Get ready to celebrate friendship and beyond at the Disneyland Resort during Pixar Fest! This limited-time event, running from April 26 through August 4, 2024, will bring the beloved stories and characters from Pixar Animation Studios to life throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park like never before. From dazzling entertainment and character encounters to themed food and merchandise, there will be magic and memories for Pixar pals of all ages. Here are the top ten things you need to know to make the most of this incredible celebration.
In the new “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade, dynamic and colorful floats will make their way through Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., during Pixar Fest when it returns to Disneyland Resort from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024. The parade will feature high-energy dancing and appearances by more than two dozen Pixar characters, including friends from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” celebrating the sweeter things in life. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)1. A New Daytime Parade at Disney California Adventure Park
One of the most exciting additions for Pixar Fest 2024 will be the brand new “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” daytime parade at Disney California Adventure Park. This joyful procession will feature stunning floats, high-energy music, and your favorite Pixar friends, including the red panda version of Mei Lee from “Turning Red” and a real-life 4*Town boy band. Don’t miss this chance to see some of the newest Pixar stars in this one-of-a-kind parade experience.
2. The Return of “Together Forever” Fireworks at Disneyland Park
Lighting up the night sky once again will be “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” at Disneyland Park. This dazzling fireworks display, which debuted during the original Pixar Fest in 2018, will feature memorable music and moments from Pixar films with state-of-the-art projections and pyrotechnics. For the 2024 return, the show will include all-new scenes to celebrate recent Pixar stories. Seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle transform with colorful images of your Pixar pals is an unforgettable way to cap off your day.
3. Pixar-Themed Attractions and Entertainment
Many of the most popular attractions at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure feature Pixar characters and stories, so Pixar Fest is the perfect time to experience them all. Zoom through space on Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, take a thrilling race on Radiator Springs Racers, join the Incredibles to save the day on the Incredicoaster, and so much more. The parks will also come alive with Pixar pals, from unexpected character encounters to Pixar-themed musical performances and atmospheric entertainment. Keep your eyes open for magical Pixar moments around every corner.
4. Pixar-Inspired Food and Beverage Offerings
One of the most delicious parts of any Disney celebration is the specialty food and drinks, and Pixar Fest will be no exception. Throughout the resort, you’ll find creative dishes, desserts and beverages themed to different Pixar movies.
Some returning favorites may include:
- Alien Pizza Planet’s green alien pasta and supernova pizza
- Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats‘ lemon snow capped treats
- Schmoozies’ Monster’s Inc mint shake
- Rancho del Zocalo’s Mexican chocolate pot de crème
And for 2024, Disney has announced there will be brand new Pixar-themed food marketplaces at Disney California Adventure, offering bites and sips inspired by films like “Coco,” “Ratatouille” and more. With so many fun flavors to try, come hungry and be sure to grab the Pixar Fest Foodie Guide to plan out all your snacking.
5. Pixar Fest Celebration Cake and More Sweet Treats
If you have a sweet tooth, Pixar Fest has you covered. The star of the dessert lineup is sure to be the Pixar Fest Celebration Cake, a colorful multi-layered cake with flavors of lemon, blue vanilla and red velvet, topped with a chocolate Pixar ball. Find this photo-worthy treat at Plaza Inn and Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland, as well as Paradise Garden Grill and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure.
Other sweet offerings will include Pixar-themed candy apples, cake pops and churros, including the “Ants on a Log” churro in “a bug’s land” and the multi-flavored “Choose Your Racer” churro in Cars Land. The raspberry “Presto Rabbit” churro in New Orleans Square and the cinnamon-sugar “Coco” churro in Frontierland are also not to be missed.
6. Pixar Fest Merchandise and Souvenirs
Bring home the magic of Pixar Fest with exclusive event merchandise available throughout the resort. Pixar Fest 2024 collections will include apparel, head wear, pins, drinkware and more featuring the event logo and your favorite Pixar characters. Many items will highlight the themes of friendship and adventure that define the Pixar stories we love. Guests can also look forward to Pixar-themed souvenir items like light-up sippers, popcorn buckets and bubble wands. And don’t forget to pick up some Pixar Fest ears to wear around the parks! Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a treasured memento of your visit, there will be plenty of Pixar Fest souvenirs to discover.
7. Pixar-Themed Dining Packages
To make sure you have the best seat in the house for the Pixar Fest entertainment, take advantage of special dining packages that include reserved viewing for select performances. The Plaza Inn will once again offer a picnic-style lunch with your choice of entrée, sides, dessert and drink, plus access to a reserved spot to watch the Pixar Play Parade in Disneyland Park.
At Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure, an elegant four-course dinner will be available with parade viewing for the “Paint the Night” parade featuring Pixar pals. Reservations for these experiences fill up quickly, so be sure to book early – and keep an eye out for any additional Pixar Fest dining packages that may be announced.
8. Pixar Shorts Film Festival at the Sunset Showcase Theater
While Pixar is best known for their groundbreaking feature films, their creativity also shines in their short films. At the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure, the Pixar Shorts film festival will return for Pixar Fest. Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of Pixar shorts, including classics and newer favorites, in this comfortable indoor theater. Catching a few of these mini masterpieces is a great way to take a break and celebrate the artistry of Pixar animation.
9. Tips for Visiting During Pixar Fest
With so much to see and do during Pixar Fest, it pays to plan ahead for your visit. Be sure to download the official Disneyland app to check wait times, browse dining options, make reservations, and even mobile order food and drinks. Consider booking a vacation package through Disney or an authorized travel agent to take advantage of special offers and perks.
Pixar Fest is sure to draw big crowds, so arrive early, especially if you want to snag a spot for the parades or fireworks. Squeeze in popular attractions during the first and last couple hours of the day when wait times tend to be lower. Don’t forget to take breaks, stay hydrated and slather on the sunscreen – nothing ruins a Disney day faster than a meltdown or sunburn. Most of all, soak up all the Pixar fun and magic with your family and friends!
10. The Legacy of Pixar and Pixar Fest
Since “Toy Story” premiered in 1995, Pixar has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with their innovative animation, unforgettable characters and heartfelt storytelling. Pixar Fest is the ultimate celebration of their legacy and partnership with Disney parks. The first Pixar Fest in 2018 introduced the “Together Forever” fireworks, Pixar Play Parade, Pixar Shorts film festival and more, paving the way for Pixar Pier which opened later that summer.
Pixar Fest 2024 promises to be even bigger and better, with a brand-new parade, the return of fan favorites, and plenty of new Pixar-themed food and merchandise to enjoy. There has never been a better time to celebrate friendship and beyond with the beloved characters that have defined Pixar for almost 30 years. Whether you’re a die-hard Pixar fan or just looking for an extra sprinkle of magic on your Disneyland vacation, Pixar Fest is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
Conclusion
Pixar Fest 2024 at the Disneyland Resort is shaping up to be a celebration like no other. With an incredible lineup of new and returning entertainment, characters, food, merchandise and more, there will be no shortage of Pixar fun from April 26 through August 4. From the dazzling “Better Together!” parade and “Together Forever” fireworks to themed treats and eats around every corner, Pixar Fest will immerse you in the stories you love like never before.
So gather up your favorite toys, get ready to cook up some magic, find your super suit, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime during Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort. With a little planning and a lot of excitement, you’ll be sure to have a Pixar-perfect visit filled with friendship, laughter and memories to last a lifetime. We’ll see you in the parks, Pixar pals!
