Disney and Pixar Bring Magic at the Bedside: ‘Hoppers’ Brings Cheer to Young Patients

This week, young patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford were treated to a magical experience as talented artists from Pixar Animation Studios brought the enchantment of the blockbuster animated comedy Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers right to their hospital beds. During this annual event, Pixar artists fill the hospital with joy and laughter, offering young patients the chance to dive into the colorful worlds of animation without leaving the hospital, creating a unique and uplifting experience when a trip to the cinema isn’t possible.

“We love sharing our films with the wonderful patients at Lucile Packard Chidlren’s Hospital,” said James Brown, Directing Animator on Hoppers. “The visits bring us so much joy, spending time with the patients and staff, drawing and talking about movies. The experience is fun and amazing every time.”

For nearly 20 years, Disney and Pixar artists have made special visits to Packard Children’s, deepening the connection between creativity and healing. This year, they engaged young patients in a variety of creative activities inspired by Hoppers, including drawing beloved characters and answering questions about their artistic roles at the studio. These moments ensure that every child, even those unable to leave their rooms, experiences the magic firsthand.

“I’ll never forget the joy on my son’s face when the Pixar artist visited him. Seeing Maynard from Cars come to life right in front of him was an unforgettable moment,” said Mexie Muller, mom. “When my son looks back at this drawing the animator created for him, I’ll remind him of the special day they brought happiness and smiles for our family, especially during such a challenging time. We are so thankful for these cherished visits.”

During the special screening of Hoppers, captivated young audiences met Mabel, a character who uses technology to hop her consciousness into a robot beaver to communicate with animals, exploring themes of friendship, discovery, and kindness. The storylines resonated deeply with these children, offering a sense of hope, fun and adventure.

Throughout the afternoon, several Pixar artists conducted drawing workshops where creativity flourished, sparking the imaginations of aspiring future storytellers. The event’s fun lingered well beyond the closing credits, as patients received Hoppers gift bags filled with themed merchandise.

Reflecting on the event, Pixar artists remarked on the importance of storytelling to bring joy and inspiration.

“The smiles and laughter from these young patients serve as a reminder of the profound impact creativity can have in lifting spirits and nurturing healing,” said Andrew Beall, Pixar animator. “That is why it’s important we come here because we want the children, especially here at the hospital, to experience the films.”

At Packard Children’s, we celebrate these inspiring moments, where art and storytelling illuminate paths to healing and brighter futures.