Disney Parks Blog has shared new behind-the-scenes details about Pixar Pals Spectacular, the new nighttime spectacular currently being performed at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Meet the Cast

The show debuted as part of the resort’s first-ever Pixar Summer Fest, which runs through August 31, 2026. Pixar Pals Spectacular transforms both the Castle of Magical Dreams and Main Street, U.S.A. into a large-scale celebration of Pixar stories, using drones, projections, lasers, fountains, lighting effects, music, and giant inflatable character figures.

Disney Parks Blog spoke with Creative Director Christie Evangelisto, Show Director Matt Coombes, and Producer Laetitia Lee about the development of the show, which was built around the central theme of friendship.

The new show begins with drone choreography inspired by the Pixar Lamp and Ball before moving through sequences featuring familiar Pixar friendships. Characters and stories represented include Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars, Carl and Russell from Up, Marlin and Dory from Finding Nemo, and more across the Pixar film catalogue.

Coombes said the creative team focused on Pixar friendships that would resonate emotionally with guests:

“Friendship is a theme that runs throughout all our lives, from our very earliest memories through our formative years into adulthood, where our friends shape who we are. We had a lot of fun discussing the friendships from the Pixar canon that would resonate the most with our guests, as well as those moments which had the most emotional weight.”

A major element of the show is the use of Main Street, U.S.A. as more than just a viewing area. Rather than limiting the storytelling to the castle, the creative team expanded the visual canvas across the land. Projection effects turn the buildings into part of the show, with imagery inspired by Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Up, and Cars appearing across the architecture.

Coombes said the team drew inspiration from Pixar’s visual style, including the end-credit sequences of several Pixar films, to shape the projections and animation. That approach allows the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. to shift between different worlds throughout the performance.

Producer Laetitia Lee explained that the show was developed first by crafting a unified, compelling story, followed by selecting the technology that would best support it.

“The show began as a unified story — defining mood, scale, and emotional flow before any technology was selected. The focus was on layering imagery, movement, and rhythm into one cohesive canvas, ensuring every discipline contributes to a single, immersive experience.”

One highlighted sequence is themed to The Incredibles, which combines projections, drones, lasers, lighting, and fountain projections. Other drone moments include imagery inspired by Monsters, Inc., the house from Up, and memory orbs from Inside Out.

Creative Director Evangelisto spoke of the strength behind Pixar films and characters and how they help leverage an emotional, human connection for guests:

“What makes Pixar storytelling so timeless is that it always speaks directly to the human experience. No matter your age, culture, or background, you see your own self reflected in their stories and characters.”

In addition to classic Pixar stories like Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc., the show also includes newer characters from Turning Red, Inside Out, and even the most recent Pixar release, Toy Story 5.

The finale brings together Pixar characters and friendships from across the studio’s history with lights, music, projections, drones, fountains, and inflatable character figures stretching down Main Street, U.S.A.

“Pixar Pals Spectacular” is currently being performed at Hong Kong Disneyland during Pixar Summer Fest, which continues through August 31, 2026.

If you have plans to visit Hong Kong Disneyland during the celebration, be sure to check out the limited-time lineup of merchandise.

Check out the show for yourself:

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