Pixar Fest returns to Disneyland Resort from April 26-August 4, 2024, and here’s everything you need to know.
The Details
Disney says Pixar Fest is a celebration of friendship and beyond, and will feature many all-new offerings, plus some returning favorites with special new enhancements.
In the esplanade between Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, guests will find the over 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrating friendship and highlighting the iconic Pixar Ball.
Decorations will also pop up all around Disneyland Resort, with brightly-colored banners, and incredible sculptures that double as must-stop photo locations, all inspired by favorite Pixar stories.
Events will also take place at both parks and even Downtown Disney District throughout Pixar Fest.
Parades
The new “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade from Disney Live Entertainment, will make its way through Disney California Adventure park twice per day.
The parade will feature high-energy dancing and appearances by more than two dozen Pixar characters, including 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.”
Nighttime Spectacular
“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.
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.”
The spectacular’s 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.
Plus on most evenings, fireworks will illuminate the sky during the show.
If you have a MagicBand+, Disney says it will come to life with twinkling lights and vibrations synchronized to the music.
Club Pixar
During the day at the Hollywood Backlot, guests can snap a photo in front of Pixar-themed backdrops, play games and maybe even encounter a favorite character to pose with.
But at night, Club Pixar will take over the area for a nighttime party, inspired by the stories from Pixar Animation Studios. Guests can enjoy an interactive DJ dance party, live performances, exciting games, photo opportunities, themed food, specially crafted beverages and more.
Pixar Pals Playtime Party
Over at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park, the whole family can dance and play the Pixar way with some favorite pals at the Pixar Pals Playtime Party.
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.
Meet Pixar Characters
At various locations in both parks, guests will be able to meet many characters from Pixar stories, including friends from “Inside Out” and “The Incredibles.”
Plus Ember and Wade from “Elemental” will be making their Disneyland Resort debut for Pixar Fest this year.
Pixar-Themed Food
It’s not a Disney festival without the specially-created food and drink, and the Disneyland Resort culinaty teams have whipped up quite a Pixar-themed menu of treats.
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.
And the iconic Pixar Fest cake will return to Plaza Inn in Disneyland park.
Plus starting May 10th, six Pixar-themed marketplaces will open inside Disney California Adventure park and be available through the length of the festival.
Here’s the theme for each of the marketplaces:
- 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 4Town Fav4*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.”
We’ll have a full foodie guide closer to the start of Pixar Fest.
Pixar Merchandise
Disney says all-new merchandise collections will begin to arrive around Disneyland Resort in March, 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.
Additional limited-time Pixar Fest merchandise will arrive in April, in time for the start of the event.
And don’t forget the Alien Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket, which features the famous Pizza Planet Truck filled with “Toy Story” aliens.
The truck comes with a red and white lanyard featuring the Pizza Planet logo, and it appears the driver can be removed from the truck.
It will be available at popcorn carts in both parks. Limit 2 per person, per transaction.
Downtown Disney District
Guests can enjoy Pixar Fest without setting foot in the parks, as the festivities will extend into the Downtown Disney District, with vibrant decorations throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment promenade.
There will also be photo opportunities celebrating Pixar stories and Pixar-inspired menu items at select dining locations (we’ll let you know what and where in our upcoming foodie guide).
Pixar Place Hotel
Keep the Pixar Fest excitement going by booking your stay at the recently renovated Pixar Place Hotel!
This first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States 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.”
Book Your Visit
Now is the time to book your visit to the Disneyland Resort to enjoy Pixar Fest, one of the many events scheduled for 2024.
If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with all of the details, please contact The Disney Blog’s own authorized travel planning expert, Stacey at Pixie Vacations.
Booking your travel with Stacey helps support this blog, and you’ll have access to her wealth of Disney knowledge to help you book your trip. Thank you!