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Credit: DisneyA shocking photo circulating online shows what appears to be a deep rust gash on a Disney California Adventure attraction, raising concerns about ride safety. Could guests be at risk?
Disney California Adventure Park’s Pixar Pal-A-Round: Are Guests at Risk?
Pixar Pal-A-Round (formerly known as the Sun Wheel and Mickey’s Fun Wheel) is a 150-foot-tall (46 m) eccentric wheel at Disney California Adventure, located within the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
The attraction debuted to the public on February 8, 2001, at Paradise Pier as the Sun Wheel, inspired by the Wonder Wheel at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island, which also features both sliding and fixed gondolas. The ride is instantly recognizable thanks to its large pie-eyed Mickey Mouse face at its center.
From 2001 to 2008, the attraction sported a sun emblem and a yellow color scheme before being rebranded as Mickey’s Fun Wheel, which officially reopened on May 4, 2009. The update replaced the sun with Mickey Mouse’s face and introduced gondola designs featuring classic Disney characters such as Mickey, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Minnie Mouse.
On November 2, 2017, Disney announced a further renovation, adding Pixar characters to the gondolas while retaining Mickey’s face on the structure. The updated attraction reopened as Pixar Pal-A-Round on June 23, 2018.
Social Media Photo Sparks Safety Concerns
A recent image shared by @TRVLtruth on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited a firestorm of concern among Disney fans and theme park enthusiasts. The photo, taken at Disney California Adventure Park, allegedly shows a disturbing amount of deep rust on a critical structural beam of the Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging, the park’s iconic Ferris wheel.
The apparent corrosion, which appears to have eaten into the metal, raises serious safety questions about the ride’s condition and potential hazards for guests.
Pretty sure this deep rust is NOT a good idea on a rail that supports a heavy ride vehicle on Pixar Play Wheel at Disney California Adventure. @Disneyland – @TRVLtruth on X
Pretty sure this deep rust is NOT a good idea on a rail that supports a heavy ride vehicle on Pixar Play Wheel at Disney California Adventure. @Disneyland pic.twitter.com/4Q4vFHVto4
— OLD DISNEY/NEW DISNEY (@TRVLtruth) February 15, 2025
The Pixar Pal-A-Round is one of the most visually striking attractions at Disney California Adventure, offering breathtaking views of the park while giving riders the thrill of swinging gondolas. However, the presence of visible rust on an essential support beam could indicate underlying structural issues that might compromise guest safety if not promptly addressed.
While some level of rust is expected on outdoor structures exposed to the elements, excessive corrosion can weaken metal beams, making them more susceptible to cracks, fractures, or even failure under stress. If the rust seen in the viral image is as severe as it appears, the integrity of the beam could be compromised, potentially putting thousands of guests at risk every day.
Experts in theme park engineering warn that prolonged exposure to corrosion can lead to catastrophic failures if not properly maintained. Given that the Pixar Pal-A-Round supports multiple swinging gondolas with riders inside, any structural compromise could result in significant safety concerns, including the possibility of collapse in extreme cases.
The Potential Fallout for Disney
A safety issue of this magnitude could have far-reaching consequences for Disney Parks:
- Guest Safety Concerns: If Disney does not publicly address the situation, guests may begin to question whether the park is maintaining its attractions to the highest safety standards.
- Legal and Liability Risks: In the event of an accident, Disney could face serious legal repercussions, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
- Public Perception and Trust: With theme park safety always a top priority for guests, a major incident related to ride maintenance could tarnish Disney’s otherwise stellar track record.
- Operational Disruptions: If the issue is deemed a real threat, Disney may have to temporarily shut down the Pixar Pal-A-Round for emergency inspections and repairs, leading to increased wait times and guest frustration.
Has Disneyland Responded?
As of now, Disney has not issued an official statement regarding the viral image. However, it is common practice for Disney’s maintenance teams to conduct daily inspections and routine checks on all attractions to ensure guest safety. If the rust is as severe as it appears, it is likely that Disney’s engineers are already assessing the situation and making necessary repairs.
Disney fans and safety advocates are urging the company to publicly address the concerns and provide reassurance that the ride is safe for guests. Transparency and swift action could help alleviate growing fears and prevent further speculation.
For those planning a visit to Disney California Adventure, here are a few tips:
- Stay informed by keeping an eye on official Disney channels and reputable theme park news sources.
- If you notice any visible structural concerns on a ride, report them to a Disney Cast Member immediately.
- Understand that Disney Parks prioritize safety and are likely to take action swiftly if a ride poses any genuine risk.
Final Thoughts for Disney Guests
While the viral image of rust damage on the Pixar Pal-A-Round is concerning, it is important to wait for official confirmation from Disney regarding the actual condition of the ride. Disney’s reputation for safety and maintenance remains strong, but this incident serves as a reminder that even the most beloved attractions require constant upkeep.
If Disney does not respond promptly, guests may begin to question how well the parks are being maintained. For now, all eyes are on Disney to see how they will address this alarming discovery.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.