Pixar Place Hotel has officially opened at Disneyland Resort, completing the transformation of the former Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. This vibrant, creatively inspired hotel is now the first fully dedicated Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. At the grand opening ceremony on January 30, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock called the event “a milestone that has been years in the making.”
A Pixar-Inspired Stay
Overlooking Disney California Adventure Park, the 15-story hotel immerses guests in the artistry of Pixar Animation Studios. Every detail, from the contemporary guest rooms to the rooftop pool area, showcases Pixar’s creative legacy. Guests can explore concept art, character renderings, and whimsical nods to beloved films such as Finding Nemo, Inside Out, and Soul. This transformation was a collaborative effort between Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Pixar Animation Studios.
Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, expressed his excitement:
“I was lucky enough to start at Pixar in 1990 when we were working on the very first Toy Story*, and I can tell you, 27 films later, we would never have dreamed that someday there would be a hotel dedicated to the artwork of Pixar.”
A Welcome Like No Other
The hotel’s lobby atrium sets the tone for an immersive Pixar experience. A stunning mobile featuring simplified Pixar character silhouettes dances above guests, illustrating the early stages of character development. Kirstin Makela, Art Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, emphasized how color, light, and music work together to create an inviting atmosphere. Guests can even stream the hotel’s original Pixar-inspired score on most music platforms.
The lobby centerpiece is a brand-new sculpture of Pixar’s iconic lamp perched atop the famous yellow Pixar ball. Guests can also spot original Finding Nemo maquettes on display, along with 16 hidden Pixar medallions scattered throughout the flooring.
An Artistic Journey from Arrival to Stay
The rear lobby, where many guests enter, is themed to showcase the Pixar animation process. Megan Cerda, Senior Graphic Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, highlighted the progression of character development, from early sketches to fully rendered designs.
Nearby, the STOR-E gift shop offers exclusive Pixar merchandise, featuring nods to films such as Up, WALL-E, and Finding Dory.
Guests will also be treated to live entertainment. Joe Gardner from Soul plays jazz piano in the lobby five days a week, engaging guests in conversations about their passions. Meanwhile, Bing Bong from Inside Out makes his character debut, greeting guests on the pool deck.
Themed Guest Rooms & Luxurious Suites
Pixar theming extends into the guest rooms, where concept art and playful design elements celebrate the studio’s storytelling.
- Headboards: Feature vibrant murals with iconic moments from seven Pixar films, arranged in a rainbow color scheme.
- Bedding: White bedspreads feature subtle Pixar ball accents.
- Lighting: The famed Pixar lamp appears as a full-size, functional desk lamp.
For a truly upscale experience, the Pixel Suite offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a spacious living area, and exclusive Pixar maquettes from Ratatouille.
Additionally, two signature suites will debut later this year:
- The Coco Suite, inspired by Miguel and the Rivera family’s legacy.
- The Incredibles Suite, featuring spy-fi décor and Parr family memorabilia.
Pools, Play Areas, and Rooftop Fun
The hotel’s 186-foot-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide anchors the reimagined pool area, where guests can also enjoy:
- Pixel Pool & Nemo’s Cove splash pad, featuring characters from Finding Nemo.
- Fire pits themed to hot-tempered Pixar characters, including Jack-Jack (Incredibles 2) and Anger (Inside Out).
- The Pixar Shorts Court, a game area inspired by Pixar’s short films, featuring activities such as shuffleboard (La Luna) and cornhole (Bao).
- Fireworks Viewing Deck, one of the best spots outside the parks to watch Disneyland’s fireworks, complete with synced music.
Dining & Culinary Delights
Operated by Great Maple, the hotel offers three distinct dining locations:
- Great Maple Restaurant – Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring buttermilk fried chicken, maple bacon doughnuts, and soda pop-braised ribs.
- The Sketch Pad Café – A grab-and-go coffee shop.
- Small Bytes Rooftop Bar (opening March) – Serves beverages, salads, and wraps under the umbrellas from The Blue Umbrella.
Additionally, the upcoming Creators Club concierge lounge will feature Pixar-themed décor and exclusive culinary offerings.
The Future of Pixar at Disneyland Resort
Pixar Place Hotel is just one of many ways fans can immerse themselves in Pixar magic. Pixar Fest returns from April 26 – August 4, featuring:
- Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! – A new daytime parade at Disney California Adventure.
- Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular – Returning to Disneyland Park.
- Pixar-themed décor, food, and experiences throughout the resort.
A New Chapter in Disney Hospitality
As Tasha Sounart, Theme Park Creative Director at Pixar Animation Studios, shared:
“This project was a true collaboration, bringing Pixar’s storytelling, artistry, and technology into one unforgettable space. We wanted guests to experience Pixar in ways they never have before.”
With its artistic design, innovative storytelling, and exclusive character experiences, Pixar Place Hotel is a must-visit destination for Disney and Pixar fans alike.
