The family-friendly Pixar Place hotel will feel like stepping into a Pixar movie, with features that inspire play and imagination. Rose Dykins reports
California’s Disneyland Resort has unveiled plans for the first Pixar-themed hotel in the US.
The theme park’s existing Paradise Pier hotel will be revamped into the 15-storey Pixar Place hotel, with vibrant décor and a design that celebrates the fun and imagination of Pixar films.
Disneyland Resort is yet to share a completion date for Pixar Place hotel, but has released some initial details about the look, feel and features of the property.
The phased renovation will see the hotel transformed in stages. Over the coming months, the lobby at the Paradise Pier hotel will begin to evolve, blending beloved Pixar imagers with the property’s contemporary look. Once complete, signature images from Pixar films will adorn the hotel’s front desk, with larger-than-life artwork of Pixar characters.
Later this year, guests will also be greeted by the signature Pixar Lamp balanced on top of its ball when they first enter the lobby. A colourful, character-inspired mobile will hang above them it in the new hotel atrium.
In summer 2023, guests staying at the Pixar Place hotel will be able to enjoy a new Finding Nemo-themed water play area. Features will include an 186-foot-long waterslide with Crush the sea turtle at the top, and a pop-jet splash pad frequented by Hank the octopus.
A family play court will also be added to the hotel, with a decking area complete with activities inspired by Pixar’s famous short films. Favourite characters from La Luna, Bao, For the Birds, and Burrow will feature in interactive games and toys for imaginative free play . Food and drinks will be served here under the love-struck umbrellas from The Blue Umbrella.
At night, the pool deck will become an ideal spot for viewing firework displays at the Disneyland park, with character-inspired firepits adding to the atmosphere.
In autumn 2023, the Pixar Place hotel will unveil a new all-day restaurant and bar named Great Maple, serving a playful take on Southern comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Situated on the ground floor, the restaurant will be easily accessible for hotel guests, local diners and theme park visitors. Signature dishes will include Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Maple Bacon Doughnuts, Cajun Shrimp and Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, and Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs.
Great Maple’s culinary offering will also feature throughout the hotel, including the food and beverage service at the pool, a new grab ‘n’ go coffee shop and café near the lobby and the hotel’s new concierge lounge.
During the refurbishments of the Paradise Pier hotel, overnight guests with valid park tickets and reservations can still enjoy the benefits of staying at a Disneyland Resort property – such as early park entry to enjoy selected attractions, a special entrance to Disney California Adventure park, and being within close proximity to Disneyland park and the Downtown Disney District.