PAINT THE NIGHT PARADE (ANAHEIM, Calif.) The popular nighttime parade returns to the Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest, this time making its way through Disney California Adventure Park. Mike Wazowski from the film Monsters, Inc. appears in Paint the Night parade, along with many beloved Disney and Pixar pals. This after-dark spectacular shimmers with more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy music and cutting edge special effects. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
Planning a trip to Disneyland this summer? Then you are in for a treat because Pixar Fest has officially launched and we have the inside scoop on all the entertainment, food and drinks you should keep a Mike Wazowski-sized eye out for! Scroll for all the fun additions that are taking place across both Disneyland and California Adventure and get ready to celebrate friendship all summer long.
Tripledent Gum originally appeared in the Pixar favorite "Inside Out" as a commercial that gets stuck in Riley's head but it has been re-imagined as Tripledent Gum presents the Pixarmonic Orchestra. The wacky and zany band performs Pixar songs using whatever instruments they can find so don't be surprised if you see them tapping out tunes on spoons, cowbells, slide whistles and more.
According to Chris Utley, Show Director of Disney Parks Live Entertainment, "The inspiration came from a lifelong appreciation and love of the music of Spike Jones and His City Slickers. The presents an array of musical styles ina fun and upbeat fashion that fits the Pixar tunes perfectly. The arrangements, dialogue, and energy of this unique group will appeal to the whole family. And their costumes even have some fun Pixar 'Easter Eggs!'" When you are ready to take a break from the rides, head over to the bandstand, grab a seat and enjoy the show.
Where: Paradise Gardens Bandstand in California Adventure When: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
Pixar Play Parade
Andie Huber
The much-loved parade down Disneyland's Main St. has been reimagined to include new Pixar friends like the hopping Pixar Lamp and Ball from Pixar’s "Luxo Jr." short who lead the way. They are followed by Joy, Sadness and Bing Bong in Riley’s Rocket Wagon from "Inside Out." The "Up" float makes a debut while Carl, Russell, Dug, Kevin the bird and her brood of baby birds all dance down the parade route.
And lest you think that's all the surprises, be prepared to get wet on warm days as squiring baby turtles, an android and flowers make their way down the street.
The best places to meet and greet your favorite Pixar pals? Hang around Paradise Gardens (where the Pixarmonic Orchestra plays) for those photo ops.
Beginning Jun. 8, make sure to check out the Pixar Pals Dance Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland and look for the Incredibles cast at the parks who joins the fun starting Jun. 15.
Desserts Galore
Disneyland Theme Park
Disneyland does desserts right and Pixar Fest is no exception. New churro flavors are available like the Coco-Churro inspired by the movie "Coco" at the Frontierland churro cart in California Adventure, and a multi-colored fruity churro with lemon sugar inspired by "Up" is available on Main St. in Disneyland.
If cake is more your speed, look for the celebration ball-inspired cake—almost too pretty to eat!
Fancy an alien-inspired macaron? The team at Disney outdid themselves and will turn you and your kids into green eating alien machines.
And as if that's not enough, there are purple slushies, "Nemo"-inspired apples, and berry funnel cakes so your sweet tooth will surely be satisfied.
The magical night celebration is back and this time with more than 1 million lights that shine along the parade route in California Adventure. This high-energy parade will get even the most tired of toddlers up to dance as each float that glides by features another Pixar pal plus some old favorite standbys. Get ready to be amazed by "Cars" Lightning McQueen's Mac truck, "Finding Nemo" and his swirling jellyfish and the swirly glittery orb that magician Mickey rides as part of the finale. Good luck trying to go to sleep after this energetic night display!
There are tons of surprise eats all over both parks but definitely grab a slice at Alien Pizza Planet (formally Redd Rockett's Pizza Port in Disneyland) and live out all of your "Toy Story" fantasies.
At Lucky Fortune Cookery, look for the "Monsters, Inc" themed chilled noodle salad that changes colors! And if you are looking for a finer dining experience, at Cafe Orleans, you can experience a "Ratatouille"-inspired three-course dinner. Bon appetit!
Souvenirs & More
Pixar fans will go bonkers over the swag and merchandise available. From cool clothing (don't judge me when you see me wearing that Sully-styled "Monster's Inc." sweatshirt) and jewelry to souvenir cups that light up, there is no shortage of cool gear to take home. We loved the 1000-piece puzzles, oversized coffee mugs, and charm bracelets as well as the friendship socks featuring Mater on one foot and Lighting McQueen from "Cars," on the other.
Don't forget to check out the Mickey Mouse ears re-imagined with new friends on the ears like Sully on one side and Mike on the other but our favorite? The WALL-E and Eve hats, that when put together, form a heart with their touching ears. So cute!
And last but certainly not least, make your way back to Disneyland for the ultimate "Together Forever Nighttime Spectacular" where the park takes the theme of unlikely yet enduring friendship while showcasing the beauty of Pixar.
Buzz Lightyears opens the show by flying across the castle and the family-loving stories play against the buildings on Main St. and Cinderella's castle. The fireworks play up the drama, along with the music, and when Ellie and Carl from "Up" appear, get ready to shed a tear while the balloon from the movie makes its way across the sky.
Hint: Look out for the characters from "Coco" who pop up on the roofs over the shops on Main St.
PS: While Pixar Fest is set to end Sept. 3, 2018, the Pixar Pier is set to open Sept. 2018 (where Paradis Pier is currently located in California Adventure) so stay tuned for more exciting updates!
