Recently, Disneyland unveiled its highly-anticipated reimagining of the Paradise Pier Hotel. Themed after all of the popular Disney/Pixar Movies, Pixar Place Hotel offers fun theming, a close location, great amenities, and on-property benefits to guests visiting Disneyland.
One of three Disneyland on-property hotels, the Pixar Place Hotel typically offers a lower price point than the other two hotels (the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian). However, it is still pricey, so it’s important to look at the amenities and other offerings to make sure it’s the best option for your family vacation.
We had the chance to stay in the new Pixar Place Hotel recently, and really enjoyed it. I feel that it’s a great option for families – especially those with younger kids who love Pixar Animation Studios and Pixar characters.
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Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel Review
I initially arrived at the hotel from LAX, just about 45 minutes before the official check-in time. Immediately, I was impressed with the vibrant theme as I headed into the lobby. Kids will love the bright colors and Pixar theme at this hotel.
I was greeted by a cast member who led me directly to the check-in desk. Because I was early, my room wasn’t ready. However, I was able to have my bags held at bell services while I grabbed a quick lunch at the Grand Californian.
When I returned, my room was ready. Bell Services offered to bring my bags up to my room.
The elevators in this newly reimagined hotel are high-tech and new. You’ll press your desired floor on a keypad outside and will be assigned an elevator (one of which runs outside the hotel). It makes the whole elevator process much more efficient.
Room and Room Types at Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel
Our room at the Pixar Place Hotel offered 2-queen beds, with a sleeper sofa. These rooms can accommodate up to five guests.
The gorgeous Pixar Decor includes colorful bath amenity dispensers in the shower, a Pixar mural over the beds, and a full-size Luxo Jr. desk lamp. There’s also Pixar artwork throughout the room.
These rooms are very modern and have both carpeting (under the bed) and hard floors. There’s a Keurig in the room, as well as a mini fridge. A small closet as well as drawers are available to store all of your clothing.
The bathrooms offer a single sink with a large countertop, a sliding door for privacy, and mounted in-shower toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This room has a shower, not a tub, which is important to keep in mind when traveling with babies or toddlers.
Other room types are also available based on availability. These include club-level (with access to the Creators Club concierge lounge) rooms with a patio, rooms with one King Bed and one Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, deluxe view rooms with a resort/theme park view, and suites. Connecting rooms are also available.
Benefits of Staying On Property
In addition to the fantastic theme and amenities at the resort, there are also some great benefits to staying at an on-site hotel. These include:
- Private entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park
- Early entry into one specific theme park per day 30 minutes before the official park opening.
- The ability to charge purchases to your room
Location of the Pixar Place Hotel
Pixar Place Hotel is located on S. Disneyland Drive right in the heart of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The hotel is located just steps from Downtown Disney (offering access to Disneyland Resort) as well as Disney’s California Adventure.
A private entrance to Disney’s California Adventure is available across the street from the resort. This is a great option at the end of long days in the theme park and can save a lot of time (and walking).
Amenities at the Pixar Place Hotel
Pool Deck
I was visiting during an especially rainy time in Southern California, so unfortunately, it wasn’t pool weather. However, I did still walk around the pool deck at the Pixar Place Hotel. Located on the third floor, this area includes a pool bar/restaurant, games area, Pixar-themed firepits, lounge chairs, a whirlpool spa, a Finding Nemo-themed pool (called Pixel Pool), the 186-foot-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide waterslide, and Nemo’s Cove splash area.
This pool deck also serves as a fireworks viewing area for the Disneyland Park fireworks. When the fireworks are shown, you’ll also get to hear the music piped into this pool area.
While the big draw at Disneyland Resort is the parks, it’s nice to have a fun pool area. It’s a great way to cool off in the afternoons and take a break.
Parking at the Pixar Place Hotel
Parking is available at the Pixar Place Hotel. The current rate for registered hotel guests is $40 per day (plus tax) for the self-parking rate. If your plans in the Southern California area only include the two Disneyland Theme Parks, you don’t need a car and are easily able to walk everywhere.
ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations are available in the parking structure. Payment for these is made directly through the ChargePoint app.
Self-Laundry
Need to do laundry during your family vacation? There’s a self-service laundry room located in the hotel. It offers washers and dryers that can be charged to a credit and/or debit card. While I don’t love doing laundry on vacation it’s always nice to have that option if you need it.
Fitness Center
I often find a Disneyland Resort vacation to be enough exercise for me. However, if you are looking for a more formal workout, there’s a full fitness center offered in the hotel.
It’s brand-new and includes all sorts of equipment including weights and cardio equipment. There’s also a cute mural of Mike Wasowski and Sully doing their own workout.
Rental Car
Need a rental car during your Disneyland vacation? The hotel has a full-service Enterprise/Alamo rental office right in the hotel.
We recommend making reservations in advance to ensure availability. This is a great option if you only need a car for a day or two, rather than the entire vacation.
Character Interactions at Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel
While most Disney hotels don’t typically host character interactions (outside of character meals), you’ll be able to see two popular Pixar characters. Joe Gardner (from Pixar’s Soul) performs jazz music in the lobby five days a week.
In addition, Bing Bong, the popular character from Inside Out, is appearing for the first time at the Pixar Place Hotel. We saw Bing Bong in the lobby of the hotel, although he’s supposed to be appearing on the pool deck. I suspect the rainy weather was behind this change of venue.
Bell Services
I had bell services hold my bags both before check-in time and during my check-out day while I enjoyed time at the theme parks. They’ll hold your bags until midnight on your checkout day, so you can enjoy a full day in the parks before leaving.
Store-E
This merchandise shop, located off of the lobby, offers your Disney essentials. At this gift shop, you’ll find Pixar Place Hotel souvenirs, as well as MagicBands, snacks, and general Disney souvenirs.
Spa
While there isn’t a spa directly in the Pixar Place Hotel, you’ll have access to the Tenaya Stone Spa, which is the Grand Californian Hotel Spa. It’s located right across the street from the Pixar Place Hotel.
At check-in, you’ll receive a schedule of special spa events as well as special workouts (offered for a fee).
Food at the Pixar Place Hotel
The Sketch Pad Café
This quick-service restaurant is currently only offering breakfast. You can get coffee, bakery items, and some grab-and-go items. In the future, it’s expected to also offer lunch and dinner.
Great Maple Modern American Eatery
This new table service restaurant in the Pixar Place Hotel offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes a twist on traditional American food, including things like salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and steaks. It also has an extensive cocktail menu.
Small Bytes
Small Bytes, the pool bar, wasn’t yet open during my visit to the hotel. It’s expected to open in early March and will offer salads, sandwiches, and other bar-style food.
Pros and Cons of the Pixar Place Hotel
Wondering about the pros and cons of the Pixar Place Hotel? Here are our observations:
Pros:
- Convenient location
- New, beautiful rooms
- On-property benefits
- Character interactions/fantastic theme
- Fun pool with fireworks viewing
- Amenities include a fitness center, gift shop, and restaurants
Cons:
- Expensive
- You may hear noise from connecting rooms
Overall, if your family loves Pixar and is planning a Disneyland vacation, we highly recommend a stay at the Pixar Place Hotel. If you don’t need connecting rooms, we’d recommend requesting a room without a connecting door. It’s a fun hotel, and we loved the service, the room, and the location.
Interested in booking the Pixar Place Hotel? We recommend booking through Get Away Today. They can also book a full theme park vacation package with tickets.
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