From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Kelsey Lynch
Beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios are about to come to life in a whole new way when Pixar Fest returns to Disneyland Resort from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024! Pixar Fest is a celebration of friendship and beyond and will feature many all-new offerings, plus some returning favorites with special new enhancements!
Read on for the full guide to Pixar Fest, with everything you need to know about the exciting things coming from entertainment to merchandise to décor … and more!
1. New ‘Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!’ Parade at Disney California Adventure Park
Dynamic and colorful floats will make their way through Disney California Adventure park twice per day in the new “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade from Disney Live Entertainment, with high-energy dancing and appearances by more than two dozen Pixar characters. You’ll spot Red Panda Mei and her friends rocking out to their favorite boy band, 4*Town; Joe Gardner and 22 from “Soul” celebrating the sweeter things in life; Luca, Alberto and Giulia from “Luca” enjoying their time together on the water’s edge in Portorosso; and more. The grand finale will feature Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl from “The Incredibles,” Miguel from “Coco,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” and Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story.”
2. ‘Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular’ at Disneyland Park
“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will return to Disneyland park with some all-new scenes from the creative teams at Disney Live Entertainment and Pixar. Celebrating the heart of Pixar storytelling, this nighttime spectacular will take you on an emotional journey of friendship with Pixar pals as they meet for the first time, set out on adventures, overcome adversity and in the end, forge everlasting bonds. In addition to iconic moments from the original production — like Miguel strumming his guitar and Carl and Ellie’s house floating above Sleeping Beauty Castle — you’ll also see new scenes added featuring characters and moments from Pixar’s “Onward,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Turning Red” and “Elemental” brought to life like never before.
Vivid projections, colorful lasers and memorable music can be enjoyed from multiple locations throughout Disneyland, including the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and Main Street, U.S.A. And on most evenings, fireworks will illuminate the sky with this beloved show. During Pixar Fest, you can check Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app for showtime details.
Bonus: During “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” your MagicBand+ will come to life with twinkling lights and vibrations synchronized to the music.
3. Club Pixar at the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure Park
During the day at the Hollywood Backlot, you can snap a photo in front of Pixar-themed backdrops, play games and maybe even encounter a favorite character to pose with. When day turns to night, Club Pixar will take over the area for a nighttime party, inspired by the amazing stories from Pixar Animation Studios. Your whole group can enjoy an interactive DJ dance party, live performances, exciting games, photo opportunities, themed food, specially crafted beverages and more.
4. Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park
Throughout the day, the whole family can dance and play the Pixar way with some favorite pals at the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park. Get into the groove at a high-energy show, enjoy interactive games, photo locations and activities inspired by Pixar feature films, and even watch a selection of iconic shorts on the big screen.
5. Pixar-Themed Foods and Marketplaces
Foodies, get ready for Pixar-inspired food and beverages available around the resort! Though we can’t share all details on all the treats just yet, we’ve got an early look at an item you can start dreaming about – the iconic Pixar Fest cake will return to Plaza Inn!
New this year, the menu at Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland park will transform to feature Pixar-inspired bites and beverages. And once again, Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure park will serve “Coco”-inspired menu items.
You’ll also want to mark your calendars because beginning May 10, six Pixar-themed marketplaces will join the fun in Disney California Adventure park and be available through the length of the festival. Each location celebrates a unique film, and menu items will transport you and your tastebuds right into some fan-favorite Pixar worlds. Here’s a little flavor of what you can expect:
- Summertime dishes inspired by the Italian coast at Portorosso Pasta from “Luca”
- Reimagined classics at Gusteau’s To-Go, themed to “Ratatouille”
- A playful mélange of elements at The Elemental Table, inspired by “Elemental”
- Fun foods perfect for a tween, boy band (or anyone, really!) at 4*Town Fav*4*ites from “Turning Red”
- Feel-good foods that feed your soul at The Spark, inspired by “Soul”
- Flavors to appeal to all of your emotions at Hanger Management from “Inside Out.”
Stay tuned here on the Disney Parks Blog for the complete Disney Eats: Pixar Fest Foodie Guide to discover the full lineup of themed eats in the coming weeks!
6. Encounters with Pixar Characters
At various locations in both parks, you’ll be able to meet many characters from Pixar stories, including friends from “Inside Out” and “The Incredibles.” You may also encounter Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” who will be making their Disneyland Resort debut for Pixar Fest!
7. Incoming Novelties
For that perfect keepsake that also satisfies your Disney snack cravings, look no further than new novelties arriving just for Pixar Fest! You may recognize the Pizza Planet truck from … well, almost every Pixar film, and soon you can purchase a version that doubles as a popcorn bucket! Stay tuned for more fun Pixar-themed novelties to be revealed in the upcoming Disney Eats: Pixar Fest Foodie Guide.
8. Pixar Merchandise Throughout Disneyland Resort
If you just can’t wait to get in the Pixar Fest spirit, we’ve got some good news! All-new merchandise collections will begin to arrive around Disneyland Resort this month, with stylish designs inspired by iconic Pixar films and characters. From Pizza Planet baseball caps to Mike Wazowski sweatshirts, items from these collections are the perfect way to get ready for a Pixar-filled summer. Plus, additional limited-time Pixar Fest merchandise will arrive in April.
You’ll also find medallions themed to each of your favorite Pixar films available for a limited time throughout Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re a fan of classics like “Toy Story” and “a Bug’s Life” or prefer newer releases like “Lightyear” and “Elemental,” you won’t want to miss these collectibles.
9. Festive Décor Throughout Disneyland Resort
Decorations will pop up all around Disneyland Resort, enhancing The Happiest Place on Earth with brightly-colored banners, incredible sculptures that double as must-stop photo locations and more inspired by favorite Pixar stories! In the esplanade between Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, you won’t want to miss the over 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrating friendship and highlighting the iconic Pixar Ball. And in Disney California Adventure, you’ll even be able to use your MagicBand+ to interact with a Pixar-themed installation.
10. Pixar Fest at Downtown Disney District
The festivities will extend into the Downtown Disney District, with vibrant decorations throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment promenade. You can shop favorite merchandise collections, strike a pose in front of photo opportunities celebrating Pixar stories and when hunger strikes, enjoy Pixar-inspired menu items at select dining locations.
Disneyland Resort is the ultimate destination for Pixar fans this summer and beyond, as these limited-time offerings join an array of ways you can celebrate Pixar year-round. From Cars Land and Pixar Pier, to attractions like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, to eats at Angry Dogs and Alien Pizza Planet, Pixar stories are celebrated everywhere you look!
And for those who want to stay in the magic even after leaving the theme parks, Pixar Place Hotel is a great way to stay immersed! Pixar Place Hotel celebrates the artistry of Pixar Animation Studios, with nods to every feature film from the iconic animation studio. As the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States, it brings the innovative storytelling of Pixar Animation Studios to life in a whole new way, from never-before-seen artwork to unique character encounters — including Joe Gardner from “Soul” and Bing Bong from “Inside Out.”
I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait for the Pixar fun to begin on April 26! We look forward to welcoming you to Pixar Fest real soon.
Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.
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