The Pixar Play Parade has moved from Disney California Adventure Park to Disneyland Park. With three new story elements added in celebration of Pixar Fest, there are even more reasons for your kids love this super fun parade more than they already do!
Pixar Play Parade Times & Location
The parade shows daily, during daylight hours, with one or two shows each day depending upon the hours of operation. Tge general rule is that there are only two parades on days when the park is open late (and more crowded), otherwise there is only one. The parade follows Disneyland’s regular parade route from “it’s a small world” through Main Street USA. While there’s never a “bad” spot for parade viewing, keep in mind that shady spots get taken quicker on hot days. If you are a shutterbug, you may also want to think about where the sun will be positioned for your photos. Backlighting is never your friend when you are photographing the parades. (Trust me, I know. I have an incredible knack for showing up late and grabbing a seat with the worst backlighting!)
While no one likes to stake out a spot for parades an hour ahead of time, it’s not unheard of–especially when it gets really crowded. If your family will be doing this, consider grabbing lunch or snacks that you can eat while waiting or having an adult wait and hold on to your spot while another adult takes the kids on rides and keeps them occupied.
photo courtesy of the Disneyland Resort
Pixar Play Parade Picnic Meals and Reserve Viewing
Don’t want to have to stake out your spot too far in advance? Reserved viewing is available if you purchase a “picnic lunch” through the Plaza Inn restaurant on Main Street.
- the Plaza Inn’s famous fried chicken
- white cheddar macaroni and cheese
- lemon-thyme green beans
- watermelon-feta cheese salad
- chocolate caramel pudding
- a beverage.
Salmon and vegetarian options are also available upon request.
Each kids’ picnic meal includes:
- chicken tenders
- white cheddar macaroni and cheese
- choice of side
- chocolate-caramel pudding
- a beverage.
When you arrive at the restaurant, you can eat your picnic meal at any of the available tables or take it with you to go. You will receive a voucher to get into the desginated viewing area at a specific time before the parade starts. The cost is $39.99 for adults 10 and older and $24.99 for children ages 3-9. All members of your party would need to purchase the picnic meal to enter into the reserved viewing area, with the exception of those under the age of 3.
Advance reservations are highly recommended. Same-day reservations can be made at the restaurant, but are limited and subject to availability. Reservations made ahead of time or between noon and 1:55 PM the day of, receive a voucher for the day’s first performance of the Pixar Play Parade. Reservations made the day of between 2:00 PM to 4:15 PM receive a voucher for the day’s second performance, if applicable. Reservations can be made by clicking here or calling the Disneyland Resort dining line (714) 781-DINE. If you have need modifications to your meal due to dietary or allergy concerns, I highly recommend calling before to make your reservation. If you end up needing to cancel your reservation, you must do so more than 24 hours before your visit or you will be charged $10 for each person who was on the reservation. The same goes if you are a no-show.
Pixar Play Parade Fun Facts
Pixar Play Parade, which originally premiered in 2008 at Disney California Adventure Park, now begins just as all Pixar films have, with an appearance by the iconic and adorable Pixar Lamp and Ball from the Pixar original short, “Luxo Jr.” New additions to the parade also include characters and scenes “Up” and “Inside Out.”
photo courtesy of the Disneyland Resort
Want to impress your friends and family? Here are some facts and figures about the parade you can share while waiting for the Pixar Play Parade!
- The Pixar Lamp is 14-feet tall and the Pixar Ball is nearly four feet wide.
- Close to 280 memory orbs of all different emotions appear at the base of Riley’s rocket wagon on the “Inside Out” unit.
- More than 120 performers and crew are needed to bring the parade to life each day.
- The longest float is “A Bug’s Life” at 45 feet.
- It takes more than 2,000 pieces and parts to make up the parade costumes.
- Kevin, the friendly bird from “Up,” stands nearly 12 feet tall from her toes to the top of her feathers.
- The Fredricksen house from “Up” flies 17 feet above the parade route!!!
photo courtesy of the Disneyland Resort
Whether you catch the parade by chance, stake out the best seats ahead of time or reserve your spot with a picnic meal through the Plaza Inn, the Pixar Play Parade is tons of fun for the entire family!
