Embark on a magical journey through Pixar Fest at Disneyland, a vibrant celebration that brings Pixar’s beloved tales and characters to life. From April 26 to August 4, 2024, guests can experience the joy of friendship with spectacular entertainment, character encounters, and themed delights. This event promises an unforgettable adventure for Pixar fans of all ages, blending the art of storytelling with the magic of Disneyland. Get ready to explore everything Pixar Fest has to offer, from breathtaking parades and nighttime spectacles to unique dining experiences and exclusive merchandise.
- What is Pixar Fest?
- What key experiences are available at Pixar Fest?
- What is the “Together Forever” show?
- All about Pixar Pals Playtime Party at the Fantasyland Theatre
- What unique food experiences are available?
- Is there exclusive merchandise?
- Can guests meet Pixar characters at the event?
- Are there any new hotels?
- What can guests enjoy at the Downtown Disney District?
- Tips for visiting Disneyland during Pixar Fest 2024
What is Pixar Fest?
Pixar fest begins this Friday April 26, 2024 and will continue until August 4, 2024 at the Disneyland Resort– which is the perfect time for you to visit for that spring or summer vacation! By visiting you will get the chance to experience Disney’s all new parade called “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” . Disney has also announced that the “Together Forever — A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will be returning to the parks but will include some new scenes.
There will be tons of new foods and merchandise for Pixar for you to kick off the celebration at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.
But before you get started on planning your visit here are a few things you should keep in mind. At Disneyland, the “Star Wars” celebration has been ongoing since April 5th and will continue until June 2, 2024 and it will overlap. But more importantly pay attention to the calendar for the Disney’s After Dark Event known as Star Wars Nite (a separate ticketed event) which will happen on select nights. This would mean (unless you have that ticket) that you will be asked to leave the park early. And many Disney fans have also been awaiting the return of the Fantasmic show – the a nighttime show that ended in early 2023 because of the infamous incident where the Maleficent dragon caught fire – which will finally be back in Disneyland on May 24, 2024 with some modifications and can be seen by the Rivers of America down by New Orleans Square.
What key experiences are available at Pixar Fest?
Pixar Fest is packed with memorable experiences. Highlights include the “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” which is a breathtaking evening show combining projections, lasers, and fireworks to celebrate Pixar friendships. During the day, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” parade showcases Pixar characters on exciting floats. Additionally, Club Pixar and the Pixar Pals Playtime Party offer lively music and dance opportunities with Pixar characters.
Better Together Parade Pictures from Disneyland.com
The Together Forever show is a Pixar Nighttime Spectacular that happens through projections and lasers where you can see some of your favorite Pixar characters come to life. Fireworks will only happen during this show on select nights and until summer rolls around so be sure to check Disney’s website for changes.
What is the “Together Forever” show?
For the “Together Forever” show is a projections and music show that can be seen in Disneyland on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, but there are other locations you can view the show from just ask a cast member and they can point you in the right direction (a common one is by It’s a Small World). The castle, is the most popular but there tends to be crowds that camp out to get good viewing spots, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.
If you’re visiting Disney California Adventure early in the day this is when I would recommend you take photos with some of your favorite Pixar characters. The newest Pixar characters that will be joining Pixar Fest according to Disney include Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red” to name a few!
Later on check out the Club Pixar nighttime party where you’ll find live performances, music via a DJ, games and more starting from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
All about Pixar Pals Playtime Party at the Fantasyland Theatre
Perfect for the little ones and family, you can watch this show at the Fantasyland Theatre located towards the back of Disneyland near ToonTown.
The new parade for Pixar will happen over at Disney California Adventure Park and should be happening at 4 pm and 6:30 pm but check the Disney app for any changes.
From the concept art that Disney has provided for the parade it looks like we will be able to see Panda Mei, 4*Town and friends from “Turning Red” and other fan favorite Pixar characters like Joe Gardner and 22 from “Soul,” Luca, Alberto and Giulia from “Luca,” The Incredibles, Miguel from “Coco,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.” and Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story!
If you want to make sure you have a place to sit while watching the parade without camping out and want to eat some Pixar themed treats consider booking the parade dessert package through the my Disney app but keep in mind this is a separate cost of $69 per person for adults and those ages 3 and up. This dining package means you will receive a variety of Pixar themed foods, desserts and cheeses, unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, coffees and a specialty mocktail. The viewing area that is reserved for you for this parade will be located at the Sonoma Terrace.
These packages are available for each parade time and your dining experience should happen about 45 minutes before each parade begins. If you want to get a better view, get there early even though you have a reservation and keep in mind if your group is small you may be placed with others for seating.
What unique food experiences are available?
The event features special dining experiences across Disneyland, including exclusive menus at Paradise Garden Grill and Troubadour Tavern, offering dishes inspired by Pixar stories. For those with a sweet tooth, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and other venues offer themed treats that are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy.
If dining packages aren’t your style, consider checking out the Pixar-themed marketplaces. Each marketplace was inspiration from different Pixar films and foods that you’d potentially eat from there. They include the following:
- Portorosso Pasta from Luca
- Gusteau’s To-Go from Ratatouille
- The Elemental Table from Elemental
- 4*Town Fav*4*ites from Turning Red
- The Spark from Soul
- Hanger Management from Inside Out
Novelty merchandise for Pixar can be found throughout the Disneyland Resort.
Is there exclusive merchandise?
Pixar Fest visitors can commemorate their experiences with a range of limited-time merchandise, from stylish apparel to unique drinkware and accessories, allowing the spirit of friendship and the magic of Pixar to continue even after the event.
Can guests meet Pixar characters at the event?
Yes, Pixar Fest offers unique opportunities for guests to meet and interact with a wide array of Pixar characters. From superheroes of “The Incredibles” to the adventurous toys of “Toy Story,” visitors can create lasting memories with their favorite characters.
Are there any new hotels?
YES! The introduction of the Pixar Place Hotel marks a significant addition to the Disneyland Resort, offering guests the chance to stay in the first hotel entirely themed around Pixar. This hotel combines contemporary comfort with the imaginative worlds of Pixar films for an unforgettable stay.
What can guests enjoy at the Downtown Disney District?
The Downtown Disney District enhances the Pixar Fest celebration with themed food, merchandise, entertainment, and décor. This area becomes a hub of Pixar joy, extending the magic of Pixar Fest beyond the parks themselves.
For the most current and detailed information, including ticket prices and specific event times, visiting the official Disneyland website is highly recommended.
Tips for visiting Disneyland during Pixar Fest 2024
If you plan on spending time at the Disneyland Resort for 3 or more days save on your tickets and hotel stay by booking with me and my partners at Get Away Today. To maximize your trip, consider getting Park Hopper tickets to allow you to go to either back on the same day.
Reserve your park visit as soon as possible to make sure you can start your Disney vacation how you will want too.
If you haven’t already download the Disneyland App to help you throughout the day with ordering food, checking wait times and managing the lightning lanes if you get the Disney Genie+
