The 5 Best Pixar-Inspired Attractions

Disney Parks are populated with movie-themed attractions, many of which immerse you into the worlds that have inspired them. It’s these kinds of attractions that are the most common, as the very foundation of Disney is built upon the magical world of film. But let’s take a look at some of the best Pixar-themed attractions from all around the world. Have any of your favorites have made it onto our list? Or favorite movies, for that matter? We’re feeling pretty confident we haven’t missed any!

5. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

In an ocean of Pixar movies such as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc. and Cars, it’s all too easy to forget 2007’s tiny-but-terrific Ratatouille, in which a rat dreams of becoming a chef. To no surprise they seem unachievable, but when he teams up with equally ambitious garbage boy Linguini, his dreams become a reality and his talents in the kitchen give even Beauty and the Beast’s Lumiere a run for his money!

So what’s the ride like? Well, guests can expect to be shrunk down to the size of Remy himself as a 3D screen with original CG footage plunges them into the lower dimensions of a Parisian kitchen, accompanying restaurant and beyond. After boarding a ‘ratmobile’, you’ll find yourself in a chaotic kitchen and restaurant environment – a chaos you’ll be adding to in no time!

The attraction really encapsulates the spirit of the critically-acclaimed Pixar movie, and while it’s currently exclusive to Disneyland Paris, from October 1 it will also open its tiny doors to guests at Walt Disney World’s Epcot just in time for the 50^th anniversary celebrations. As far as Pixar-themed attractions go, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will definitely leave you hungry for more!

4. Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek!

Monsters, Inc. is one of the most iconic Pixar movie franchises, along with the likes of Toy Story and Cars. It also has brand-new show Monsters at Work on Disney+, which sees the return of a number of Monsters, Inc. characters alongside some new ones. The original film sees the two monsters look after a young human child when she accidentally enters the world of Monstropolis, all the while wicked monster Randall tries to track her down.

Tokyo Disneyland’s Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek is an attraction that captures the heart and soul of that original film, while touching upon on all the major plot points as guests follow young Boo and her two monster guardians as she’s pursued throughout Upper West Monstropolis and the Scare Factory. It’s a whimsical adventure whose vibrant aesthetics definitely justify a themed land of its own.

While there’s an argument to be made that Monsters, Inc. is one of the many Pixar movies that are slightly underused at Disney Parks, rides such as this one or the equivalent Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue at Disneyland California definitely make up for it. But perhaps we’re just bitter that we’re yet to have magical doors that can transport us between Disney theme park resorts all around the world!

Related: The Ultimate Movie-Themed Rides at Disney Parks

3. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

The Buzz Lightyear-themed experience is one of many attractions that take you to a faraway galaxy, except this time you’ll head to the Gamma Quadrant. As a Star Command recruit you must help Buzz and the Little Green Men defeat Emperor Zurg and his army of aliens! To do this you’ll board a space vehicle and enter the shooting gallery armed with laser pistols and a joy stick.

For the most part, the four different versions of this ride are all very much the same, and it’s really only the names that differ. Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland California have (Buzz Lightyear) Astro Blasters, Shanghai Disneyland has Planet Rescue, Disneyland Paris has Laser Blast and Disney World has Space Ranger Spin. While there are some notable differences between them, the concept and the characters are near-enough identical.

One of the most impressive features on this dark ride is an audio-animatronic of Buzz himself, whose face is actually a computer-animated projection. Another unique aspect is that while the experience is Pixar-themed, it’s a spin-off of Toy Story as it focuses on the Buzz Lightyear franchise (the character is also getting his own movie in 2022). Are you ready to embark on an adventure that takes you to infinity and beyond?!

2. Toy Story Mania!

If you’re looking for a shooting gallery that is Toy Story-themed, then look no further than Toy Story Mania (or Toy Story Midway Mania as it’s also known). But this isn’t just any ordinary shootin’ gallery – it’s one that’s rootin’ and tootin’, as this ride is inspired by midway carnival games, while also featuring all the characters we know and love from the Toy Story movies!

The attraction can be found at Walt Disney World, Disneyland California and Tokyo Disneyland, and they’re all pretty much the same. Guests wear 3D glasses and board spinning vehicles that enter a virtual environment, where a series of mini-games await, which include Hamm & Eggs, Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts, Green Army Men Shoot Camp, and Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers.

Like the Buzz Lightyear attraction, Toy Story Mania boasts some striking artwork and other visual aesthetics throughout. However, it’s a far more energized experience that will definitely get your adrenalin pumping! While it’s the first attraction based off the movies, with the likes of Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers now in the mix, it’s still easily the best.

1. Radiator Springs Racers

The 2006 hit Cars ranks among the ‘busiest’ Pixar movie franchises, with two sequels and two spin-offs under its hood. It’s also one of the most unusual, as it takes place in a world inhabited by talking vehicles! While the same can be said about Toy Story, where are all the humans in the Cars series?! Nevertheless, the original movie is a joy-filled ride that follows rookie race car Lightning McQueen as he ends up off the beaten track in Route 66 town Radiator Springs.

Radiator Springs Racers is a simulated experience in which guests board a six-person vehicle and meet various Cars characters as they wind through rolling hills and along desert terrain. There are really two things that make this ride as good as it is – the immersive outdoor environment and the incredibly convincing cars themselves, all of whom are alive in high-end audio-animatronic form.

Unlike the other attractions on this list, unfortunately the only place you’ll find this one is at Disneyland California, where it’s the most expensive theme park attraction ever built and also one of the most expensive in the world, having cost a whopping $200 million. But it’s these facts that make the experience all the more unique. Even if you don’t like the movies, it’s an experience that will definitely get your heart racing.

There are many more Pixar attractions than the ones on this list, so be sure to check them out, whichever Disney theme park resort you find yourself in!