TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hundreds of animation enthusiasts gathered Tuesday (July 1) in Taipei's historic Dadaocheng district as a vibrant celebration marking the 30th anniversary of Pixar's groundbreaking film Toy Story (玩具總動員) officially launched. The festival, running through August 28, transforms a section of Nanjing West Road (南京西路) into a nostalgic playground featuring towering installations of fan-favorite characters, including a 10-foot Lotso bear (熊抱哥) and an impressive 20-foot Alien figure (三眼怪) that have quickly become popular backdrops for social media photos.
Collectors and fans alike can acquire exclusive merchandise created specifically for the celebration, including the coveted Blop series Alien figurines and a highly limited edition Toy Story 30th anniversary desktop computer by Taiwan-based technology company MSI (微星科技), with production restricted to just 500 units worldwide. Event organizers have partnered with dozens of local specialty shops throughout the district, providing visitors with a specially designed "Retro Toy Map" (復古玩具地圖) that guides them to participating businesses offering exclusive discounts and a nostalgic stamp collection activity reminiscent of the film's playful spirit.
Visitors seeking additional opportunities to win commemorative items can participate in a social media contest by uploading their event photos to Instagram with designated hashtags, automatically entering them into a raffle drawing featuring prizes such as the highly sought-after Beast Kingdom Toy Story Alien Mahjong (麻將) set valued by collectors. Contest winners will be announced by September 20 through official channels, according to event organizers. Beyond celebrating the cultural impact of the pioneering animated franchise, the festival serves as an economic stimulus for Dadaocheng's traditional businesses, merging cinematic nostalgia with local commerce in what officials describe as a mutually beneficial collaboration. ◼