Pixar Fest is the spring and summer season celebration that includes fireworks, a brand-new daytime parade, dance events, and different leisure–plus seasonal snacks, unique merchandise and extra. This information covers every thing that you must know concerning the 2024 particular occasion at Disneyland and Disney California Journey.
For starters, Pixar Fest will return to Disneyland Resort from April 26 by way of August 4, 2024. It’ll begin simply after the Spring Break season winds down and DCA Meals & Wine Pageant concludes, and Pixar Fest will finish previous to D23 Expo and the beginning of Halloween Time at Disneyland, which begins sooner than ever this yr.
There are additionally occasions and choices overlapping with Pixar Fest. From April 5 till June 2, Season of the Pressure arrives at Disneyland with Hyperspace Mountain and specifically themed meals and beverage, merchandise and extra for a restricted time. Company can embark on new adventures aboard Star Excursions – The Adventures Proceed that includes Mandalorian & Child Yoda, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will present contemporary perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland, with galactic music sweeping by way of the spires. Then there’s the modified Fantasmic, which makes its long-awaited return to the Rivers of America on Might 24, 2024.
In line with Disneyland, Pixar Fest will deliver us all collectively for a celebration of friendship and past. From colourful décor and themed menu gadgets to commemorative merchandise, the Disneyland Resort theme parks, lodges and Downtown Disney District can have a Pixar twist of pleasant enjoyable for a restricted time. This competition of friendship is highlighted by heartwarming leisure that includes Pixar tales.
Learn on for the complete information to Pixar Fest 2024, which covers every thing that you must know–from leisure to merchandise to décor and extra!
The centerpiece of Pixar Fest is an all-new daytime parade known as “Higher Collectively: A Pixar Buddies Celebration!” that may debut at Disney California Journey throughout the celebration. This daytime parade options high-energy dancing and appearances by greater than two dozen Pixar characters.
In the course of the Higher Collectively Parade, spot Pink Panda Mei and her pals rocking out to their favourite boy band, 4*City; Joe Gardner and 22 from “Soul” celebrating the sweeter issues in life; Luca, Alberto and Giulia from “Luca” having fun with their time collectively on the water’s edge in Portorosso; and extra.
The grand finale of Higher Collectively Parade will function Mr. Unimaginable and Elastigirl from “The Incredibles,” Miguel from “Coco,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” and Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story.”
It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen a correct parade throughout day by day ops at DCA, however the excellent news is that Disney California Journey has an extended parade route than Disneyland, and attracts decrease crowds. This doesn’t imply you may stroll up and seize a spot on the final minute, however you additionally don’t must camp out ~2 hours upfront to see Higher Collectively Parade.
We plan on attending Pixar Fest for a number of days in late April and early Might, after which level I’ll circle again with particular viewing suggestions. For now, I’ll merely say that my favourite vantage level for parade photographs is definitely the one proven above within the idea artwork. That is roughly in entrance of the Little Mermaid darkish trip, and is nice as a result of you may body photographs with the Enjoyable Wheel within the background.
The draw back to this spot is that it’s extremely widespread and area is commonly restricted. Consequently, it does require tenting out a bit early–to the purpose that it’s in all probability not price it. (I like this angle throughout Oogie Boogie Bash, however that Halloween get together has an attendance camp.)
Past that, my go-to spots for parade viewing at Disney California Journey are on the very starting and finish of the route. For those who solely care about watching the parade, standing within the Paradise Backyard Grill space is often a stable possibility. Crowds are usually decrease over right here, and it needs to be the start line for one of many two performances of Higher Collectively Parade (there had higher be two performances!).
The opposite efficiency will begin over by Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and that finish of Hollywood Land is likewise a great spot for parade viewing. I strongly favor each of those viewing places after they’re the start line, for the easy motive that you just’re finished with the parade and might transfer on to your subsequent points of interest whereas a large chunk of park friends are nonetheless viewing the parade. Take into account that DCA’s efficiency hall is lengthy, which means it takes the parade 20+ minutes simply to get to later areas of the route. That’s a number of time.
One spot we don’t actually advocate is Carthay Circle. This is usually a glorious vantage should you’re located accurately and the Higher Collectively parade is coming straight in the direction of you, in order that’s not the problem. The issue is crowds. Because it’s proper close to the doorway and centrally-located, it’s considerably of a de facto spot for parade viewing at DCA.
However once more, it’s been years since Disney California Journey has finished a daytime parade. These suggestions are from reminiscence and/or the dynamics when viewing seasonal cavalcades or the Halloween Parade. We’ll replace this with particular recommendation for Higher Collectively as soon as it debuts–so keep tuned!
Persevering with at Disney California Journey, the all-new Membership Pixar is taking on the Hollywood Backlot space. It follows bravely (or maybe Courageous-ly?) within the footsteps of iconic leisure together with elecTRONica and Glow Fest.
In the course of the day on this space, you may snap a photograph in entrance of Pixar-themed backdrops, play video games and possibly even encounter a favourite character to pose with. When day turns to nighttime, Membership Pixar will take over the world for a nighttime get together, impressed by the wonderful tales from Pixar Animation Studios. Your entire group can get pleasure from an interactive DJ dance get together, dwell performances, thrilling video games, photograph alternatives, themed meals, specifically crafted drinks and extra.
No suggestions for this but. I simply hope it’s as zany and madcap as the entire dance events that beforehand had been on this area. It’s not really a Hollywood Backlot ‘membership’ with out craziness.
Over at Disneyland, the emotional “Collectively Without end – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes. Since these fireworks had been final proven in 2018, a bunch of latest films and characters have been added to the Pixar pantheon.
Celebrating the center of Pixar storytelling, Collectively Without end takes friends on an emotional journey of friendship with Pixar buddies as they meet for the primary time, set out on adventures, overcome adversity and ultimately, forge eternal bonds. Collectively Without end will reprise iconic moments from the unique manufacturing, similar to Miguel strumming his guitar and Carl and Ellie’s home floating above Sleeping Magnificence Citadel.
The brand new-look nighttime spectacular may even function new scenes added that includes characters and moments from Pixar’s “Onward,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Turning Pink” and “Elemental” delivered to life like by no means earlier than. (Bonus: Throughout “Collectively Without end – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” your MagicBand+ will come to life with twinkling lights and vibrations synchronized to the music.)
Vivid projections, colourful lasers and memorable music might be loved from a number of places all through Disneyland, together with the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and Major Road, U.S.A. On most evenings, fireworks will illuminate the sky throughout Collectively Without end–however there will probably be some evenings when it’s introduced pyro-less. (Principally, fireworks on nights which might be busy; projections-only throughout slower dates.)
Our viewing suggestions for Collectively Without end don’t actually differ from different nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland. See our The place to Watch Disneyland Fireworks Information: Greatest & Worst Viewing Areas. I’m notably a fan of entrance and middle, which affords a fantastic vantage of Sleeping Magnificence Citadel and its projections, in addition to a fantastic take a look at the Up home and no matter else does the aerial passover. (Sounds prefer it won’t be Buzz Lightyear this time? Maybe a brand new shock.)
Nevertheless, the draw back of that’s it requires tenting out a minimum of an hour upfront. That’s each a time-consuming and dangerous transfer, provided that Disneyland fireworks are sometimes cancelled. Farther again on Major Road provides you with a panoramic view of the facade projections and also you’ll nonetheless be capable of see the aerial flyovers within the distance. It’s not pretty much as good of a view, however it’s nonetheless immersive and far simpler.
Some individuals love Rivers of America or “it’s a small world” as different places which might be a lot simpler and fewer crowded. I’m not one in every of them. Whereas these might be good no-stress spots for second viewing, they’re simply not the identical as Major Road. See the present from the dead-on view a minimum of as soon as.
All through the day, the entire household can dance and play the Pixar method with some favourite buddies on the Pixar Buddies Playtime Occasion at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland. Get into the groove at a high-energy present, get pleasure from interactive video games, photograph places and actions impressed by Pixar function movies, and even watch a number of iconic shorts on the massive display screen.
Given the outline and that the stands are empty within the idea artwork, it appears like this will probably be an interactive expertise moderately than a stage present. Which is actually a disgrace, should you ask me. We had hoped for one thing akin to “Collectively: A Pixar Musical Journey” at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris.
As a substitute, this appears like a glorified dance get together. There’s nothing incorrect with that, however there are numerous different locations within the park the place this might be provided. Fantasyland Theatre is ideal for precise dwell leisure.
At numerous places in each Disneyland and Disney California Journey, you’ll be capable of meet many characters from Pixar tales, together with from “Inside Out” and “The Incredibles.”
You might also encounter Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” who will probably be making their Disneyland Resort debut for Pixar Fest! Our hope is that Bing Bong, who lately debuted at Pixar Place Resort, additionally joins the enjoyable for Pixar Fest. If not him, possibly the brand new feelings from Inside Out 2 will materialize throughout Pixar Fest.
Pixar-inspired meals and drinks will probably be obtainable round Disneyland Resort. The long-lasting Pixar Fest cake will return to Plaza Inn, and the menu at Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland will remodel to function Pixar-inspired bites and drinks. As soon as once more, Paradise Backyard Grill in Disney California Journey will serve Coco-inspired menu gadgets.
Starting Might 10, six Pixar-themed meals marketplaces will be a part of the enjoyable in Disney California Journey and be obtainable by way of the size of the competition. Every location celebrates a singular movie, and menu gadgets will transport you and your tastebuds proper into some fan-favorite Pixar worlds. Right here’s slightly taste of what you may anticipate:
- Summertime dishes impressed by the Italian coast at Portorosso Pasta from “Luca”
- Reimagined classics at Gusteau’s To-Go, themed to “Ratatouille”
- A playful mélange of parts at The Elemental Desk, impressed by “Elemental”
- Enjoyable meals excellent for a boy band at 4*City Fav*4*ites from “Turning Pink”
- Really feel-good meals that feed your soul at The Spark, impressed by “Soul”
- Flavors to attraction to your whole feelings at Hanger Administration from “Inside Out.”
For that excellent souvenir that additionally satisfies your Disney snack cravings, look no additional than new novelties arriving only for Pixar Fest! It’s possible you’ll acknowledge the Pizza Planet truck from…virtually each Pixar movie, ever?
Throughout Pixar Fest, you’ll additionally be capable of acknowledge it from…hanging round your neck, I suppose. This model of the Pizza Planet truck doubles as a popcorn bucket. Keep tuned for extra enjoyable Pixar-themed novelties to be revealed quickly.
All-new merchandise collections will start to reach round Disneyland Resort quickly, with trendy designs impressed by iconic Pixar movies and characters. From Pizza Planet baseball caps to Mike Wazowski sweatshirts, gadgets from these collections are the proper approach to prepare for a Pixar-filled summer season. Plus, extra limited-time Pixar Fest merchandise will arrive in April.
You’ll additionally discover medallions themed to every of your favourite Pixar movies obtainable for a restricted time all through Disneyland Resort. Whether or not you’re a fan of classics like “Toy Story” and “a Bug’s Life” or want newer releases like “Lightyear” and “Elemental,” you gained’t wish to miss these collectibles.
Decorations will pop up throughout Disneyland Resort, enhancing The Happiest Place on Earth with brightly-colored banners, unimaginable sculptures that double as must-stop photograph places and extra impressed by favourite Pixar tales.
Within the esplanade between Disneyland and DCA, you gained’t wish to miss the over 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrating friendship and highlighting the long-lasting Pixar Ball. In Disney California Journey, you’ll even be capable of use your MagicBand+ to work together with a Pixar-themed set up.
For those who’re in search of a spot to remain to be absolutely immersed within the Pixar Fest enjoyable, we’d advocate contemplating Pixar Place Resort. (I actually can’t imagine I’m kind the phrases “advocate” in the identical sentence as that resort, however right here we’re!)
In case you missed it, see our new Resort Evaluation: Disney’s As soon as-Worst Resort Will get Reimagined & Redeemed! I don’t wish to say that’s a glowing Pixar Place Resort evaluate, however in comparison with my sentiment in the direction of Paradise Pier Resort–and what I used to be anticipating of the overhaul–it truly is.
All in all, Pixar Fest appears like a great occasion for Summer time 2024 at Disneyland Resort. The most important disappointment is that there’s nothing concerning the return of Paint the Evening parade, which is basically a Pixar parade–and debuted a brand new Incredibles float over the past Pixar Fest. Evening parades have been Disneyland Resort’s “break glass in case of emergency” go-tos for some time, and with the exhaustion of pent-up demand probably turning into extra of a problem in 2024, right here’s hoping that rolls out throughout the competition.
It wouldn’t shock me if a choice has not but been made on Paint the Evening, and so they’re ready to see how attendance shapes up early in 2024, what projections seem like for summer season, or if there’s ample staffing for an additional parade. (That final one has been an obstacle for the previous couple of years.)
My guess is that Pixar Fest as a complete is motivated by Disneyland Resort anticipating pent-up demand to die down. With it lagging within the California parks, Disneyland may’ve seen this yr at Walt Disney World as a cautionary story, and needed to keep away from having comparable points. Whatever the motive, it’s nice to have a summer season season ‘occasion’ and hopefully no matter else is introduced, whether or not it’s Paint the Evening or smaller scale stuff, additional enhances the leisure slate. We’re wanting ahead to it.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Find out about on-site and off-site lodges in our Anaheim Resort Opinions & Rankings. For the place to eat, try our Disneyland Restaurant Opinions. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, try What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, try our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and lots of different SoCal cities.
Your Ideas
What do you consider Pixar Fest returning? Excited to see the “Higher Collectively: A Pixar Buddies Celebration!” daytime parade at DCA or “Collectively Without end” fireworks at Disneyland? Want this had been a distinct seasonal occasion, or pleased with Pixar? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even once you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
