Concept Art for the Old Midway Games

Paradise Pier and its assortment of Midway games has long been a sore spot for many a Disney park fan. And for good reason! The initial execution screamed cheap, second rate, and undercooked. Many folks believe an area like this and its carny games have no place in any Disney theme park- even California Adventure. However, with the reopening of so much of Paradise Pier coming so quickly, the past is almost gone for good. And it looks to be a great big beautiful tomorrow.

All said, here is a piece of rarely seen Imagineering concept art for the games closest to the now defunct Pizza Oom Mow Mow. Although the Paradise Pier transformation is almost complete minus a few shops and other theme strengthening elements, we can now enjoy that the past is soon behind us. Just viewing the building for the Little Mermaid attraction shows a new direction. In a few months, we will be personally experiencing the place and not just savoring the photos we see of a finally real Disney park!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)