Disneyland Resort Update: Winter Construction Catch-Up California Adventure Edition

Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, CA

Part 3 of our Disneyland Resort construction update touches Disney California Adventure.  We haven't really cruised through DCA for park work since the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction was finished, but a couple of weeks ago, after the holiday season concluded, DCA once again turned into Disney Construction Adventure, with Paradise Pier's transformation into Pixar Pier touching off, along with work around the Wine Country Trattoria and Grizzly Peak commencing.  Lets take a look at some of the upcoming changes to the park this year.

Pixar Pier Construction

So despite my reservations, Disney has decided to go ahead with its transformation of Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier.  Yes, I voiced my concerns to the Vice President of Park Transformations, and he just ignored them and uttered something about synergy and cross promotion and something something dark side.  So I guess the continued IP evolution of California Adventure is taking another step. 

To accommodate construction, the backside of Paradise Pier has been closed to access just past the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania all the way to the far turnaround of California Screamin', beside the Silly Symphony Swings.  Screamin' and Mickey's Fun Wheel have been closed for refurbishment (and transformation into the Incredicoaster, for the first attraction).  Toy Story Midway Mania and King Triton's Carousel of the Sea remain open, however.  Also closed are Ariel's Grotto, Cove Bar, and the shops across the way. 

All of this work is slated to be completed in time for the summer season.  Here's what's been happening so far...

Paradise Pier is transforming, and they've posted concept art all along the work walls to give guests an idea of what's coming.

The station for the reimagined Incredicoaster features a bit of mid-century style.

The entry arch doesn't seem to match, but that feels par for the course of this reimagining.

Meanwhile, the Victorian seaside facades will receive facelifts that tie them to Pixar properties and themes.

In real life Paradise Pier, changes are already afoot, as the overhead signage has already been taken down.

Work walls and screens are up around the stores across from Ariel's Grotto.

Given their weathering, they could use some new paint and repairs anyway.

Ariel's Grotto is also closed.

The restaurant is receiving renovations both inside and out.

Per my understanding from cast members, this will return as a Pixar themed dining venue providing a more upscale sitdown restaurant downstairs while maintaining the bar amenities upstairs.  Sort of like Carthay Circle Lounge/Restaurant, but inverted.

Not too much different from what it already was, to be honest.

There certainly looks to be some amount of repainting to be done. 

And per the concept art, the rooftops look like they'll be changed out as well.

California Screamin' is down as well.

The name is fading off to Yesterland, though the roller coaster itself will remain.

A slew of scaffolding has gone up all along the back of Paradise Pier for work on the building facades.

And the structure of the roller coaster.

It's actually kind of impressive.

Mickey's Fun Wheel will be remarketed with Pixar characters and imagery.  The ferris wheel carriages have already been removed for refurbishment and new graphics.  Mickey's face will remain, however.

As you can see, the makeover is extensive and encompasses the entire back half of Paradise Pier.

At least Paradise Pier will finally receive a full transformation, I supposed, instead of the not-quite-complete makeover it got several years ago as part of the five-year DCA expansion that turned Paradise Pier from a carnival atmosphere to a more elegant Victorian seaside (but didn't quite do that for every facade).

The area of renovation extends to this far turnaround of Screamin'.  Per Disney Park Blogs, this area will be the fourth of the four Pixar Pier "neighborhoods," to be devoted to the movie, Inside Out.  But the new attraction to be placed here will be announced and added at a later date.

From the Boardwalk restaurant area, you can see the other side of the work walls and the closure area.

Teleporting back to the "main" entry into the future Pixar Pier area, here's Cove Bar again.  Fear not, to any Disney Drinkers who are worried it is gone forever.  It is due to reopen briefly in April, then close for a permanent rebrand.  But it will return as an alcoholic establishment--just probably under a different name.

The canopy over this part of the walkway has also been removed.

And work has begun on the walls of Ariel's Grotto.

Notice the exposed metal studs.

Lets move along the walkway.

Through the scrim, one can see work happening at Screamin'.

The launch area has actually been removed.

The track and magnetic fins are gone, to be replaced with new track.

Here's the back side of Cove Bar.

And a glimpse at the outdoor portion of Ariel's Grotto, for all you tarp enthusiasts.

The station of California Screamin' will see a significant transformation into a mid-century looking building.

It looks like they're setting up the infrastructure to help remove the standing seam roofing that's currently there.

King Triton's Carousel remains open.  I'm not sure if there are plans for this to be changed, but as my friend, Danny, quipped, if they don't re-theme it to Toy Story and call it "Woody's Round-Up," that's a missed opportunity.

Further down, we see additional track changes on the roller coaster (if you didn't notice earlier).

Notice anything different?

The track forming the vertical loop is gone.  So it looks like Screamin's is definitely getting more than just a paint job.

There's a ton of scaffolding around the Toy Story Midway Mania gift shop, which remains open during this construction.

Scaffold porn.

Look at all that temporary structure!!

Toy Story Midway Mania remains open during this transformation as well.

It's entrance is literally the boundary of the fenced off area.

And if you didn't have enough scaffolding photos, here's more!

I'm sure we have a reader who's the Guy Selga of scaffolding (as opposed to rebar/"construction noodles").

If you're going to repaint the ride, you're going to have to provide work areas throughout the entire ride!

Goofy's Sky School Returns

Goofy's Sky School had been closed for a spell.  It's back open now, which at least helps alleviate the crowds just a bit with the other Paradise Pier attractions closed.

If you missed wild mouse coasters, you're in luck! Goofy's Sky School is back open!

Once the Pixar Pier transformation is complete, this attraction, along with Jumping Jellyfish, Silly Symphony Swings, The Little Mermaid ride, and the shops and restaurants between the last two attractions will branch off into their own land, called Paradise Park.

Wine Country Trattoria Work

Over near the Wine Country Trattoria, work walls have appeared along the main pathway, blocking off the restaurant.  The Sonoma Terrace remains open, however, for those seeking to imbibe in some boozes or vino.  But it's a bit of a wraparound to actually find the entrance. 

Work is going on in Wine Country (DCA version), but the Sonoma Terrace is still open for brews and wine.  You just have to look hard for it.

They do have directional signage along the work walls.  And you just about need all of it to access the Terrace.

In the meantime, work is ongoing along the Trattoria.  This will presumably be completed before the start of the Food and Wine Festival in April.

But all park attractions need maintenance and refurbishment, and it's about time for some around these parts.

Grizzly Peak Work

Over in Grizzly Peak, annual maintenance on Grizzly River Run and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is ongoing.  The rapids ride has been drained to facilitate the TLC needed for the attraction.  The Challenge Trail is blocked off for its regular playground repairs and such.

Christmas has passed, the grizzly bear has shed its light up ugly Christmas sweater, and GRR is behind work walls.

The ride has been drained, and the rapids rafts look kind of ridiculously tossed together.

I guess it makes to just store them here.

Besides, obstacles like this would put a severe restriction on ride operations.

The ride is down for a few weeks every winter for refurbishment.  After all, water rides produce a good amount of wear and tear simply from the liquid exposure.

It's interesting to see the ride empty.

Some work is happening around the bridges and walkways too.

And if you ever wanted to see what the "track" of a rapids ride looks like, here you go.

The Challenge Trail is also closed.  But unless you have children, this is likely a small loss for you.

And that, in a three part nutshell, is what's been going on at the Disneyland Resort since we last checked.  One and a half months of construction happenings here at DCA, at Disneyland, and at Downtown Disney. 

We're not done with the Resort quite yet, however.  Check back later, as we explore the Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure.  It's back again this year and expanded to more dates than ever, which is a great thing.  It's a fun way of sharing cultural customs, and one of many aspects California Adventure sort of serves as the west coast version of EPCOT. 

In the meantime, remember to not be jerks to each other.  I'm looking at you, Frank. 

Pixoo bah!!