For anyone who grew up in the mid-1990s, the words “Pizza Planet” carry a heavy dose of pure, unadulterated nostalgia. It was the ultimate fictional sanctuary, a neon-drenched wonderland of arcade games, rocket-ship soda dispensers, and bubbling cheese pizzas that fueled the imaginations of a generation watching Disney Pixar’s Toy Story. For nearly three decades, fans have dreamed of stepping through those retro-futuristic doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of the claw machine or share a slice in that iconic, cosmic atmosphere. Now, in a spectacular fusion of cinematic magic and culinary artistry timed to the highly-anticipated release of Toy Story 5, Papa Johns is turning that collective childhood fantasy into a tangible, delicious reality. The pizza giant has announced an exclusive global collaboration to bring the legendary Pizza Planet out of the animated realm and straight onto the streets of Los Angeles, London, Seoul, and Madrid, offering fans a fully immersive, sensory journey back to the year 1995.
This ambitious partnership is far more than a typical movie tie-in; it is a meticulously crafted love letter to pop culture designed as a series of “retro-inspired pizza arcades.” These temporary sanctuaries are built to be community hubs where different generations of Pixar fans can gather, take photos, play games, and bond over their shared affection for Woody, Buzz, and the joy of a hot pizza pie. Stepping inside these spaces will feel like stepping back in time, with vintage arcade aesthetics, glowing lights, and thematic decor that honors the visual legacy of the classic film. To elevate the experience even further, the pop-up shops will serve as exclusive treasure troves, boasting custom collectibles, unique merchandise, and highly coveted surprise giveaways featuring premium brands like adidas and Belkin, ensuring that visitors walk away with physical pieces of memorabilia to commemorate their journey to the cosmos.
For those eager to experience this nostalgia-soaked adventure in person, marking the calendar is absolutely essential, as these exclusive events are highly fleeting. The centerpiece of the campaign, the Los Angeles pop-up located at 8180 Melrose Avenue, will open its doors for one day only on Friday, June 12, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT, making tickets an incredibly hot commodity. Fans must secure their free time slots via Eventbrite starting Friday, May 20, at 9:00 AM PT to ensure they do not miss out on this brief window of magic. Across the Atlantic, the London experience will materialise at the atmospheric arches of 471-473 Dereham Place on June 12 and 13 from noon until 8:00 PM, also requiring advance reservations. Meanwhile, international fans in South Korea and Spain will enjoy a bit more flexibility; the Seoul shop, located at 72 Seongsu-ro in Seongdong-gu, will run from June 12 to 14, while the Madrid location at 203 Calle de Serrano will stretch from June 16 to 21, with both locations welcoming excited walk-ins without the need for pre-booked tickets.
At the heart of this galactic celebration is a brand-new, limited-edition menu featuring three specially designed personal pizzas that translate the beloved characters of the franchise into mouth-watering flavor profiles. First in the lineup is the Space Ranger Roni, a bold, pepperoni-laden creation built on Papa Johns’ signature zesty pizza sauce and gooey mozzarella, layered with double portions of pepperoni to represent the brave, high-energy spirit of Buzz Lightyear. For fans who lean toward a more classic, rustic profile, the Reach for the Pie pays homage to Sheriff Woody’s famous catchphrase, combining flavorful Italian sausage with the bright, tangy kick of banana peppers over a traditional cheese and sauce base. Finally, the Sheriff’s Roundup channels the warm, rustic charm of the Wild West, swapping out red sauce for a rich, smoky Southern-style barbecue sauce, smothered in real mozzarella, tender grilled chicken, and sweet onions to deliver a comforting, savory flavor profile.
Thankfully, the magic of this Pixar collaboration is not restricted only to those living in the four global pop-up cities. Papa Johns is democratizing this culinary celebration by rolling out these three personal pizzas to local storefronts nationwide across the United States, as well as in forty-two international locations, from June 1 through July 19. Priced at an accessible and family-friendly $6.99 each, these specialty pies allow families, friends, and solo movie buffs to stage their own Pizza Planet theme nights right at home. It is a thoughtful touch that brings the excitement of Toy Story 5 to local suburbs and city centers alike, wrapping the themed pizzas in exclusive, beautifully designed packaging that instantly transforms a casual weeknight dinner into a festive cinematic event.
Looking to the future, this collaboration also bridges the gap between physical and digital play with the introduction of a brand-new interactive experience within the Papa Johns mobile app. Dubbed Operation Pizza, this in-app mini-game represents the chain’s first-ever venture into built-in gaming, allowing U.S. Papa Rewards members to unlock exclusive perks, discounts, and rewards by playing along on their smartphones starting June 1, 2026. This clever integration of gaming and loyalty program benefits ensures that the excitement of the partnership lingers long after the physical pop-ups have packed up their arcade machines and neon signs. Ultimately, this collaboration is a beautiful testament to how storytelling and food can unite people, offering original fans who watched Toy Story in theaters back in 1995 a chance to share a piece of their childhood history, and a really great slice of pizza, with a whole new generation of dreamers.
