PIXAR PIER is located inside Disney California Adventure, the second park of the Disneyland Resort. This area has existed since the park’s opening, though it had a different name and theme at the time.
From the very beginning, Disney California Adventure — from now on abbreviated as DCA — was not particularly successful.
Michael Eisner built DCA as a break from the traditions that had made Disney parks famous worldwide, setting aside the company’s cultural legacy and instead focusing on the theme of classic seaside amusement parks that were once common on many American city piers.
He basically brought to life everything Walt Disney had tried to avoid in the 1950s when building Disneyland, and placed it right next door to Disneyland itself.
With the arrival of Bob Iger, a slow and steady transformation began, rethinking entire areas of the park, adding new attractions, new shows, and many Disney characters.
I’ve already described both Carsland and the Avengers Campus, the first and most recent major updates to DCA. Here, I’ll cover PIXAR PIER — perhaps the park’s most iconic area.
What is PIXAR PIER at Disney California Adventure made up of?
PIXAR PIER includes:
- 6 attractions
- 5 dining locations
- 2 shops
Incredicoaster
With its magnetic launch, top speed of 89 km/h, a loop, onboard audio, and a length of 1,850 meters, Incredicoaster is the most prominent attraction in all of PIXAR PIER.
Pixar Pal-A-Round
Pixar Pal-A-Round is anything but a “calm” Ferris wheel!
This ride gave me the most intense sensations of all PIXAR PIER.
Inspired by the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island, Pixar Pal-A-Round also offers two ride modes, just like the original.
The first, classic and relaxing, has 8 gondolas anchored to the outer edge of the wheel where you can admire the surrounding views.
The second mode features 16 sliding gondolas that move along tracks inside the wheel.
This setup will truly challenge your senses — there are even motion sickness bags onboard! What left me speechless is that you aren’t strapped in and there are no handles to hold onto during the extreme swings of the cabin.
These people are wild! Fun guaranteed.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Toy Story Midway Mania! was the first attraction to kick off the re-theming of this area. At launch, it was one of the most technologically advanced attractions ever developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, with design and construction costing around $80 million.
Once you put on your glasses and get in your vehicle, you’re catapulted into a world of classic carnival games and the Toy Story universe.
At each stop, to beat your opponent, you’ll need to smash plates, pop balloons, hit targets with pies, and more.
Knowing where the high-point targets are is key to winning.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
This is your classic carousel ride that every respectable amusement park must have, but with the added Toy Story theme that makes it extra engaging for young kids.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s *Inside Out*, this fun family ride invites you into the workplace of Riley’s emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger.
Your adventure begins when you board one of 8 Memory Movers, each uniquely colored to reflect one of Riley’s emotions or another imaginative character from her mind.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant shelves of glowing memories as the Memory Movers lift, spin in circles, and inspire you to create your own happy memory from the experience.
Games of Pixar Pier
All along the Pier, you’ll find 4 of the most classic carnival games:
La Luna Star Catcher
Do your best to catch a floating star in this family game based on the animated short *La Luna*.
Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss
Toss oversized caramel corn into the mouth of the hungry caterpillar from *A Bug’s Life*.
WALL·E Space Race
Aim a “fire extinguisher” to push WALL·E and Eve higher as they swirl through space.
Bullseye Stallion Stampede
Toss balls at the right targets to make your horse gallop faster in this skee-ball style game inspired by *Toy Story 2*.
PIXAR PIER Restaurants
PIXAR PIER features 5 dining locations, but only one offers table service — the others are kiosks or quick service spots.
Lamplight Lounge
The only table-service restaurant at PIXAR PIER, Lamplight Lounge celebrates Pixar’s creativity with gastropub fare, signature cocktails, and waterfront views.
Treat your taste buds to fan-favorite Lobster Nachos, Tuna Poke, or the plant-based Pastrami-spiced Impossible™ Burger. The Crab & Potato Benedict, Candlelight Chilaquiles, and juicy Brunch Burger are also worth trying.
Poultry Palace
Feed your whole flock! From chicken drumsticks with coleslaw to jumbo smoked turkey legs, chimichangas, chili-lime corn on the cob, and more — you’ll want to try everything on this savory menu!
Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
This awesome quick service spot offers frozen lemon treats dipped in white chocolate or perfectly swirled. The Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait — a delicious blend of lemon soft serve and blue raspberry slush — will definitely tempt your taste buds.
Señor Buzz Churros
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a heroic Spanish twist! Try the Caliente Churro to experience some spicy delight or crunch on the sweet and crispy Cinnamon Sugar Galaxy Churro.
Angry Dogs
Bite into an Angry Dog or a Slightly Annoyed Dog! Anger invites you to savor spicy or mild hot dogs with all the fixings. Pair it with a cool drink and unleash your wild side!
PIXAR PIER Shops
There are two shops at PIXAR PIER:
- Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
- Knick’s Knacks
The first one is all about sugar and kids’ favorites.
Knick’s Knacks features clothing as well as drawings, prints, and artwork of Pixar characters — perfect for decorating your home walls.
Conclusion & Tips
I recommend heading to Toy Story Midway Mania! first since it usually has long wait times, and then making your way to Incredicoaster.
To catch all the street shows, download the park’s official app for schedule updates.
And of course, don’t forget the 12 essential rules for enjoying a stress-free theme park day!
