Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation (2011) User Reviews (20)

Very cute.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 12 January 2013]

This is a short film starring the Toy Story characters. The story is set after "Toy Story 3", as Bonnie is the toys' owner. It was apparently shown before the last "Cars" film.

When Bonnie goes on vacation with her family, her doll Ken is in tears. He THOUGHT that he and Barbi would go with them and they would have a wonderful time. So, to make it up to him, the other toys pretend that Bonnie's room is Hawaii--complete with sharks, fishing, the sand, a fancy dinner, sun tans and surfing. It's all quite cute and oddly romantic. Well worth seeing and like the other Toy Story films, great for kids and parents alike.

Life after Andy (and three films).

[Hellmant · 6/10 · 29 June 2011]

'TOY STORY TOONS: HAWAIIAN VACATION': Three Stars (Out of Five)

The first in a series of 'TOY STORY' short films from Pixar (which debuted before 'CARS 2' in theaters) focuses on the toys' lives after Andy (and the events of the first three films). They're all now living with Bonnie (once again voiced by Emily Hahn) and in this short Bonnie has just left with her mother for a vacation in Hawaii. Barbie and Ken (Jodi Benson and Michael Keaton reprising their voice roles) were planning on stowing away with Bonnie (by hiding in her school backpack) so that they could have their first kiss together on the beach at sunset. They're very upset to find out that Bonnie didn't take her backpack with her but Woody (Tom Hanks voicing for the fourth time) and the rest of the gang decide to help them live out their fantasy there at home instead. The film was directed and co-written (along with Erik Benson, Jason Katz and Christian Roman) by Gary Rydstrom (now having helmed two animated short films). Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Bonnie Hunt and nearly all the rest (of the voice talents from the films) reprise their roles as well. Most of the film's jokes fell a little flat for me and I didn't find the story especially emotionally involving or interesting but it still does have a little magic. The animation is still top notch and the toys are all likable and enjoyable cartoon characters. The film is definitely not one of Pixar's best animated short films but it's still an impressive little cartoon by most other standards.

Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN5KZOE7p28

SUCH FUN

[KeremUlucay · 8/10 · 1 July 2019]

This is first adventure of our toys in their nee owners house. It is creative and funny.

A celebration of friendship

[Gordon-11 · 8 November 2017]

This animated short film tells the story of Barbie and Ken who are going to Hawaii for a perfect romantic holiday. However, they got left behind, so the friends help them have the best Hawaiian themed vacation.

"Hawaiian Vacation" is very sweet because it tells how friends going above and beyond the call of duty to help each other. I am quite touched by the friends doing so much to help Barbie and Ken. And it is a nice surprise to see Barbie and Ken too! I enjoyed watching this short film that celebrates friendship.

Better Than Toy Story 4 !

[kursadbugrahanyapar-40285 · 7/10 · 30 June 2019]

It feels more a Toy Story movie according to Toy Story 4.

Hawaiian Vacation is a good use of the Toy Story characters in a Pixar short

[tavm · 9/10 · 29 June 2011]

Every time Pixar releases a new computer animated feature, it's always accompanied by a new short of theirs. That short is usually an original story with brand new characters so this seems to be the first time they used previous used ones for the occasion as this one has the Toy Story characters from Toy Story 3. It seems their new owner is going on vacation to Hawaii and Ken and Barbie are expected to tag along in her backpack but she leaves that behind so the others try to give Ken and Barbie something resembling a tropical vacation. Nothing more to say except the results are as hilarious as one would expect from these Pixar things. So on that note, Hawaiian Vacation is highly recommended.

Ken's been waiting longer than Stedman!

[charlytully · 7/10 · 26 July 2011]

So it's nice to see him get some sugar from Barbie, even if Mr. Graham eats his heart out. The shift from make-believe tropics to actual winter brings to mind that old standard, "If ever I would leave you," from CAMELOT. It's almost enough to start changing Barbie's basic image from a gold-digger to a girl with a heart of gold. Not every outfit can cram 17 characters into a short less than six minutes long, but the Pixar folks seem up to most challenges. No doubt they went to extra lengths to balance the pretty big stretches of imagination CARS 2 requires of little kids not versed in James Bond and the whole spy movie genre with something a little more down to earth thrown in as an appetizer before the much longer feature. Perhaps the thinking was that by the time the ads, the previews, the PSAs, and HAWAIIAN VACATION rolled by, half the parents would be standing in line for potty breaks with the wee ones during much of CARS 2's running time. P.S.--Don't forget that MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is one of the 5 flicks recommended by IMDb for fans of CARS 2, so rent it tonight (since 1,156,674 people "like" IMDb on Facebook as of today, a stampede of at least 150,000 or so is rushing to rent MONSTERS UNIVERSITY right now!!) Oops!!! With 243,788 COMPLETED features in its data base to select from for "recommendations," IMDb is listing TWO movies a year away from the big house (BRAVE, & 1906) and another TWO YEARS AWAY from theaters (MONSTERS UNIVERSITY) as 60 per cent of what fans of a big main stream movie should rent tonight. Or maybe IMDb believes people think like WALL-E, and a passing recommendation now will be on the top of our minds in 2013 (or some news fragment from 2009 is fresh in our minds NOW). Well, IMDb, no matter how much the producers of MONSTERS UNIVERSITY bribed you to start beating the drums two years prematurely, it's money down the drain. Only RAINMAN has a chance of remembering this small plug in two years (if he's still alive!). So in the future, do not WASTE my sight lines with promos for movies barely in pre-production (unless you'd like to shill my upcoming remake of BIRTH OF A NATION, now in production for release Memorial Day weekend, 2525).

Toy Story short films are also great

[tr91 · 9/10 · 8 October 2013]

I absolutely adore Toy Story and would consider the 3 feature length films as one of the greatest trilogies of all time. I was delighted when I discovered there was also some short films with our beloved toys in.

They are all full of laughs, it's just non stop fun that puts a smile on your face. We see all the original characters as well as some new ones which I also liked (maybe they will be in Toy Story 4 if its ever made). It was nice that the original voice actors were all part of this too so it felt really original and not like some cheap rip off. The toys all look as good as ever, the surroundings are lovely and colourful as expected.

I enjoyed all 3 of the short films I've seen so far but ''Hawaiian Vacation" is my favourite one. This one is for all the original characters and original setting and provided me with the most laughs as the toys make the bedroom look and feel like Hawaii.

"Small Fry" was about Buzz who gets mixed up with a mini buzz and then goes to therapy, there's some really cool new characters in that one.

"Partysaurus Rex" was about Rex hosting a party for all the bath toys, again new characters. That one was a bit crazy but still enjoyable.

Overall they are 3 very different and very clever ideas executed to perfection, I really hope there is more of these made. They are excellent and make great viewing when you want a quick laugh.

Highly recommend these, if you're a Toy Story fan you won't be disappointed.

Hawaiian Vacation

[studioAT · 8/10 · 30 May 2021]

I was a bit sceptical about these 'Toy Story Toons' after 'Toy Story 3' in my mind at the time had wrapped things up perfectly. However, now we have 'Toy Story 4' I can appreciate them a bit more.

More of a complete story than 'Small Fry', this is a lovely little short, with some great moments. Having all the original voices back makes a massive difference too.

Well worth a watch.

Michael Keaton great

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 22 October 2016]

Bonnie is going on vacation in Hawaii and the toys get a week off to relax. Ken (Michael Keaton) and Barbie thought they stowaway to Hawaii in Bonnie's school backpack but she doesn't take it with her. Ken is left blubbering as the rest of the toys try to create a romantic Hawaii vacation for them and their first kiss.

This follows Toy Story 3 and has basically everybody back for their roles. The standout here is Michael Keaton as Ken and Barbie take center stage. He is silly and hilarious. Pure Keaton is a laugh a minute and he surpasses that in this. It's a quick five minutes but I would love to have even more Keaton in the upcoming Toy Story projects.

The weak link in the Toy Story universe?

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 28 September 2013]

When Toy Story 3 became a massive success back in 2011 and many considered it one of the greatest trilogies of all time, it looked like the franchise was over. However, the makers added three short films not much later. These are centered on the "supporting toys", for example one on the dinosaur, and this one here focuses on Barbie & Ken and how the gang is trying to give them their Hawaiian vacation.

It has all the characters from the films and the voice actors as well, but for some reason this short film is just mindless fun at best and doesn't even remotely reach the comedic or emotional highs of the trilogy. Maybe it is because it almost treats the toys like human beings and their relationship to their "masters" was always one of the best parts in the films. The romance part towards the end could have been brought in on a sweeter and more convincing note as well. And as Barbie's and Ken's kiss was unfortunately not hot enough to free them out of the ice, this whole short film was a rather lukewarm effort. I read that there will be a full feature for television soon and I hope it manages to reach the quality of the theater films again.

A Change is as good as a vacation

[boblipton · 8/10 · 27 June 2011]

Pixar started out by producing short animation pieces to showcase their technology in that line and as they have moved into feature production, they have continued that tradition by releasing a short subject with each feature. HAWAIIAN VACATION is the short subject accompanying the release of CARS 2 and for my money it is even better than the feature.

It's a spin off from Pixar's TOY STORY franchise. The toys' owner is going on vacation to Hawaii and Barbie and Ken stow away for a romantic vacation of their own, only to discover that the girl is not taking her school backpack. The toys mock up a vacation for them and the gags are funny, in character and unexpected. What more could you ask?

A great warm up before Cars 2,

[lesleyharris30 · 9/10 · 25 July 2011]

Hawaiian Vacation is a great Pixar animated short,it was great to see the cast again and to see they were getting on with the new toys and there life without Andy.

Ken and Barbie plan a vacation to Hawaii,because Bonnie is going on a vacation to Hawaii and they sneak into her bag while at Sunnyside,but Ken makes a mistake when they sneaks into Bonnies schoolbag,which she doesn't take with her and they are left behind in Bonnies room with the other toys,so Woody and the gang decide to improvise a Hawaii island vibe for Ken and Barbie.

9/10

-DILLON HARRIS

Ken's shining moment

[CubsandCulture · 8/10 · 4 January 2021]

This short is really cute and even a little romantic. Ken (& Barbie) are lovely lampooned here to great effect and it is nice seeing a side story get fleshed out.

Anyone who loves "Barbie" . . .

[pixrox1 · 8/10 · 20 September 2018]

. . . (and especially the "Barbie Completists") will discover that TOY STORY TOONS: HAWAIIAN VACATION is an Ultimate Must-See. From dressing Barbie in her very first Real Life sales counter costume to creating an elaborate "back-story" for her First Kiss with "Ken," TOY STORY TOONS: HAWAIIAN VACATION's painstaking attention to the minutest of details is bound to win the highest level of kudos from the entire Barbie Community. Pixar honchos "Gary, Jason, and Angus" provide a generous alternate commentary soundtrack to make sure viewers won't miss the tiniest nuances of their Labor of Love. (It's clear that all three of these dudes spent endless summer days putting their own personal Barbie toys through their paces as they grew up.) Listening to them, we learn such useful insights as "Glitter pen is tough to do in computer animation" and "Bonnie's backpack has no straps." It's really a crying shame that these blokes were not around to churn out BAMBI, and keep the title character's Mom out of the cook pot!

Hawaiian Vacation

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 24 February 2018]

A follow on from Toy Story 3 as it features some of the newer characters from that film.

Bonnie is going on holiday to Hawaii. Ken and Barbie thought they would sneak away in Bonnie's school backpack which she does not take with her.

Once Ken realises that he is stuck in the home with the rest he is inconsolable. Ken had made plans to give Barbie her first kiss at sunset.

Woody and the gang get together to recreate a Hawaiian holiday even though it is snowing outside.

A warm story as the friends come together to bring Ken and Barbie closer to their dreams.

Hawaiian Vacation

[MrFilmAndTelevisionShow · 8/10 · 27 April 2021]

Funny and an excellent addition to the expanded Toy Story universe. I can't say it's the most eventful minisode in the world, but then again it isn't supposed to be. It's just a nice five-or-six minute episode showing wha the Toy's get upto when their owner is away for extended periods of time.

Fun

[butterflykte · 10/10 · 29 September 2021]

Coolest short film and what kids and family would enjoy.

Pixar on holiday

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 11 June 2019]

Love Pixar, feature films, really like to love most of their feature films, and short films, don't dislike any of their shorts. Their best are masterpieces and even lesser efforts, my least favourite overall being 'Cars 3', are never below mediocre and have at least four good things (best asset being the animation). Consider all three 'Toy Story' films among their best, while the first is one of their most overall ground-breaking my personal favourite and the one that connected with me the most was the third.

'Hawaiian Vacation' is the first of three Toy Story Toons short films, the others being 2011's 'Small Fry' and 2012's 'Partysaurus Rex'. While it is not quite as great, as hilarious or as emotionally investable as the three feature films (a tough act to follow), 'Hawaiian Vacation' is still an absolute delight and nearly as good. For anybody that loved the first 'Toy Story' film and its sequels, the three Toy Story Toons shorts are well worth watching and more and are pretty darn impressive for television short films.

The animation in 'Hawaiian Vacation' is expectedly excellent. Such beautiful attention to detail in the backgrounds and the character designs and the colours are so vibrant. The music more than serves its purpose well, with the right amount of energy and charming orchestration.

Excelling also is the writing, with some wonderfully witty writing, the best lines belonging to Mr Pricklepants and Hamm, and some beautifully timed gags that raise a smile. Those aliens continue to be scene stealers.

All the characters are fun and true to personality, though Barbie has too little to do for my liking, and the story is as colourful as hoped. The voice acting is top notch, with the liveliest turns coming from Michael Keaton and Timothy Dalton.

Concluding, a delight. 9/10

Barbie and Ken are good taste in clothes.

[MK_Movie_Reviews · 2/10 · 24 August 2021]

Not good as I expected. Maybe I haven't watched " Toy Story" yet.

So many people are thinking the same thing that enjoying a vacation on the beach in the Pandemic era.