When Disney first announced the opening of a new area in Disney California Adventure Park, I was skeptical. It wasn’t because the space it was replacing would be sorely missed. After all, Pacific Wharf had become no more than a lunch location after the park took a sharp turn away from its original California landmarks theming and shifted towards Disney, Pixar, and Marvel intellectual property. However, investing all of this theming (and money) into a new area that would house not a single attraction to speak of? It seemed far-fetched. For me, the San Fransokyo Square idea was drenched in doubt, wondering what would draw people in there any more than the current space did, thanks to its extended seating area at mealtime. One year on from the opening, my view of the area has shifted.
Even after the project was completed and opened for guests to enjoy on August 31st, 2023, it took a visit to this magical place to open my eyes to its beauty. To enjoy the whole experience, I highly recommend entering through the front entrance and crossing over the Golden Gate-style bridge. Approaching from the side or back entrances through Cars Land definitely softens the impact of the area. As you pass through the bridge, the space ahead opens up with the expected seating and dining options that needed to remain stationed in the area, as well as so much more.
The space is immaculately themed. And I mean, even for this Disney lover who only saw the Big Hero 6 movie once, you feel instantly teleported into the fictional location fusion from the film. It’s a pretty impressive feeling when Pixar Pier is still within sight. Disney’s Imagineers somehow transformed the space to feel like this was always its intended purpose. Shops where you can buy rare merchandise from the film round out the space, along with a unique meet-and-greet opportunity that isn’t duplicated in other locations.
Little touches make all the difference, from distant signage to the on-point food theming. You can’t go wrong with San Fransokyo-style Street Corn, San Fransokyo Clam Chowder, or Baymax Boudin Bakery Bread. Honorable mention to the Turkey Pesto Club at Aunt Cass Café as well! The ample seating makes this area even more attractive, a struggle that can be time-consuming and frustrating in other regions. While you sit and enjoy your meal, you aren’t rushing through amidst the hustle and bustle of the parks. Instead, I always get caught up in the moment, looking around, taking in the sights, and truly taking a moment’s break from my Disney day rather than refueling on the run.
When I leave, usually through the same dramatic entrance I preferred to come in using, it feels like you are leaving a completely different destination, as though park hours have stopped and allowed me this small window of time to visit an entirely new place, still cleverly within the realms of Disney storytelling. My whole thought process on this space has changed, and I am curious to see if you feel the same way. Have you had the opportunity to visit San Fransokyo Square? Did it live up to your expectations?
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
