Pixar Pals parking structure may not be opening in time for once Galaxy’s Edge opens up to the masses, but much like the land it was built in response to, it too appears to be opening in phases. Just today, the structure’s security screening areas opened up to guests, and trams are now picking up and dropping off guests on the main level.
For a parking garage, we were pleasantly surprised by all the artistic elements present, from murals on the walls, to neon blue mood lighting on the ceiling, to light fixtures with hidden Mickeys. Let’s take a closer look!
Guests still have to park at Mickey & Friends Parking, but are then led through a series of barricades up to the Pixar Pals security screening area.
Walking slightly past the security check point, we took a quick detour to check in on all the signage in the courtyard.
This large Luxo ball welcomes guests to Pixar Pals Parking and is proving to already be a popular photo spot.
Signage is now in place directing guests to both parking garages.
If you took notice of all three different escalators, that’s because each set leads to a different set of levels, allowing for less congestion. Bright, colorful signs featuring characters from each parking level direct guests back to their vehicles.
As a refresher, the Pixar movies represented here are Coco, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and Inside Out (which, oddly enough, is the only one that’s actually labeled.)
Okay, back over to the security screening area and tram loading section:
Digital boards at the top of each security screening lane inform guests which lanes are open or are currently used as exits. Here you can see some of the fancy brickwork that was being worked on just a few weeks ago.
There are three bag check tables and two metal detectors at each lane, which should help expedite things.
Once cleared, guests are then released into this covered plaza with gorgeous recessed lighting panels.
The lighting elements don’t just end there.
Check out this modernist chandelier with hidden Mickeys! There are a few of these down the line.
The tram loading station is just up ahead.
Even more modern lighting elements are by the loading queues.
The tram is currently picking up and dropping off guests at this location. Cement benches are available for guests to sit while they wait for the tram.
If you look past the tram towards the wall, you’ll notice this wavy, rainbow polka-dotted art wrapped along the entire wall.
The art features contrasting silhouettes of Mickey, Pluto, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and all kinds of other Disney characters.
Here we see Daisy, Belle, Simba, Goofy, Scrooge, and Eeyore on the last bit of wall mural before you head out of the parking structure.
Once it opens, more than 6,000 parking spaces will be available within the structure’s six levels. It is set to open by the end of the month, although hopefully sooner. The new structure will also feature a new electronic parking system to expedite guest parking.
Looks great! Way nicer than I thought it would.
We SERIOUSLY need some awesome like this at WDW! (Yes, I know we have Lime Garage and whatnot, but we need this at the parks! If not for the parking, if just for the covered areas and better security screenings!)