“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” debuts during the first-ever Pixar Fest celebration, April 13-Sept. 3, 2018 at the Disneyland Resort. “Together Forever” celebrates friendship and connects guests to beloved Pixar characters and stories as it lights up the sky over Disneyland Park. Dazzling pyrotechnics, immersive projections, colorful lasers and memorable music are part of the storytelling in this unique multimedia show.
A collaborative effort, “Together Forever” brought together the talents of Disney Parks Live Entertainment and Pixar Animation Studios. Susana Tubert, creative director of the nighttime spectacular, explains the genesis, the storyline and the heart of this new show that opens on the first night of Pixar Fest.
What was the creative inspiration for “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular”?
“ ‘Together Forever’ is an ode to the heart of Pixar from Disneyland. It was important to capture what makes Pixar films unique, and to show how they are driven by an emotional component that connects viewers to the characters. We have captured those relationships to celebrate ‘friendship and beyond,’ the theme of Pixar Fest, and we’re taking guests on an emotional journey with the Pixar characters as they forge everlasting friendships.”
How is “Together Forever” different from other nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland? How does it tell a story?
“Pixar is known for its storytelling talents, and the story of this show depicts the ways in which friendships unfold in so many Pixar films. Guests will experience the stages of friendship that different Pixar characters go through; it’s part of what guests know and love about them. To communicate this in a multimedia fireworks spectacular, guests will see some of their favorite Pixar characters meeting for the first time, setting out on adventures, overcoming adversities, and, in the end, forging everlasting bonds – together. The beautiful fireworks in the sky support the emotional arc of the show.”
How do the projections, fireworks and special effects used in “Together Forever” help to immerse guests in story of this fireworks spectacular?
“What we’ve done with ‘Together Forever’ is bring Pixar stories into Disneyland park and immerse guests in the stories in an all-new way. In certain instances, the projections seem to leap off Sleeping Beauty Castle and onto Main Street, U.S.A. For example, in the ‘Cars’ sequence, Lightning McQueen races around the guests on Main Street, U.S.A., while his friends cheer from Sleeping Beauty Castle. WALL•E and EVE dance through a star field and, as they fly off the castle, they transform into translucent fireworks.
“And when Miguel from ‘Coco’ travels from the Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead, there’s an incredible moment when he looks up to the sky and the bridge of marigolds appears as gold fireworks above him. All of the special effects used in ‘Together Forever’ truly make this show come to life and connect guests to these heartwarming stories in spectacular ways.”
How does the multimedia design heighten the excitement for guests?
“Much like a composer would write a symphony for an orchestra, our team was inspired to create a show that brings together all the different elements – fireworks, projections, music, surround sound, lasers, lighting and special effects. The end result is truly remarkable!”
What do you want guests to look for when they experience “Together Forever”?
“ ‘Together Forever’ not only pulls on the heartstrings, it also incorporates the humor that is iconic to Pixar films. We’re excited to bring a funny fireworks show to Disneyland that falls in line with the heart of Pixar stories. Plus, laughter is an important component of friendships.
“Additionally, guests will want to experience ‘Together Forever’ multiple times, to see it from the different viewing locations. Whether they’re watching from Sleeping Beauty Castle, ‘it’s a small world,’ Rivers of America or Main Street, U.S.A., they will enjoy different perspectives and ways to experience this multimedia spectacular. And no matter where guests choose to watch, they will get a great show!”
How do you expect guests to react to the story and emotions of this nighttime spectacular?
“Since guests have such a strong emotional connection to the characters and whimsical stories of Pixar films, we expect them to deepen their own bonds with these beloved Pixar characters. I know that by the time guests hear ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ in the finale, they’re going to feel as if the characters are giving them a big Disneyland hug goodnight. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy ‘Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular!’”
