TALKING Dug Makes Disney Parks Debut!

He has just met you and he loves you.

Pixar Fest is back at Disneyland Resort and will kick off on April 26. Since 2018, Disney has had several iterations of the celebration of all things Pixar, but only one year — 2018 — did Pixar Fest actually take place in a Disney theme park. This months-long Pixar party is going to be full of rare character meet and greets, fun food, a Pixar parade, and a special fireworks show.

Credit: Disneyland Resort

Select Disney fans got a fun sneak peek at the upcoming festivities, and there is one part of Pixar Fest that is sure to blow guests away.

Guests visiting the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure Park will have the chance to meet Dug from the hit film, Up (2009). But this is not any old character meet and greet. No, when you meet Dug at Redwood Creek, he will TALK TO YOU! That’s right, Disney has created a Dug that can actually talk to guests!

NEW: Dug from Pixar’s ‘Up’ will greet and interact with guests at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure during Pixar Fest from April 26 to August 4.

NEW: Dug from Pixar’s ‘Up’ will greet and interact with guests at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure during Pixar Fest from April 26
to August 4. pic.twitter.com/fxhFiJyXdH

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 25, 2024

Related: New Fleet of Rare Disney Characters Surprise Guests at Theme Park Event

Creating a fun meet-and-greet like the one with Dug at Pixar Fest might remind guests of a time when Disney World had a similar type of meet-and-greet with Mickey Mouse. From 2010 through 2018, guests could visit the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom and Mickey Mouse would talk to them. Sadly, Disney discontinued the experience for reasons we can only speculate on, but many guests miss it and wish it would return.

Fantastic Times at Pixar Fest

As we said above, guests visiting Disneyland during Pixar Fest will be able to celebrate in so many ways. In addition to meeting with Dug, there will be a number of other rare character meet-and-greets. Guests will be able to meet Ember and Wave from Elemental (2023), as well as Luca and Alberto from Luca (2021).

Credit: Pixar

There will also be so many mouthwatering themed treats throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. And this won’t just be in treat shops and restaurants. Disney is taking a page from its popular food festivals and has created special food booths that will pop up around DCA.

The Pixar Fest Marketplace will include 4*Town Fav*4*ites, inspired by the 2021 movie Turning Red. Guests can enjoy a number of adult libations at The Spark, inspired by Soul (2020). Gusteau’s To-Go, inspired by Ratatouille (2007) will feature some French classics, and Elemental Table will bring the elements to life in a new way!

Credit: Disney

Want to enjoy the iconic Portorosso Pasta from Luca? Then be sure to head to Portorosso Pasta, where you can also indulge in the Silenzio Limoncello! drink. And top off your day with some fiery mac and cheese from the Hanger Management booth, inspired by Inside Out (2015).

Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular will light up the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle on select nights. Of course, as many Disneyland visitors know, that will be weather permitting. Over at DCA, the “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” parade will run daily. Be sure to check your Disneyland Resort mobile app for the showtimes!

Credit: Disney

Related: Failed Launch: Disney Removes Park Element the Day of Its Debut

Pixar Fest will run from April 26 through August 4. Reservations are still required to visit Disneyland and California Adventure, so make your reservations today!

Will you be visiting Dug during your trip to Disneyland during Pixar Fest? Let us know in the comments!