Pixar Fest is kicking off today at the Disneyland Resort in a celebration that will span both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland. At a recent media preview, io9 visited both parks getting in on the Pixar Fest action, which runs from now until August 4 with entertainment offerings that include characters from Turning Red, Elemental, Soul, and Luca.
KC Wilkerson, the principal media designer for Disney Live Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort, is also the show director for the return of Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular. Wilkerson explained how the fireworks and projection show has grown since its last time at Disneyland. “Every single film is represented there. Characters from every single Pixar film appear in the show. The original show featured 59 Pixar characters; all of them return,” he said. “The new show adds 17, including the five new emotions from Inside Out 2.” Fan-favorite 2022 release Turning Red also gets two show-stopping moments and an epic parade float in “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”. The parade comes back with more characters like Panda Mei, friends, 4*Town and her dad representing girl dads everywhere in the cardboard red panda costume.
Speaking of new Pixar characters, fresh faces are coming to the meet and greet opportunities in areas hosting new shows in Pixar Fest’s interactive zones: “Pixar Pals Playtime Party ” in Disneyland Park, and the nighttime party hub at Club Pixar at the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure Park. Tracy Halas, creative director of Disney Live Entertainment, revealed fans can expect to hang out with more Pixar pals. “We have Wade and Amber from Elemental. You can meet them at the Playtime Party Zone area, as well as Disneyland California Adventure Park, along with Luca and Alberto—they have dried off and are showing up in their human form,” she said. Halas also noted that Edna Mode has prepared something really special: “Mr. and Mrs. Incredible [will appear] in their new super suits—that is the first time that we are debuting those. And one other friend that’s joining is Dug [from Up], and I think you might be surprised how you can now will be able to interact with Dug.” (Yes, that means he can talk with his collar now!)
For keen-eyed Pixar fans there is a special Easter egg scavenger hunt. Halas explained the fun: “In almost every Pixar film, there are hidden Easter eggs, such as the Pizza Planet truck you can see hidden in almost every Pixar film. Well, if you keep an eye out around the resort, you might want to just be thinking, ‘where can I find a hidden Easter egg-like object?’ I don’t want to say too much, because I want you guys to be able to find them by yourselves. But, yeah, you know... maybe keep an eye out for some Pizza Planet trucks.” Fans online have already posted truck sightings in the Collector’s Fortress and even the Adventureland Treehouse.
And for the foodies and collectors out there the celebration also features commemorative merch and limited-time food and beverages inspired by Pixar films in very creative ways. Starting May 10, guests will be able to experience six Pixar-themed food and beverage marketplaces throughout Disney California Adventure Park. Here’s what you can expect:
- 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 or boy band (or anyone, really!) at 4*Town Fav*4*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
Check out this gallery for a preview of all the Pixar goods!
