Category: Pixar

Toy Story Land Is Officially Open in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
The new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort officially opens today! Inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, the new land turns guests of all ages into “honorary toys” and allows them to PLAY BIG in the whimsical world of a child’s imagination.

In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for an enduring favorite. Guests hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin with the little green Aliens from Pizza Planet and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys. Guests will also love to chow down on tasty vittles available for purchase at Woody’s Lunch Box

Toy Story Land also celebrates what defines entertainment for kids of all ages. Crayola crayons, a Rubik’s Cube, Cooties, and other toys and games pour on the nostalgia for park-goers – and fascinate young ones. With building blocks around every corner, there are lampposts shaped like Tinkertoys and benches built from Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces. A balsa-wood glider, a Barrel of Monkeys, giant playing cards and jacks add to the visual tapestry of the new land. Sheriff Woody, standing nearly 20 feet tall, welcomes all to Toy Story Land by jauntily leaning on a tall assemblage of colorful wooden blocks, tipping his wide-brimmed hat to guests while holding onto his trusty lasso.

“With set pieces, staging, attractions and experiences, Toy Story Land represents the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animation Studios,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz and their pals – and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy.”

Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!
June 30, 2018
Shopping for Toy Story Land Merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Toy Story Land will feel like they have magically transformed to the size of a toy as fun-loving “Toy Story” characters come to life in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. Shoppers can commemorate their visit with Toy Story Land merchandise including; new logo merchandise, must-have collectibles and unique gifts. With the opening of the new land on June 30, the merchandise team has made shopping for these products even easier at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“We want guests to have a convenient and fun shopping experience,” explained Rachel Swears, Manager for Location Strategy at the theme park. “Two retail carts in Toy Story Land – resembling a toy camper and toy dump truck – will carry new logo items including pins, accessories and of course, toys. We’ve also expanded the assortment to other shops in the park, making it easy for guests to find the products they love.”

Two of those new products include small scale replica toys inspired by the new attractions. Designed using 3D models created in partnership by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, the Slinky Dog Dash & Dodge Power Boost Set features spinning flames and launching vehicle action. The three pullback toys resembling vehicles from the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction launch forward on their next adventure once released.

Additional locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will carry these toys and other logo products include Beverly Sunset. Located on Sunset Boulevard, this spot has a show-stopping selection of Pixar-themed merchandise. Guests will find the full Toy Story Land assortment, and a curated collection of “Toy Story” apparel and accessories perfect for creating stylish looks when visiting the 11-acre land.

Guests will also find Toy Story Land merchandise at Mickey’s of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard and at In Character located in the Animation Courtyard area.

Once the land opens at Walt Disney World Resort, select products will be offered on ShopDisney.com.

June 29, 2018
Find Your Favorite Characters During Pixar Pals Dance Party During at Disneyland

The first-ever Pixar Fest is taking place all across the Disneyland Resort, bringing the playful spirit of Pixar to life in a celebration of friendship and beyond, and you can join some of your favorite characters at Pixar Pals Dance Party at Disneyland Park.

Each evening, you’re invited to drop in at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland park for the Pixar Pals Dance Party. Hit the dance floor, as a DJ keeps things hopping, and you never know who may stop by! You could find yourself groovin’ alongside Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” or even some Green Army Men getting a little R&R. The party gets going nightly at 7 p.m. and continues through 10:30 p.m.

With the Pixar Pals Dance Party, “Pixar Play Parade,” “Paint the Night” parade, “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” and so much more, you’ll want to check out everything going on during Pixar Fest, now through September 3 at Disneyland Resort!

June 29, 2018
Disney and Pixar Sued For Plagiarizing Inside Out… Again

Disney and Pixar are being sued for allegedly plagiarizing the idea for 2015’s hit “Inside Out”.

A lawsuit filed in a California federal court, by Damon Pourshian, states that Pixar’s film infringes on a script the Canadian man wrote in 1999 also titled Inside Out, which eventually got turned into a short film a year later in 2000.

Pourshian claims the film has more in common than just the name and his work has many similarities to Inside Out, as his script and short movie tell the story of a young boy named Lewis reacting to everyday life “through anthropomorphized representations of his bodily organs,” which are seen inside Lewis’ body.

The short film also shows these organs reacting to the real world and features a personification of Lewis’ brain which operates a command center. The short movie includes Brain, Heart, Colon, Stomach, and Bladder as the main organ characters, and they communicate and argue with each other.

In Pixar’s Inside Out, the main character is a girl named Riley and the core characters are her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust.

The 20-page lawsuit details more than two-dozen substantial similarities in content, theme and characters between the two films, many illustrated with comparative images. The complaint notes that, “The obvious and striking similarities between Mr. Pourshian’s and Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out extend from overarching themes to specific details, and they are far too numerous to be attributable to chance.”

The suit goes on to say Pourshian created the script and film at Sheridan College, which “has sent large numbers of its graduates to work at Disney and Pixar and is considered a ‘feeder’ school for Disney and Pixar.”

Pourshian’s classmates also reportedly noticed the similarities between the two projects upon viewing Pixar’s Inside Out. Purshian is seeking unspecified damages and for his name to be added to the Inside Out credits.

This isn’t the first time Disney and Pixar have been sued for Inside Out, A 2017 copyright infringement lawsuit brought against Inside Out last year by child development expert Denise Daniels was dismissed last month by U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez. In her suit, Daniels claimed the film bore a striking resemblance to a TV project, The Moodsters, she’d developed and pitched numerous times to Disney executives between 2006 and 2009.

Also back in June, author Carla Jo Masterson filed suit in a Nevada federal court, claiming the film was based on her book, What’s On The Other Side Of The Rainbow? (The Secret Of The Golden Mirror), as well as her screenplay, “The Secret of the Golden Mirror.”

Both works “are original, creative, and artistic stories about how children identify, understand the reasons for, and manage the effects of their emotions,” the suit reads.

“The specific original, artistic, and creative expression and device used by Carla J. Masterson in ‘What’s On the Other Side of the Rainbow?’ and ‘The Secret of the Golden Mirror’ is to depict the childhood emotions of Joy, Fear, Sad, Anger, Laughter, Friendship, Love, and Shy as characters that appear throughout the book in consistent and continuing configurations and colors.”

While there maybe some similarities with the concepts of these projects that still doesn’t mean that Disney plagiarized anything as there are clear differences as well. The courts will decide in the end, but if anyone has a real claim, just think “Herman’s Head”.

The director of Inside Out, Pete Docter, has recently been named Pixar’s new chief creative officer.

June 28, 2018
Seven Insider Facts About Pixar that Guests Will Discover at the New Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge, a new restaurant opening June 23 at Pixar Pier, offers table-service dining, gastro-pub cuisine, panoramic views of Paradise Bay – plus “insider” stories all along the walls. The décor of Lamplight Lounge serves as a tribute to the storytellers who create the beloved Pixar feature films and shorts.

The stylish eatery at Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the creativity, inspiration and personalities of the artists and storytellers who bring Pixar stories to life. Guests will discover many unique artistic details that Pixar “regulars” have left throughout the lounge. From sketches on coasters to concept art and memorabilia on the walls, the décor at Lamplight Lounge reveals seven insider facts about Pixar.
1. Pixar celebrates the early sketch artwork from beloved Pixar films, and fans will find some of that work in the décor throughout Lamplight Lounge. Guests who look “Up” will see a beautiful chandelier hanging from the ceiling at Lamplight Lounge. The chandelier features sketch artwork and film quotes from Pixar animated films including “Coco,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles” and more. The design features blank pages at the top, to represent one of the most difficult stages in the design process – starting with a blank slate – along with character artwork from artists in several Pixar departments.
2. When a film is in production at Pixar, departments create and wear special t-shirts to celebrate the film. Guests will get a close-up look at a little-known Pixar tradition on the t-shirt wall at Lamplight Lounge. The t-shirts on display are examples of a celebrated accomplishment, humorous reference, inside joke, or even a department’s experience or influence on the film. The many t-shirts also show how many different departments come together to create a Pixar film.
3. A conference room table at Pixar Animation Studios features die-cast toys created for the Disney•Pixar film “Cars,” an example of the artists’ playfulness. Many décor items at Lamplight Lounge are inspired by the creative interior design of Pixar Animation Studios’ campus. One is a dining table inside the restaurant that closely replicates the “Cars” table located in one of Pixar’s conference rooms.
4. At Pixar, every toy has a story. Above the “Cars” dining table, guests will notice shelves of toys that have been pulled from the Pixar archives. Below the toy shelves are examples of design comments and notes exchanged between Pixar and its toy manufacturing partners to ensure that the final product is as accurate as possible. Each toy goes through many rounds of notes in various forms, including drawings, creative reviews and even video conferences.
5. Like “Easter eggs” hidden in Pixar films, many nods to Pixar films and the studios’ culture can be found at Lamplight Lounge, including beverage names. When perusing the menu, guests will notice references to Pixar Animation Studios, its films and the filmmaking process. For example, guests may order the Park Ave. (alcoholic beverage), referencing the street name of the Pixar Animation Studios address in Emeryville, California, or the Goofball Island (non-alcoholic), named after one of Riley’s personality islands from the film, “Inside Out.”
6. Each Pixar film requires a large amount of artwork, promotional materials and artifacts that are essential to the film’s research and development. Guests will discover some of this film-related memorabilia along the Lamplight Lounge art wall, including concept art, reference materials, props and physical renditions of artifacts from the films including “WALL•E,” “Toy Story,” and “Ratatouille.” For instance, guests may see the adorable crayon drawing of Bing Bong in the “Inside Out” area. When the Bing Bong drawings began looking too much like the work of adults trying to draw like kids, Pixar artists solicited the help of a Pixar employee’s 7-year-old daughter.
7. The talented teams at Pixar often share handwritten notes during the creation of a film, and some of those quotes are showcased at Lamplight Lounge. These notes appear in Lamplight Lounge as part of the tribute to Pixar storytellers. For example, in the sketch art chandelier and in the hallway leading to the restrooms, guests will find some iconic Pixar film quotes that were handwritten by Pixar employees. One that movie fans will find familiar: “WHERE. IS. MY. SUPER. SUIT?!” from “The Incredibles.”
June 25, 2018
Disney Names New Animation and Pixar Chiefs After John Lasseter’s Announced Exit

Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn announced last Tuesday that Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter will be succeeding Disney animation and Pixar chief John Lasseter, who is leaving the company at the end of the year amid allegations of misconduct.

Both Oscar-winners and veterans of the Walt Disney Company, Lee, who co-directed “Frozen,” has been named chief creative officer for the Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Docter, who is best known for “Up” and “Inside Out,” is now the chief creative officer for Pixar Animation.

Despite being credited with reviving Disney’s animation offerings and helping create film classics such as “Up” and “The Incredibles,” Lasseter is leaving the company under a cloud. Last fall, he took an extended sabbatical after allegations broke that he engaged in inappropriate workplace behavior. Earlier this month, Disney announced that Lasseter would leave the studio at the end of the year. He is consulting for Disney, but will not have an office at the animation headquarters.

In announcing their appointments, Horn said, “Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two of the most gifted filmmakers and storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Pete, the genius creative force behind Up, Inside Out and Monsters, Inc., has been an integral part of Pixar almost since the beginning and is a huge part of its industry-leading success. Jenn, in bringing her bold vision to the boundary-breaking Frozen, has helped infuse Disney Animation with a new and exciting perspective. Each of them embodies the unique spirit, culture and values of these renowned animation studios, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them to lead us into the future.”

Lee won an Oscar for co-directing Frozen with Chris Buck, and since joining the company in 2011 as the co-writer of Wreck-It Ralph, she’s worked on Disney projects like Zootopia and A Wrinkle in Time. She’s currently in production on Frozen 2, which is scheduled to hit theaters Nov. 27, 2019.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone at Walt Disney Animation Studios and The Walt Disney Company for this opportunity,” Lee said in a statement. “Animation is the most collaborative art form in the world, and it is with the partnership of my fellow filmmakers, artists and innovators that we look ahead to the future. My hope is to support the incredible talent we have, find new voices and work together to tell original stories. The great films of Disney Animation — the films I loved as a kid and my daughter has grown up loving — are magical, timeless and full of heart, and it is our goal to create films that carry on and grow this 95-year legacy for future generations.”

Docter is also an Oscar winner, for Up and Inside Out, and he’s a longtime Pixar employee who joined the studio in 1990 and has contributed to hits like Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and WALL-E.

Docter said in a statement of his own, “I am excited and humbled to be asked to take on this role. It is not something I take lightly; making films at Pixar has been my chronic obsession since I started here 28 years ago. I am fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented people on the planet, and together we will keep pushing animation in new directions, using the latest technology to tell stories we hope will surprise and delight audiences around the world.”

Despite the bad headlines involving Lasseter, Disney’s animation team continues to deliver hits. Last weekend, “The Incredibles 2” opened to rave reviews and scored the biggest animated debut in history, earning a massive $182.7 million.

June 24, 2018
Pixar Pier Now Officially Open to Guests at Disney California Adventure Park

Pixar Pier, the reimagined land along the shores of Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park, officially opens to guests today! Check out what’s in store for your first visit to Pixar Pier!

As you enter Pixar Pier, you’ll pass under the dazzling marquee. On the right hand side, the new Lamplight Lounge is a stylish, fun place to hang out with the whole family. Lamplight Lounge serves a new menu of California casual gastro-pub cuisine that is playfully presented, along with unique signature cocktails.

On the other side, Knick’s Knacks offers an assortment of goodies and souvenirs based on Pixar film favorites.

At Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, you can enjoy cones and cups with tasty towering soft serve, available in chocolate, vanilla, and non-dairy lemon, as well as specialty treats like the Pixar Pier Parfait and the It’s Snow-Capped Lemon.

At Incredibles Park, the inviting plaza features mid-century modern design aesthetics. Anchoring the area is the new Incredicoaster, a thrilling adventure with “The Incredibles!”

Adjacent to Incredibles Park is Toy Story Boardwalk, a neighborhood that includes the popular Toy Story Mania!, with Jessie’s Critter Carousel coming in 2019. Be sure to check out food spots, including Señor Buzz Churros and Poultry Palace!

The charming Pixar Promenade celebrates the heartwarming stories and beloved characters from all of Pixar’s films. Test your skills and win a prize at the Games of the Boardwalk, listen to music and meet favorite Pixar characters at the classic band-shell stage or take a spin around Pixar Pal-A-Round.

Later this summer, discover the treasure trove of candies, souvenirs and trinkets at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff.

The fourth neighborhood in Pixar Pier is Inside Out Headquarters. As we announced yesterday, the whimsical family-friendly Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind will debut in 2019!

For more details on the neighborhoods, check out the story here.

June 23, 2018
New ‘Incredibles’ Float to Join ‘Paint the Night’ Parade at Disney California Adventure
The fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure park is currently dazzling audiences during the limited-time Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort. Joining “Paint the Night” on June 23 is a new float inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2.”

The Parr family and their pal Frozone will make their debut in this spectacular parade with high-tech, pop-art effects. This electrifying parade uses more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy music and cutting edge special effects featuring many beloved Disney and Pixar pals.

Here’s how the fun and excitement of “The Incredibles” will be brought to life:
- The dynamic and colorful new float connects both “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2,” picking up where the first film left off and portraying the scene that shows the Parr family banding together against the supervillain known as “The Underminer.”
- Violet Parr uses her super powers to surround herself with a “force field.” It will come to life through a custom-built persistence-of-vision (POV) globe – the first and largest ever to be installed on a Disney parade float.
- Dash’s super-human speed is captured through an innovative system of 64 individually lit frames, flashing as he races in circles around the float.
- Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible, along with their pal Frozone, light up the night in new super suits. The suits have been installed and wired by hand and are fully programmable to be in sync with the music and the float lighting.
- The super suits, designed by eccentric fashion designer Edna Mode, are illuminated with nearly 100 sheets of flexible, miniature LEDs. This is the first time these light-up suits will be worn by any Disney or Pixar character.
- The chest logos on the Incredibles’ glowing super suits are made up of 60 individually programmable LEDs.
This super float joins “Paint the Night” this summer during Pixar Fest, the limited-time celebration happening now through September 3. Pixar Pier will also welcome guests at Disney California Adventure park on June 23.

Be sure to catch “Incredibles 2” in theaters this Friday, June 15!
June 12, 2018
“Incredibles 2” To Premiere On Disney Cruise Line Ships At The Same Time As On Land

Next weekend, the long-awaited sequel to Disney•Pixar’s animated hit “The Incredibles” blasts into theaters, and guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line won’t have to wait until they get home to find out what our favorite family of supers have been up to since we last saw them. “Incredibles 2” will premiere in Disney cruise ship theaters at the same time as on land!

Incredibly guests can can also relive the excitement of the original film from the comfort of their staterooms! “The Incredibles” is available on-demand aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships, along with a massive line-up of Disney animated and live-action films. For guests sailing over the next week, an in-room viewing party complete with milk and cookies from room service is the perfect way to celebrate the return of Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash and Jack Jack.

The littlest sailors can even get in on the action during Jack Jack’s Incredible Diaper Dash, a high-speed crawling race named for the youngest Parr family hero. During the dash, babies don their race numbers and crawl to the finish line of a specially themed 20-foot track, fueled by rousing music from the film and the cheers of an atrium full of spectators. This super fun event is offered year-round, and it’s a blast for guests sailing with and without crawling cruisers of their own.

Will you be catching up with the Incredibles on land or at sea next weekend? Either way, it’s sure to be “totally wicked!”

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June 10, 2018
BREAKING: John Lasseter Out at Disney at the End of This Year

John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studio and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, will exit the company at year’s end, the Walt Disney Corporation announced Friday, after accusations of repeated misconduct that led to a six-month leave of absence last fall.

Disney CEO Bob Iger gave Lasseter a glowing review in a statement released today and announced that he will assume a consulting role at Disney until December 31, 2018, at which time he will depart.

“John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever,” Iger said in the statement. “We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios. One of John’s greatest achievements is assembling a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come.”

Lasseter also released a statement with some parting thoughts as he looks toward the future. “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” said John Lasseter. “While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”

Disney did not announce a replacement for Lasseter at either studio. Jennifer Lee, the writer-director of “Frozen,” is rumored to be the frontrunner at Walt Disney Animation Studios, while Pete Docter, the director of “Inside Out” and “Up,” is the top contender at Pixar.

June 8, 2018