Have you ever had an animated film touch your heart? As a mom with littles, most of my current in-theater movie experience is family entertainment. Ronin and Ellie mainly enjoy animated-style films versus live action. But honestly that’s OK for me because these days there are some incredible animated movies, with characters and story lines that rival the best live action films.
Last week, Big Hero 6 won the Oscar (no surprise!) and then came out on Blu-Ray/DVD. We have had more than a few viewings at home since it came out. We watched it again today in fact. John and I enjoy the film just as much as the kids, especially because we clearly see the great messages the movie portrays. One of my favorites being “Someone has to help.” There are so many things to love about it: the diverse intelligent characters; the incredible art style; and the touching story line.
Geeks like us are thrilled to see science nerds save the day. To see lovable robotic healthcare companion Baymax pop out with gems like “It is OK to cry. Crying is a natural response to pain.” To enjoy the beautiful melding of San Francisco and Tokyo in the gorgeous animated scenery.
So I spent some time last week thinking about ways to bring Big Hero 6 to life for a family movie night. We are huge sushi lovers in our home. The kids seriously could eat it every day, so making a Baymax Rice Ball to go along with dinner from our favorite conveyor belt sushi place made perfect sense. The kids were so excited to eat it, and John thought it was cool too.
Big Hero 6 toys are available at Walmart.com, so I picked up Baymax and Hiro Disney Infinity characters for our Xbox. The kids love to play with the figures in real life, as well as in game, so they were thrilled to see the box arrive. I also came up with a couple of other simple Baymax themed party ideas including this adorable party cup and edible Baymax gumballs (instructions below.)
Baymax Party Cup: See detailed tutorial here
We had a great time watching Big Hero 6 (once again!) and spending quality family time snuggling on the couch. Aren’t they adorable? My sweet loves.
Baymax Rice Ball Tutorial
My movie night snack tray was really fun to put together and was a big hit, so I wanted to share simple instructions.
What you’lll need:
plastic wrap
2 red peppers
purple cabbage
3 small bowls of sticky rice I like to go the easy route so I purchased these for under $4 at our local conveyor belt sushi place, but there are also great alternatives at your local grocery store. Check the Asian section.
one piece of seaweed Also purchased at our sushi joint but also available at the grocery store.
pencil with eraser removed
round cookie cutters I found mine at Walmart but you can also find similar here
Instructions
Step 1: Place a half a bowl of rice onto plastic wrap.
Step 2: Twist and mold rice into desired ball shape for Baymax’s head.
Step 3: Repeat process for body and legs (and arms if you choose to do so.) Then let them sit for one hour to help maintain shape before unwrapping plastic. When you unwrap, be sure to do so on the serving tray or dish that you plan to use for your party, as the rice will be sticky.
Step 4: Using a pairing knife, cut out shapes for face mask and armor for body and arms.
Step 5: Using round cookie cutters, cut out round shape for shoulder in red pepper and purple cabbage.
Step 6: Using the end of the pencil, cut small circles of seaweed for eyes and then use pairing knife to cut one straight line of seaweed for between the eyes.
Step 7: Lay out your Baymax as so.
Baymax Gumballs
My movie night tray also included these adorable Baymax Gumballs. Super simple, and the kids enjoyed helping me on this one. We just drew the eyes with Wilton edible color markers
There are so many fun party ideas you can create for Big Hero 6. And if you haven’t seen the film, I highly recommend you check it out. I know your kids will love it and I think you will too. If you host a themed-party and use any of my ideas, let me know. And by the way, I have fun Big Hero 6 printable kids activities here!
Are you ready for a Big Hero 6 movie night?

You can now pick up a 2-disk exclusive gift set. The purchase includes a digital movie on Vudu while supplies last. (After purchase, scan your receipt using Savings Catcher in the Walmart app. You’ll receive a message via phone or email, and then you’ll be able to watch Big Hero 6 on any device.)
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post within the tutorial.

What fun and creative ideas you have! I love the Baymax rice figure!
Thanks! A more healthy snack that still excites the kids is always a good thing. π
I just love how you used the bell peppers for the armor on Baymax- this tray looks fun but also healthy, great job! I cried severl times during the film, but it ultimately leaves you with a good fuzzy feeling; there are many great messages for children, indeed! #client
I cried too for sure. But also laughed a lot. π I’m glad you like the tray! We enjoyed it.
That is adorable – and so very clever. I’m sure the kids had fun diving in to eat Baymax. The gumballs are so fun.
Now, I have a question – we were looking for a place to eat in Spokane and saw a conveyor belt sushi place and I couldn’t imagine that it was good. You’ve obviously been to one and love it. I was kind of curious – how do they work?
Thanks Patty! We’ve been to some GREAT conveyor belt sushi joints. They make it very fresh and especially if there are lots of customers, the sushi gets replaced very often. You can also order off the menu if the conveyor belt worries you. But great things about this style of sushi: the prices are typically much more reasonable and you can see exactly what you’re getting. π
What an adorable fun and absolutely unique idea! I never am creative enough to think of such things, nor patient enough to do them – but impressed by YOU!
Cute ideas! Love how you used the red peppers.
What a fun idea! We just got a fancy rice cooker and are hoping to start making some yummy rice balls and rolled sushi!
I just saw Big Hero 6 for the first time the other day. What a super cute movie! I really like your rice ball idea too. It turned out awesome. A fun way to get your kids to eat something healthy.
All your food looks amazing!!! This is such a cute movie to watch as a family!
Such cute ideas! I haven’t seen this movie yet but might need to plan a movie night soon :).
I think I like those gumballs the best. So simple to make, yet so effective.