Calling all Pixar fans, I was able to get a sneak peek at Disneyland’s 2024 Pixar Fest, and it does not disappoint. Disneyland has not had a major Pixar themed celebration since 2018, and Pixar Fest 2024 keeps all of the favorites and brings all of the beloved new characters to life around both parks from now until August 4, 2024.
With entertainment, food, and new merch at 29 locations spread across both parks, there is something guaranteed to delight everyone in your group. The creators of Pixar Fest took fun seriously, while staying true to the characters in your favorite films, to celebrate friendship and beyond. Be sure not to miss these five things:
1. ‘Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration’ and Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular
Sure to leave you singing “You, me better together, better together” is Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration, the daytime parade that takes place in Disney California Adventure Park. Featuring over two dozen Pixar characters, the parade includes floats, dancers, roller skaters and music. Floats from Turning Red, Luca, Soul, and Inside Out, celebrate the message that friendship matters and when we are together, we are better.
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The Nighttime Spectacular brings all of the Pixar characters into one amazing show. With animations created just for this show, fireworks most nights, twinkle lights, vibrations, and new music, this is a great way to end the evening. New projectors create an enhanced show with improved detail, clarity and richer colors. Don’t miss the 5 new emotions from Inside Out 2, that make their debut at the end of the show. And, guests can keep and eye out for the 6 hidden Mickeys in the projections.
2. The food
Fried Bologna Sandwich as a popular food item? I too found it hard to believe, but the sandwich was so popular in 2018 it makes a return at the Carnation Café at this year’s fest. While a variety of Pixar inspired foods can be found throughout the park, starting on May 10 in Disney California Adventure Park., 6 marketplaces inspired by Pixar Stories will feature tasty menus, including my favorite, the Red Panda Bao at 4*TOWN FAV*4*ITES.
Other highlights we tried included the plant-based Huarache inspired by Coco at the Recuerdame at Paradise Garden Grill, and the Supper Club Chicken & Potato Waffles with peach cobbler sauce and cinnamon-herb crumble which will be at The Spark Marketplace starting on May 10. For a complete list of foods and where to get them checkout the Disney Blog https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2024/04/disney-eats-pixar-fest-foodie-guide-starting-april-26/
3. Pixar Pals Playtime Party and Club Pixar
Located in the Fantasyland Theater, Pixar Pals Playtime Party is an immersive Pixar fun zone, with experiences for the whole family. From watching your favorite characters put on a fun dance show, to learning the steps yourself, to doing arts and crafts, or taking photos in life sized backdrops from Monsters Inc., Cars, Onward, Up and A Bug’s Life Pixars Pals is a great place to spend time and recharge. Sad, from Inside Out, dancing at Club Pixar was hands down my favorite moment of Pixar Fest.
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In Disney California Adventure Park, the Hollywood Backlot is where Pixar characters come to life. During the day you will have the chance to meet characters and each evening Club Pixar comes to life with an interactive DJ dance party, complete with a stage show, a Pixar Shorts drive-in, fun games, and themed foods and beverages.
4. Easter Eggs
Since the beginning Pixar has delighted in sneaking hidden references into its movies, and eagle-eyed Pixar fans will be rewarded for their attention at Pixar Fest as well. This intrepid reported found exactly 0 of the Easter Eggs, so can offer no clues as to their whereabouts, but was told on good authority that they are indeed here.
5. Merch
Pixar Fest would not be complete without something to take home. From water bottles, to bags, to hats and shirts there are many things to choose from. As a parent of older kids I appreciated the cross body bag from Lug. After many years spent hauling everything I could possible need around the park, this bag is the perfect size for just what you need, phone, wallet and sunscreen. No sore shoulders here.
A surprise hit with my kids was found in the special novelties in a bucket of popcorn. How much fun can a bucket of popcorn be? Well it turns out a lot, if it shaped like a Pizza Planet Truck. It has turned out to be loads of fun at home even for the tween, perhaps it is the strap that makes it double as a fashion accessory, perhaps it is the magic snack compartment, or perhaps it is the magic of Pixar striking again.
