To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Bringing Pixar Characters to Life
The magic of Disney comes alive in their latest Pixar-themed parade at Disneyland. This spectacular celebration brings favorite Pixar stories and characters to the streets with elaborate floats, energetic music, and beloved costumed characters. For Pixar fans, it's a dream come true.
The parade features stunningly accurate representations of characters from films like The Incredibles, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Cars, and more. Disney's talented Imagineers have outdone themselves creating floats and costumes that look like they jumped right off the movie screen. For example, the iconic Pixar lamp floats by, kicking off the parade just as it does at the start of every Pixar film. Later, Woody and Buzz Lightyear wave atop an elaborate toy box float filled with other Toy Story playthings. Nemo, Dory, and Crush the sea turtle dazzle spectators from a colorful coral reef float with real water effects.
Disney prioritized these authentic character representations to fully immerse guests in the Pixar worlds. Tom Fitzgerald, the parade's director, said, "I wanted to represent as many of the stories as I could, and have figures that truly represented those stories." The result is an experience where guests feel like they're part of the movie magic.
Interaction between characters and guests amps up the immersion even more. Characters like Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Edna Mode strut down the route, high-fiving spectators and stopping for photos. The green army men from Toy Story also break ranks to play with kids along the way. Real-life costumed characters let fans connect with beloved characters up close.
Music and choreography add infectious energy to the parade too. Iconic Pixar scores blend with original parade music to get spectators dancing in the streets. Floats and characters boogie along, turning the parade into one big Pixar dance party. Even characters without legs, like Heimlich from A Bug's Life, shimmy and shake on their elaborate floats.
The parade debut coincided with Disneyland's Pixar Fest celebration, so it expanded the event's excitement throughout the park. Fitzgerald explained, "We wanted to have a lot of Pixar fun outside the theater and give our guests a chance to be immersed in Pixar stories." The new parade achieved that goal, bringing Pixar films to life beyond the screens and directly into the streets.
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Parade Features Favorite Pixar Films
Pixar films have captured audiences’ hearts and imaginations for over 20 years. From Toy Story to Finding Nemo, The Incredibles to Cars, Pixar’s stories and characters resonate across generations. This Pixar parade celebrates that rich cinematic history by featuring floats and characters from over a dozen seminal Pixar movies.
Longtime Pixar fans will delight in seeing their most beloved films represented. Whether you grew up with Buzz and Woody or you’re a new fan of contemporary hits like Coco, there’s a float to make you feel nostalgic. Parents love sharing this connection with their kids. Juan Mendez, who attended the parade’s debut with his family, said seeing characters from his childhood Toy Story movies come to life alongside new favorites like Miguel from Coco created a magical experience. “It was like the movies we’ve loved for years were blurred together into one phenomenal parade.”
The parade also reminds attendees of Pixar’s incredible ability to tell stories that appeal universally. Tess Liu, another spectator, remarked: “Seeing all the Pixar stories together really highlighted that even though the movies can be very different on the surface, at their core they all share similar emotional truths. That’s Pixar’s genius.”
Creative floats transport paradegoers right into the films’ worlds. Attendees felt like they were shrinking down to the scale of the epic battle in A Bug’s Life or swimming through Finding Nemo’s colorful coral reef. Megan Thomas said her kids were stunned when the Cars float drove by: “My 5-year-old was convinced Lightning McQueen was really driving down the street - it looked so realistic!”
Of course, every Pixar fan has their own special connection to certain films. For Ashley Hong, seeing vibrant floats from Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo brought back magical memories: “Those movies made my childhood. When Squishy the octopus floated by, it was pure joy.”
Though not every film could make it into the parade, spectators appreciated the diversity represented. There was a delightful mix of old and new films, so viewers reminisced about their pasts while also getting excited for Pixar’s future. “It was a perfect sampling of the Pixar magic we’ve loved for over 20 years,” Thomas noted. “Like a 'greatest hits' album from one of your favorite bands.”
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Floats Designed for Guest Interaction
A parade's energy comes alive most when characters interact with spectators, and the Pixar parade’s floats are ingeniously designed to encourage this engagement. Many feature small stages where costumed characters dance, wave, and high-five an endless sea of outstretched hands. Seeing the joy on kids’ faces as their favorite characters come to life fuels the interactive spirit.
The most interactive float depicts the Great Barrier Reef from Finding Nemo. Crush the sea turtle sits atop a vibrant coral reef swarming with regal blue tang fish like Dory. Jet spouts circulate water, making the float feel like a real aquatic world. For Thomas, this was his 2-year-old daughter’s favorite float: “Seeing Dory swim in real water brought the biggest smile to her face. When Crush waved at her, she just lit up.”
Another float transports guests into the Ant Island world of A Bug’s Life. Flik and Atta stand atop a 16-foot tall blade of grass, using it like a stage to get the crowd buzzing. A ladybug teeter-totter entertains guests with cute choreography. Thomas appreciated how riders maintained eye contact with spectators: “You felt like you were really at the epic Bug City 4th of July celebration.”
The Monsters Inc. float also encourages monstrous interaction. Sulley peeks out of bedroom doors, greeting spectators with his trademark belly laugh. Mike Wazowski shows off, doing jumping jacks on a bed as creatures surge out from closet doors. The float empowers cast members to embody the wacky monster spirit. “My son was mesmerized seeing real performers bring Mike and Sulley to life with such humor and heart,” Liu shared. “It was his first time meeting the monsters in person.”
The grande finale Cars float concludes the parade with high-octane energy. Lightning McQueen and Mater cruise down the street, turning back to give eager fans a tire bump or honk. Seeing the personable pick-up truck Mater engage kids in his charming, rustic manner is a major highlight. Mendez said his toddler keeps trying to mimic Mater’s “dadgum” catchphrase after meeting him: “It’s like she made a real connection with her favorite Tow Mater.”
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Music from Pixar Movies in the Parade
The music of Pixar films is as beloved and memorable as the stories and characters. From Randy Newman’s iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” to Michael Giacchino’s rousing “The Incredits,” Pixar soundtracks have become ingrained in popular culture. The music adds humor, heart, and energy that brings the animation to life. Fans know every tune by heart. So naturally, music is an essential dimension of the Pixar parade celebrating these movies.
Each Pixar film’s score is featured during its float’s section, transitioning from one soundtrack to the next. The music sets the tone and atmosphere for each vignette while underscoring the cinematic memories. Hearing those first familiar notes from The Incredibles as the superpowered family springs into view immediately recalls the film’s retro-cool spy aesthetic. The percussive Taiko drumbeats of Coco’s “Un Poco Loco” transport spectators straight to the Land of the Dead during Miguel’s rousing talent show performance. And the twangy guitar and playful harmonica of the Cars’ Route 66 soundtrack kickstarts the parade finale with automotive Americana spirit.
Beyond each movie’s soundtrack, the parade also features an original theme song. Written especially for the event by composer Mark Hammond, it incorporates musical motifs from Pixar films new and old. While fresh and lively on its own, sprinklings of Randy Newman’s iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” melody and Michael Giacchino’s triumphant “The Incredits” score make the song unmistakably Pixar. This parade anthem bookends the experience, welcoming guests at the start and closing out the celebration in spectacular style.
According to music director Bryant Pugh, the song “encapsulates the warmth, humor, and sentiment that Pixar embodies." The lyrics capture Pixar’s spirit: “Whoever you are, wherever you’re going, no matter how far, you’re never alone!” Sung by a lively chorus, the message is one of belonging, friendship, and adventure. Pairing this heartwarming theme with playful character choreography creates a number that’s both poignant and high-energy. It invites spectators to sing and dance along, uniting the crowd in a shared Pixar experience.
Beyond its thematic power, the original parade song and film soundtracks get feet tapping and hands clapping. The music provides an upbeat, lively rhythm that carries viewers along from float to float. Sound designer David Boucher said the blend of soundtracks and original songs creates a “non-stop symphonic tour through Pixar history.” It’s this sonic dynamism that pulls onlookers into the parade’s infectious spirit.
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Costumed Characters Join the Celebration
Seeing beloved characters come to life through elaborate costumes adds an extra layer of Disney magic to the Pixar parade. Parade director Tom Fitzgerald emphasized that “having the characters inhabitants in their stories interact with guests face-to-face creates connection.” The costumed performers embody favorite roles, bringing warmth, humor, and energy through their characterizations.
Moms Jessica Thomas and Megan Liu both remarked how the accurate, intricate costumes made their kids feel like they were seeing the real characters from the movies. When Russell from Up glided by on his Wilderness Explorer scout float, Liu’s son gasped, “It’s really him!” Thomas said her daughter was star struck when she hugged Jessie the yodeling cowgirl from Toy Story: “She looked exactly like the cartoon Jessie. My daughter couldn’t believe she was standing right there.”
Performers work hard to capture the spirit of each role. The army man corps marches in scene-accurate combat helmets and fatigues, playfully breaking formation to high-five kids. The Cars’ Mater performer nails the rusty tow truck’s hilarious, southern drawl and mannerisms. And Crush the sea turtle surfs atop his coral float, perfectly mimicking the chill surfer dude voice and lingo.
Seeing how fully the performers embrace their roles draws spectators deeper into the stories. Juan Mendez remarked that his toddler was utterly convinced by the performers: “When she met actual Woody and Buzz, she was starstruck. In her eyes, they’d just walked straight out of her favorite movie into real life.” Liu agreed, saying, “The characters felt so authentic. It made my kids feel like a part of the movie.”
Beyond looking and sounding the part, performers interact with fans just as characters would in films. Sulley engages kids with his signature bear hugs and belly laughs. The Incredibles pose for pictures as if escaping fan paparazzi. And Mike Wazowski high-fives and fist-bumps his “lifelong buddies.” Thomas said her normally shy daughter opened up when performers stayed in character: “She lit up seeing Jessie act just how she does in Toy Story 2. It brought Jessie to life in a really meaningful way.”
These authentic character moments create memories that last. Mendez said his daughter still imitates Crush’s mellow voice months later, while Liu’s son draws pictures of himself with Mike Wazowski. Thomas remarked, “Meeting characters she loves encouraged my daughter’s imagination beyond just passively watching a movie screen. She came away feeling like she’d made real friends.”
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Parade Debuts as Part of Pixar Fest
This spectacular Pixar parade debuted as the centerpiece of Disneyland’s first ever Pixar Fest, celebrating the storied animation studio over several months in 2018. As part of a park-wide Pixar takeover, the parade brought characters and stories from over a dozen films together in a unanimous celebration of the studio’s imagination, heart, and universal appeal.
Pixar Fest represented Disneyland’s largest ever single-theme promotion, underscoring the animation giant’s cultural importance and resonance across generations. From April through September, the entire Disneyland park was transformed with Pixar theming and entertainment. The new Pixar Pier debuted, reimagining Paradise Pier rides around themes of The Incredibles, Inside Out, and Toy Story. A Pixar Film Festival projected movies nightly. Pixar decor and merchandise filled stores. And “Paint the Night” parade received an electrifying Pixar makeover.
The new Pixar parade was the pièce de résistance, exciting attendees who’d been following Pixar Fest’s construction for months. Lifelong Pixar fan Tony Chen said, “This was the parade everyone had been waiting for. It delivered the exhilaration of seeing over 20 years of Pixar magic blended into one incredible experience.”
As Pixar Fest’s crown jewel, the parade had to represent the studio’s entire cinematic journey in spectacular fashion. That meant selecting films, characters, and stories that highlighted Pixar’s imaginative spirit over two decades. Parade director Tom Fitzgerald described the immense thought behind curating content from Pixar’s 14 feature films. “We dug deep into what stories and characters resonated most with audiences over the years. We wanted to capture moments that made people fall in love with Pixar.”
The parade accomplished this through diverse floats spanning from classics like Toy Story to recent hits like Coco. Costumes, choreography, and music further immersed guests in Pixar’s worlds. It cohesively blended the old and new into a dynamic celebration of everything that makes Pixar great. Attendee Megan Thomas remarked, “Seeing 20 years of my family’s favorite Pixar movies roll by felt like the ultimate reunion with old friends.”
As Pixar Fest’s marquee experience, the parade also had to be accessible to all. It traveled a long route through both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, so both visitors riding headliners like Space Mountain and Radiator Springs Racers got to enjoy the spectacle. Families could view multiple showings daily during the festivities, encouraging fans to keep coming back.
Positioning the parade as Pixar Fest’s central draw brought high expectations. But Disney delivered an experience exceeding hopes, flawlessly translating guests’ cinematic memories into an engaging live performance. The parade’s spectacular floats, infectious music, and fully-embodied characters created an immersive celebration that transported viewers right into Pixar’s greatest hits.
To Infinity and Beyond: Disneyland Debuts New Pixar-Themed Parade - Experience the Incredibles and Toy Story Up Close
Getting up close with characters from The Incredibles and Toy Story allows Pixar fans to interact with some of the studio's most iconic roles. For many, these films defined their childhoods, so seeing the superhero family and animated toys in person ignites nostalgia and imagination. Disney's performers fully commit to bringing the characters to life with humor, heart, and energy.
Megan Thomas shared that her 5-year-old daughter lit up when the Incredibles rolled by. "Seeing real performers embody Mr. Incredible's super-strength, Elastigirl's flexibility, Violet's invisibility powers, and Dash's speed was mesmerizing for her. She was starstruck seeing her favorite superheroes come to life." Thomas said her daughter was obsessed with trying to spot invisible Violet during the float's choreography. "It encouraged her to really engage her imagination, pretending she had powers just like them."
Juan Mendez had a similar experience when Buzz and Woody approached high-fiving the crowd. "You could see the nostalgia hit my wife and I as Buzz and Woody came into view. Those movies were such a big part of our childhoods." Mendez remarked how his toddler waved ecstatically when Woody tipped his hat at her. "She loves playing with her own Woody doll at home. So when the real Woody waved at her, she just lit up with the biggest grin."
Performers immerse themselves fully in each role, emulating mannerisms and voices from the films. Megan Liu explained, "The performers don't just wear costumes. They truly inhabit the characters, bringing those iconic personalities we love to life. It felt like the real Elastigirl and Mr. Incredible were showing off and interacting with fans."
Seeing the chemistry between characters creates memorable moments too. Mendez described his favorite float: "When Buzz and Woody rode by together aboard the elaborate toy box float, it brought me right back to seeing their friendship onscreen as a kid." Watching performers embrace character relationships resonates powerfully with longtime fans.
