As Season of the Force comes to an end, I took one more visit to experience everything new that was offered this April-May, in addition to looking ahead at the Pixar Fest offerings available now until August in both DCA & Disneyland.
What was offered at Season of the Force at Disneyland?
There weren't a TON of new offerings at Season of the Force, but the few new experiences that were introduced/brought back were pretty awesome. The top experiences included:
The Re-Emergence of Hyperspace Mountain: A fan-favorite reimagining of Space Mountain where you "Hurtle through hyperspace while dodging furious dogfights during this high-speed Star Wars adventure."
New Scenes in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: New scenes have been introduced to the classic Star Tours attraction, and now guests can see new characters such as Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, the Mandalorian and Grogu on their next Starspeeder flight.
Fire of the Rising Moons: Experience a fireworks spectacular never-seen-before taking place in Batuu. On select nights, this fireworks show is set to Star Wars music and fantastic lights projections in Batuu, allowing guests to "come together to celebrate their freedom and to honor the heroes and legends who came before them."
On my most recent visit to Disneyland, I got to participate in all three of these amazing experiences and all I have to say is... WOW. While I wish Star Wars Season of the Force got the same love and breadth that Pixar Fest is being given, all three of these experiences were beyond amazing.
I had been on Hyperspace Mountain before, but I forgot how good and fun that version of Space Mountain is. I would honestly love it if it was around more often, or if Space Mountain did more seasonal themes like this in the future (Bring back Ghost Galaxy!).
The new scenes in Star Tours were fun. Nothing spectacular to write home about, but it was cool to see Ahsoka and Andor in our most recent flight.
But the best comes last - the Fire of the Rising Moons show. I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan around, so I wasn't seeking out this show, but I am SO GLAD I saw it before it ended. It was spectacular, and beautiful, and you could feel the love and nerdy passion of all the people in Batuu watching. I have about a billion pictures I will probably end up posting on social media soon, because it was just perfect and has to be seen to be believed. Once again, I would love if this was around more often. It doesn't cost Disney anything really, since they are essentially just playing music over the main fireworks show happening by the Castle. So I urge Disney to do more of this! Not just in May!
Overall, while I loved all of the new Season of the Force offerings, I wish they did more. As I'll go over, they are going FULL OUT on Pixar Fest, and I wish they brought that same energy to Star Wars, especially given how popular it is.
To Infinity & Beyond at Pixar Fest at DCA and Disneyland
Now, Pixar Fest is in full force instead of the Jedi! I have not yet been to the new food booths at Disney California Adventure (DCA), but I was very impressed with the theming at Disneyland.
Here's some of what you can experience at Pixar Fest this summer:
Disneyland:
Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular: Disneyland's new nightly fireworks/projections spectacular, highlighting the magic and wonder of Pixar's stories and bringing them to life.
Pixar Pals Playtime Party: The Fantasyland Theatre transforms into a wonderland of Pixar stories and characters! The theatre has a dance party on stage for the kids and tons of specialty photo opportunities with Pixar backdrops and characters.
Specialty Theming & Foods: Even though Disneyland doesn't have the food & beverage booths like DCA, there are still a TON of specialty themed foods available at Disneyland Park. Apart from this, there are tons of Pixar merch throughout the park, and many Pixar decorations especially along Main Street.
DCA:
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!: DCA's latest parade, featuring both new and classic Pixar characters such as Meilin (and her family and friends), Luca (and his friends Alberto and Giulia), Joy & Sadness, and Woody & Buzz Lightyear!
Club Pixar: Featuring both dancing & music and exclusive photo opportunities, this new experience will allow guests to "feel the magic of Pixar come to life with music, dancing and more at this high-energy party inspired by the amazing stories from Pixar Animation Studios."
Pixar Fest Marketplaces: Dine on delicious bites & sweet treats and sip on some refreshing beverages at several Pixar-themed marketplaces (food & beverage booths).
I have not yet gotten to experience everything Pixar Fest has to offer, but so far I am impressed with the commitment and energy put into this event. I only hope that they continue to put that same level into their other events going forward!
I will write more on Pixar Fest as I return to DCA to test out the marketplaces and other experiences, but so far, I am pleased! The parade was short, but fun, and the Pixar Pals Playtime Party was very cute and fun. I loved the new foods I tried at Disneyland, including the Firetown Mac & Cheese Bites and the Pineapple Coconut Float inspired by “Lava.”
As always, if you wish to experience Disneyland's Pixar Fest this summer, or the return of future Star Wars experiences in 2025, I am happy to book your next Disney vacation! A portion of the cost of every vacation already includes a travel agent's commission...don't pay for a service you're not going to get. I can help you plan and book your family's dream vacation for no extra cost. Let an expert do the work for you, so all you have to do is pack!
You can book a FREE consultation with me using the following link:
Thanks for reading!
-Jill
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