SAN FRANSOKYO EARTHQUAKE! Animated San Francisco Mural Up to date with Huge Hero 6 at Ghirardelli in Disney California Journey
The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure is “moving” from Pacific Wharf to San Fransokyo Square, and in preparation, the iconic animated mural behind the serving area has been changed to focus on the fictional “Big Hero 6” city rather than the famous brand’s true home, San Francisco.
Ghirardelli San Francisco mural
From a distance you might not even see that a change has been made, but if you look closer, things are different.
Effects take place on the 3D mural. The tram runs, lights go on and off, and an “earthquake” shakes the mural. The Ghirardelli Building appears to be falling apart, although the original survived the 1906 earthquake with minimal damage.
Check out the earthquake effect below.
The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop was attacked by San Francisco! Check out the updated earthquake sequence. pic.twitter.com/OguDNY7qhn
— Disneyland News Today (@dlnt) July 24, 2023
A fish-shaped wind turbine straight out of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film flies high above the landscape (including Ghirardelli Square, now complete with Japanese characters on the signage), with the Ghiradelli logo printed on its side. Rita’s turbine mixers are topped with a giant, dimensional prop that also resembles these.
Compare these photos to the old version, pictured below, from the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop’s opening in 2012 (when the world-famous Hot Fudge Sundae was only $8.25 instead of $15.75).
Image source: OC Register
The houses across the street now resemble those from the film and combine Japanese and American influences from the two famous metropolises.
The San Francisco Gate Bridge replaces the Golden Gate Bridge while we await the completion of the real bridge just steps away.
The float is now owned by the City of San Fransokyo and is adorned with new signs and lanterns.
Lanterns with the letters “SFS” line the streets to represent San Fransokyo Square, as well as red lanterns.
Even some minor details, like half-hidden posters and a removed shopping cart, have been updated.
Even a skyscraper in the background was not safe from the changes.
Japanese characters are printed on various sections of the design.
Cherry blossoms adorn the upper center portion of the background. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are particularly symbolic, representing human life, beauty, and more.
The Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is open daily and is located in what is now Pacific Wharf at Disney California Adventure. It will be part of San Fransokyo Square when it officially opens to guests on August 31, 2023, but has also promised to introduce some new menu items inspired by the new theme. Details on the new items have yet to be released.
Pacific Wharf becomes San Fransokyo Square
Pacific Wharf’s main entrance bridge is currently closed for the installation of the torii gate towers as it is being converted to the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge.
. The port of San Fransokyo Cervecería is also officially opened. Additional dining and shopping options will be available in the weeks that follow until mid-August, when the remodeling is expected to be complete.
Venues from the Cappuccino Cart to the Bakery Tour will also be decked out with street art and colorful banners in celebration of the Big Hero 6 team.
Guests can interact with Hiro and Baymax (who talk!) in front of the Hamada Bot Shop.
Near the Hamada Bot Shop is the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a store featuring unique clothing, home goods and more from Baymax and friends. As can be seen in the concept art above, the shelves of the market stand on top of robot storage boxes displaying decommissioned combat robots. Hiro’s Megabot will be up in the rafters.
Opposite the Maker’s Market, vending machines will feature gold medallions with Baymax motifs and other San Fransokyo images.
Dining options include current Pacific Wharf venues and new options inspired by Asian cuisine and Big Hero 6.
The second bakery café run by Hiro’s loving aunt, Aunt Cass Café serves soups in freshly baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and more inspired by Japanese cuisine. On the outside of this fast food restaurant you’ll find a mural of Aunt Cass’ happy house cat, Mochi.
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Malia has been the Social Media Specialist at WDW News Today since January 2022. She is a lifelong Upstate New Yorker who enjoys watching and playing sports, doing illustrations and of course anything Disney related! You can email her at [email protected]
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