March 13, 2009 – New Paradise Pier Sign is Added to California Screamin’
On March 13, 2009, as part of the new expansion and renovation of the Paradise Pier area of Disney California Adventure, the new Paradise Pier sign was added to the California Screamin’ attraction. This new sign replaced the former Mickey Mouse silhouette, and was added to change the look of the area from a modern seaside park to the feel of the seaside in the 1920s. The sign hangs above the loop of the roller coaster.
March 7, 2016 – The Attraction Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Buckle up – you’re in for a lively ride when these Italian imports roll, reel an’ kick up their wheels in Cars Land!”
On March 7, 2016, the Cars Land attraction Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters opened in Disney California Adventure. Based on the Pixar film Cars, the attraction is sponsored by Alamo car rental. Set in Italy, guests can board a car and “dance” to Italian music, with the cars spinning and moving around; each car has a personal set of moves.
February 8, 2001 – The Pacific Wharf Café Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Drop anchor and take a peaceful waterfront break with breads by Boudin, San Francisco’s world-famous artisanal bakery.”
On February 8, 2001, the counter-service restaurant Pacific Wharf Café opened in Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf area. Guests are treated to California cuisine, such as Chinese Chicken Salad and Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl. Guests can also check out the Bakery Tour by the Boudin Bakery, a popular bakery from San Francisco.
January 22, 2006 – A Blue Carpet Premiere is Held for Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
“This delightful new adventure continues our tradition of creating memorable, immersive storytelling attractions.” – Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Jay Rasulo
On January 22, 2006, a special ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of the new Disneyland attraction Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!. Called a “blue carpet” premiere (in honor of Sulley’s blue fur), several celebrities were on hand to experience the new attraction, including Disney Channel star Ashley Tisdale, actress Lisa Kudrow, and actor Patrick Warburton. Located in Disney’s California Adventure, the attraction was meant to provide more family-friendly entertainment, alongside other Pixar-themed attractions and entertainment.
December 9, 2002 – Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular Opens in the Hyperion Theater
“Ah, the Cave of Wonders. The setting of one of our most famous legends. The tale of the magic lamp.”
On December 9, 2002, the live-action musical show Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular opened in the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure. Following the popular performance piece The Power of BLAST!, the show was a Broadway-style production of the popular animated feature film Aladdin. While the show opened in December, it had its official debut on January 17, 2003. The story follows the animated film fairly closely, with a new song written for the show by composer Alan Menken: “To Be Free.” The show closed on January 10, 2016.
October 13, 2008 – The Sun Wheel Attraction Closes
“Hop inside a roomy gondola for a breeze, 9-minute jaunt above Paradise Bay.”
On October 13, 2008, the Ferris wheel thrill attraction Sun Wheel closed at Paradise Pier. The ride was designed to fit Disney California Adventure’s theme of the boardwalks in California around the turn of the century, but when the park went through an overhaul in 2008, it was deemed that this ride would be one of those to change. Although the swinging gondola aspect of the ride did not change, what did was the design, replacing the giant sun face on the wheel with a picture of Mickey Mouse.
October 10, 2005 – The Animation Academy Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Discover how Disney characters are brought to life during a hands-on presentation with a Disney artist.”
On October 10, 2005, the Animation Academy opened in Disney California Adventure. This was the fourth version of this instructor-led animation school, with the first version having opened in Walt Disney World’s DisneyQuest in 1998. Guests can come in and learn from professional Disney animators on how to draw a variety of Disney characters. Animation Academy is located in the Disney Animation Building, where guests can learn more about the process of animation.
October 7, 2002 – The Area Flik’s Fun Fair Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Hop inside a discarded food carton for a gentle flight above Flik’s Fun Fair.”
On October 7, 2002, Flik’s Fun Fair opened in A Bug’s Land area of Disney California Adventure. Based on the Pixar animated feature A Bug’s Life, the area features attractions suited for younger guests. Guests are “shrunk down” to the size of a bug after going through a fallen cereal box, and can experience attractions based on particular attributes of characters, such as the inventive nature of main character Flik. The attraction includes Flik’s Flyers, Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies, Heimlick’s Chew Chew Train, Francis’s Ladybug Boogie, and Princess Dot Puddle Park.
June 15, 2012 – The Merchandise Stop Oswald’s Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Top off your supply of Disney merchandise…including retro merchandise inspired by one of Walt Disney’s first creations and the shop’s namesake, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.”
On June 15, 2012, the merchandise stop Oswald’s opened in Disney California Adventure Park. Fashioned like a classic gas station, the store features merchandise for one of Disney’s first creations, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Since The Walt Disney Company’s reacquisition of Oswald in 2006, this store is one of the many changes to incorporate the character into the park and other company holdings. The store also features specialty merchandise featuring the classic character.
June 7, 2012 – Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop Opens in Disney’s California Adventure
“Strike it rich with sublime sundaes, ice cream cones, shakes and hot drinks made with premium Ghirardelli chocolate.”
On June 7, 2012, the specialty store Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop opened in Disney’s California Adventure park. Although a San Francisco-based company, the first version of this store opened in Downtown Disney of Walt Disney World in 1997. The store sells packaged Ghirardelli chocolate, along with a selection of treats for guests to enjoy, including the famous banana hot fudge sundae. The store is located on the Pacific Wharf part of the park.
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