Our Animated Guide to Pixar Days at Sea on Disney Cruise Line — Returning for 2027!

Hi there, friends! Mommy Frog here, and I see you’re hopping for a Disney Cruise Line vacation. As you’re searching through itineraries, you might’ve noticed a few sailings labeled "Pixar Days at Sea." That sounds cute and fun, but you’re probably wondering what that actually includes. Will it be exciting for your tadpoles? Is it worth choosing one of those sailings over others? In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about Pixar Days at Sea. From exclusive character meet-and-greets and Pixar-themed shows to special dining and helpful tips, here’s your complete guide to the Pixar celebration on the Disney Fantasy. Let’s hop in!

Hop To

• Overview
• Characters
• Entertainment
• Dining
• Tips

FAQs

• What is Pixar Days at Sea? Pixar Day at Sea is a special themed sailing on the Disney Fantasy (mid January through early March 2027) that includes experiences filled with Pixar characters, Pixar-themed entertainment, exclusive dining and the Pixar Pals Celebration deck party.
• Is Pixar Days at Sea included in the cruise price? Most of the entertainment, character meet-and-greets and the Pixar Pals Celebration deck party are included with your sailing, just like other onboard activities.
• What characters can you see during Pixar Days at Sea? Character meet-and-greets include favorites from "Toy Story," "Monsters Inc.," "The Incredibles," "Up" and "Inside Out." Specifics may vary by itinerary. Character meeting times and locations can be found in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
• Is there special food or merchandise available on a Pixar Days at Sea sailing? Yes, there are themed treats, drinks and limited-time merchandise you can find during the cruise.

What is Pixar Days at Sea?

Pixar Days at Sea is a themed event that takes place on select 5-night sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy. This event centers on the characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. The entire ship joins in on the fun for one full sea day during your itinerary, with themed entertainment, character encounters, activities for kids and adults, exclusive dining menus and movie screenings.

Pixar Day at Sea debuted in 2023 and returned in 2026. For 2027, Pixar Days at Sea is on select 5-night sailings beginning Jan 24, 2027 through April 23, 2027.  Specifically, it is offered on nine Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, with a stop at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Some itineraries also include a stop at Disney Castaway Cay for a double-dip cruise!

2027 Pixar Days at Sea Cruises:

• Jan. 24, 2027 — 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• Jan. 29, 2027 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• Feb. 7, 2027 –  5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• Feb. 12, 2027 –5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• Feb. 21, 2027 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 4, 2027 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 9, 2027 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 18, 2027 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 23, 2027 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Pixar Days at Sea Character Meet and Greets

Pixar Days at Sea features various character meet-and-greets, including several rare and fan-favorite Pixar characters you won’t typically encounter on other Disney Cruise Line sailings. You’ll have access to both scheduled and unscheduled appearances, with characters meeting throughout the atrium, in the youth clubs, on deck and in special locations around the ship.

Scheduled meet-and-greets (the schedule will be listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app) typically include:

• Woody
• Buzz Lightyear
• Jessie
• Mr. Incredible
• Elastigirl
• Frozone
• Joy
• Sadness
• Miguel
• Mike Wazowski
• Sulley
• Remy
• Dug
• Russell
• Carl Fredricksen

Once you've linked your cruise reservation to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, keep an eye on special character meet-and-greets that require a reservation, such as the Royal Gathering. For previous Pixar Days at Sea cruises, Rex and the Incredibles meet-and-greets were by reservation only. The reservation window will open at midnight 30 days before your sail date. If these character meets are a priority, you'll want to be ready to reserve once that 30-day booking window opens.

There are also spontaneous sightings and interactions during deck parties and atrium events. Crew members will often let you know where a character is headed, so it’s a good idea to ask if there’s someone specific you’re hoping to meet.

The character meet-and-greet backdrops are also themed, with special Pixar logos, props and photo spots set up for each session.

Pixar Days at Sea Entertainment

The entertainment on Pixar Days at Sea is scheduled throughout the day and includes deck parties, stage shows, character-led activities, movie screenings and hands-on workshops. Most activities are included with your cruise fare.

Pixar Pals Celebration (Deck Party)

This energetic show takes place on the pool deck stage and features Pixar characters dancing and singing with guests. It’s one of the only chances to see multiple Pixar characters interacting together in one performance. The show includes Woody, Buzz, Joy, Sadness, Dug, Russell, Miguel and more. Kids are encouraged to dance along.

Edna Mode’s Style on Parade

Put your fashion-forward flippers on, Edna Mode is in search of bold looks, no capes required. During this event, guests of all ages are invited to wear their best Pixar-inspired outfits and walk the runway for the iconic designer herself. The parade takes place in the atrium, with appearances by Edna Mode and other Pixar pals.

Crush’s Totally Awesome Pool Party

This splash-worthy deck party is led by Crush and his Pixar Party Patrol, also known as the Surface Squad. Held poolside on the upper deck, the event features dancing, high-energy games and live interaction with Crush on the Funnel Vision screen. The Surface Squad keeps the party going with interactive challenges, bubbles and music inspired by Pixar favorites. It’s a fun activity for tadpoles and perfect for getting the wiggles out between character greetings.

Pixar Movies & Shorts

Guests can enjoy a back-to-back lineup of popular Pixar movies and shorts (like “Bao,” “For the Birds,” “Piper” and “La Luna”) on Funnel Vision and in the Buena Vista Theatre. These are scheduled on a loop during the morning and afternoon, making it easy to stop in between other activities.

Trivia and Games

Pixar-themed family trivia takes place in D Lounge with topics ranging from "Toy Story" facts to quotes and character name games. There are also themed Bingo cards and Pixar-themed prizes.

Pixar Days at Sea Dining Experiences

Dining across the ship takes on a Pixar flair for the day, with custom menus, themed desserts, signature drinks and restaurant decor changes. This includes both Rotational Dining restaurants and quick-service locations.

Rotational Dining Menu Changes

At dinner, all three main dining rooms feature a special Pixar-themed menu. The dishes are inspired by your favorite characters and movies, but the food still lives up to Disney Cruise Line’s usual high standards.

Here’s an example of what to expect for Pixar-themed dining:

Hey Howdy Breakfast

Start your Pixar Days at Sea with a rootin’ tootin’ good time at this western-themed character breakfast featuring Woody, Jessie and Bullseye. Guests enjoy delicious breakfast fare while live musicians lead a morning of interactive songs and cowboy sing-alongs. The characters walk through the dining room during the meal, stopping for photos, waves and toe-tappin’ fun. This event is complimentary, but advance reservations are required and can be made 30 days before sailing. This is a popular event, so be ready to book at midnight Eastern time on that 30-day mark to snag a reservation.

Pixar Days at Sea Dinner

In the evening, Rotational Dining locations serve a special Pixar Days at Sea dinner menu, inspired by meals at the Pixar Animation Studios. The menu includes Pixar-themed entrees, starters and desserts, often referencing films such as “Brave,” “Luca,” “Inside Out” and “Ratatouille.” Dining rooms are decorated with Pixar art and your servers may share trivia or behind-the-scenes animation facts with each course.

Anyone Can Cook

Hosted in one of the ship’s demonstration kitchens, this cooking session invites guests to learn how to make Remy’s signature dish, Ratatouille, alongside Disney chefs. Participants observe professional cooking techniques, can ask questions and get tips for recreating the dish at home. Seating is limited and available via advance reservation. This activity is best suited for adults and older tadpoles with an interest in culinary arts.

Undersea Magic with Crush

Held during dinner at Animator’s Palate, this interactive dining experience brings the world of Finding Nemo to life through animation, music and live conversation with Crush, the sea turtle. Screens around the dining room light up with underwater scenes and Crush swims in to chat with guests in real time.

Quick-Service Dining

Grab-and-go locations like Cabanas buffet and Flo’s Cafe serve up their usual rotation of family-friendly fare, but during Pixar Days at Sea, you may spot a few themed treats and desserts inspired by your favorite animated friends. Past offerings have included Pixar-themed cupcakes, crisped rice treats shaped like Sheriff badges and other colorful nods to "Inside Out," "Toy Story" and “The Incredibles.”

Sweets and Treats

At Sweet on You Ice Cream & Sweets, you’ll find a display of limited-time desserts during Pixar Days at Sea. Though offerings vary by sailing, guests have reported Pixar-inspired items like Joy-themed cupcakes, character sugar cookies and colorful sundaes decorated with familiar faces. These treats are available for an extra charge. We suggest visiting early in the day if you’re looking to indulge, as these can sell out quickly.

Adult Lounges & Cafes

During Pixar Days at Sea, lounges and cafes offer a selection of Pixar-inspired cocktails and mocktails. Cove Cafe and other coffee bars across the ship also feature specialty coffee drinks, from mochas and matcha lattes to espresso creations. While the exact drink names vary from sailing to sailing, guests can expect menu items themed to characters and films from the Pixar films.

Pixar Days at Sea Planning Tips

Recently, Disney Cruise Line has updated the name of this event from "Pixar Day at Sea" to Pixar Days at Sea." In prior years, that meant that the Pixar activities took place on the sea day of your itinerary and many of the activities only occurred once. But now with the name change, we're assuming some of the Pixar activities will be spread out across the duration of your cruise. With that in mind, it helps to plan your schedule carefully.

• Review the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app early. Once onboard, open the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and look for the days labeled “Pixar Days at Sea.” Use the app to view character meet-and-greets, showtimes and "heart" priority activities.
• Arrive early for shows and deck parties. Popular events such as the Pixar Pals Celebration deck party can get crowded quickly. If you're hoping to sit close or get a good viewing spot, arrive 15–20 minutes early.
• Dress up to join the fun. Many families wear Pixar-themed outfits, whether that’s a full Woody costume or a simple shirt with the Pixar ball. There is a Pixar Costume Celebration event in the atrium during the day, where kids of all ages can parade in front of characters.
• Use the ship photographers. Professional photographers are stationed at all meet-and-greets and main events. Consider purchasing a photo package to get access to all of your Pixar Days at Sea photos. You can review all the photos onboard at Shutters Photography Shop.
• Visit the quiet areas if you need a break. If the themed activities feel overwhelming or crowded, there are still many non-Pixar offerings running throughout the day. These include Senses Spa, the adults-only pool at Quiet Cove and a quieter breakfast and lunch in one of the main dining rooms. You'll find this info listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or ask a crew member.

Is a Pixar Days at Sea cruise right for you?

Families with kids of all ages will love Pixar Day at Sea, especially if you're fans of Pixar movies and characters. You'll enjoy themed entertainment, rare character appearances, interactive activities and playful food offerings. The rest of your cruise will still feel like a traditional Disney Cruise Line vacation, with Broadway-style shows, top-notch dining and stops at Disney Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay (select sailings).

So, if you're looking to go on a cruise from Port Canaveral from mid-January, February and April, Pixar Days at Sea is a great bonus that brings extra magic you won’t find on standard sailings.

Thinking of hopping onboard a Pixar Days at Sea cruise? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

Related: Our Heroic Guide to Disney Cruise Line's Marvel Days at Sea

Hoppy planning!