A New Way to Celebrate Pixar Stories
If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland this summer, you’re in for a massive treat. As part of the first-ever Pixar Summer Fest, the park has officially debuted a brand-new nighttime experience that is literally taking over the sky. Pixar Pals Spectacular is an eight-minute display of drones, projections, and larger-than-life inflatables that serves as the ultimate pre-show to the park’s main event, Momentous.
Running from June 12 through August 31, 2026, this show doesn’t just stick to the classics. It actually gives guests a sneak peek at the future of the franchise by including characters from Toy Story 5, which is set to hit theaters later this month. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy celebration that proves Pixar’s stories are more popular than ever.
What to Expect from the Show
The experience kicks off in the most iconic way possible: the Luxo Jr. lamp appears in both drone and projection form, setting the stage for a journey through the Pixar catalog. The Castle of Magical Dreams becomes a massive canvas for projections that stretch all the way down Main Street, U.S.A., accompanied by shimmering fountains that dance in sync with the music.
Fans will recognize plenty of familiar tunes and quotes during the eight-minute runtime. We caught “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” featuring Buzz and Woody drones, along with tracks like “Nobody Like U” from Turning Red. The character lineup is deep, including favorites from The Incredibles, Cars, Inside Out, Finding Nemo, Up, WALL·E, and Monsters, Inc.
Intensity and Inflatables
While much of the show is a bright celebration, there is a slightly more intense sequence in the middle. Fans of Monsters, Inc. will love the 2319 scene, where drones form the emergency numbers in the air above the castle. You’ll even spot Lotso from Toy Story 3 during this part of the show.
The finale is where things get really unique. As the music swells for a final rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” giant character inflatables pop up over the facades of Main Street. These aren’t just static balloons; they feature internal lights that pulse to the beat of the music. Keep an eye out for Buzz Lightyear, Red Panda Mei, and Jack-Jack tower over the crowd before the show concludes with a giant Pixar Ball formed by drones in the night sky.
Best Ways to Watch
Because this show takes place right before Momentous, the Hub can get crowded quickly. Hong Kong Disneyland has added Pixar Pals Spectacular to the Disney Premier Access lineup. If you purchase this, you’ll get a one-time entry into a designated viewing area. There are two main spots for this: one along a walking path to the right of the castle and another closer to the Hub on the left. If you want a clear view of both the castle projections and the sky-high drones without the stress of the crowd, this is a solid investment.
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.