The Countdown to Toy Story 5 Begins
The countdown is officially on. With the theatrical release of Toy Story 5 just weeks away on June 19, 2026, the excitement at the Disneyland Resort is reaching a fever pitch. This week, the lobby of the Pixar Place Hotel became the center of attention as Mykal-Michelle Harris stopped by to visit a brand-new gallery installation dedicated to the film. Harris, who Disney fans already love as the voice of Ariel in the Disney Jr. series, is set to voice a major new human character named Blaze Manoukian.
Meet Blaze: The New Heart of the Story
Blaze is described as an animal-obsessed eight-year-old girl who plays a pivotal role in the upcoming sequel. In the Art of Pixar Gallery, located on the second floor of the hotel atrium, guests can now view exclusive concept art, character sketches, and a detailed 3D maquette of Blaze. The artwork reveals her expressive design and hints at her connection to the toys we have known for decades.
Our take? This character represents a fresh human perspective for the franchise. Reports suggest that Jessie, who has taken on a leadership role in Bonnie’s room, forms a significant bond with Blaze. Seeing this artwork in person at the hotel offers fans a tangible look at the movie’s production process before the characters even hit the big screen. It is a rare treat to see these details revealed in the parks ahead of a global premiere.
Toy Meets Tech: What to Expect in 2026
Director Andrew Stanton has crafted a story for Toy Story 5 that tackles a modern dilemma: the battle between traditional toys and the addictive power of electronics. The central conflict involves the toys competing for attention against high-tech gadgets. The film introduces Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee, who becomes a formidable rival for Bonnie’s affection.
The stakes are higher than ever, as the plot involves a malfunctioning army of 50 rogue Buzz Lightyear action figures. While the trailers have given us a glimpse of this tech-heavy world, the gallery at Pixar Place Hotel provides a deeper dive into the specific character designs for the “Tech Trio” and other new additions like Smarty Pants and Atlas.
A Guide for Visiting the Pixar Place Gallery
If you are planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort this summer, you do not need a room reservation to appreciate these updates. The Pixar Place Hotel is a public space that acts as a living gallery for Pixar Animation Studios. Here are a few tips for your visit:
- Location: Head to the second floor of the atrium to find the Art of Pixar Gallery. This is where the Toy Story 5 maquettes and sketches are currently housed.
- Characters: Keep an eye out for Joe Gardner from Soul, who often performs live piano sets near the lobby staircase during the afternoon.
- Dining: Grab a themed coffee or snack at the Sketch Pad Cafe in the lobby while you browse the evolution of character designs on the digital screens.
This integration of new movie promotion into the resort hotels is a brilliant move. It transforms a standard hotel lobby into a destination for animation enthusiasts. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Woody and Buzz or you are excited for the new generation of toys, Pixar Place Hotel is currently the best spot to get a head start on the summer’s biggest movie.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
Featured cover photo was generated using AI.