Pixar Pier Concept Art & Models at Blue Sky Cellar (Photos and Video) at Disney California Adventure

Hi everyone!

We spent about 8 days at Disneyland as Pixar Fest kicked off on April 13th, 2018! In addition to Pixar Fest, there was a lot else to see, including Blue Sky Cellar as it re-opened with Pixar Pier concept art and models. Pixar Pier takes over where Paradise Pier stood and officially opens on June 23rd, 2018, although Knick Knack’s Pixar merchandise shop is open and I plan to post about that tomorrow.

Read our article about 13 Things to See and Do During Pixar Fest!

Here is our 15 minute video showing a full tour of the Blue Sky Cellar, followed by about 100 photos.

It was nice to see Blue Sky Cellar open again!

Walt Disney photo and quote on the way in.

Once entering, there are photos from different California piers and boardwalks – this is where Imagineers drew inspiration from.

Colors for Toy Story Boardwalk – Midway Mania.

We’ll see some of these colors and decoration in the large model below in the article as well.

“Pixar Pier is where beloved stories and characters from Pixar films come to life”.

Site plan.

There are four distinct neighborhoods within Pixar Pier, based on different films and stories: “The Incredibles”, “Toy Story”, “Inside Out” and a celebration of other favorite Pixar stories. That last neighborhood will include Mickey’s Fun Wheel (with Mickey still on it) and the 24 gondolas with different Pixar characters.

Pixar Pier logo.

Concept development.

The entryway welcomes guests to Pixar Pier. I like that there is a Luxo Jr. lamp on top. I still occasionally miss the one that was at Disney’s Hollywood Studios nearly 10 years ago.

Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats.

Yellow (lemon) snow is the main concept art.

We had gone to the Cove Bar during our trip, and I recommend it to get a last glimpse of Paradise Pier before it disappears. In its place, the Lamplight Lounge will have some familiar favorites on the menu. Cove Bar actually is supposed to be open until May 28th, so there is still some time to see it.

I look forward to seeing the new concept.

Wall-E and Eve are shown in this concept art, with a note saying that photo-op billboards will ‘Spark a Special Moment’.

There is quite a bit of concept art for the Incredicoaster, which will structurally be mostly the same but will be themed to “The Incredibles”, just in time for “Incredibles 2”. The main change is that there is a story, and there will be a 40 foot long Mrs. Incredible trying to catch Jack Jack. The attraction is being built with help from Brad Bird and team.

Load/unload queue studies.

We could already see the queue building taking shape while there. They are going for a mid-century look to the building, it reminds me of the old Howard Johnsons from when I was a kid in the 70s.

The signage here says “You May Get Wet”, just as California Screamin’ did on its signage.

The signage actually reads just like California Screamin’ except for the Incredicoaster part.

“Imagineers dream up what guests experience in the attraction – from the ride vehicle to each show scene”.

There is a fair bit of artwork for the Incredicoaster here.

Jack-Jack.

“Incredibles Park is anchored by the Incredicoaster, a thrilling roller coaster adventure in which we speed alongside the Incredibles family”.

There are a variety of re-themed food areas, including Angry Dogs.

Senor Buzz Churros.

Early concept art.

Poultry Palace is next. Disney says of Poultry Palace, “This giant fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, ‘Toy Story Toon: Small Fry’ even comes with a Fun Meal Zurg!”

Jack-Jack’s Cookie Yum Yum’s.

Pixar Promenade includes games like La Luna Star Catchers.

Bing Bong’s Confectionery.

Gondolas for Mickey’s Fun Wheel will feature a variety of Pixar characters.

Guests can learn about Pixar Pier in movie form.

Here is the movie in our video:

There is one billboard with Marvel posters/artwork that we saw during the big Marvel announcement.

There is more concept art.

This is a final version, with Mickey on the wheel – it wasn’t always that way.

An early bird’s eye sketch included the Pixar ball on Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

There is more artwork when looking closer here.

Senor Buzz Churros.

Even trash cans for the Incredicoaster

Jessie’s Critter Carousel is scheduled to open in 2019.

There will be a new Paint the Night parade float featuring The Incredibles.

The Incredibles.

Artwork can be seen here with a variety of different Pixar stories ranging from “Toy Story” to “Coco”.

This is a working coaster model, guests can push a button to dispatch a roller coaster.

There is also a large model of Pixar Pier in the center of the room. The Incredicoaster and Mickey’s Fun Wheel are two very prominent parts of it, but there are some fun small details too.

There are several steps mentioned here, including the Study Model.

While we were on our trip, we could see some elements of Pixar Pier being built and painted – the work is moving very quickly and every day was different.

Looking toward the Pixar Pier archway.

Luxo Jr. lamp and the Luxo ball below it.

The Pixar Pier artwork is now also finished on the Incredicoaster outside as it is on the model.

Jessie’s Critter Carousel.

The Incredibles area.

A guest within the model loses their balloon.

The balloon has hit the ceiling.

The design here includes Remy, Woody, Jessie and more.

Pixar Pier scale.

Poultry Palace.

The Incredicoaster on the track.

Artwork from “Brave” and other films are along the building.

Senor Buzz Churros.

The Cove Bar/Lamplight Lounge.

The Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats can be seen in the background.

Here are a couple of wider looks at the model.

And a few photos from our final days of this past trip (last week) as construction and painting has been ongoing.

Two months from the date I post this, Pixar Pier is scheduled to open! If you are planning on visiting Pixar Fest, the event runs through September 3rd and I recommend (if you can) waiting until Pixar Pier opens so you can experience both.