Paradise Pier, the Disney California Adventure park's salute to classic oceanfront amusement zones, is comprised of several distinct areas: Pier Pavilions, Midway, Boardwalk, Beach (all but removed with recent changes) and Grand Aquarium (coming soon).
The first section, styled as a series of 1920s-era beachfront pavilions, includes the Ariel's Grotto restaurant, Cove Bar, character greeting pavilions, Paradise Pier Ice Cream Co. and Treasures in Paradise. Classically-styled spires crown several of the buildings, while neon accents, latticework, colorful awnings and blinking lights complete the look.
In addition to its selection of items for sale, Treasures in Paradise also features a collection of antique carnival pieces, including a Lusse Auto Scooter bumper car and several hand-carved carousel animals.
Follow the Boardwalk down from the Pavilions to the Midway, and you'll discover even more unique animals in active rotation as part of King Triton's Carousel of the Sea. The colorful sea creatures on this carousel, all native to California's coastal waters, are decked out in jewels, sashes and other details. Be sure to look for the orange Garibaldi damselfish (the official marine state fish of California), as well as the decorative panels around the carousel's perimeter, paying homage to some of California's classic boardwalk amusement parks.
For all the charms of King Triton's Carousel, the main attractions on the Midway would have to be California Screamin' and Mickey's Fun Wheel. California Screamin' pays tribute to the great wooden roller coasters of yesteryear (although this one is built entirely out of steel). The ride combines classic thrills with modern innovations like a high-speed launch, scream tubes (to help keep the sounds of excited riders in the park and away from nearby residential areas) and on-board audio synchronized to every twist and turn of the track.
When Disney California Adventure opened, Mickey's Fun Wheel (then known as the Sun Wheel) was the first Ferris Wheel of its kind built since Coney Island's Wonder Wheel in 1927. Around the 500-foot circumference of the wheel are 24 gondolas. Eight of those remain fixed at the edge of the wheel during rotation, providing the highest view. The other 16 gondolas slide and swing along interior rails as the wheel moves, providing a completely unique and thrilling experience.
On our first visit to Disney California Adventure, my wife and I went for it and chose a swinging gondola. I like thrill rides, but that one time was probably enough for me (your mileage may vary). So on a more recent trip with the kids, we went with non-swinging. The experience was dizzying enough at a maximum height of nearly 160 feet. It was worth it, though, for the breathtaking views of both the park below us and Disneyland in the distance.
