To celebrate the upcoming release of Toy Story 5, TikTok partnered with Disney and Pixar to create Toy Meets Tech—an immersive creator experience that transformed an exclusive advance screening into a playful world where childhood nostalgia met today's digital culture. Inspired by the film's central theme of toys and technology, every detail was thoughtfully crafted to spark curiosity, encourage content creation, and immerse guests in the magic of Pixar's beloved universe turning one of the year's most anticipated franchise films into a creator-first cultural moment. The partnership transformed opening-weekend into an immersive IRL experience where TikTok creators did what they do best...shape the conversation on TikTok through engaging content stepping into the world of Toy Story 5.

The evening began with an exclusive advance screening of the movie at NYA West in Hollywood, where invited creators were among the first to experience Pixar's newest adventure. Creators had a special surprise from the film's co-director Kenna Harris who introduced the film and spoke to the creators about the journey to make it. When the credits rolled, guests walked next door and into a sound stage to find a life-size version of Bonnie’s house and porch. As they walk through the house, they emerged inside Bonnie’s Toy Box and through a cardboard box, transported to the size of the toys with a series of larger-than-life activations. Oversized scenic moments and themed photo opportunities encouraged creators to capture and share content throughout the event. 

Every corner invited guests to play. Creators climbed aboard a giant mechanical Bullseye, added their own splash of color to a collaborative Paint-by-Numbers mural featuring beloved Toy Story characters, crafted personalized keepsakes at the DIY Charm Station, and tested their luck at a Buzz Lightyear-inspired claw machine stocked with exclusive prizes.

Nearby, a towering Lily Pad with an unmistakable mischievous grin beckoned creators to interact. More than a scenic installation, the larger-than-life piece featured true touchscreen technology, inviting guests to play an interactive digital game that perfectly embodied the "Toy Meets Tech" theme by blending immersive fabrication with innovative technology.

One of the evening's standout moments celebrated Taylor Swift's contribution to the Toy Story 5 soundtrack through an oversized, in-world record player designed as an immersive listening and content capture experience featuring Taylor Swift's "I Knew It, I Knew You" and a custom lyric video from Taylor’s own handwriting. 

The storytelling extended into every detail of the guest experience. Bonnie's life-sized kitchen served as the event's cocktail bar, where specialty drinks were crafted from within the playful scenic environment. Tray-passed hors d'oeuvres, Domino's personal pizzas, and Yogurtland desserts rounded out the evening, blending elevated hospitality with nostalgic comfort food.

More than a screening, Toy Meets Tech showcased the power of experiential storytelling to transform a film opening weekend into an unforgettable creator experience. By combining immersive scenic design, interactive fabrication, and creator-first programming, TikTok and Disney built a world that encouraged guests to explore, play, and share, driving further excitement and buzz for Toy Story 5.