The Countdown to Toy Story 5 is Officially On
The toys are back in town, and we mean that quite literally. Following the glitzy world premiere at the Dolby Theatre on June 9, 2026, the stars of Pixar’s upcoming Toy Story 5 made their way to the Disneyland Resort to share the magic with unsuspecting park-goers. Tom Hanks, the legendary voice of Woody, and late-night icon Conan O’Brien were spotted taking in the sights at Disney California Adventure, proving that the excitement for the fifth installment of this beloved franchise is reaching a fever pitch.
Celebrity Sightings at Pixar Pier
On June 10, just a day after the red carpet event in Hollywood, Hanks and O’Brien headed straight for Pixar Pier. This area of Disney California Adventure serves as the spiritual home for Toy Story fans, and the duo didn’t miss the chance to pose for photos with the walk-around versions of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. If you are visiting the park this week, you might notice something different about your favorite characters. To celebrate the new film, Woody and the gang are sporting limited-time accessories inspired by the plot of the new movie. Spotting these small details is a great way for eagle-eyed fans to get a head start on the Toy Story 5 hype before the film officially hits theaters on June 19, 2026.
Meet the Newest Toy: Smarty Pants
While Tom Hanks is a park regular, this visit highlighted a fun new addition to the Pixar family. Conan O’Brien joins the cast as the voice of Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy that plays a key role in the new adventure. The storyline of the fifth film reportedly deals with the toys facing their biggest challenge yet: the rise of electronics and tech toys. O’Brien’s character, Smarty Pants, is expected to bring his trademark wit to the screen, and seeing him interact with the classic toys at the resort was a treat for the guests lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
A Surprise Screening for Lucky Fans
The celebrations didn’t stop at Pixar Pier. The pair also made a surprise appearance at the Tomorrowland Theater in Disneyland Park during an advanced screening for invited guests. This kind of spontaneous magic is what makes the weeks leading up to a major Disney film release so special. While you can’t always plan for a celebrity encounter, these moments often happen around the premiere window, especially at the Disneyland Resort due to its proximity to Hollywood.
How to Live Your Best Toy Story Life at the Parks
If you aren’t lucky enough to bump into Tom Hanks, there are still plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the world of Woody and Buzz. Here is how we recommend spending your day:
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Use this to secure your spot for Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure. This attraction remains one of the most popular in the park, and with the movie buzz, wait times are expected to climb.
- Character Meet and Greets: Head to Pixar Pier to see the characters in their new film-inspired gear. These limited-time looks are perfect for unique vacation photos.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Over in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, you can help Buzz defeat Zurg in this classic interactive shooter.
- Themed Treats: Keep an eye out for seasonal snacks at the various kiosks around the Pier that often debut alongside major movie releases.
As the June 19 release date approaches, the energy at the Disneyland Resort is undeniable. Whether you are a fan of the classic films or excited for the new tech-focused direction of the sequel, now is the perfect time to visit and soak up the Pixar atmosphere.
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.