Celebrating 30 Years of Toy Story at D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024 | Full Panel Presentation

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Toy Story, and the D23 Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim, California, hosted a special panel to celebrate the groundbreaking film that launched Pixar into animation history.

The Legacy of Toy Story

Released in 1995, Toy Story became the first full-length computer-animated feature film and a cultural milestone. At D23 2024, key creatives from the original team reunited to reflect on its impact. The panel featured Katherine Sarafian, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Bonnie Arnold, Bob Pauley, and Jonas Rivera.

Bob Pauley described Toy Story as the product of a “scrappy startup”—Pixar in the 1990s. Andrew Stanton likened their production approach to “building the plane as you’re flying it,” while Bonnie Arnold emphasized the film’s technical achievement, noting its 16,000 effects shots compared to 200 in films like Jurassic Park.

Behind the Scenes: Voices and VisionFans were treated to previously untold stories, such as how Woody’s iconic pull-string phrases were created. Stanton revealed that some of Tom Hanks’ most famous lines were improvised during recording sessions. The panel explored how the team balanced humor, emotion, and technology to bring beloved characters to life.

In one standout moment, the panelists honored the late Ralph Eggleston, Joe Ranft, Bud Luckey, and Glenn McQueen—creatives whose contributions to Toy Story and Pixar’s legacy remain timeless.

A Lasting Impact

This 30-year milestone highlights Toy Story’s enduring influence on storytelling and animation. From Woody and Buzz to the themes of friendship and belonging, the film continues to inspire audiences across generations.

Watch the full Toy Story 30th Anniversary panel from D23 2024 and celebrate the film that changed animation forever.