There's something truly magical about special events at Disney Parks, and one of the most exciting parts is all the new, exclusive merch you can snag up and wear or display with pride. Keeping up with that trend, Pixar Fest has a ton of wonderful options for fans of all ages, and Disney invited me out to Disneyland to check out what guests can expect from the event that has officially started and will run through August 4.
While there is a ton to talk about, the popcorn buckets may just be the highlight of all the merch out there. Pixar Fest will allow guests to purchase three buckets - a Coco Guitar, an Alien Pizza Planet Truck, and one modeled after Up's Dug that's exclusive for Magic Key holders - and they are all spectacular. You can read their full descriptions below, but they are great for so much more than just popcorn as you can play the guitar, play with the truck, and can make the Dug bucket talk.
Move aside Dune 2 and whatever ridiculousness Deadpool & Wolverine will throw our way, as we have some new champions in town!
Speaking of the Alien Pizza Planet Truck, the team behind Pixar Fest really made them a focus as it has also put 50 unique Alien Pizza Planet Trucks around Disneyland for guests to find. I won't spoil where they are, but I will tell you there is a Guardians of the Galaxy one in Disney California Adventure and a Mad Max-esque truck with Grogu as the driver (!) in Downtown Disney! Happy hunting!
As for the merch as a whole, the Pixar Fest team built the items with a theme of "friendship and beyond" and wanted to go with a style that could unite all of these films that all have their own unique look to them.
"The coolest thing for Pixar Fest 2024 is that there are 15 unique items that all celebrate the ‘friendship and beyond’ idea and what we love about Pixar," Disney's Carlos Martinez told me. "For me, I love the fact that everything has that comic book style, which is very unique, and it bonds all the characters together from across the different stories. After all, it's not very common that you get to see Woody and Miguel together in a store with Mei and Lightning McQueen. This comic book style gives us that opportunity to be able to celebrate all the stories in one, unified way.
“Also, there is a versatility of having items that are gender inclusive, so it's not a male or female thing. There's sizing for young and old, big and small, and it's a just great opportunity to be able to just showcase your love for Pixar no matter who you are.”
Inside Out 2 was a big question on a lot of minds going into Pixar Fest 2024 as it is set to be released in theaters on June 14, 2024. While the original Inside Out is represented, there is nothing yet quite specific to the sequel in the merch department. However, Disney didn't shut the door on something being added closer to its release.
“You'll have to come out and see,” Martinez said when asked about Inside Out 2 at Pixar Fest. “You'll have to wait, because you never know what's going to happen here at the Disneyland Resort. As we learned from the original Pixar Fest, there's fun and excitement at every corner.”
WIthout further ado, please check out the slideshow below and the details below that to learn all about the best merch you can buy at Pixar Fest 2024! For more, be sure to check out my Ultimate Pixar Fest Guide and my guide focused on the best food and treats you can get!
The Best Merch and Popcorn Buckets at Pixar Fest 2024
Pixar Fest Spirit Jersey
This Pixar Fest Spirit Jersey was one of the most popular items I saw on the opening day of the big celebration at Disneyland and it's easy to see why. The Spirit Jersey features such fan-favorite characters as Mei, Woody, Miguel, Lightning McQueen, Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Sulley, and they are all in that wonderful comic book style the other Pixar Fest gear has.
Coco Guitar Popcorn Bucket
Considering Coco is one of my favorite films of all time, this guitar, which is based off the one from the film used by Héctor and Ernesto de la Cruz, was probably the winner of the entire Pixar Fest merch collection for me. It has such a nice shine to it and you can actually play the guitar, even if it isn't the most high quality instrument out there. It also has really nice touches like skulls for the tuners and a picture of Miguel ane members of his family on the back. That picture is also where you'll find the compartment to store popcorn or another favorite treat.
Alien Pizza Planet Truck Bucket
While the Coco guitar popcorn bucket may have been my favorite, this Alien Pizza Planet bucket comes very close as it is so much more than just a thing to hold popcorn. The truck is a high-quality build and my son has been using it as a toy ever since I got home. The truck also lights up and comes with an Alien dressed in his best Pizza Planet attire that you can take out and use as a figure! The merch team knocked it out of the park with this one.
Magic Key Dug Popcorn Bucket
This Magic Key-only Dug popcorn bucket rounds out the trio of truly amazing popcorn buckets on offer at Pixar Fest 2024. This adorable version of Dug not only holds popcorn, but it talks and has a soft tongue. Simply put, this is another winner.
Pixar Fest Gear
If you love that comic book style of all your favorite Pixar characters for Pixar Fest, there are a few other options to own items with it while Pixar Fest is underway. This includes shirts, hoodies, a bucket hat that is reversible, a hat, a water bottle, a mug, and more!
Pixar Fest Lug Bag
This Pixar Fest Lug Bag, which features a very similar design to the bucket hat inside and out, is a first for Disneyland Resort. It is meant to be the perfect size for carrying the essentials, whether that be a phone, external battery, snacks, sunscreen, or a lucky charm, and nothing more! Instead of carrying around a big, heavy bag, this is meant to give guests the option of travelling light and wearing it as a fanny pack, satchel, or even backpack. Oh, and it has a see-through slot for your ID!
Slinky Dog Sipper
While not a popcorn bucket, this Slinky Dog sipper can stand tall with those juggernauts as it's adorable and can hold your favorite drink. Seeing these characters being brought to life in different, functional ways is just so great.
Pixar Lamp, Alien Macaron, Mei, and Edna Straw Friends
If you've been bored with your drinks lately, I've got some great news for you! Pixar Fest 2024 is offering straw clips and bottle toppers featuring the Pixar Lamp, the Alien Macaron, Mei, and Edna.
Create Your Own Headbands
These may not be strictly Pixar, but they are debuting for the first time at Disneyland for the event and they absolutely deserve a mention for how cute they are and how they will probably brutally attack all of our wallets. These headbands first debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and now guests at Disneyland can purchase a headband and a wide selection of mini plush accessories to put on them.
Do you want to make them like a Mickey Ears Headband and choose your two favorite characers as the ears? Do it! Would you rather try to fit three or four since you have trouble choosing? Also an option!
At launch, some of the characters available include Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Daisy, Alien, Lotso, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Stitch, and Buzz, and you know more are going to be on the way. If this is a new collection you can't wait to try out, you'll be able to find these at The Mad Hatter in Disneyland and Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff in Disney California Adventure.
Pixar Fest 2024 Medallions
If you love collecting medallions like I do, you'll be happy to know there will be vending machines across Disneyland that will let you collect 28 coins from across Pixar's biggest hits! Will you collect them all?
We'll be updating this article with new additions to Pixar Fest throughout the next few months, so be sure to check back often! Until then, you can check out the full Disney Parks Merch Guide for Pixar Fest 2024!
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
