The metamorphosis of Disney California Adventure park’s existing Pacific Wharf area into the city of San Fransokyo—the setting of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar-winning film ‘Big Hero 6’—is well underway.
The Disneyland Resort recently revealed some new details about the land’s transformation into the fictional mash-up of two iconic cities that sit on opposite sides of the Pacific: San Francisco and Tokyo. This premise of this imagined metropolitan melting-pot is part of the ‘Big Hero 6’ storyline, which is set in an imagined version of the not-too-distant future that’s shaped by globalization and advanced technologies.
Just this week, the resort hosted a preview event for the soon-to-debut San Fransokyo Square area, during which media members were able to sample some of the unique new menu offerings coming to the re-themed land, learn some details of its re-imagined venues and peek at some of the exclusive merchandise that will be on offer later there this summer.
The San Fransokyo Gate Bridge in Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. (Source: Disneyland Resort)
Disneyland Resort representatives also revealed the land’s official opening date: August 31. While the area has not been shut down during its conversion from Pacific Wharf to San Fransokyo, August 31 is will mark the project’s completion and official re-naming. In the weeks leading up to that day, some of the land’s new food and beverage offerings will debut, and new park-exclusive ‘Big Hero 6’-branded merchandise will start being rolled out.
In Disney California Adventure park’s real-life incarnation of San Fransokyo, fans of Baymax and friends will recognize some distinctive elements of the various districts and neighborhoods portrayed in the 2014 film. During this week’s media presentation, we were informed that a multitude of so-called “Easter eggs” and defining details pulled directly from ‘Big Hero 6’ and its spin-off series are being incorporated throughout the land.
These might consist of hard-to-miss architectural elements, like the iconic San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which spans the existing tide pools connecting the Square to the nearby Paradise Gardens Park obelisk; or, the characteristic koi-fish-shaped wind turbines floating high above the buildings that power the unique multicultural district. Other allusions will be more difficult to spot and the presence of some direct references to the film will certainly go unnoticed by all but those who are actively looking for them.
Maker's Market, where guests can find park-exclusive merchandise in San Fransokyo Square, Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. (Source: Disneyland Resort)
Pacific Wharf is currently home to some wonderful dining options, including two big-name companies that were born right in San Francisco: Boudin Bakery, and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. For those of you (like me) who are already having anxiety about the possible disappearance of their must-have ice cream sundaes, fear not, both of these eateries will remain in their locations, and adjust their aesthetics to align with the land’s new theme.
The Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill will also continue serving fantastic fare from south of the border, albeit with tri-lingual signage that reflects the area’s blended communities, while new venues will feature inventive Asian dishes and inventive fusion fare cooked up by the park’s culinary team, along with refreshing specialty beverages.
Baymax meet-and-greet area in San Fransokyo Square, Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. (Source: Disneyland Resort)
The vibrant seaside plaza’s new restaurants will include Lucky Fortune Cookery, Aunt Cass Café, Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería and Rita’s Turbine Blenders, where you’ll find frosty non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink options. In fact, you can check out all the upcoming edible offerings for yourself on the official Disney Parks Blog.
Perhaps most exciting for fans of ‘Big Hero 6’ and its protagonists, Hiro and his huggable healthcare companion will also be making in-person appearances at a dedicated location just outside of a converted warehouse. And, believe me, you’re going to want to meet Baymax for yourself, have a brief chat and snap a selfie, because this adorable character really must be seen in order to be believed.
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