Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland – Opening Details, Construction Photos, Concept Artwork
The Paradise Pier Hotel is undergoing a major transformation as it is reimagined into the Pixar Place Hotel.
This is part of a larger retheming from Paradise Pier to Pixar Pier that has been implemented in recent years, inspired by characters and movies from Pixar Animation Studios. In Pixar Pier, the transformation included the retheming of attractions and restaurants to highlight favorite stories like Inside Out, Toy Story, The Incredibles, and more.
Now, the Pixar transformation will finally be completed with the introduction of the Pixar Place Hotel, which will feature new Pixar decor, artwork, and added conveniences for guests. Keep reading to learn about what to expect from this transformation! Keep reading for NEW concept art and details released!
New Pixar Place Hotel Water Play Area Revealed
Disney Parks released a look at the brand new Finding Nemo water play area on the hotel’s rooftop pool deck, which will feature the Pixel Pool, Crush’s Surfin’ Slide, and the pop-jet splash pad at Nemo’s Cove with Hank from Finding Dory. Overnight guests will be able to enjoy this new play area starting August 1st, 2023 as the transformation of Paradise Pier Hotel into Pixar Place Hotel continues.
Disney Parks shared a fun POV glimpse of Crush’s Surfin’ Slide in a new video on Instagram:
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Look at how cute the new fire pits are in the hotel! Each one is themed to a fire-related Pixar character.
Disneyland Pixar Place Hotel Theme
NEW: Disneyland released a Pixar Place sneak peek of this upcoming transformation of the previous Paradise Pier Hotel to this new Pixar theme. This previous includes NEW concept art we haven’t seen yet! Keep reading for these new details. Plus, see the latest construction photos from the new hotel throughout the top of the article.
The Pixar Place Hotel will embrace the “artistry of Pixar” into its existing structure, featuring artwork and decorations that highlight the creative processes of artists that brought our favorite Pixar stories to life.
The design of the hotel is similar in concept to the Lamplight Lounge, a dining spot that was added to Disney California Adventure during the Pixar Pier expansion, which features “Pixar treasures sprinkled into the California casual décor” and is full of exciting references and details. You can read our dining review of brunch and dinner at the Lamplight Lounge for more information on this popular spot.
We can find decorative details, like the Pixar Lamp balanced on top of its ball in the lobby, in the concept art. The artwork of our favorite Pixar characters hangs from the ceiling, and the color scheme looks vibrant and inviting. The hotel will also feature a Finding Nemo Splash Pad, where kids can cool off during hot days! These are all variations of the current Paradise Pier Hotel offerings.
Pixar Place Hotel Lobby
When this transformation is complete, Pixar Place Hotel will be the only fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States!
The new concept art above features the new Pixar Place lobby and how it will be a colorful blend of Pixar imagery and a contemporary design. Iconic images from Pixar films will be placed around the lobby and front desk.
We recently stopped into the lobby to check on the construction of the new Pixar-themed hotel. The entryway has been restyled but the Luxo lamp is not yet in place.
Next, we wandered the lobby and saw colorful panels in place but still lots of construction.
The store looks just about complete.
With the pool currently under construction, lifeguards are in the lobby to lead games and pin trade.
Here’s a look at how the lobby will connect into the new Great Maple restaurant.
Coming this winter, guests will be greeted by the Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball with a character-inspired mobile hanging above. This description is referring to the concept art (above) that was shared previously which we now have confirmation will be complete by this winter.
Pixar Place Pool Deck
Later this year, a family play court will be added to the Pixar Place deck featuring activities all inspired by Pixar’s famous short films. This free play area will feature friends from “La Luna,” “Bao,” “For the Birds,” and “Burrow.” Guests can also relax under the love-struck umbrellas from “The Blue Umbrella.”
I imagine this area will invoke a similar sense of inclusive play and freedom we have seen in the recent redesign of Disneyland’s Toontoon area.
Later this summer, guests staying at the hotel can use this brand new water play area which is inspired by “Finding Nemo” including favorite fish and friends from the films. You can see in the concept art above that Crush the sea turtle sits atop a 186-foot-long waterslide plus Hank hanging out at the pop-jet splash pad.
The pool deck is also the ideal place to take in the view of the Disneyland fireworks and will feature character-inspired firepits.
New Dining Coming to Pixar Place Hotel
Disney announced that the Great Maple will open a flagship restaurant on Pixar Place Hotel’s first floor, and it will also operate other dining locations at Pixar Place Hotel. The Great Maple is a contemporary restaurant known for its comfort food with a twist, and its menu offers a wide variety of brunch, lunch, and dinner options.
Some of the announced signature dishes include Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts, the Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, and the Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs! Great Maple will also have a full bar including beer, wine and cocktails.
Great Maple will also offer food and beverage service at the pool along with a grab ‘n’ go coffee shop plus a new concierge lounge.
New Entrance from Pixar Place Hotel to California Adventure
A new walkway allows Pixar Place Hotel guests direct access to Disney California Adventure. It used to be that just Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offered direct access to the park, but now both hotels provide a convenient entrance for their guests.
As a Disney Resort Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel will also offer the benefit of Early Entry to the parks, where hotel guests can experience the park 30 minutes prior to the official opening. To make the most of your mornings at Disney California Adventure, make sure to check out our Disney California Adventure Morning Strategy!
When Will Pixar Place Hotel Open to Guests?
While the refurbishment is currently underway, Disneyland President Ken Potrock announced that the Pixar Place Hotel transformation is projected to be complete by winter 2023. There are already aspects of the new paint job on the building and work continues to progress. In the concept art shared above, some of the features (like the new Finding Nemo splash pad) will likely be available this summer.
We expect to see the rate for the hotel to increase after its transformation, so it may be wise to stay before the refurbishment is complete if you want to stay at a Disney property hotel for a lower price. Disney usually offers seasonal discounts for their hotels throughout the year, and you can read about all Disneyland Resort hotel discounts for more details.
Before the Pixar Place Hotel retheming is complete, guests can enjoy Pixar Pier, which features rides like the Incredicoaster, Pixar Pal-A-Round, Jessie’s Critter Carousel, Toy Story Midway Mania, and more. Be sure to read our guide to Pixar Pier for everything you need to know about the land, including reviews of the experiences offered!
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Seems super similar to Art of Animation at Disney World!
Will miss Paradise Pier hotel. Not a fan of how WDW Contemporary was ruined by retheming to Marvel. This looks too much like WDW ASR – Movies or PoP resorts. Hope it’s not a value resort feel at a deluxe price.