and Grizzly Peak Recreation Area on the north and Pacific Wharf to the northeast. The area to the direct east of Paradise Pier is the construction site for Carsland (opening 2012). The attractions, shops, and restaurants of Paradise Pier are located around a large body of water known as Paradise Pier Lagoon. The northern side of this lagoon is most-commonly accessed from either side of Grizzly Peak. Working counter-clockwise around the Lagoon from this point the first attraction encountered is the relaxing gliding adventure of Golden Zephyr. Just around the corner are two adventures for the smaller ones, Jumpin’ Jellyfish and the S.S. rustworthy, a water play area.
Across the way near the northwestern corner of the lagoon is Mulholland Madness, a Wild Mouse coaster styled after a crazy drive on the world-famous Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. Along the western shore is Maliboomer, a towering space shot thrill ride. Wrapping around the entire backside of the lagoon and dominating Paradise Pier is California Screamin’, one of the longest steel roller coasters in The United States. Nestled just behind the tracks of this adventure is the first attraction to open under the massive renovation effort, the “virtual dark ride” Toy Story Midway Mania. Be sure to test your skill at the Games of the Boardwalk next door, or take a ride on a stationary or swinging gondola on Mickey’s Fun Wheel. A bit further down is the ocean-themed King Triton’s Carrousel of the Sea.
Golden Zephyr – Jumpin’ Jellyfish – S.S. rustworthy – Mulholland Madness – Maliboomer – California Screamin’ – Toy Story Midway Mania – Games of the Boardwalk – Mickey’s Fun Wheel – King Triton’s Carrousel of the Sea
Paradise Pier Shopping Guide – Paradise Pier Dining Guide
