Paradise Pier – Page 3

Get Ready Screamers

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

I love roller coasters and I’m grateful that Disney California Adventure has one. But it’s not just any roller coaster. It’s California Screamin’. It features so many wonderful elements I often wonder why the line isn’t longer than it is. As you make your way through the queue, the anticipation builds. Trains keep leaving the station, returning and leaving once more until, finally, it’s your turn. You step down into the car and pull the shoulder restraints over you. They click into place to assure you of your safety, but just to double check a ride attendant gives it a good pull. Then comes the “go ahead”. You leave the station only to stop again over the water. A somewhat antagonistic voice comes over a set of loud speakers instructing, “Get ready screamers!” and in an instant, the massive train you’re in is launched without hesitation. It’s a marvel and I love the anticipation. It’s awesome to think that we live in a world where brilliant people can apply their intelligence to facilitate an amusement that brings satisfaction to the brave and daring. Are you ready?

Standing at the Golden Zephyr

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

In the evening, when many of the attractions surrounding Paradise Bay close, there is a calm from those spots that would normally find guests shrieking with merriment and delight. The energy all focuses on the preparations for World of Color and the buzz from guests waiting for the fantastic water show is electric. We recently took a stroll through Paradise Pier as this was happening and I found myself drawn to the grounded Golden Zephyr. The area was completely vacant save one cast member. It really resonated the classic boardwalk theme with me, part of which I am certain came from the cast member’s costume, which wonderfully reflects that feeling. The Golden Zephyr itself is an attraction that I love, not necessarily for the experience, but for its look and what it represents. The way the bluish light from the onset of evening brought out that sleek chrome on the zephyrs was really what I was drawn to most. I love the feeling of the Pier and really felt this scene captures it.

Step Right Up

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

It’s hard not to feel like this ringmaster, tucked away in a shop along Paradise Pier, is looking down on you. I’m not sure if it’s just because he’s so tall or if his curly mustache has something to do with it. There’s something about a curled mustache that always makes me think that some nefarious plot is being hatched. Either way I am completely intrigued by this showman and love the touch he adds to the boardwalk. It’s another one of those pieces that help make you feel like you’re somewhere else entirely. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go get some wax to curl my mustache.

A Field of Flowers

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

So it may be more of a bed than a field, but the flowers at the Disneyland Resort could certainly fill a field. These flowers were in Paradise Pier back in the Spring. It didn’t seem like they were there for long before the next batch of beautiful flowers was brought in. It’s amazing to me how seamless the transitions are. An entire bed of flowers will be completely transplanted, yet without prior knowledge, you would never know those particular blooms hadn’t been there all along. It’s one of those details I get excited for with each trip to the park, to see what those creative geniuses will have planted next.

Strike Up the Band

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

The Silly Symphony Swings ride has been a welcome change in California Adventure. From the moment Mickey strikes up the band, the music gallops its way across Paradise Pier to persuade smiles on the faces of park goers young and old. The ride itself is a beautiful work of art that serves beautiful views of Paradise Bay as you swing out over the water, the air rushing over your face.

Jumping Jellyfish

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

I love all the colors of the Jumping Jellyfish ride in Paradise Pier. I also love the twinkling lights at the top and could probably watch them for hours (or at least until World of Color starts). I really wanted to capture the vibrancy and the feeling of watching those lights twinkle against the night sky. It was exciting to see the results after taking a few pictures. As the ride went through its motion, up and down, it gave me a jumping rainbow of color.