Pixar's 25th Anniversary Weekend

This weekend, May 13th - May 15th, EPCOT will host Pixar's 25th Anniversary Weekend. This exciting celebration will give guests the opportunity to Meet and Greet their favorite Pixar characters that are not normally out and about the parks! You will also be able to browse a photo gallery from Pixar films, and explore the art gallery for a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible creative work that goes in to Pixar films. Special guests will also be on hand for the Presenting Pixar Speaker Sessions. Get the inside scoop from Oscar-nominated Pixar producer Jonas Rivera, Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino and Cars Franchise Guardian Jay Ward.

Today on DV we will take you around the event, let you know what to expect and top it off with a Vinylmation twist by showing you what Vinylmation figures have been release that feature Pixar characters. When you enter the Park, the Little Green Army Men from Toy Story will be handing out Park Maps.

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 The Little Green Army Man from Toy Story series designed by Thomas Scott.

Meet and Greets

	Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. He will be at Mission: Space in Future World. Buzz Vinylmation can be found in a few series. Of course the Thomas Scott designed Toy Story set. He is also found in Big Eyes and Jr. 2, also Thomas Scott designs.
Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from Toy Story. They will be at the American Pavillion in the World Showcase. Woody has two Vinylmation... one from Toy Story and another in Jr 3. Jessie and Bullseye can only be found in Toy Story.
	Toy Story Vinylmation set had characters that couldn't make it to the Pixar party: Big Baby, Buttercup, Hamm, Rex, Wheezy, and Dr. Evil Porkchop. Also 9" versions of Alien and Zurg. And a 9/3 combo of Bo Peep and Sheep. There was also at Toy Story character released back in Park 2... Little Green Men.
Flik, Princess Atta, Gypsy and Slim from A Bugs Life. This group can be found at the Art of Living Garden near Morrocco. This classic is one of only 3 Pixar movies without a Vinylmation representative.
	Remy and Emile from Ratatouille. These rodents can be found in the France Pavilion. Howerver, they have yet to be served up in Vinylmation form.
Mr. and Mrs. Incredile and Frozone from The Incredibles. They will be inside the World Showplace (located between Canada and UK). The incredibles has an interesting Vinylmation piece. It's a 9" Park 2 figure of Mickey Mouse in a Mr. Incredibles costume. It comes with a 3" Jack Jack.
	Lotso from Toy Story 3. This villain will be in the World Showplace (located between Canada and UK). Lotso's lone Vinylmation is in Toy Story. Mr. Potato Head will also be there. He is Vinylmantionless, but has plenty of toys on the shelf in his own right.
Mike, Sully, Boo and Smitty from Monster's Inc. You can test your bravery by meeting these Monsters inside the World Showplace (located between Canada and UK). They are rarely at meet and greats, so this is a great opportunity. You can find a Sully and Boo 9/3 combo in the Park 4 series. Mike can be found in both Park 2 and Big Eyes.
	Carl Fredricksen, Russell and Dug from Up. You will find this trio next a floating replica of the Up house inside the World Showplace (located between Canada and UK). We will not see an Up releated Vinylmation until the 9" Park 6 Up House is released. But one of our featured artists Chelsea created a Carl, Russell and Kevin. Her Kevin is currently for sale on eBay.
Tow Mater from Cars. He will be parked inside the World Showplace (located between Canada and UK). Lightning and Mater will soon have there own meet and greet at Disney's Hollywood Studios, until then, grab a picture with Mater here and Lightning over at Downtown Disney this same weekend. Although there are curently no Mater Vinylmation, you can pick up a cool Lightning McQueen inspired figure in Park 5.
	It was originally reported that Wall-E would have a meet and greet area. One of the only time Wall-E had been at a meet and greet was at 2009's D23 Convention in California. The official website and park map for this event does not have Wall-E on it. However, the Wall-E and Eve set is one of the most coveted in all of Vinylmation.
Finding Nemo will not have a true meet and greet either... kinda hard for a fish to sign an autograph I guess. But you will get to see some Living Coral Stilt Walkers outside The Seas with Nemo and Friends. And of course Crush will be interacting with guests inside at Turtle Talk with Crush. Nemo themed Vinylmation include Nemo Submarine from Park 4, Nemo from Jr 2 and Mine, Mine, Mine 9" from Park 2.

Activities



Besides the Meet and Greets, the Flower and Garden Festival will be in it's last weekend of the season. You won't be able to miss the Buzz, Woody and Lotso topiaries at the park entrance. You will also be able to see Lightning and Mater in flower form at the entrance to the World Showcase. Other Disney character topiaries can be found around the park.

Make sure you grab your Cars race booklet and collect the stamps around the World Showcase. Collect them all, you receive a special commemorative button.

Inside the World Showplace, you will be able to browse a special photo gallary that reveals some of the best "Easter Eggs" from Pixar films. You will also be able to visit and art gallery filled with a behind-the-scenes look at Pixar.



Daily Speaker Sessions will also be held inside the World Showplace. Here is the schedule for Saturday and Sunday (same both days):

Noon: Jay Ward 2pm: Jonas Rivera 4pm: Michael Giacchino 6pm: Special Presentation with all three

I hope you enjoy the Pixar filled weekend EPCOT! I will be there. If you go, send us your pictures and let us know what you thought about the event.