As we drove along palm tree—lined Disneyland Drive, filled with the excitement and giddy anticipation only a Disney vacation can conjure, I was eager for my first visit to the only hotel dedicated to celebrating the wonderful works of Pixar Animation Studios. Opened in January 2024, the hotel that is now Pixar Place has technically been part of the Disney real estate portfolio since 1995. Today its modern, white exterior leads to a colorful atrium, illuminated by the California sunshine bursting through a glass ceiling.
We were warmly welcomed by Bing Bong of “Inside Out” and our Disney guest experience host who walked us through the main lobby, showcasing the many Pixar artworks which adorn the walls—reminding us of just how many classic Disney movies were launched from this animation studio. My wife, of Italian heritage, was quick to pose next to a large image of Luca, one of her favorites.
Guided to the Creators Club, a private lounge accessible only to club-level guests, we enjoyed an early morning coffee and light breakfast as we were checked into our reservation. Our bags were quickly exchanged for park tickets so we could make the most of our 30-minute early access, one of the many perks of staying in one of the official Disney hotels.
Disneyland Resort
Pixar Place is conveniently located across the street from Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where guests can take advantage of a private entrance into the Disney California Adventure Park. A room key to any of the Disneyland Resort hotels grants access through a secure gate that leads to a private security check area for swift access devoid of long lines.
Early access meant that we were able to quickly board our first ride, choosing an exhilarating blast on the Incredicoaster to blow out the morning cobwebs—a great coffee replacement for anyone watching their caffeine intake. After we raced between the rides at California Adventure, taking advantage of the generally quieter foot traffic in the parks during morning hours, we used our Park Hopper to take a walk down Main Street, U.S.A. and enjoy all the attractions that the Disneyland Park has to offer.
By late afternoon, we were approaching eight hours in the parks and decided to take advantage of the proximity of Pixar Place, heading back to take a short rest and recharge our (human and phone) batteries. Along with our park tickets, we had received our room key when checking in at the Creators Club early in the morning, so were able to head straight to our room, where our luggage had been delivered and was awaiting us. A quick shower and outfit change meant we were ready to enjoy the magic of Disney after dark, making a quick stop at the Creators Club to refuel and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and appetizers en-route back to the park.
With just over 470 rooms, Pixar Place is a relatively quiet sanctuary away from the theme park crowds, especially when it comes to major daily events like the fireworks show. The hotel offers a unique viewing deck for guests who want to enjoy the fireworks slightly further from the busy sidewalks of Main Street. Here, guests can enjoy a drink from the pool bar and pass time playing corn hole while waiting for the evening extravaganza to begin. Then, as the famous Disney fireworks begin to light up the Anaheim sky, Pixar Place guests are treated to accompanying music and dialogue, broadcasted directly to the pool deck.
Remaining in the Disneyland Park until the very end of the night, we treated ourselves to one more box of popcorn for the short walk back to Pixar Place and were more than ready to be greeted by the sight of our very comfortable king-size bed by the time we reached our room. But before we went to sleep, we stopped to take in the spectacular view from our 12th-floor room, which overlooked the bright lights of California Adventure Park. As we gazed at Mickey Mouse’s face on the Pal-A-Round ferris wheel, wrapped by the tracks of the Incredicoaster we had first ridden almost 15 hours prior, we recounted our favorite parts of another memorable, action-packed day at Disney.
We woke the next day ready for a slightly slower Disney experience. We decided to try breakfast at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Great Maple, and were recommended to order the house special: fried chicken and doughnuts. Wow did they deliver; in a twist on a classic American dish, waffles are replaced with Maple Bacon Doughnuts, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Having walked over 25,000 steps across the two parks the previous day, we didn’t feel the need to use the hotel’s gym facilities (even after the doughnuts!) but we did pop our heads into the sprawling fitness center and were impressed with its state-of-the-art equipment. Then it was time to head to the pool for a few hours of relaxing on a pair of sun loungers and enjoying the jetted hot tub as we let our bodies slowly recover from our latest effort at surviving from rope drop to close.
With most guests there to enjoy the parks themselves, Pixar Place felt much quieter than most hotels of its size, and we were joined by just a handful of families seeking some pool time. My wife and I were also pleased to find that there was no age limit to enjoy the waterslide, so we took a few turns racing down before it was time to return to our room and get ready to check out.
- The location of Pixar Place Hotel makes it one of the most convenient options available. It’s just across the road from a dedicated park entrance, helping guests avoid long lines and giving them the chance to take quick park breaks during the day as needed.
- Facilities include a well-equipped pool deck, appealing to both adults and kids alike, offering an exhilarating waterslide and children’s splash pad as well as cabanas and a relaxing hot tub.
- As the only Pixar-themed hotel in the Disney portfolio, the design is unique and exudes a fun, playful vibe throughout both the public spaces and the rooms themselves.
The Rooms
We were very happy with our room which was spacious and colorful, a playful design with famous Pixar characters integrated into the decorations and artwork. In-room facilities were modern, boasting spacious, clean bathrooms and large-screen televisions to stream your favorite Disney movies. With over 470 rooms spread across 15 floors, it is a nice-sized hotel with plenty of facilities without feeling overwhelming.
Premium view rooms come with a view of the California Adventure Park, and other options include rooms with a terrace at the pool deck level for those looking for some outdoor space. There are also a variety of suite options for those looking for something larger, the most exciting of which are the new “Coco” and “The Incredibles” themed suites, which just started taking reservations in December.
The “Coco” suite is modeled after the Riviera family hacienda, with family mementos, Mexican artisan decor, and a glowing alebrije (Mexican folk art sculpture) that dances across the ceiling at the push of a button. The “Incredibles,” meanwhile, are represented by the ultimate Parr family vacation pad, complete with a spy phone, secret door, and more unique touches fans of the movies will love.
Food and Drink
Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort
There are two main options at Pixar Place for food and drink: Great Maple restaurant serves an excellent selection of classic American fare, some with an innovative twist, in a stylish setting with seating options including booths and bar stools, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more casual options, the “grab and go”—style Sketch Pad Café offers a selection of baked goods and sandwiches. The Pool Deck also offers a range of items from salads and wraps to burgers and hot dogs at Small Bytes, which is open from breakfast through dinner. For those who opt for club rooms, access to the Creators Club includes light bites and refreshments from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Activities and Experiences
While the main activities that will bring guests to the Pixar Place hotel arguably lie across the street in the parks, the hotel is well equipped with a good selection of amenities and activities and offers a range of curated Disney experiences including regular appearances from favorite Pixar characters throughout the hotel. In addition to the on-site swimming pool with a hot tub and waterslide, for those looking to unwind and relax, guests are able to access the Tenaya Stone Spa located across the street in the Grand Californian Hotel. There is also a very well-stocked Disney boutique, including swimwear printed with matching Disney themes for the whole family. If you are planning a trip to celebrate a special occasion, be sure to contact the hotel’s guest services ahead of time to take advantage of their In-room Celebration packages.
Accessibility
Pixar Place Hotel has multiple accessible rooms which offer both tub and roll-in shower options. Hearing-accessible rooms are also available. Other accessible features include wheelchair-friendly travel paths inside and out. Request TTY equipment at check-in. Find more information on scooter rentals and accessible accommodations at disneyland.com.
How to Book
Prices start from around $400 per night and it is always advisable to check the hotel website for promotional offers. The cost of upgrading to a club-level room varies, but it’s always worth checking—in addition to personalized service, access to the Creators Club lounge comes with unlimited food and drinks throughout the day.
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