If you’re dreamin’ of a ride on Disneyland's California Screamin’ coaster, time is running out. Same goes for grabbing a meal at Ariel’s Grotto or simply enjoying the California vibe on Paradise Pier.
On Jan. 8, a portion of Paradise Pier in California Adventure will close, including the popular roller coaster. That's the first step toward the creation of Pixar Pier, which will feature the Incredicoaster, a coaster with a mid-century modern motif and characters from "The Incredibles."
The coaster won't open until summer, but Pixar Pier will debut next summer. As a taste of what's to come, Pixar Fest will debut April 13 , boasting a new fireworks show and the Pixar Play Parade. Characters will be stationed throughout the new area to meet guests and pose for photos.
Also closing Jan. 8 will be Ariel's Grotto and the midway games, all of which will undergo Pixar theming. Mickey's Big Wheel will still have Mickey's face looking over Paradise Bay, but each gondola will feature a different Pixar character.
Pixar Pier will have four themed neighborhood, starting with The Incredibles. The Incredicoaster will remain essentially the same as California Screamin' but will have new scenes and special effects. Its opening will be timed to the June 14, 2018, debut of “The Incredibles 2” movie.
The Toy Story neighborhood will be centered around Toy Story Mania, the popular ride/video game tucked beneath the roller coaster.
The Inside Out neighborhood is just across from Toy Story Mania and will feature a new attraction based on the movie about the competing emotions of a pre-teen girl.
Finally, Paradise Park will encompass attractions that will remain open and in their current state, including Goofy’s Sky School, Silly Symphony Swings, Golden Zephyr and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
New nighttime event
Even as the makeover takes advantage of the winter lull — January and February are among the parks’ slowest months, excluding Presidents Day weekend — Disneyland will introduce an after-hours program that should bump attendance, though tickets will cost nearly as much as daily admission.
On Jan. 18, Disneyland After Dark will salute the park’s earliest days with Throwback Nite. The park will feature music and decor from the 1950s and ‘60s, including vintage posters and a million twinkling lights. Guests will be encouraged to dress as they did back in the day.
Those attending the 8 p.m.-1 a.m. event will receive a commemorative lanyard and vintage-inspired park map.
Ticket prices, however, are very much from this century, costing $95 for the five-hour event (though guests may arrive two hours early). A single-day ticket starts at $97.
Disneyland After Dark tickets go on sale Nov. 20 for annual passholders and Dec. 7 for the general public.
Other Disneyland After Dark dates are expected to be announced in the weeks to come.
