Disneyland Resort celebrated the 2018 debut of Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure with the summer-long Pixar Fest, and although Pixar-themed attractions and experiences have continued to be guest favorites, an official Pixar Fest had not since returned to Disneyland … until now.
Back for a three-month “celebration of friendship and beyond” from April 26 through Aug. 4, 2024, Pixar Fest includes a brand-new daytime parade, new food marketplaces themed to Pixar films and the return of the "Together Forever" nighttime spectacular featuring new scenes.
"The richness of the [Pixar Fest] content helps our trade partners convey the message that Disneyland is a multi-day destination," said Javier Moreno, senior vice president of sales solutions for Disney Destinations. "It's a unique opportunity for Pixar fans to come and hug their favorite Pixar character."
The richness of the [Pixar Fest] content helps our trade partners convey the message that Disneyland is a multi-day destination.
The biggest news for Pixar-loving clients is that the event not only features classic Pixar pals includimg Woody and Buzz from "Toy Story" and the crime-fighting family in “The Incredibles,” but also characters from “Onward,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Turning Red” and “Elemental" — some appearing for the first time at Disneyland.
“This was a really great time to bring back Pixar Fest, because it’s been a while and we’ve come out with new films since then,” said Tasha Sounart, theme parks creative director for Pixar. “So, there’s a lot of fun stuff that hasn’t been seen in the parks before.”
Sounart notes that clients will also want to look for Pixar's signature Pizza Planet trucks hidden throughout the resort.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade
During the event’s parade, more than two dozen Pixar characters make their way along the California Adventure parade corridor, including Joe Gardner and 22 from “Soul;” Luca, Alberto and Giulia from "Luca;” and Red Panda Mei and her friends rocking out to 4*Town from “Turning Red.”
“Soul” characters are featured on a new parade float.
Credit: 2024 Disneyland Resort“We have three brand-new floats celebrating the brand-new characters,” said show director Robin Trowbridge. “But Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! also has the most Pixar characters represented in any one parade ever.”
The parade’s grand finale features Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl from “The Incredibles;” Miguel from “Coco;” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.;” and the gang from the “Toy Story” films.
Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular
Celebrating the friendships at the heart of Pixar storytelling, the returning nighttime spectacular depicts beloved characters meeting, setting out on adventures and — as all Pixar pals do, creating long-lasting friendships — and every Pixar movie is represented (including “Inside Out 2,” premiering this summer).
Iconic moments from the original show are back, including Buzz Lightyear and Carl and Ellie’s “Up” house soaring above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Plus, all-new scenes feature “Onward,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Elemental” and “Turning Red,” including new custom animation created by Pixar just for the show.
“We knew we wanted to feature new films, but we couldn’t choose, so we did all of them,” said show director KC Wilkerson. “And everything you remembered and loved about the previous version has been enhanced.”
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Clients can view Together Forever from the Rivers of America, It’s a Small World and Main Street, U.S.A. On most evenings, a fireworks display accompanies the show. Wilkerson notes that six hidden Mickeys can be seen at It’s a Small World only.
Pixar Fest Marketplaces
Beginning May 10, 2024, California Adventure Park will debut six marketplaces themed to beloved Pixar films: Portorosso Pasta, inspired by “Luca;” Gusteau’s To-Go, themed to “Ratatouille;” The Elemental Table, inspired by “Elemental;” 4*Town Fav*4*ites from “Turning Red;” The Spark, inspired by “Soul;” and Hanger Management, themed to "Inside Out."
Clients can also find sweet and savory Pixar-themed menu items at dining locations across Disneyland Resort.
Club Pixar and Pixar Pals Playtime Party
During the day, guests can pose in front of Pixar-themed backdrops, play games and meet favorite characters in Hollywood Backlot at California Adventure. But after sundown, the area becomes Club Pixar, a new interactive nighttime dance party with live performances, games and photo ops.
Pixal Pals Playtime Party is an interactive live dance show.
Credit: 2024 Disneyland ResortIn Disneyland Park, Pixar fans of all ages can “dance and play the Pixar way” at the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at the Fantasyland Theatre. The high-energy live show features interactive games, activities and fun photo locations with characters.
“We have Pixar Pals joining us for the very first time,” said Tracy Halas, creative director for Disney Live Entertainment. “We have Wade and Amber from ‘Elemental,’ Luca and Alberto from ‘Luca’ and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible in their new super suits — the first time we’re debuting those."
Clients can also meet a new talking Dug from "Up" in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure.
Pixar Place Hotel
The new Pixar Place Hotel provides the perfect opportunity for clients to plan extended Pixar-filled Disneyland stays this summer.
In addition to newly reimagined Pixar-themed guestrooms; new dining locations; and a third-floor pool area with a waterslide, kids’ splash pad and games, Pixar Place Hotel is the only place clients can meet Joe Gardner from “Soul” and Riley’s loveable imaginary friend, Big Bong, from “Inside Out."
“Clients will be immersed in beloved stories from Pixar films during Pixar Fest, but the fun extends to the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel, where Pixar memories come to life,” said Sue Pisaturo, president and founder of Small World Vacations. “No matter which coast clients call home, this is a Southern California party that can't be missed.”
