12 Days of Disney Parks Christmas: Working Model of Pixar Pier Shows Newly Themed Areas Coming Summer 2018 to Disney California Adventure

Today 12 Days of Disney Parks Christmas brings us the first pictures of the working model of Pixar Pier shows newly themed areas coming Summer 2018 at Disney California Adventure.
From the Disney Parks Blog: "Coming summer 2018, Pixar Pier will transform the southern shore of Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure park with whimsical neighborhoods filled with characters from some of your favorite Pixar stories. Today, we are bringing you a first look at this transformation through photos of a working model now in use at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Featuring newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise, this area will introduce new neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories. The neighborhood inspired by “The Incredibles” will be anchored by the Incredicoaster, which will feature a new mid-century-modern-style loading area inspired by the Parr family home as seen in the upcoming “Incredibles 2.”



Another of the neighborhoods will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, each of the 24 gondolas on what is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel will feature different pairs of Pixar pals, and at the Games of the Boardwalk, all of the midway games will be inspired by characters from films such as “a bug’s life,” “WALL·E” and the Pixar short “La Luna.”

Pixar Pier will open summer 2018, during the first-ever Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13. The celebration will include the new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks spectacular as well as the return of Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night” parade, and much more throughout the entire Disneyland Resort."

Pictures: copyright Disney

Disney California Adventure Paradise Pier to Become Pixar Pier - Full Details and Artworks

Disney announces today that Disney's California Adventure Paradise Pier will become Pixar Pier, starting Summer 2018. Well, part of it only as the other part will become a new land called Paradise Park. California Screaming' coaster will be named Incredicoaster with obviously a theming based on The Incredibles and a new family attraction based on Pixar's Inside Out will also come at a later date. Others theming changes will happen here and there, and on the Mickey's Fun Wheel gondolas. And if some of you wonder why they're doing this, one word - always the same: synergy. I remind you also that the sequel The Incredibles 2 is opening in theaters next year on June 14, so this explain that for the changes of theming on the California Screamin' coaster. Full details in Disney press release below.

"Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney-Pixar stories.

The first of the four themed neighborhoods guests will find is inspired by “The Incredibles.” Here, the new Incredicoaster, permanently transformed from the attraction that is now California Screamin’, will open with Pixar Pier in summer 2018.

This new experience will feature a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments and a new look for the ride vehicles. To prepare for this transformation, California Screamin’ will close Jan. 8.




The popular Toy Story Mania! will anchor the “Toy Story”-inspired neighborhood. A neighborhood inspired by “Inside Out” will be found on the western side of the boardwalk and will welcome a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.



The fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will have a new look, with each of the 24 gondolas featuring different Pixar characters and the iconic face of Mickey Mouse remaining on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel.



At the Games of the Boardwalk, which already includes the Bullseye Stallion Stampede game, all of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters. Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk and Sideshow Shirts will close Jan. 8 to begin this transformation.



Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill offering sparkling views of Paradise Bay and the new Pixar Pier. Both locations will close Jan. 8, with Cove Bar reopening briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation. Guests wishing to reserve “World of Color” dining packages after Jan. 7 may consider Carthay Circle Restaurant or Wine Country Trattoria.

The remaining areas of the land that is now Paradise Pier, including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, will become a new land called Paradise Park.



Pixar Pier will open during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13. The celebration will include the new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks as well as the return of Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night” parade, and much more throughout the entire Disneyland Resort."


O-Kay, that's it for the press release. Now, the question is: "Will this new concept work?" Honestly, I don't know. I suppose that some guests will be more happy to ride an Incredibles coaster than one not related to an IP, even if the ride itself will be the same, but apart this... The future ride about Inside Out will be probably could have been more interesting but in fact it will be a kiddie-family ride. Apparently they needed a kind of Toy Story land at DLR where they don't have one and although this Pixar Pier will be entirely different than TSL we can find some similar colors on the rendering, and even a giant Jessie. But this Paradise Pier had so many changes from its original storyline and theming by Imagineer Tim Delaney that i'm not sure there is any meaning anymore... In two words, i'm not far to think that this is a mistake...

Pictures: copyright Disney

Disney California Adventure Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! will open on May 27!

It's official: Disney California Adventure Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! will open on May 27! More about this and what they call the "Summer of Heroes" below:

This new adventure blasts you straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time ever, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As you help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, you will experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks. You never know which adventure you will get!

There will be even more ways to step into Super Hero stories with Summer of Heroes, May 27 through September 10. Answer the call for this limited-time celebration as you join the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy for all-new epic experiences.



Summer of Heroes will launch these new, year-round experiences:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – Don’t be surprised if you run into the Guardians of the Galaxy on their way to the Milano, with Star-Lord firing up his old-school boom box to get the party started. Gamora may prefer to stand back and observe, but everyone else is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash.

Super Hero Encounters – For the first time, citizens of Earth will come face-to-face with Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy! You can also step up to meet the First Avenger, Captain America, along with everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

And for a limited time, step up to the challenge with new adventures during Summer of Heroes:

Avengers Training Initiative – Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.

Heroic Encounter: Black Widow – Black Widow will arrive on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park guests.

Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action – All that heroism making you hungry? Want a token as proof of your adventures when you get home? Special themed merchandise and food will be available throughout Hollywood Land.

The summer brings even more to get excited about over at Disneyland park as classic favorites return with the reopening of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions, with the “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular returning later in the summer. We’ll have opening dates to share soon for these attractions. And don’t miss your chance to see the classic Main Street Electrical Parade during its limited-time run at Disneyland park through June 18.

Disney California Adventure Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! and Summer of Heroes, is beginning May 27!

Pictures: copyright Disney

Soaring Around The World / Over the Horizon Full Movie

Genuine footage of the NEW Soaring Around The World / Over the Horizon movie who has debut at Shanghaî Disneyland and is coming to Epcot and Disney California Adventure on June 17! And, good news, they've kept Jerry Goldsmith awesome original score with just an arrangement for this new movie. Note: the first 30 seconds of the ride movie may be missing in the video below.




Picture and video: copyright Disney

The Disney's America Theme Park Project - Article updated with new high-res scans

We had a look recently at the WestCOT "that never was" project, and today i invite you to another Disney theme park that, unfortunately, was never built, the famous Disney's America project. Announced in 1993,it was supposed to occupy 1200 acres of a 3000 acre property in Prince William County, Virginia.



Bob Weis - who was at the head of the creative development for the park - defined it as "an ideal complement to visiting Washington's museums, monuments and national treasures" was supposed to be a park " that will be a venue for people of all ages, especially the young, to debate and discuss the future of our nation and to learn more about its past by living it". A place where guests "will be able to have rides, shows and interactive experiences that are both about the history of America, about America today and also give you a sense of America in the future. And he added: "In some ways the park is a timeline, we start in the mid-1860s and go backward or forward in time".


Yes, but what kind of rides and shows guests would have enjoy at Disney's America? Well, once they entered the park, guests would have found themselves in a detailed Civil War era village, the hub of "Disney's America.





From that point, guests could discover either "Native America" and explore the life of America's first inhabitants - including an accurate Native American village reflecting the tribes that were known in this part of the country. And also enjoy interactive experiences, exhibits and arts and crafts, as well as an exciting white water river raft ride that would have gone all around the area, based on the Lewis and Clark expedition.




Guests, then, would discover Presidents' Square, a celebration of the birth of democracy and those who fought to preserve it. The "Hall of presidents" of Walt Disney World would have moved to Disney's America.


A Civil War Fort would have plunge guests into a more turbulent time of American history, and adjacent to it, a big battlefield, where Civil War re-enactments and water battles between the Monitor and the Merrimac would have once again be fought.



Moving in the 20th century, a replica of Ellis Island building where many immigrants came through, guests would have live the "immigrant experience" through music, ethnic foods and a great live show presentation.




Enterprise, a factory town, would have highlights American ingenuity and guests could have ride a major roller coaster attraction called the "Industrial Revolution" , traveling through a 19th century landscape with heavy industry and blast furnaces. And, on either side of the coaster, exhibits of famous American technology that have defined the american industry in the past, as new developments that will define industries in the future.



On Victory Field guests would have experience what America's soldiers faced in the defense of freedom during the world wars. It would have look like an airport area with a series of hangars containing attractions based on America's military fight using virtual reality technology. The airport would have serve also as an exhibit area of planes from different periods, as well as a place for major flying exhibitions.



Another area, the State Fair, was going to show how - even during the big Depression of the '30s - Americans knew how to entertain themselves. With folk art exhibits and a live show on baseball, guests could have enjoy, too, classic wooden thrill rides in memory of Coney Island.


Finally, in Family Farm, WDI imagineers would have recreate an authentic farm where guests could have the opportunity to see different types of farm industries related to food production in addition to some hands-on experiences like milking cows and learning what homemade ice cream tastes like.


Mind you, all was not lost in this Disney's America project, as some of the concepts were finally used in Disney's California Adventure. Jim Hill wrote an article about it, and you can read it HERE.

After the big battle between Disney, and almost everybody who lived in Virginia - okay, i'm exagerating a bit - the project was cancelled. However, in 1995 Disney envisioned to build it - guess where? - at Knott's Berry farm that the Knotts family, tired to run their theme park, wanted to sale. Jim Hill, again, wrote another great article describing all what happened, and you can read it HERE




All photos: copyright Disney Enterprises Inc

All my thanks to Jim Hill for some of the infos included in this article.

Many many thanks to Michael of the excellent Progress City web site.

Those of you who want to find more infos on the Disney's America battle can find good links HERE

All pictures: copyright Disney

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters to Open March 7 at Disney California Adventure - First Official Video

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will open March 7 at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland released an official video showing the ride with interviews of WDI Imagineers! 



Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters replace Luigi Flying Tires, an attempt to reborn the technology of Disneyland legendary Flying Saucers ride. Unfortunately the "Flying Saucers" curse was on it and even if Luigi Flying Tires didn't had the same technical problems than Flying Saucers had in the 60's, the ride had to be changed. 



Luigi Flying Tires was the second try of a ride using the Flying Saucers technology, and believe me, there won't be a third one. That said, this new Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters looks really fun with its cars ballet and the italian music and will most probably be very successful!




Picture and video: copyright Disney

D&M Exclusive Soaring Over the World Movie !

As we know, 2016 will be the year of a new Soarin' movie so be prepared to soar over the world at DCA and Epcot with "Soaring Over the World" and at Shanghaî Disneyland where the attraction will be titled "Soaring Over the Horizon". And all this in glorious 4K, if not more "K" with the newest and best digital projection system. At Epcot the attraction will be closed from January 4, 2016 until Summer and when it will reopen it will be with a third theater and technical upgrades in the two others existing.

Now, for those of you who are Soarin' fans - and who is not? - and can't wait for the new movie i've got some Soarin' awesomeness for you today, and that is thanks to ...Apple who, in their new Apple TV box included some gorgeous video screensavers for your TV, filmed exactly the same way WDI is filming the Soarin' footage ...and in different locations around the world! So, when i saw these i thought that not only the footage was awesome but also that it would be perfect for a Soaring Over the World "home made" movie, and that's exactly what i did.

Before you jump to the video one or two things you need to know. First, i used the beloved Jerry Goldsmith score from Soarin' Over California. The problem was that the score has been written for what was happening in the Soarin' scenes, and i had to do the editing with new footage which was not only not filmed for the purpose of an attraction movie but also not at the right speed! The Apple screensaver videos are voluntarily extremely slow, just what you need for a screensaver to create something hypnotic on a TV screen. So, i had not only to accelerate each video but to find the right speed which fit with Jerry Goldsmith music. Additionally, the Apple videos are all silent so i also had to found some "outdoor sounds" to add some life to the whole thing like seagull sound, or sea waves sound, etc... The last thing was to give to the movie the same sensation than we has watching the first Soarin', i.e a mix of contemplative beauty and spectacular shots delivering an exhilarating feeling. You'll tell me if i succeeded!

What you won't have is the kind of mini-script you had in the Soarin' Over California scenes in which there was not only beautiful landscapes but also humans skiing, surfing, etc... And of course, no golf ball coming right at you or no orange grove scent, and no Disneyland fireworks finale as there was no such thing in the Apple footage. But even without all this, and considering that this is literally the cheapest Soarin' movie in history with a cost of $0.00 (!) i'm quite happy with the result and i hope you will enjoy it too.

Here are the destinations over which you'll "soar" in the video: The video open with San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate bridge, a tribute to the opening of Soarin' Over California, then we'll fly West and soar over Hawaii, the Great Wall of China, London, Buckingham Palace, New York then enjoy a sunset over Manhattan, and end with stunning night shots of San Francisco Bay and London Thames river. As i said, no Magic Kingdom at the end and no fireworks but i've added a small visual effect...

Some of these locations, by the way, may be included in the "real" Soaring Over the World movie next year, starting by the Great Wall of China which is already announced. May be not Hawaii but New York and London could be part of the different destinations... So, have a look at the video, definitely watch it in HD and full screen, and don't go away as right after i'll tell you how to install these video screensavers on your computer to enjoy a never ending Soarin' day!





Hope you enjoyed the video, and now here is how to download and install these awesome video screensavers. Apple included 34 screensaver videos in the Apple TV and you can download them at this site HERE. Next, you'll need to download a small software called SaveHollywood which is a screensaver software using videos, exactly what we're looking for. It's totally free and it's downloadable HERE. Please note that this is a software for Mac, so if you're on a Windows PC you might have to use another one, which i don't know. If you have a Mac, after you installed the software the system preferences window should open. Check that it is SaveHollywood which is selected in the sidebar and go to the last step, click the "Screen Saver Options" to be displayed in this window.

Finally, you will need to add the videos in the options area. You can drag files from the Finder, or click the "+" button just below and select the files later, or even a folder if you have saved all movies in a subfolder. As for other options, the ones recommended to activate are "Playing in random order" and "Occupy the full screen" to find an interface similar to the one of the Apple TV. If your Mac has multiple screens, an option exist to restrict saver on the main screen only. If you do not check, you will have two different videos, as unfortunately there is no option to display the same file on both screens.

Picture and video: copyright Apple, Disney

Disneyland Resort Announces "Frozen Fun" at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland

All-right, Disneyland Resort did today its awaited announcement for the "Frozen Fun" which will  begin on December 20th, even if the “official” start date is January 7th, and it's at Disney California Adventure that DLR guests will find the following as part of “Frozen Fun”:

“For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” – The Muppet*Vision 3D theater in Hollywood Land has been transformed for this event into the beautiful Crown Jewel Theatre from Arendelle. You’re invited to step inside and join the Arendelle Historians – along with special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff – for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen.”

“Olaf’s Snow Fest” – Stage 17 in Hollywood Land plays host to an immersive winter wonderland straight out of the Kingdom of Arendelle, complete with a giant snow play area and musical performances by The Frolicking Fjords and The Tubadors. You can glide down a snow slide, build a snowman of your own and visit everyone’s favorite snowy pal, Olaf, and give him a warm hug. “Olaf’s Snow Fest” has so much to offer, from beautiful photo opportunities to scrumptious treats and special “Frozen” souvenirs. It’ll be a great spot for making memories that’ll warm your heart.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post – Head back outside, and nearby you’ll find Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, where you can pick up the latest “Frozen”-inspired apparel, plush, toys, mugs and more.

“Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome” – Anna and Elsa, the beloved sisters from “Frozen,” move from Fantasyland to an elegant new location inside the Disney Animation attraction at Disney California Adventure park, where you can meet them as part of a special royal greeting. The colorful and varied display in the Animation Courtyard will also now include scenes and music from Disney’s Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, “Frozen,” and at Animation Academy, a Disney artist asks, “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” It’s a unique opportunity to learn how to draw your very own sketch of Olaf or Marshmallow.

“Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” – Each evening, you’re invited to “chill out” in Hollywood Land with music, dancing, interactive fun and more in this new, family-friendly experience. You’ll arrive at the party through an icy archway to find wintry décor, dazzling lighting effects, cool photo spots, yummy treats and frosty beverages for all ages. Throughout the night, a giant thermometer registers the drop in temperature, as things get so cool they ultimately reach the freezing point when everyone lets it go in a spectacular “Frozen Fun” crescendo! UPDATE: A Marshmallow walk-around character will be appearing during this event.

A Frozen scene will also be added on December 20th to Storybook Land Canal Boats, featuring the fjord-side village of Arendelle, and including the castle where Anna and Elsa grew up, Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, and Elsa’s mountaintop ice palace!

Picture: copyright Disney

Disney California Adventure Little Mermaid Ride Upgraded With New Black Light Lighting for "Under the Sea" Scene !

The Little Mermaid ride at Disney California Adventure had an upgrade and the whole "Under the Sea" scene has been given the awaited black light lighting treatment. The previous lighting that was in place since the opening has now been darkened, and a few more fish characters were added here and there along the ride. I, personally, think that the black light lighting is much better to give to the guests the feeling they're "under the sea".  You can check by yourself the differences thanks to the two videos below.

This first one shot a few days ago by SoCal Attractions 360 will show you the new lighting as well as a few additions here and there.




And if you want to see how the lighting was before in the "Under the Sea" scene, here is a video filmed in May 2012 by SoCal theme Parks 360.




Picture: copyright Disney

"3D Fly Over" At Last Available For Disneyland and Disney California Adventure " In Apple "Maps" App !

Two weeks after the "3D Fly Over" feature became available for Disneyland Paris on the Apple Maps App for iPhone - iPad - see my previous articles HERE and HERE - Disneyland  and Disney California Adventure receive the "3D Fly Over" treatment as Apple has updated its application with new South Cal HD satellite pictures!

It's a news that Disneyland and DCA fans who own an iDevice will probably happy to hear and the result, as you will see, is the ability to "soar" over the parks stunning that you can discover from any angle. All you have to do is to go on "Maps", and enter as keyword "Disneyland", choose the satellite view, and then the 3D view. Although this "3D Fly Over" still need to be improved and very probably will be in the future as long as you don't zoom too much in the pictures the view will be okay and the buildings will not look distorted.

Let's see how it looks with iPad screen captures, starting by the Disneyland Park, and of course click on each pictures to see them in big size. The first aerial view below shows the entrance of both parks.

An aerial view over Main Street U.S.A and the Jungle Cruise, with Tomorrowland on the bottom left.

A great bird eye view over Frontierland, The Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain.

A closer look at Big Thunder Mountain and Frontierland river from another angle.

A closer shot to New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain, as well as Tom Sawyer's Island.

These two other views also show Frontierland with Sleeping Beauty Castle and Central Plaza, and on the second shot you can see the huge parking lot outside the park on the top left.

A great view of Fantasyland, including Disneyland's Matterhorn and even Big Thunder on the top right.

A bird eye view of the park as seen from behind New Orleans Square. The building in the bottom right corner is the Indiana Jones Adventure show building.

From over Big Thunder, looking towards Tomorrowland.

A great view of Autopia, the submarine lagoon, the Matterhorn and on the top left Story Book land, Casey Jr, and It's a Small World.

A closer shot of Tomorrowland and the Matterhorn.

Let's fly over Disney California Adventure with this great bird eye view of the park!

A more vertical view over Grizzly River Run and the parks entrance.

Two other views of DCA showing Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, A Bug's Land and the Tower of Terror.

The App is also great to have a look at the Disneyland Resort Hotels and on this next view you have the three of them all together on the same shot!

We will end by a last bird eye view of DCA and this one is interesting as the big space / parking lot that you can see on the top is the location where very probably WDI will build the DL Anaheim third park when the WDC will decide it!

So, if you own an iPhone or iPad, go ahead, jump to the Apple Maps App and have a nice flight over Disneyland and DCA!

Pictures: copyright Apple Maps App