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Experience the Magic of Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort: Characters, Parades, Nighttime Spectaculars, and More!
Immerse yourself in the magic of Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort: parades, night shows, themed food, exclusive merchandise, and unforgettable experiences!
Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Pixar Fest was in full swing once again at the Disneyland Resort, bringing beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios to life for a limited time. From April 26 to August 4, 2024, guests of all ages could immerse themselves in the magic and wonder of Pixar.
As guests entered the resort, they were greeted by colorful décor adorning Main Street, U.S.A., Buena Vista Street, and the Downtown Disney District. The centerpiece of the entrance was a magnificent 25-foot sculpture featuring the iconic Pixar Ball, instantly setting the stage for the festivities ahead.
One of the highlights of Pixar Fest was the debut of the “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade at Disney California Adventure Park. This lively and vibrant parade featured dynamic floats and over two dozen characters from beloved Pixar films. From classic films like “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.” to newer favorites like “Turning Red” and “Soul,” guests were treated to a heartwarming journey through the world of Pixar.
Another returning favorite was the “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” at Disneyland Park. This breathtaking nighttime show illuminated the sky with colorful projections, memorable music, and dazzling pyrotechnics. Featuring characters from Pixar classics and upcoming films like “Inside Out 2,” the show tugged at heartstrings and reminded guests of the power of friendship and love.
The Hollywood Backlot at Disney California Adventure Park was transformed into the lively and energetic Club Pixar. Every evening, guests could dance the night away to the beats of a DJ, enjoy live performances, play exciting games, and indulge in themed food and beverages. Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible even made appearances in their original super suits, adding an extra dose of excitement to the festivities.
At Disneyland Park, the Fantasyland Theatre was transformed into the Pixar Pals Playtime Party, a daytime fun zone for the whole family. Guests could learn dance moves, join Pixar pals in a high-energy show, and participate in various Pixar-themed activities. And for those who preferred a more relaxed experience, award-winning Pixar shorts were screened on a big screen, offering a chance to sit back and enjoy the magic of Pixar.
Of course, no festival would be complete without delicious food and unique merchandise. Marketplaces throughout Disney California Adventure Park offered Pixar-themed menu items, allowing guests to savor the tastes of their favorite films. Limited-time food and beverage novelty items such as a Coco guitar bucket, an Alien Pizza Planet truck bucket, and a Slinky Dog sipper were also available for guests to take home as souvenirs.
Pixar Fest also introduced a new line of merchandise featuring Pixar pals from films like “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Up.” From the Pizza Planet collection to vibrant character designs, there was something for every Pixar fan to commemorate their festival experience. Limited-time medallions with designs for each Pixar feature film added an extra touch of collectability to the festivities.
Beyond the festival itself, the Disneyland Resort offered even more Pixar experiences for guests to enjoy. The reimagined Pixar Place Hotel featured contemporary guest rooms that paid tribute to the artistry of Pixar Animation Studios. Exclusive entertainment offerings and unique character encounters with beloved characters like Joe from “Soul” and Bing Bong from “Inside Out” made the hotel stay even more magical.
Guests could also participate in a themed fitness challenge in Pixar Pier before the park opened, combining fitness and fun in a unique way. And throughout both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, attractions and entertainment offerings allowed guests to interact with their favorite Pixar stories in new and exciting ways.
Pixar Fest was a celebration of friendship and beyond, bringing joy and wonder to the Disneyland Resort for a limited time. With new and returning entertainment offerings, themed menu items, commemorative merchandise, and immersive experiences, guests were able to create memories that would last a lifetime. As the festival came to a close on August 4, 2024, guests left with hearts full of Pixar magic, eagerly awaiting the next adventure.
SOURCE Disneyland Resort
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SeaWorld is leaning hard into summer nights in 2026, rolling out a coast-to-coast entertainment lineup across Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio. The headline addition: all three parks will feature all-new nighttime drone shows, paired with nighttime animal presentations, seasonal concerts, parades, and event-style programming designed to keep families in the park after sunset.
SeaWorld says the goal is a bigger, more immersive summer experience that blends animal encounters with high-energy entertainment. Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts (SeaWorld’s parent company), said the company is “raising the bar across the country” with a mix of “cutting-edge drone displays” and “nonstop family fun” meant to create lasting memories.
What’s new across all three parks
Across Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, SeaWorld’s summer push centers on nighttime programming. The parks are introducing new drone spectacles (with San Diego and San Antonio debuting drone shows for the first time, and Orlando launching a new version), plus new nighttime animal presentations and event-style entertainment.
Families planning travel around theme parks will want to watch two things: start dates and nighttime schedules, since several offerings roll out in late May and mid-June depending on the park.
SeaWorld Orlando: Electric Ocean returns June 12
In Orlando, SeaWorld’s summer nights are anchored by Electric Ocean, beginning June 12. The event is built as a full evening block: performance show, dance party energy, animal presentations, and a closing sky show.
Electric Ocean includes:
- Hydro Surge: Cirque Spectacular Show, a high-energy cirque-style production with acrobatics, dancers, and live drumming
- Club SeaGlow, an evening DJ party with dancers and atmospheric acts
- An all-new drone spectacle, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones forming ocean-themed scenes
- Ignite: A Fireworks Spectacular, returning with an enhanced mix of fireworks, fountains, lighting, and music
Also beginning June 12, SeaWorld Orlando is introducing three new nighttime animal presentations:
- Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night
- Sea Lions Tonite
- Dolphins: Touch the Sky
SeaWorld also teased a new attraction opening this summer: Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice, described as a scientific mission exploring the most powerful forces that shape one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
SeaWorld San Diego: Drone show debut, Shark Encounter, and a summer concert series
SeaWorld San Diego’s summer programming begins May 22, with a slate that runs from daytime experiences into nighttime entertainment. The biggest “first” is the park’s debut drone show.
New offerings starting May 22 include:
- Ocean of Dreams Drone Show, a 12-minute nighttime show featuring 600 synchronized drones set to a soaring soundtrack
- Shark Encounter, a refreshed, interactive, immersive experience featuring sharks from 11 species
- Dolphin Adventures, featuring dolphins, pilot whales, and “the next generation of dolphins”
- The Wonders of North American Wildlife, highlighting native wildlife diversity and rescue/rehabilitation stories
- Deep Sea Disco, a dance-focused nighttime experience under SkyTower lights
On June 12, SeaWorld San Diego adds three nighttime animal presentations:
- Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night
- Sea Lions Tonite
- Dolphins: Touch the Sky
The park is also bringing back fan-favorite shows including BMX Blast! Powered by BODYARMOR and Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. Plus, SeaWorld says its 2026 Summer Concert Series will run every Saturday, spotlighting artists tied to ’90s and early-2000s hip hop and R&B.
SeaWorld San Antonio: Electric Ocean, a 400-drone finale, and a new family coaster
SeaWorld San Antonio’s summer lineup also starts May 22, led by its own version of Electric Ocean. The park’s summer nights are built around parade energy, stunt action, and a drone finale.
Electric Ocean in San Antonio includes:
- RhythMotion Ocean Parade, featuring floats, dancers, and characters
- Hydropower: Xtreme FX, a waterski stunt show with pyrotechnics, lasers, and live music
- SeaWorld Illuminight Drone Finale, featuring 400 synchronized drones creating marine-life-inspired animations
San Antonio is also adding two nighttime animal presentations beginning May 22:
- Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night
- Sea Lions Tonite
For families looking for a ride-centered reason to visit, SeaWorld San Antonio is promoting Barracuda Strike, described as the tallest inverted family coaster in North America.
Annual Pass angle for repeat visits
SeaWorld is positioning its Annual Pass as the best way to experience the summer lineup, emphasizing unlimited visits and perks like savings on merchandise, reserved seating, and add-ons.
A note on SeaWorld’s conservation and rescue work
Alongside the entertainment rollout, SeaWorld highlighted its conservation and animal rescue efforts. The company says it has helped more than 42,000 animals to date and that the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations since 2003.
Planning tips: what to watch before you book
If you’re planning a family trip around these summer events, the key details to confirm are:
- Event start dates (May 22 vs. June 12 depending on the park)
- Nighttime showtimes for drone shows and animal presentations
- Concert dates (San Diego’s Saturday series)
- Park hours and whether any offerings require reservations or have limited seating
Source: SeaWorld (press release distributed via PRNewswire, May 7, 2026).
Related: Sea World Orlando
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Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) It’s the time of year when Star Wars fans from across the galaxy gather to celebrate May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day. Inspired by the iconic catchphrase uttered in the first film of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: A New Hope, May the 4th has grown in size and enthusiasm over the years. Fans who don’t want to limit the Star Wars celebrations can keep the festivities going all month long.
To kickstart your Star Wars Day, check out these family-friendly ideas, activities and out of this galaxy adventures that are perfect for every fan.
Movie Marathon Month
You never need an excuse to watch these movies, but what better time than in May? Once a week, friends and families can unwind and have a movie night. Whether it’s in chronological order or picking out your favorite Star Wars movie, spending time together watching the Skywalker Saga is a great highlight to everyone’s week.
Costume Contest
Before you start your movie, host a themed costume contest. Encourage family and friends to break off into teams and dress up as their favorite characters. Each alliance can battle one another in hopes of winning the ultimate title of “Best Dressed in the Galaxy.”
Drink Blue Milk Straight from the Star Wars Galaxy
Bring the big screen to your home with Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk. The blue beverage was previously available exclusively at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney parks, but now fans can enjoy a new take with this vanilla flavored, low-fat milk that harnesses the power of protein-packed, real-dairy milk with 8 grams of protein per 8 fluid ounces to fuel adventures of all kinds, and goes perfectly with any showtime snack.
Try Out Themed Recipes
You can’t watch a movie without something to munch on – especially if you’re going the marathon route. Get creative in the kitchen and bring to life recipes reminiscent of your favorite Star Wars stories. Better yet, grab your blue milk and mix up a blue milkshake or ice cream pie.
Get Crafty
Grab your scissors, glue, boxes, and any other art supplies you have laying around and challenge everyone to make their own starship, drawing or craft from their favorite Star Wars film, series, game, book or more. Display your creations and continue to add more to your collection all month long.
To find interactive trivia, crafts, recipes and Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk products near you as well as details about Star Wars white milk, both available for a limited time through July 2024 at select retailers in most major markets, visit StarWarsMilk.com.
*The Star Wars milk from TruMoo qualifies for the Star Wars check. To learn more, visit starwarscheck.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family watching television)
May the 4th Be With You!
SOURCE:
TruMoo Milk
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What is Star Wars Day?
Star Wars Day is an informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4 to celebrate the Star Wars media franchise created by filmmaker George Lucas. [^1] Observance of the day spread quickly through media and grassroots celebrations since the franchise began in 1977. [^2] [^3]
The date originated from the pun “May the Fourth be with you,” from the Star Wars catchphrase “May the Force be with you.” [^1] Even though the holiday was not created or declared by Lucasfilm, many Star Wars fans have chosen to celebrate the holiday. [^4] It has since been embraced by Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company as an annual celebration of Star Wars.
In addition to fan activities, businesses and organizations often participate in the festivities by offering special promotions, themed merchandise, or hosting charity events. Fans engage in cosplay, marathons of the movies, and discussions about their favorite Star Wars moments. Social media channels are also abuzz with memes, quotes, and fan art dedicated to the Star Wars universe on this day.
The release date of the original Star Wars movie, May 25, 1977, is celebrated by some as Geek Pride Day. [^5] This day is set aside to honor all things geeky, and Star Wars enthusiasts often join in to celebrate their beloved franchise.
Overall, Star Wars Day on May 4th has grown into a global phenomenon, uniting fans from different backgrounds in their love for the rich and expansive Star Wars universe. From young Padawans to Jedi Masters, the celebration is a testament to the lasting impact of George Lucas’s visionary creation.
[^1]: New York Times Article
[^2]: Wikipedia Reference 2
[^3]: Wikipedia Reference 3
[^4]: Wikipedia Reference 4
[^5]: Geek Pride Day Reference
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family fun
Jurassic Quest Brings Life-Size Dinosaurs to Phoenix in February 2026
Jurassic Quest is roaring back into Phoenix in February 2026 with towering life-size dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities for kids and families at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Last Updated on February 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Phoenix, AZ — Jurassic Quest, billed as North America’s largest traveling dinosaur experience, is set to return to Arizona with a limited engagement at the Arizona State Fairgrounds from February 6–8, 2026.
The family-friendly attraction features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, immersive walk-through exhibits, and hands-on activities designed to blend entertainment with education. Guests will encounter towering recreations of iconic species such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Spinosaurus, along with interactive fossil digs, dinosaur rides, inflatables, and meet-and-greet opportunities with baby dinosaurs.
Jurassic Quest has become a popular touring event across the United States, particularly among families with young children. The experience combines museum-style displays with high-energy attractions, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Most attendees spend one to two hours navigating the exhibit.
The event will take place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, located at 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix, with multiple daily sessions scheduled throughout the weekend.
Tickets and additional event details are available through the official Jurassic Quest website.
