I went to Disneyland's Pixar Fest: Here are my insider tips for the best trip

If you're tossing up whether or not to take the kids to Disneyland, this is the best time to do it.

6 min read

May 9, 2024 - 10:20AM

Experience Pixar Magic: Disneyland's Spectacular Pixar Fest

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A festival brimming with all of my favourite Pixar characters seemed almost too good to be true. Yet that is where I was heading - Disneyland's Pixar Fest, radiating all the good vibes with its theme of 'celebrating friendship and beyond.'

Spanning both Disneyland and California Adventure, this festival (running from April 26 through August 4, 2024) is a heartwarming celebration destined to capture the hearts of anyone who attends whether on a whim or planned.

Having not seen Disneyland for 15 years since I was a child, I was not prepared for the level of excitement, and wonder.

I very quickly realised that if you're planning a family holiday to Disneyland, timing it with the festival is definitely a smart way to go. So if you're thinking about it, here are my tips to make the planning process a little easier.

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Pixar Fest is a great time to visit Disneyland. Image: Supplied

Where to stay at Disneyland

If you're planning a trip to Disneyland California, let me give you a tip straight from the trenches: stay as close to the magic as you can! Also, snag those park-hopping tickets and don't skimp on the Lightning Lane passes. It will make your experience a whole lot easier and sweeter.

I bunked at the Pixar Place Hotel, a stone's throw from California Adventure, and let me tell you, having a special shortcut right into the park is a game changer. This spot isn't just convenient; it's also one of the more wallet-friendly options at Disneyland, with rooms that can comfortably fit families of four to five.

The hotel itself has gotten a facelift, decked out in decor straight from the drawing boards of our favorite films. Think initial sketches that set the stage for those epic scenes, and character models that look like they might just spring to life.

Inside Pixar Palace Hotel. Image: Supplied

Staying at Pixar Place Hotel not only nests you right next to the thrills but also gives you a leg-up over other visitors who have to trek from farther afield and queue up bright and early for hit rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers.

Here’s another pro tip: download the Disney app. Seriously, it's a game-changer. Opt for the Lightning Lane pass through the app to breeze past those daunting hour-long waits. It freed up my day to saunter through the parks at my own pace, soaking in more sights without the foot-dragging delays.

You'll also definitely want those park-hopping tickets since Pixar Fest's joy is sprinkled across both parks. These tickets are your golden key to the kingdom, allowing you to flit between Disneyland and California Adventure as you please—which, believe me, is an experience in itself.

Don't miss the parade! Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration

To kick off the festivities, I headed over to California Adventure for the ‘Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration’ parade.

Stepping into this event was like walking right into a Pixar film - emotions and all! There I was, crammed among families and die-hard Pixar fans, all buzzing with excitement. It's not every day you see Woody and Buzz cruising by, let alone Mei in her giant red panda form towering over the crowd.

The ingenuity of the floats really caught my attention. Take the Up float, for instance, with Russell perfectly perched on Kevin’s back - it was like they'd jumped straight out of the screen. And those feathers on Kevin? They shimmered under the sunlight as if they were real.

Following that, the Soul float rolled in with Joe Gardner and his ensemble dropping some smooth jazz tunes that almost had everyone dancing in the streets.

But honestly, the highlight for me was the iconic Pixar lamp leading the parade. It shone like a beacon of all our childhood memories.

This parade was more than just a fun outing; it felt like an ode to the friendships that sustain us - from the longtime ones we hold dear to the new ones just blossoming. It was a beautiful reminder that life’s really better together!

Don't miss the parade. Image: Supplied

So many things to see and do

After soaking up the magic of the parade work your way over to the ‘Pixar Pals Playtime Party’ at the Fantasyland Theatre.

As soon as I stepped in, the place was buzzing - kids and their families were letting loose, grooving alongside icons from Pixar's storied universe.

Looking for a breather from the day's excitement, I was drawn to the quieter colouring area. There, amidst backdrops inspired by Luca, I took a moment to indulge my inner artist. It was the perfect pit stop for a bit of calm amid a busy day. If I had kids with me, this is where you'll want to rest a little.

Before I knew it, I was back in the mix, striking poses with Machiavelli, the crafty cat, and Ember the fiery elemental.

The 'Pixar Pals Playtime Party' is a whirlwind of joy and an absolute must-visit for families needing a delightful break from the park’s thrills. It's the perfect chaser to the parade, keeping everyone's spirits sky-high throughout the day.

So much to see. Image: Supplied

Disneyland at night must be experienced

If the night is still young for you or you're a night owl by nature, make your way to Club Pixar, nestled in the Hollywood Backlot of California Adventure.

Here, you can amp up the fun with a live DJ and a dynamic dance crew that keeps the energy high. But if you're more in the mood for games, check out the area decked out with Pixar-themed activities. You can play a giant chess game inspired by the Pixar short "Geri's Game" and more.

And for those who prefer a more laid-back evening, there's an open-air theater where you can unwind, watch some Pixar shorts, and enjoy a snack or two. Club Pixar is the perfect nighttime spot for families looking to tailor their evening with either high-energy fun or some relaxing downtime under the stars.

Disneyland by night. Image: Supplied

As dusk fell and the first chords of the soundtrack echoed around us, the atmosphere turned electric, priming us for a deep dive into Pixar's enchanting storytelling with "Together Forever - A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular: A Journey of Friendship."

This show wasn't just another fireworks display; it was an emotional rollercoaster that sent us spiraling through exhilarating adventures and heartwarming moments of friendship. With seamlessly integrated scenes from recent Pixar gems like Turning Red, Luca, and Soul, alongside beloved classics like Toy Story and Monsters Inc., each segment of the narrative was a masterstroke, drawing us further into Pixar's captivating world.

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As the night deepened, the area around us burst to life with immersive projections, vibrant lasers, and stunning pyrotechnics. Watching Buzz Lightyear zip through the sky and Carl Fredricksen’s house float above Sleeping Beauty Castle was simply magical, leaving everyone around me spellbound.

Standing on Main Street among a crowd of fellow Disney aficionados, I was completely mesmerized. "Together Forever" is far more than just a show; it's a profound celebration of the friendships and adventures that Pixar has brought to life over the years—a truly spectacular evening that etched itself into our hearts and memories, lingering long after the last sparkle faded from the sky.

Character meets at every turn. Image: Supplied

Disneyland food is so magical

One of the undeniable highlights of Pixar Fest at Disney and California Adventure is the themed culinary delights scattered throughout the park.

These aren't just snacks; they're a deep dive into the worlds of our favorite Pixar films, transformed into bites that dazzle both the palate and the imagination. This year, the offerings have been brilliantly reimagined, turning each dish into a must-try experience.

The Red Panda Bao, inspired by Turning Red, was my personal favourite. This jumbo pork and vegetable stuffed bao, zesty with its spot-on spicy chile-garlic sauce, was the perfect nod to its fiery movie counterpart.

So many fun food options. Image: Supplied

Not to be outdone, Gusteau's Go-Go Macaroon stole the show with its eye-catching appearance and delicious blend of crème brûlée cream and caramel. Each of these dishes was not just a meal but a journey into the heart of Pixar's storytelling.

So, if your adventures at Pixar Fest lead you down a path filled with vibrant parades, electrifying shows, and magical encounters, make sure you don’t skip the feast for the senses offered by the park’s themed eateries.

Each bite is a story, each flavor an adventure - a culinary magic that truly complements the Pixar experience. After all, what’s a day at Pixar Fest without a little spice from the Red Panda Bao or a sweet finish from Gusteau’s Macaroon?

The writer was a guest of Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest but her thoughts on Disneyland being the happiest place on earth are genuinely her own.