12 Must Watch Pixar Movies Before Attending Pixar Fest

Pixar Fest is BACK at Disneyland after a long hiatus… and Heidi and I are heading there THIS MONTH! 

Truth be told, Pixar is a HUGE part of Disneyland any time of year – so even if you aren’t heading there for this event, we still recommend watching these movies before heading to Disneyland!

Pixar Fest is running April 26th to Aug 4th, 2024. Every year, Disney seems to be able to one-up themselves with each and every Festival! Pixar Fest is no exception. I am blown away by the merch, the entertainment – and of course, the food! I have a list of nearly 50 items to try while we are there!

We will be doing a full recap of the event, but for now, let’s chat about what you need to watch before you head there! Luckily Disney+ makes it super easy to watch these movies before you go.

Pixar Fest

There are a few “big rocks” that you won’t want to miss during the festival.

• Better Together Parade – At 4:00pm and 6:30pm daily in Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure, see the Pixar Parade! Truth be told, I don’t want to see any spoilers, so I haven’t watched the most recent version – but know that it will be FILLED with Pixar!
• Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular Nightly at 9:30pm– with Fireworks daily after May 25th! Viewing from the front of the Castle is recommended to get view of the two flying surprises between the Castle and Matterhorn!
• Club Pixar – 4:30pm to 8:30pm daily in Disney California Adventure in the Hollywood Backlot. Join an interactive DJ dance party, live performances, Pixar-themed versions of games like cornhole and tic tac toe, photo opportunities, themed food, specially crafted beverages, and even a fun “drive-in” theatre showcasing some of your favorite Pixar Shorts.
• Pixar Pals Playtime Party –  11:45pm to 5:30pm daily in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park. Dancing, photo ops and tons of Pixar fun – don’t miss this!
• Marketplaces – probably what I’m most excited about of all the things – beginning May 10th there are 6 themed marketplaces celebrating a unique film and menus to “transport you and your taste buds right into some fan-favorite Pixar worlds”.

Now – we are big fans of increasing anticipation and hyping excitement for an upcoming trip. One of the ways that we do that is by watching movies that will be relevant to the trip! Because my brain things like this, I’ve done the movies in chronological order!

Must Watch #1: Toy Story 1 and 2

The only movie series to have a suggestion of two movies – but for good reason! Jessie, Bullseye, and the rest of the Toy Story 2 clan have a big presence in Pixar Pier! This Movie is a heavy hitter with a whopping THREE attractions based off of it! While there are four movies as of right now, there is a fifth in the works. The first two are my personal faves, hitting the viewers right in the feels before Andy grows up and heads to college.

Movie-Park Tie Ins

Rides and Games:

• Jessie’s  Critter Carousel (in Disney California Adventure): A classic carousel with a Toy Story twist! The cutest part of this ride has to be the photo op at the front!

• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (in Disneyland Park) : This classic attraction in Tomorrowland is a must do! Blast evil Emperor Zurg and compete with others in your party for the highest score! Don’t miss the Toy Story themed store at the exit of the ride! This is my favourite ride, not going to lie. And it is WAY better in Disneyland than in WDW (I said what I said). That said, if you haven’t tried it, you have a handheld laser gun and you shoot at targets to defeat Zurg’s diabolical plot.

• Toy Story Midway Mania!: Probably the biggest family hit of a ride in all of DCA, second to only Radiator Springs Racers. Shrink down to Toy size (did you know this is played under Andy’s bed?!), and play some fun carnival games with Woody, Jessie and the gang! Heads up! This can be a little bit of a motion sickness trigger for some, as it does some spinning in between game zones.
• Find Woody on the Pixar Pal-a-Round too!
• “Bullseye Stallion Stampede” is one of four “Games of Pixar Pier” that you can play!

• Characters: You can meet Jessie, Bo Peep, Woody and Buzz! Don’t forget to check out Mr. Potato Head in the front of Toy Story Mania! as well!

Food:

• Senor Buzz Churros: Cinnamon “Super Galaxy’ Churro was a hit for our fam!
• Pizza Planet: does this have the best pizza ever? No. Is it still delicious? Yes. 

Limited edition Pixar Fest Churros:

• Unforgettable Bing Bong Churro: Shortbread cookie sugar, Strawberry Jelly and sprinkled icing.
• Mr Potato Head chip churro: topped with crushed potato chips and a chocolate drizzle.

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

A prominent feature with merch, in the parade, in the fireworks show and general presence!

As part of our “watching every Disney movie ever made” challenge, we did a few themed eats. We did Pizza Planet Pizza and some fun themed snacks!

 

Must Watch #2: Monster’s Inc

Is there anything more inventive than Monster’s Inc? Hard to say. This adorable movie featuring a little girl named “Boo” who accidentally ends up on the wrong side of her door into a land of Monster’s is a much watch!

Movie-Park Tie Ins

• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!: This ride (with no height limit) is a must do! My daughter at 13 months old LOVED this ride, and so did I! Sometimes you’ll be blessed with someone being in control of Roz and they will comment on someone in your vehicle, and often hilarity will ensue. Take a deep breath in the sushi scene, it’s a fam fave!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

You can find a Pixar Fest Stainless Steel Tumbler (for $27.99 USD) featuring Monsters Inc characters – and you will also see Monster’s Inc characters out and about and featured in the Better Together parade!

Must Watch #3: Finding Nemo 

Finding Nemo has a few permanent attractions, therefore making our list! One in each Park, as well! Talk a walk around Matterhorn to hear the “Mine! Mine! Mine!” seagulls and get breathtaking photos of this classic attraction.

Movie/Park Tie Ins

• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (in Disneyland Park)
  Once upon a time there was a ride from 20,000 leagues under the sea. It then sat for years. While many thought it would turn into the Little Mermaid – it surprised us all with a Finding Nemo theme! While the ride isn’t my favourite, I do like the seagulls squawking “Mine, Mine!” and the beautiful photos you get at this attraction.
• Turtle Talk with Crush (in Disney California Adventure)
  An interactive live chat with Crush, the “totally tubular turtle from Finding Nemo, and his Finding Dory pals!”
• Find Dory on the Pixar Pal-a-Round!
• You can also see Nemo and Dory in “it’s a small world!”

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

While there aren’t any specific tie- ins, we’ve put this on our top 12 because of the multiple attractions found above!

Must Watch #4: The Incredibles

Sad was the day we learned California Screaming was to be replaced – until we tried the Incredicoaster! The other BIG tie in is the delicious (albeit incredibly gooey and messy) Jack Jack’s Num Num cookies! Protip – use a spoon! We’ve made these bad boys at home as well – check out our recipe here!

Movie/Park Tie Ins

• The Incredicoaster: We recommend trying the front (for a better chance of smelling the cookies on the ride!) and the back (a better overall experience). 

• Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums: This delightful treat can be found at the entrance/exit of Incredicoaster. An oogie gooie cookie that is very shareable!
• The Pixar Pal-a-round has a Mr and Mrs Incredible Gondola!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

• Characters: Meet Mr and Mrs Incredible, Frozone, and if you are lucky- Edna Mode!

Must Watch #5: Cars

While Cars has never tugged at my heartstrings – Cars Land has my heart. It is magnificent. From the big details (Radiator Springs Racers and that backdrop!) to the small details – not to mention the Halloween and Christmas overlays! There is nothing like it. It’s a must do! The classic movie is enough to get to know the characters and enjoy this Land! This Land is truly immersing, and walking down the street feels like you’re walking into the movie itself! Also seeing it in day vs night is always a spectacle!

Movie/Park Tie Ins

• Cars Land, as a whole. Additionally:
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: Motion sickness trigger! This is a trackless ride that is like a huge Line Dance, super cute, but super nauseating if you’re prone to motion sickness. For tips to beat motion sickness, check out our post here.
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: I don’t know what it is about this ride, but I dare you to ride it without laughing. It’s just the BEST! And seriously, that soundtrack with Larry the Cable Guy will have you smiling before you’ve even gotten on the attraction. (Think “the scrambler” fairground ride for an idea of what this ride is like. Again, motion sickness heads up!)
• Radiator Springs Racers: The most popular attraction in Disney California Adventure, and for good reason! This ride takes Test Track and says, hold my soda. It’s INCREDIBLE. This ride often has a huge line, but if you’re willing to split up, do the Single Rider lane!
• Flo’s- a throwback diner experience
• Cozy Cones- Find cone shaped treats here. Bacon mac and cheese in a bread cone is one of their many delicious offerings.
• Characters – you can meet Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen! Does it get better than that? We don’t think so.
• A gondola with Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater can be spotted on Pixar Pal-a-round!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

Pop on over to Cars Land to spot the cars sporting their best Pixar overlays!

Must Watch #6: Ratatouille

While not a major attraction like in Disneyland Paris and EPCOT, this movie is a darling Pixar film and a must see before you go! I don’t know that this is a MUST watch for me. The movie never grabbed me, and didn’t really have any lasting impact. I personally struggle with the idea of rats in the kitchen, so this is a pass for me. It’s more of a must-watch if you’re heading to the East Coast for WDW. Well, now that i’m offended (JK!)… I still stand by this as a must watch because of the marketplace as well as other nods throughout the Parks! Plus the Remy shoulder pets are sold and many people attach them to their hats, which is adorable.

Movie and Festival tie in

Ratatouille is featured in World of Color: ONE! as well – only one of two Pixar movies featured in this nighttime spectacular!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

• Gusteau’s To-Go: One of the 6 marketplaces. Dine on classics inspired by Ratatouille.
• Find a Remy gondola on Pixar Pal-a-Round!

Must Watch #7: Up

Do not attempt without tissues. This movie is the only one I’ve seen that makes me cry. My husband calls me a robot but for some reason Up gets me every time. The unlikely friendship between a lonely senior and a somewhat neglected child just gets me in the feels. Carl and Ellie’s love story in the beginning might be the best love story ever told. Up has a special place in heart as well. I have several Up! decor pieces in my home, and have worn a Disney bound featuring this movie as well. While there may not be an attraction, this is a must watch in advance for us!

Movie/Park tie in

• Characters: You can often find Carl, Russel and Doug out and about with meet and greets on Pixar Pier!
• Find a Russel and Doug gondola on Pixar Pal-a-Round!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

A big, can’t miss moment during the “Together Forever” Fireworks features Up!

Must Watch #8: Inside Out

There is something about this movie for me – and even when I go on a solo trip or a trip without my kids, I have to check out Inside Emotional Emotional Whirlwind.

Movie/Park tie in

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: A small ride on Pixar Pier. It does take a while because it doesn’t fit too many people – but I don’t mind because there are lots of different “versions” of the ride! I love hearing sadness and disgust – or fear – or joy and anger. It’s the cutest!
• Characters: Meet Joy and Sadness on Pixar Pier! You can also head over to Pixar Place (the newly renovated Hotel) and meet BING BONG! You can go in and ask the front desk when he will be showing up next, as we aren’t sure about his schedule. Pro tip: Use the very quiet security found between The Little Mermaid and Goofy’s Sky School!
• Angry Dogs Hot Dog stand!: If you like heat, try the Angry Dog. If you aren’t sure, try the “slightly annoyed dog!”
• Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff : The cutest candy store!
• Unforgettable Bing Bong Churro: A seasonal churro at Senor Buzz Churros of all places in Tomorrowland.
• Hanger Management: Flavors that appeal to all of your emotions!
• Pixar Pal-a-round: Has a Joy and Sadness gondolla!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

A float is featured in the Better Together parade, and as seen above, you can meet several characters during Pixar Fest!

Must Watch #9: Soul

While not a movie that might come to mind right away to watch, there is several things featured from this movie at Pixar Fest specifically – which puts this on our list to watch in advance!

Movie-Park Tie Ins

While not a major attraction, you can find Soul featured in the most current World of Color: ONE! I have seen a lot of versions of World of Color, and I am here to say that this is the best version yet! This is a can’t -miss experience on nightly.

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

• Better Together! Parade: Joe Gardner has his own float in the parade!
• The Spark: One of the 6 marketplaces – relish “feel-good food” that feeds your Soul.

Must Watch #10: Luca

Another smaller tie-in than some of the heavy hitters, but important all the same! Pixar Fest seems to be strongly favouring a few of the newer Pixar films, and this is no exception! My daughter (6) really likes this one. Super cute friendship story, and for that alone it’s a must watch.

Movie-Park Tie Ins

Nothing yet! But for the festival pieces alone, we have added it.

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

• Characters: Meet Luca and Alberto over at Pixar Pals!

• A float is featured at Better Together, with Alberto and Guilia!

Must Watch #11: Turning Red

I don’t know about your household, but mine has 3 teenage girls (11, 14 and almost 17) and this movie hit for us. A Canadian based film about a girl facing the trials of getting older? On repeat over here.

Movie-Park Tie Ins

Find Mei the Panda on the Pixar Pal-a-round! Additionally don’t be surprised if you see 4*Town music and merch everywhere!

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

• 4*TOWN FAV*ITES – The 6th and final Marketplace. Chow down on fun foods, perfect for a “tween, boy band – or anyone, really!”
• A float featured at Better Together!

Must Watch #12: Elemental

While not the star of the show, Elemental has a few impressive offerings for you this Pixar Fest! I feel like the food options tying into this one will be epic.

Movie-Park Tie Ins

Another one missing from main attractions for being so new – but heavily featured in other areas.

Pixar Fest Tie Ins

• Characters: Meet Ember and Wade!
• Elemental Table – one of the 6 marketplaces!

While you are at the festival, we also suggest trying limited edition food options in both parks… as well as Lamplight Lounge is a fabulous sit down with ALLLLL the Pixar tie-ins! If you are lucky, you will get a patio seat with an amazing view of Pixar Pier!

Bonus movies: All of the rest

While these Pixar Movies didn’t make the cut because there’s no major tie in for Disneyland or Pixar Fest – they are still great ones to watch! We couldn’t leave any out. If we’ve set you on the path, and you’d now like to experience all things Pixar, suit up baby, because there are some great movies headed your way. Are the rest in chronological order? Who knows. But they are Pixar, so bonus points for me.

Originals:

• A Bugs Life:  Oh Bug’s Life Land, how we miss you. While you will no longer see “it’s tough to be a bug!” or be shrunk down to bug’s size with a delightful Land, this one is a great feel-good movie for those with nostalgia towards days of California Adventure past. Additionally, you can find Heimlich on the Pixar Pal-a-Round! As well as a game on Pixar Pier called “Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss”!
• Wall-E: The only tie-in for Wall-E in the Parks I can think of is a Wall-E and Eve gondola on Pixar Pal-a-round, but additionally this movie’s background music is often played on Main Street and you will see occasional merch pop up in honor of this under-rated film! You can also play a game on Pixar Pier called “Wall-E Space Race”!
• Brave: This adorable mother-daughter moment is super sweet. It is a little scarier for Littles. My daughter is a fiery red-head so this is a fave in our house! Merida can sometimes be spotted in Fantasyland by “It’s a small world” as well.
• The Good Dinosaur: Is this movie beautiful? Absolutely. The animation is absolutely incredible. Slightly traumatic? Also true. Watch at your own risk.
• Coco: This one gets more love in the park during the Halloween season, as they turn a whole section into a Dia de los Muertos zone, full of flowers and sugar skulls. However it’s a great one to watch to familiarize yourself – and does have a moment in the Fireworks for Pixar fest! You can also find a float for Coco in the Magic Happens Parade that is running in Disneyland!
• Onward: If you’re a gamer, or DnD afficionado, this one is super fun. It spoke to the nerd in me, but also loved the storyline and bond of the brothers. You will see Barley and Ian for the festival, and may even spot their van Guinevere as well! 

Sequels:

• Finding Dory: Another can-skip if you so desire – although there are some characters for this in “Turtle Talk with Crush!”
• Incredibles 2: Another do if you have time! Not one of the the best movies, but gives you a more complete understanding of the story.
• Monsters University: If I was to skip any movie, this would be it for me. Forgettable and not overly relevant – watch if you feel so inclined! How dare. I love this one, even if it messes with the Lore established by the Monsters Inc movie.
• Toy Story 3 and 4: Are these the best in the series? Absolutely not. Will you see some tie-ins for characters? Absolutely yes. Watch if you have time! Plus all of the Toy Story plushies and toys now have “Bonnie” on their soles instead of Andy. Bittersweet, but understandable.

We love a good theme day, and pixar is no exception! Through on a pixar-inspired Disney bound, or themed shirt – get your nails done – and enjoy every moment of Pixar Fest!

That’s it! A dozen+ movies to watch before you head to Disneyland this summer. If you are interested in going to Pixar Fest, reach out to me at any time here!

What’s your favourite Pixar movie? We’d love to hear from you!

Have a magical day,
Erica, Heidi, Elisia and Danielle