New Pixar Place Hotel: A dream stay for animation fans

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The recent opening of the Pixar Place Hotel within Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim signifies a new chapter for Pixar enthusiasts and the broader tourism industry. This unique accommodation, unveiled on January 30, occupies the space formerly known as the Paradise Pier Hotel, transforming it into a vibrant tribute to Pixar Animation Studios. With its 479 rooms spread across 15 floors, each element of the hotel is meticulously designed to celebrate the creativity, characters, and stories that have defined Pixar’s legacy.

Every Pixar feature film, totaling 27, is acknowledged within the hotel’s design—from early classics like “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles” to newer successes such as “Soul.” The hotel’s interiors are adorned with a rich collection of artwork, including preliminary sketches and final CGI renderings, with each floor dedicated to a different Pixar movie. This artistic homage immerses guests in the animated worlds they’ve grown to love, starting from the lobby, where a prominent sculpture of the iconic Pixar Lamp sets the scene.

Special encounters, like performances by a ‘real-life’ Joe Gardner from “Soul,” enhance the guest experience, blurring the lines between animation and reality. The hotel’s rooms, vibrant and inviting, feature Pixar-themed decorations, including murals and a Pixar Lamp, ensuring that the magic continues in every corner of the guest experience.

The rooftop pool area, complete with a “Finding Nemo” splash pad and themed games, along with dining options that range from American cuisine at The Great Maple to quick snacks at The Sketch Pad Café, add to the resort’s appeal. Unique features, like fire pits modeled after Pixar characters and a fitness center mural featuring Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” further embed Pixar’s charm throughout the property.

The Pixar Place Hotel stands as the first and only hotel in the U.S. entirely themed around Pixar, with plans to introduce themed suites and a concierge lounge dubbed the Creators Club, offering an even deeper dive into the Pixar universe. However, the immersive experience comes with a premium price tag, starting at $500 per night for standard rooms, with suites demanding a higher fee.

This novel venture not only enriches the travel experience for Pixar fans but also signals a significant development in themed hospitality, potentially attracting more visitors to Anaheim and contributing positively to the local tourism economy.

« Back to Page