Pixar and animation fans have incredible options at sea. From Pixar Day at Sea events with character meets to animated-themed dining experiences, these cruises bring your family’s favorite animated worlds to the open ocean.
🚢 1. Disney Cruise Line — Pixar Day at Sea
📍 Departure port: Port Canaveral, FL
Select Disney Fantasy sailings feature Pixar Day at Sea — a full day celebrating Toy Story, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, Coco, Inside Out, and Finding Nemo. Activities include:
- Character meets: Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Sulley & Mike, Edna Mode, Miguel from Coco
- Deck party: Pixar-themed pool party with music and games
- Pixar shorts: Exclusive screenings of Pixar shorts and behind-the-scenes content
- Themed menu: Dishes inspired by Pixar films (Ratatouille’s French cuisine, Coco’s Mexican flavors)
- Drawing classes: Learn to draw Pixar characters with Disney animators
👉 Check prices and availability on Expedia
🚢 2. Disney Treasure — Plaza de Coco Restaurant
📍 Departure port: Port Canaveral, FL
The newest Disney ship features Plaza de Coco — an immersive Coco-themed dining experience. The restaurant transports you to the Land of the Dead with glowing marigolds, papel picado decorations, and a live mariachi performance. The menu celebrates authentic Mexican cuisine. Every guest rotates through this restaurant during their sailing.
- Routes: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean
- Standout: Most culturally immersive Disney dining experience at sea
- Also features: Arendelle restaurant (Frozen-themed, but it’s the Coco one that steals the show)
👉 Check prices and availability on Expedia
🚢 3. Cartoon Network Wave — Coming Soon
📍 Departure: TBA (announced for Asian markets, potential US expansion)
Cartoon Network has announced cruise partnerships bringing Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Ben 10, and The Powerpuff Girls to sea. While availability has been limited to Asian cruise markets, industry reports suggest US expansions are in development. These sailings offer themed kids’ clubs, character dining, and CN-branded entertainment.
- Status: Currently available on select Asian sailings; watch for US announcements
- Best for: Families with kids ages 5-12 who love Cartoon Network shows
🚢 4. Family Animation Movie Nights at Sea — All Major Lines
Every major cruise line now offers outdoor movie screenings, and animated films dominate the lineup. Here’s what each line does best:
- Disney: First-run Disney/Pixar films on the pool deck’s Funnel Vision screen (included)
- Royal Caribbean: Outdoor movie screen + DreamWorks character experiences on select ships (Shrek, Kung Fu Panda)
- MSC: LEGO-themed movie nights for kids + Cirque du Soleil for the whole family
- Norwegian: Outdoor movie screen on the pool deck, family movie marathons during sea days
- Carnival: Dive-In Movies — poolside screenings with complimentary popcorn and blankets
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pixar Day at Sea on Disney cruises?
It’s a special themed day on select Disney Fantasy sailings featuring Pixar character meets, a themed deck party, exclusive screenings, drawing classes, and Pixar-inspired dining. Activities are included in the cruise fare.
Which Disney cruise ship has the Coco restaurant?
Plaza de Coco is exclusively on the Disney Treasure, the newest ship. It’s part of the rotational dining — every guest eats there during their sailing.
Do Royal Caribbean ships have cartoon characters?
Select Royal Caribbean ships feature DreamWorks characters (Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar) through a partnership. Character breakfasts and meet-and-greets are available on Oasis and Quantum class ships.