You know that everything you do is better together when you share the experience with a friend or loved one. The all-new "Better Together Parade: A Pixar Pals Celebration" at Disney California Adventure celebrates friendship and family by pairing up characters with their family and friends. The parade debuted in 2024 during Pixar Fest. Now it's returning to Disney California Adventure for the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration in 2025. Grab your best buddy to watch the parade and explore the 70th celebration together at Disneyland Resort anytime from late spring 2025 through summer 2026!
Let's hop to it and discuss all the details about the Better Together Parade at Disney California Adventure and how to get the best view of the parade. Some of our suggestions are based on the last time the parade came around. Hop back for updates once it officially returns May 16, 2025.
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Details of the Better Together Parade at California Adventure
Naturally, you have some questions about this all-new parade, and we do too! Your froggy friends are here to tell you all you need to know so you can plan to see it. The parade is part of a larger celebration across all of Disneyland Resort. There's also another parade at Disneyland Park. The fan-favorite Paint the Night parade returns for the 70th. You can also enjoy special fireworks (select nights) and an all-new World of Color Happiness! You're going to want a multi-day Disneyland ticket to see and do it all!
The "Better Together Parade: A Pixar Pals Celebration" returns to Disney California Adventure May 16, 2025!
When Is the Parade?
Better Together is usually a late afternoon parade. There are usually two parades a day. During Pixar Fest in 2024, the parade ran at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. But that is subject to change during the 70th Anniversary Celebration. You can find the parade times in the Disneyland app and on the entertainment schedule as your visit approaches.
This was the first parade at Disney California Adventure since 2018.
What Characters Are in the Parade?
The Better Together Parade is filled with colorful floats, high-energy dancers and more than two dozen Pixar characters! The parade features some favorite Pixar friends plus new characters from the latest Pixar films, including "Turning Red," "Luca" and "Soul."
Here's what we know so far about Together Forever Parade characters:
- "Turning Red" — You’ll spot Red Panda Mei and her friends rocking out to their favorite boy band, 4*Town on a float
- "Soul" — Joe Gardner and 22 celebrate the sweeter things in life
- "Luca" — Luca, Alberto and Giulia enjoy their time together on the water’s edge in Portorosso (Silenzio, Bruno! This is our favorite new float! Giulia sits on the Vespa.)
- Keep an eye out for characters and floats from the former Pixar Play parade such as Joy, Sadness, Bing Bong, Russell, Kevin, Carl and Dug
- The grand finale — It brings together Mr. Incredible, Frozone and Elastigirl from “The Incredibles,” Miguel and Dante from “Coco,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” and Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story.”
Keep hopping back for more details as things might change for this next time around!
Getting the Best Viewing of the Better Together Parade
Getting a good view of the parade is going to enhance your viewing experience. The parade route runs between Guardians of the Galaxy and Silly Symphony Swings, passing by Cars Land and San Fransokyo Square. Here's what to watch out for!
Keep the Parade Direction in Mind
It's always important to know what direction the parade will be traveling in. That way you can situate yourself in a spot in which you can see the parade approaching. Last time the parade rolled through, the first parade started at Guardians of the Galaxy and ran to Silly Symphony Swings. The second parade traveled in the opposite direction. That is subject to change, and something we will update once the parade officially returns.
Watch for Sun and Shadows
You have to watch out for the strong California sunshine, especially if you hope to take great pictures of the parade. Choose a spot where you won't be staring into the sun. It backlights the floats and characters, making them harder to see and photograph. Plus, you don't want the sun in your eyes. But also watch out for inconsistent lighting and shadows, which can also wreak havoc on your photos. May the sun be at your back and your lighting consistent (all shadow or all sun). That being said, sun shining through the Luca float does make it easier to see "underwater." We frogs love that effect and float!
Avoid Pedestrian Crossings
At certain points in the parade route, cast members allow park guests to cross the street between floats if space allows. If you are sitting behind one of these crossings, it can be distracting and affect your view to have people in your way all the time. That's why if you know the direction the parade is coming from, you can choose a spot with the crossing behind you where you won't even notice it.
Know When to Get in Place
This is always a tough call. Usually, the newer the parade, the earlier you have to get in place. That may be an hour or two before the parade if you want to be in the front row. But some areas may fill in longer. Find a shady spot. If you'll be sitting in the sun, you might want to bring an umbrella for shade while you wait. As a courtesy to others around you, be sure to put it down during the actual parade.
We usually recommend viewing the second parade, for which people might not line up as early. During the summer, you want to reduce your sun exposure. The second parade is cooler and out of the most intense rays of the day. Mobile order food to pick up before you jump in place so you can dine while you wait for the parade.
Grab a Seat
Hollywood Land has curbs and a few benches (claim them early). The rest of the route is flat without curbs and has a few bends in the road. It can be less comfortable to sit on the flat ground for hours as an adult frog. Again, knowing the parade direction can help you choose a good sight line from your spot. Also, you might want to choose to be on the right or the left side as the parade approaches, especially if there is a certain character you must see on the side of a float.
We recommend seeing it once from each side to see all the characters. Keep in mind if it travels from the opposite direction, you don't want to switch sides of the street.
Want to see "Better Together Parade: A Pixar Pals Celebration" now? Check out our YouTube video.
Indulge in a Dessert Parade Package
If you want a reserved spot to watch the parade and some sweet treats to enjoy, reserve the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade Viewing Dining Package. Reservations are live. For $69 (subject to change) you get:
- A selection of Pixar-inspired foods, desserts and cheeses (gluten-free option — in background — is fruit and a cobbler)
- Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water, plus coffee and a specialty mocktail
- Reserved seating for parade viewing at Sonoma Terrace
The parade starts about 45 minutes after your dining package return time. Seating may be shared with other parties and you might not get front row. You must cancel at least one day prior. You must have a theme park reservation for Disney California Adventure or a park hopper ticket in order to access this package and watch the parade. Disneyland has parade dining packages for all its parades. Dining packages may not run on holidays (such as the Fourth of July, Christmas or New Years Eve).
What character are you most excited to see in the Better Together parade at Disney California Adventure? Let us know in the comments section below. We are toadally excited to see Panda Mei! The Disneyland 70th Celebration offers a lot to do and see. We recommend a 4-day ticket to do it all. You can save money on your Disneyland tickets and hotel stays when you buy through Undercover Tourist. Get a Lightning Lane Multi Pass ticket to lock in the lowest price.
Related: What to Expect at the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration
Related: Paint the Night Parade Returns to Disneyland Resort!
Hoppy planning!
