Pixar Fest - A celebration of all things Pixar at both Disneyland and DCA! This is the Disneyland Resorts first annual Pixar Fest and it's pretty guh'roooovie!
I was there on April 12th; the last day of Disney's Annual Wine & Food Festival - "We came, we ate, we drank, and then ate some more!... 'And drank some more as well!" The park wasn't as crowded as I had anticipated for the last day of the F&W Festival, awesome! The weather was a cool 73F; it was a very good day.
Since it was the "Pixar Fest Eve," Disneys was getting everything in place for the premier of its first annual event the following day; it was like getting a sneak peek of the next day's events. Also, it was "press day @ the park," the media presence was there in full force along with quite a few Disneys suits & business skirts. Although, there was no official announcement of a parade, the park was setting up the route; not to mention the "reserved seating" areas. I spoke to a few cast members who were awesome enough to tell me that guests were in for a special treat, a preview of the new parades. (In truth, they are not "new," but more revised; version 2.0) However, there are a couple of new parade floats; cool.
There's a great, new Pixar fireworks showcase @ DL too; it's a must-see!
What's on the itinerary?!
"Together Forever" - A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular | DL
Pixar Play Parade | DL
Paint the Night Parade | DCA
Pixar Shorts Film Festival | DCA
Pixar Pals at Paradise Gardens | DCA
The Pixarmonic Orchestra | DCA
'And of course the attractions:
Toy Story Midway Mania | DCA
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters | DL
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage | DL
Radiator Springs Racers | DCA
Monsters Inc - Monstropolis | DCA
'And did I mention the Pixar Fest themed eats and gear?! They have a two piece, collectible, Mike & Sully sippy-cup and popcorn container set that can be connected into one, larger piece; very cool. Of course, there's Pixar Fest t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and exclusive Disney AP swag was well. (Also, Pixar themed.) They have a very nice, Hawaiian shirtesque, an AP exclusive that runs a bit $$. I was going to get it but the $$ made me think twice... 'But not for too long. - LOL
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pixar-fest-anaheim-3?select=xtjZpuPukQ-vBpz2PKuAVg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
'And I picked up a hat too; one can never have TOO MANY hats. (Fellahs, am I right?!)
Note: All new items can be embroidered with your name, AP logo, or just about anything. A friend told me to put "DJ," on the back... I briefly thought about it but said, "Why?... 'Am I going to forget that it's my hat?!" LOL - So, instead I got "Aloha!"
Pixar Fest spans both Disneys and DCA; keep your eye open for Pixar Fest specialty menu items. I am a big fan of Corn Dog Castle, more specifically the hot link corn dog. (Another must-try that I highly recommend.) CDC has a novel, trifecta of a spicy corn dog called the "Temperamental Taste-Shifting Corn Dog," and it works! The sweet & spicy sauce compliments the sh'picy corn dog beautifully!
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pixar-fest-anaheim-3?select=I0Y-tuIKpHM1U8CkMIsHtA&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
If you're a fan of the hot link corn dog, I highly recommend giving this, available for a limited time only, corn dog!
Q: What is it?
A: Hot link sausage, pepper jack cheese, Cajun chicken sausage; all in one corn dog and served with a sweet/spicy blackberry-serrano chile sauce.
Tip: Walk over to the Karl Strauss Beer Truck and grab a nice cold beer; pairs great with the hot link!
A couple of cast members also recommended that I try the "Pixar Lemon Raspberry Cake," which I ate with an Anchor Blood Orange Blonde. (I was trying to keep it healthy by staying with a fruit theme.)
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pixar-fest-anaheim-3?select=BLP_X0ERbueKW1HZjzDYtQ&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
Oh, did I also mention that DL has a Pizza Planet? I thought, coolness level; a zillion! I told my Disney co-pilot, let's do a pop-in and check it out. It was cool BUT I expected more; a lot more. (Shrugs) So, before you go spending $10 for a slice or $40 for a whole pie; I advise you check it out before hand, take a walk around, survey the food land, and then decide. Just say, we didn't stay stop to eat.
We've been back several times since Pixar Fest opened. One of the best perks to having an AP is the ability to come & go without any pressure to stay 12 hours in one visit. (Well, that along with the discounts and exclusive offers are also perks!)
I was just there yesterday, 05/16/18, and the initial crowds for Pixar Fest have dropped significantly. It has been a long while since I've seen such a low attendance; weather was a very cool, 70F; it was a GREAT day. I highly suggest you get in while you can before the summer crowds start ramping up and blackout dates start kicking in!
- Big Aloha!
Food: 4
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5
Value: 4 read more