Recently, Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Courtney, had the opportunity to enjoy this summer’s celebration, Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort. She was amazed at all there was to do and the numerous new offerings. Today she is sharing some of her must-do tips if you are headed to the Disneyland Resort to enjoy a day of Pixar fun and festivities.
Let’s start off with my preschooler who was thrilled by the upbeat and colorful “Pixar Play Parade.” It’s a great daytime entertainment option for little ones who tend to run out of steam before dark. Make sure you are on the lookout for the newest friends to join the parade lineup, including Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out” riding in Bing Bong’s rocket wagon atop rainbow-colored memory orbs!
Got tweens or teens (or a younger night owl, like my 7-year-old)? Then a must-do for your family is an evening viewing of “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” which lights up the skies in a celebration of friendship and beyond! Fireworks, music, and projections can all be enjoyed from a handful of iconic Disneyland park locations – Sleeping Beauty Castle, the waters of Rivers of America, the front of “it’s a small world” and the buildings lining Main Street, U.S.A. Parents will love that the show’s projections can be seen in multiple locations of the park. If your kids are like mine, they might lack the patience to camp out for a viewing spot far in advance. Luckily, you can see so many unique and exciting elements of the show from various locations, not just the coveted spots near the castle.
And in true Disney style, there are some incredible food items to choose from at Pixar Fest. The churro connoisseurs out there can sample several specialty flavors, available at churro carts throughout both theme parks! My favorite is the “Coco”-inspired Cocoa Churro, served with chocolate powder, salted cinnamon sugar and a spiced Mexican chocolate dipping sauce, available in Frontierland.
Don’t leave Disney California Adventure park without swinging by Knick’s Knacks, an all-new store, for the best selection of Pixar Fest merchandise. In addition to Pixar-themed toys, apparel and drinkware (like the popular light-up alien straw cup!), you’ll find Pixar concept art ready to bring home, or you can get your own piece of art created on the spot by an on-location character sketch artist as a truly unique souvenir.
Also, Pixar Pals will be waiting for you over in Paradise Gardens, including Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Dug and Russell, or Flik and Atta. Bring your squirmy little ones to sing and dance to the sounds of a seven-piece musical ensemble — TripleDent Gum presents The Pixarmonic Orchestra — as they perform their own lively take on some of Pixar film’s most recognizable songs. The Paradise Garden Grill menu has been transformed into a collection of plates inspired by “Coco.” I recommend the tortitas de papa con queso (or crispy potato cakes with cheese)!
Pixar Fest is taking place now for a limited time, through September 3. For more information on planning your trip to the Disneyland Resort, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel.
