How Hong Kong Disneyland and Pixar bring our favorite childhood comforts to life—and why we'll never outgrow them
Pixar has always known how to break our hearts in the gentlest ways. A toy learning to let go. A fish crossing an ocean for his family. A lonely robot finding love in a world too big and too empty. Somehow, these animated characters become memories we carry long after childhood. So when my first trip to Hong Kong, my first time traveling abroad alone, and my first visit to Hong Kong Disneyland all happened on my birthday, it felt like the perfect time to revisit those stories.
And what better timing than during Pixar Summer Fest, running from June 12 to Aug. 31, where Pixar stories come to life across the park through attractions, character encounters, themed experiences, and a new nighttime spectacular.
To make the most out of the experience, I dressed up as Merida from Brave. She has always been one of my favorite Disney princesses, and with my naturally curly hair, it felt like an easy choice. I did not think much of it at first, but it ended up being one of those small decisions that made the day feel more personal.
At one point, I got to meet Merida herself, who noticed my outfit during our brief interaction. Apparently, dressing like a Disney princess gets you a princess-level attention.
When Pixar stories gather under one sky
At the heart of Pixar Summer Fest, crowds gathered in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams and along Main Street, U.S.A. for the “Pixar Pals Spectacular,” a new eight-minute nighttime show featuring characters from Toy Story, The Incredibles, Cars, Inside Out, Finding Nemo, Up, WALL-E, and Monsters, Inc., along with a glimpse of characters from the upcoming Toy Story 5.
Drones lit up the sky, projections washed over the castle, and fountains moved in rhythm with familiar Pixar music. It was visually stunning, but what stayed with me more was seeing the stories I grew up with unfold right in front of me.
I had watched moments like this through videos online before, but standing in front of the castle on my birthday, with familiar songs playing and Pixar characters lighting up the night sky, I found myself reacting like everyone else around me: completely in awe.
For many guests, the reactions came quickly and without hesitation.
“It was emotional. There was no expectation, but it was a beautiful feeling,” one guest said.
Another shared how the show felt different from a typical park experience. “There were a lot of emotions. It was our first time, and it felt very different from the rest of our experience in the park. It was very magical, and at the same time, it felt like healing our inner child.”
A first-time visitor to Hong Kong Disneyland put it into perspective in his own way.
“I’m really speechless. Seeing all those childhood movies come to life is an amazing experience. I hope I can bring my family here soon—everyone who grew up watching Disney and Pixar should experience this,” he said.
Stepping into Pixar worlds
Beyond the nighttime spectacle, Pixar Summer Fest unfolds across the park in quieter, more playful ways. In Toy Story Land, everything feels oversized and familiar at the same time, like stepping directly into Andy's backyard.
Slinky Dog Spin fits right into that world. It moves in a simple circular motion and looks harmless at first glance. But it does not take long to realize that spinning is still spinning. It is the kind of ride that makes you question your decisions midway through, especially if you made the mistake of eating beforehand.
RC Racer, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. It is short, fast, and slightly terrifying in the best way possible. The giant half-pipe sends you soaring back and forth until gravity takes over and you are left holding on, laughing and screaming at the same time.
By the afternoon, my feet were already reminding me that choosing Merida's boots over comfortable sneakers was a decision made for the outfit, not practicality. (Tiis ganda, literally!) But somehow, I did not mind. There was still another corner of the park to explore, another character to meet, another childhood memory unlocked.
Across the park, Pixar characters appear in different corners of their worlds. Guests can meet familiar faces like Miguel from Coco, Frozone from The Incredibles, and Mei from Turning Red.
At Animation Academy’s “Draw & Meet” session, guests can try sketching characters like Rex, Bullseye, or Lotso before meeting them moments later in encounters that mirror the drawings themselves. I gave Rex my best attempt at a sketch, though he came out a little fuller than expected. Thankfully, he still seemed to be pleased with it.
The “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” turns the streets into a moving splash zone. It is fun, but don't tell us we didn't warn you: you will get wet.
The “Friendtastic!” Parade turns the park’s streets into a moving celebration, with themed floats and beloved characters from Pixar stories like Turning Red, Monsters, Inc., and Inside Out.
Even the food and drinks are very on-point, from character-inspired dim sum to popcorn buckets shaped like Slinky Dog and the Green Alien Men from Toy Story.
For those staying overnight, Pixar-themed add-ons include in-room surprises that extend the celebration beyond the park.
Why Pixar still hits the same
By the end of the day, it was clear that while everyone carried a different Pixar memory, we all shared the exact same feeling. That’s the beauty of Hong Kong Disneyland’s Pixar Summer Fest—it taps right into that pure childhood nostalgia, reminding you that growing up doesn't mean abandoning that magic. It just stays with you.
Pixar Summer Fest runs at Hong Kong Disneyland from June 12 to Aug. 31, 2026.