You’ve got a friend in me, folks. Pixar fest has returned to the Disneyland Resort with offerings new and old… and I’ve got thoughts. While I’m overall happy to have a fun festival at the Resort, I also think there were a lot of missed opportunities. We’ll take a look. But Pixar isn’t the only news today. I was able to dine at the brand new Centrico in Downtown Disney and tour Paseo. Construction continues across the Resort. There’s a small change to the park reservation process. And I have an item to add to the Disneyland Blues list that is really inexcusable. We’d better get this show on the road; adventure is out there…
So Much to Digest from Pixar Fest
Wow, what a weekend! Disneyland hosted us on Wednesday and Thursday for Pixar Fest media previews, and then we returned on the official opening day Friday to see it all like regular guests. That’s a whole lot of Pixar folks. Some of it was amazing. Some of it was amusing. And some of it could use some adjustments. There’s so much to cover that we have three whole guides, a Pixar Fest overview, Pixar Fest Food, and Pixar Fest Merchandise. We recommend that you read all three, but below, I’d like to share some of our thoughts on the hits and misses of the celebration. Hopefully, it will help you plan your visit to the park during the festival, which will run through August 4th.
Our Pixar Fest Favorites:
This is all highly subjective, but for me, there were 4 big hits to the festival (so far, the food fest doesn’t start until May 10th). Let’s take a quick look at the fireworks, Pixar Playtime Party, character meet and greets, and Pizza Planet truck hunt.
GREAT: Pixar Pals Playtime Party
It may sound like a kid thing, and it is, but you’ve GOT to visit the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theater. It’s a joyful experience. Kids and kids at heart can dance, play, meet rare characters, and do crafts. But it’s almost as fun to just sit in the bleachers and watch the characters dance on stage. There are a few stellar moments. But none better than watching Sadness trying her best to hang in there with the happy crew:
Absolutely brilliant…
A close runner up at the Playtime Party is Edna Mode dancing to a Pixar-fied version of Madonna’s Vogue. I could watch this all day!
GREAT: Character Interaction
You’ll find Pixar characters at the Pixar Pals Play Party, Club Pixar, Pixar Pier, and one very special new character wandering around Redwood Creek at DCA. Take a look at Disney’s new TALKING Dug:
You’ll find other fun characters meeting and greeting as well: The boys from Onward and Luca, Ember and Wade from Elemental, Carl and Russel from Up, and the Incredibles in their vintage blue costumes before Edna made them their iconic red ones. But you’ll find other Pixar characters here and there and certainly during the Better Together parade at DCA, which is loaded with Pixar favorites.
CLEVER: Truck Hunt!
Here’s a fun game, if you are visiting during Pixar Fest, keep your eyes open for 50 cleverly disguised Pizza Planet Trucks hidden all over the resort. You may find them in places like the animated windows on Main Street, in the Shootin’ Gallery in Frontierland, The Main Street Train Station, and even in the final show scene on the Incredicoaster. Let us know where you’ve found one.
Pretty Good – Together Forever Fireworks
I love fireworks, so I’ll almost always tell you to watch whatever show is currently scheduled. And this one is pretty darn fun. But it pales in comparison to the amazing Wondrous Journeys which was playing earlier this month and most of last year. While the pacing and cuts between segments isn’t as elegant in this show, it makes up for it with a cavalcade of beloved characters, songs, and surprising moments.
And it’s thrilling to see the UP house float behind the castle and Buzz Lightyear launching the show.
If you don’t mind the spoilers, I’ve got a video for you from Center Street so you can see the projections on Main Street.
Hopefully I’ll be able to add the food fest to my favorites once it launches next month.
Then there are the offerings which are worth seeing at least once, but don’t kick yourself if you miss it. Just OK in my opinion were:
Just OK – Better Together parade
There are certainly many folks who absolutely love the new Better Together parade at DCA. But, to me, it feels severely budget cut. I can still remember the old Pixar Play Parade, and Better Together just doesn’t hold a candle to those incredible floats. The new parade is fun, has upbeat music, and lots of characters… that’s the good part. But it’s also very short at less than 15 minutes and most of the floats feel bare bones or are recycled from previous entertainment offerings. It’s worth watching at least once… and who knows, perhaps you’ll love it.
Give it a watch. You, me, better together, better together…
Needs A Quick Fix: Club Pixar
All there elements are there for Club Pixar to be the return of the big DCA dance parties that we all miss… unfortunately, this one doesn’t quite get there. Instead of a DJ, there are periodic dance numbers on a stage with the cast teaching you the dance. Close, but not close enough. Let the cast and characters dance on stage, but add a DJ and let the audience enjoy themselves.
That’s the negative part, but there are some good things here too. We love the neon signs. And there’s a really clever drive-in movie area where you can watch Pixar shorts in seats that look like vintage cars. Love the detail here.
But, just steps away are some really lame games… and if you win… you get nothing.
Pixar Fest Missed Opportunities:
And then there are the things which would have been amazing for Pixar Fest, but didn’t happen.
- Woody’s Roundup – Years ago there was a show in the Golden Horseshoe called “Woody’s Roundup.” It was a cute little show themed to the Wild West variety show Woodie and Jessie came from. This would have been a great addition to the festival.
- Pixar Animation Loops – It would have cost next to nothing for Disney to add Pixar animation to the Main Street Cinema and Animation Building.
- Hyperion Show – Last summer Disney did a limited-time run of Rogers the Musical in the Hyperion Theater. It sure would have been great to have a limited time Pixar show this year… or even something permanent. The Cruise Ships have shows which would have been easy to adapt. Or, they could have done something unique. Sadly, that big theater sits empty. It is absolutely mind-blowing.
- Midway Mania Update – When the attraction first opened, the Imagineers were proud that they’d be able to update the attraction with new games and characters over time. There was one update to the game back in 2010 to add characters from the recently released Toy Story 3 film. Pixar Fest would have been a great time to add a new game and some of the new characters as well.
- Pixar Fest Bunting and banners & Expanded Decor – While the lamp posts on Main Street and Buena Vista Street have banners and character medallions, there is no half-moon bunting on the buildings as in the past. Nor is there anything on Small World mall leading up to the Fantasyland Theater. While the Festival has a lot of big elements, there are vast areas which just don’t feel like they are celebrating… even in places that contain Pixar Fest attractions. Why on earth isn’t Pixar Pier celebrating Pixar Fest?
In 2018 Disneyland wrapped the Monorails in Pixar characters, put Pixar decor above the front gates, draped Main Street and Buena Vista Street in Red, Yellow, and Blue bunting, played Pixar Shorts in the Hollywood Pictures Theater, and turned Pizza Port into Pizza Planet as well as Pixar Food, fireworks, parade additions, and more. Here’s what things looked like in 2018:
But in 2024, Main Street doesn’t really have that Pixar vibe. yes, there is some character art on the light posts, but it just doesn’t overwhelm the senses the way it did in 2018 and 2020. Here’s what Main Street looked like on the first day of Pixar Fest this year:
Pixar Fest Mistake:
And then there was the big mistake. When we arrived at the resort on Wednesday morning, Pixar colored streamers had been added to the light posts in the Esplanade flanking the Pixar tower atop the compass. But just a couple hours later, trucks hurried in to remove the banners. It seems that one of the light posts was starting to bend under the weight and high winds. Oops! Hard to believe that with all the light post failures and refurbishments going on right now that this ever got approved to begin with.
Things like this always happen at night, after the parks close. For the Esplanade to be suddenly closed at the busiest time of the day is very unusual and a big hint at the safety concerns that prompted a mid-day removal.
I have a bit of video of what they looked like:
Overall, I enjoyed Pixar Fest and am thrilled that there’s a celebration lasting well into summer. I’ll watch the fireworks again. May give Club Pixar another try to see if they make any fixes. And I’m really looking forward to the marketplace booths being added. Let me know your thoughts on what Pixar Fest elements resonate with you and what doesn’t.
For our Disneyland Live at 5 on Friday, Mike and I took a tour of Pixar Fest. It’s a great way to see how spread out it is and hear our thoughts. Plus a few extra things going on at the resort:
For more about Pixar Fest, Start here:
Centrico and Paseo Open!
While we were at the resort for an epic two-day Pixar press event, we noticed that Centrico was taking guests. So we got in line, waited about 20 minutes, and took a seat on the beautiful new patio. All new restaurants have growing pains and things to work out, but our service was friendly and fast, the menu is approachable with lots of great choices, the food was delicious, and we loved the ambiance.
The bar area really feels like a classy beach-side resort.
We were invited upstairs to take a look at the gorgeous Paseo dining room. Paseo is also now open for guests in soft opening (officially opening May 1st). But we didn’t dine here because, and we’re being honest, it’s very expensive. This will have to be a special occasion spot for me, but I really look forward to trying it out.
The new entry and stairs to the upstairs restaurant is in the rotunda.
The establishment is filled with unique artwork from across Mexico.
There are two display kitchens. One makes the tortillas and baked goods and the other the entrees.
The new dining room is open to the patio, has a warm and lovely beachy vibe, and isn’t cramped.
The restaurant has expanded above the Disney Home Store and the old Wonderground, giving Paseo a much larger capacity than the previous Catal.
If the weather is nice, ask for a balcony table. The views are lovely!
There’s a small full service bar at the top of the stairs.
Celebrity chef and Michelin star winner Carlos Gaytan was working the display kitchen when we walked by and came out to greet us! He was actively training the kitchen staff and working the sizzling skillets himself. It’s nice to see that he’s not just a name slapped on the menu, but a critical piece of the culinary magic.
Not open during our visit was Tiendita, the new quick-service establishment which shares a kitchen with Centrico. But it could open at any time. It’s complete. What we don’t know is where the guests of Tiendita are supposed to eat their food, as there’s no dining space anywhere close to this new location.
Guests will order at kiosks. We aren’t fans of this style of ordering as it always takes longer than if you just tell a cashier what you want. Hopefully there are some actual staff to help with this process.
Construction Kingdom
And now, a quick journey through construction land…
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
There’s not a dramatic amount of visible change, but lighting and sound is currently being installed along the flume. That’s a big step in the right direction.
Haunted Mansion
There is not much we can show you here either, but the project to reshape the Mansion queue and build a new gift shop continues. We are hoping for a late August reopening of the Mansion, in time for Halloween season, but that will depend on some major refurbishment happening inside the Mansion as well.
Downtown Disney West Side
The staff of Tortilla Jo’s has moved over to Centrico and Paseo and their old location is now closed. The location will offer a steakhouse and a BBQ venue. Sign me up for taste testing!
Din Tai Fung has really made some big strides. The glass windows are in. The overhang has been painted. The HVAC has been installed on the roof. And the decor is starting to be installed. Disney promises a summer opening, but that could be early summer.
A new 2-story building is being constructed adjacent to the Parkside Market. This is a separate establishment that we believe will be the future home of Earl of Sandwich.
We have now heard from staff of both Earl of Sandwich and Portos that there is some uncertainty about whether Porto’s will follow through with their Downtown Disney ambitions. We aren’t sure why they want to pull out, but with another location next to Knott’s Berry Farm, it wouldn’t be a huge loss. With the new Earl of Sandwich already under construction and a temporary location ready to open any day, we have a feeling that Disney will still want Earl to move.
Disneyland Blues – “DisneylandNOW”
When things are broken and/or neglected, it gives us the blues. It’s important to note these things because at the high prices Disneyland now charges (nearly $200 on in-demand days for a one-day/one-park ticket), things should always be in perfect working order. It’s never ok for lightbulbs to be left burnt out for months on end, attractions to break down more and more frequently. and show effects left endlessly broken as if it just doesn’t matter.
While all of the items I mentioned above are true of many locations around the resort, this week, I’d like to focus on the deterioration of the fountain between the former Tortilla Jo’s and Splitsville.
We’ve previously profiled this fountain’s sorry state, but things have gotten much worse, with even more tiles missing. This water feature’s decrepit state is unacceptable for any Disney property.
It’s hard to imagine Disney expecting to double the resort’s capacity over the next decade or two but being unable to maintain the facilities it already has. Let’s call the initiative to fix up the Resort “DisneylandNOW.”
The flower fountain across from Earl of Sandwich also has missing tiles and rust. This makes us wonder if both fountains may be removed as part of the ongoing construction in Downtown Disney. If not, the tenants of this high-rent shopping district should really demand that Disney do a better job of maintaining the facilities, as it reflects poorly on all of the district’s businesses.
Is there something broken in the parks you’d like to see us shine a light on? Let us know.
Refurbishments
We’re headed into another busy season with two festivals, Pixar Fest and Season of the Force, packing in the crowds. But that doesn’t mean Disneyland has pulled back on refurbishments. In fact, a lot is closed or closing, including the rest of Critter Country.
Currently Under Refurbishment:
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- Splash Mountain: Conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: (May 31st, 2023-Late 2024)
- The Haunted Mansion: (January 22nd-TBA)
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: (March 4th-TBA)
- The Bakery Tour: (March 22nd-June 1st)
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: (April 16th-TBA)
- Paradise Beer Garden: (April 23rd-May 4th)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: (April 29th-May 2nd)
- Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill: (April 29th-May 24th)
Upcoming Refurbishments:
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- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: (May 1st-TBA)
- The Briar Patch: Remodel to Ray’s Berets: (May 1st-TBA)
- Pooh Corner: Remodel to add Critter Club: (May 1st-TBA)
- Disneyland Monorail: (May 8th)
This and That
There are quite a few additional items we think you’ll be interested in.
AAPI Food To Watch Out For
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month returns in May with some new food items around the Disneyland Resort. It’s a lot of new stuff…
The Tropical Hideaway (Disneyland)
- Pineapple Coconut Float: Blue DOLE Pineapple-Coconut Juice topped with DOLE Whip soft serve, strawberry lava, and a gummy (New) (Available starting April 26)
- DOLE Whip Pineapple Ginger Mint Float with pineapple-ginger juice and a smoked salt-spiced rim (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Shrimp & Chive Potstickers: Crispy chile-garlic sauce, fresh herbs and lime (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Crispy Chile Garlic Dipping Sauce (New) (Available starting May 1) Disney California Adventure Park
Aunt Cass Café (DCA)
- California Roll Sandwich: Shrimp crab salad, wasabi mayo and yakisoba sauce in a milk bread bun topped with masago and served with garlic chips (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Yuzu Bread Pudding: Yuzu bread pudding with yuzu lemon curd and blueberry compote in a graham cracker crust with whipped topping (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Yuzu Lemonade Coffee: Yuzu lemonade layered with cold brew coffee (New) (Available starting May 1)
Hollywood Lounge (DCA)
- Dragon Fruit Soju Mule: Soju, dragon fruit syrup, lime juice, and ginger ale garnished with DOLE Dragon Fruit (New) (Available starting May 1)
Smokejumpers Grill (DCA)
- Passion Orange and Guava Punch (New) (Non-alcoholic beverage) (Available starting May 1)
- Passion Orange and Guava Cocktail: Rum with passion, orange, and guava punch (New) (Available starting May 1)
Studio Catering Co. (DCA)
- Orange Chicken Burrito: Crispy orange chicken and lo mein noodles with vegetables and egg fried rice rolled in a flour tortilla and served with hot sauce and fried wonton chips (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Lychee Pear Refresher: Lychee syrup with pear purée over ice with lychee popping spheres (New) (Available starting May 1)
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Disneyland Hotel)
- Tempura Battered Green Beans with togarashi aïoli (New) (Available starting May 1 for lunch and dinner)
- Island Salad with choice of teriyaki chicken or grilled salmon, crisp romaine spears, pineapple-glazed smoked ham, green papaya slaw, mandarin orange-dragon fruit compote, cotija cheese, edamame, passion-orange-guava aïoli, and crisp fried shallots served with passion fruit vinaigrette (New) (Available starting May 1 for lunch and dinner)
- Swaying Palms Salad with choice of teriyaki chicken or grilled salmon, spicy mizuna & mache greens, charred hearts of palm, cucumber, cashews, julienne peppers, carrots, snow peas, and puffed rice noodle served with sesame vinaigrette (New) (Available starting May 1 for lunch and dinner)
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork-based broth, wavy noodles, pork belly slices, fresh green onions, shiitake mushrooms, sambal, soft-boiled flavored egg, and nori (New) (Available starting May 1 for lunch and dinner)
- Shrimp Tempura with ponzu dipping sauce, toasted sesame, chile threads, and green onions (New) (Available starting May 1 for lunch and dinner)
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
- Spiced Dry-rub Chicken Wings (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Loco Moco Wagyu Cheeseburger: Kālua-style pork, loco moco gravy, havarti cheese, sunny fried egg, pickled red onions & fresno chiles, and micro greens served with choice of sweet potato fries or french fries (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Katsu Chicken Curry: Katsu sauce, jasmine rice, pineapple-coconut curry, pickled ginger, and green papaya slaw (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Kālua-style Pork Nacho Poutine: Sweet potato fries, togarashi aïoli, cotija cheese, cheese sauce, pickled red onion, lime crema, and cilantro (New) (Available May 1)
- Pele Fish & Chips: Crisp battered fish, togarashi aïoli, and ponzu dipping sauces served with choice of sweet potato fries or french fries (New) (Available starting May 1)
- Hearts of Palm Salad with choice of grilled salmon or teriyaki chicken, spicy mizuna & mache greens, charred hearts of palm, cucumber, cashews, julienne peppers, carrots, snow peas, and puffed rice noodle served with sesame vinaigrette (New) (Available starting May 1)
Build Your Own Headband
The popular program from Hong Kong Disneyland has made its way to the Disneyland Resort in California. Guests can now mix and match elements to make their own unique headbands. You’ll see both women and men sporting their creative creations. Unlike Hong Kong, where most of the character adornments are Duffy and Friends related, you’ll find more traditional Disney and Pixar characters here, with new ones set to be released from time to time if the program is a success… and judging from initial reaction, it is fairly certain to be a big hit.
Reservation Refresh
If you are up late at night refreshing the Disneyland app endlessly to obtain a park reservation on a sold-out day, be aware of some changes. There is now a refresh button… but there’s also a limit to how frequently you can refresh.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Extended
We were berry excited to hear that Knott’s Boysenberry Festival has been extended by two extra weekends. With the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival now wrapped up, and the Pixar Fest Food Festival not starting until May 10th, you have an opportunity to make another trip to Knott’s for all the Boysenberry goodies.
EXTENDED! Boysenberry Bonanza: Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Guide!
Monorail Blue is Back with A Shiny New Wrap
Monorail Blue was the only train to get a Disney100 wrap, an iridescent covering that changes colors in the sun. We loved it, but the train disappeared when Disney100 ended. It has returned to the beam with another shiny wrap, but this time without Disney100 logos. We sure do hope to see the other two trains get similar wraps. It’s lovely.
More Missing Light Posts
We’ve been sharing for weeks that light posts across Disneyland have started to disappear as major restoration is underway. This follows several accidents in which light posts or elements on them have fallen.
Now we’re seeing lights disappear from Downtown Disney.
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MiceShots:
None of the light posts around the hub have hanging baskets right now (at least they didn’t on Friday).
Pixar novelties like the Slinky Dog sipper and the Dug popcorn bucket are creating hours-long lines at outdoor vending locations. But be sure to check the mobile order options on the Disneyland app be cause some of these items can be purchased via the app at some restaurants.
Let’s Hear From You!
4,000 words later, this update has come to an end. There are a lot of wonderful things happening at the Disneyland Resort right now. New restaurants opening, a big festival, special food offerings, a neat new build your own headband, construction progress… but all things aren’t perfect. What do you think about that fountain left to decay in clear public view? Do you think Disneyland could have done more to make the resort ‘feel’ more like a Pixar festival as they did back in 2018? Do you have a wishlist for future festivals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
