The Happiest Place on Earth just got even happier with the stunning renovations of the Pixar Place Hotel and Disneyland Villas at the Disneyland Resort. After getting a sneak peek inside, I can attest that these newly reimagined properties are truly next-level in their theming, details and immersive environments. Get ready for a full insider’s tour!
Pixar Place Hotel Review Guide
Pixar’s Whimsical Touches in the Lobby From the moment you step into the Pixar Place Hotel lobby, you’re transported into the iconic world of Pixar films. The bright, cheerful space is adorned with artistic tributes to beloved Pixar characters. An oversized re-creation of the famous Pixar lamp acts as a centerpiece sculpture, while a delightful windchime-like mobile featuring familiar characters like Woody and Buzz hangs from the ceiling above.
But the details don’t stop there. Look down and you’ll notice characters like Bing Bong from Inside Out and Ember from the short film Borrowed Time ingeniously worked into the tile flooring as hidden surprises. Even the restaurant names like the Printer’s Proof Cafe add a touch of Pixar whimsy. It’s clear no element was overlooked in this top-to-bottom Pixar theming.
As you explore the open-concept lobby further, you’ll find fun interactive features like tables with color-changing LED surfaces controlled at the touch of a button. Nearby, oversized sketchbook displays allow you to scroll through storyboards showing your favorite Pixar movie characters. Every inch of the lobby immerses you in Pixar’s creative, playful spirit.
The Incredible Rooms and Colorful Hallways The Pixar magic continues as you make your way to the newly renovated guest rooms and hallways. Bold color schemes and patterns reminiscent of Pixar’s iconic films and characters line the corridors. The carpet alone is a work of art, displaying icons like the Up house, Nemo and Dory, and the Pizza Planet truck.
Upon entering one of the rooms, you’re surrounded by bright, energetic Pixar decor. An oversized hand-painted wallscape of adored characters like Woody and Buzz sets the tone. Even the bedding and pillows incorporate playful Pixar designs. Look closely and you’ll find characters ingeniously “hidden” in creative ways, like the iconic Luxo Jr. ball worked into the dresser’s trim.
Families will especially appreciate the spacious living areas, designed to comfortably accommodate larger groups. Many rooms feature queen bunk beds cleverly tucked under a cozy alcove, allowing more room to spread out. Small, purposeful touches like whimsical night lights and oversized “knob” light switches add an extra dash of Pixar charm.
No detail was overlooked in bringing Pixar’s magic to life in these newly renovated rooms – including in the bathrooms! Colorful, eye-catching shampoo and soap packaging matches the overall palette of orange, blue and green found throughout. Even the showers have subtle nods to Pixar’s ingenious creativity in their rainfall showerheads and transparent glass designs.
The Incredible Pool Areas While the lobby and rooms are a visual delight, the outdoor pool areas of the Pixar Place Hotel are true showstoppers that take Disney’s signature theming to the next level. Wherever you turn, you’re surrounded by incredible recreations of iconic Pixar settings and characters.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the Finding Nemo-themed Nemo Cove area. A larger-than-life sculptural figure of Hank the ill-tempered septopus stands guard over an immersive underwater landscape, complete with bubble-inspired slide designs and character sculptures like Ray the Spotted Torpedograund hidden throughout. The entire space is so vividly realized, it truly feels like you’ve descended under the ocean like in the beloved films.
But that’s just the beginning. Adjacent water areas bring other Pixar worlds to life as well. The Coche Pool is an eye-popping recreation of the village from Coco, festooned with vibrant detailing, whimsical puebla buildings and traditional Mexican decorative elements. The Cars pool zone faithfully recreates the iconic neon-drenched town of Radiator Springs with sculptural vehicles like Mater and Lightning McQueen. Not an inch is unthemed!
Kids and kids-at-heart will delight in all the splash zones, water slides and interactive water play areas as well. From the towering Crush’s Surf’n Slides modeled after the righteous turtle dude himself to splash pads with pop-up fountains, water effects and sprayers galore, it’s an absolute aquatic playground for all ages.
Don’t forget to stay for the nighttime festivities as the pool areas take on an extra magical quality after dark. Soft lighting accents and special effects like smoking volcanos and illuminated fountains ratchet up the immersion and theming. It’s the most incredible way to spend an evening at the new Pixar Place Hotel!
Dining fit for an Incredible Your immersion in Pixar’s creative worlds extends to the resort’s themed restaurants and lounges as well. The signature restaurant Parkside Diner is a nostalgia-laced take on classic American diners, filled with playful Pixar detailing like hand-tinted concept artwork adorning the walls.
Paperman’s Pantry is a casual quick-service spot, but one that has clearly been giving the white glove treatment by Pixar’s elite creative team. Vintage artwork from the Academy Award-winning short Paperman adorns the space, with baguettes and other French-inspired decor nodding to the film’s Parisian backdrop.
Even the smallest details haven’t been overlooked in bringing that special Pixar magic to the resort’s dining experiences. Case in point: the resort’s selection of sweets and baked goods from the Parkside Bakery. You’ll want to take a bite out of treats like the signature Pixar Pier Candy Apples, decadent chocolate-dipped creations fashioned to look like the iconic ball from the Luxo Jr. lamp. When it comes to creativity, the Pixar Place Hotel’s culinary team has clearly taken some inspiration from the animation studios they’re celebrating!
An Incredible Value With all of these newly realized spaces and incredible attention to detail, you may be surprised to learn that the Pixar Place Hotel is offering truly unbeatable values during this initial renovation period – especially if you book soon.
Because the renovation is being completed in phases, rooms in the completed areas are available at lower “preview” rates for the time being. But don’t delay, because once the entire hotel has been fully reimagined, you can expect pricing to increase significantly to match the resort’s new world-class caliber.
The smart play is to plan your visit very soon to take advantage of these temporary lower rates. Believe me, once you see the meticulous theming and immersive environments with your own eyes, you’ll understand why the Pixar Place Hotel will likely become one of the most coveted (and expensive) hotels not just at Disneyland, but across all of Disney’s global resorts. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Pixar Paradise at an incredible value.
The Villas at Disneyland Resort Hotel
Mid-Century Theming and Luxury at the Disneyland Villas While the Pixar Place Hotel is now the ultimate in family-friendly fantasy, the new Disneyland Villas across the way take theming in a more refined, sophisticated direction inspired by mid-century modern design. But that doesn’t mean these new Disney Vacation Club accommodations have skimped one bit on incredible storytelling and rich detailing.
Upon entering the Disneyland Villas’ Discovery Tower lobby, the space immediately calls to mind the glamorous Palm Springs resorts that were so beloved by Walt and Lillian Disney themselves back in the 1960s. An elegant mural featuring stylized classic Disney characters stretches across one wall, setting the tone for a more nostalgic-inspired spirit.
But theming also plays with fun juxtapositions, like the whimsical oversized birdhouses acting as light fixtures hovering above the more chic, clean-lined furniture arrangements below. Every aspect of the space is carefully considered to balance both modern luxury and vintage throwbacks.
The luxurious pool areas at the Villas also channel Palm Springs resort vibes, but with distinctly Disney twists and creative theming. The scenic Umbellina Pool evokes the spirit of mid-century Palm Springs through curvaceous architecture and palm-lined shores, while incorporating more playful details like the classic Steamboat Willie figure in the children’s splash zone area.
Similarly, the more expansive Paradisio Cove pool takes the familiar resort swimming pool and elevates it with incredible feats of storytelling and theming. The main pool is surrounded by oversized recreations of magical storybook scenes from Disney classics like Frozen, Jungle Book and Mulan. These intricately carved “storyboxes” wrap around the entire pool area, immersing guests in these iconic tales through vivid color compositions and detailed bas-relief figurative scenes.
Lush landscaping and cabana-shaded lounge areas add to the laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere. It’s the perfect environment to soak up the sun in an idyllic setting inspired by the greatest Disney adventures.
The Villas’ Refined and Nostalgic Suites The Disneyland Villas take their mid-century inspiration to new heights inside the actual suites and rooms themselves. While a variety of accommodation types are available, even the most basic studios ooze retro-chic charm.
One standout studio suite channels the spirit of The Princess and the Frog through a sophisticated New Orleans-inspired motif. An elegant mural featuring Tiana graces the main living area, acting as a romantic centerpiece. Other deft touches like a decorative vintage dress hanging in the bathroom continue the theming.
Other rooms tap into an Adventureland motif, with intricately carved woodwork resembling indigenous artistry. Clever nods to Disney history are evident as well, like the stylized marquee “window” featuring retro-inspired attraction posters. But modern amenities certainly aren’t sacrificed in the name of nostalgia – amenities like smart TVs and USB charging ports ensure every modern convenience is provided.
For larger groups and families, the Villas’ multi-bedroom suites offer ample room to spread out in sophisticated fashion. The décor strikes a perfect balance between palatial comfort and surprising Disney touches. Take for instance the living area’ sleek, mid-century style sectional sofas – cleverly designed with whimsical pull-down murphy bed tucked inside.
The theming extends to every aspect of the suites’ design. From elevated sleeping quarters featuring ornately carved wood frames to lushly appointed bathrooms with sculptural soaking tubs, no detail was overlooked in creating a luxurious yet distinctly Disney environment.
Dedicated DVC Lounge and Recreation Areas While all guests at the Disneyland Villas can partake in their themed pool areas, those staying club-level or as Disney Vacation Club members have access to additional upscale amenities reserved just for them.
The highlight is undoubtedly the DVC Member Lounge, a plush and exclusive area to relax, unwind and indulge away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Rich wood tones and leather furnishings create an intimate yet sophisticated vibe, with delectable California wine tastings and bites offered throughout the day.
But the lounge is far from the only dedicated space for Villas guests. The Disneyland Villas also offer use of private recreation areas like a modern fitness center outfitted with top-notch cardio and weight equipment. There are even dedicated spaces for kids, like an indoor playground zone and outdoor activity areas perfect for running around.
For Disney Vacation Club members looking for a refined respite with all the comforts of resort living, the members-only amenities at the Disneyland Villas aim to deliver a premium experience. Whether indulging at the lounge, staying active at the fitness areas, or taking advantage of complimentary services, it’s a taste of the good life sprinkled with Disney magic.
Incredible Park Perks While the Pixar Place Hotel and Disneyland Villas offer unparalleled theming and accommodations, one of their greatest perks comes from their prime location right at the doorstep of both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Guests at the Pixar Place Hotel in particular have an incredible advantage: private entrance privileges into Disney California Adventure through the park’s Grand Californian Hotel entrance. No need to deal with long main gate lines – simply stroll directly into the park from just outside your hotel.
Both resorts also offer up early entry privileges into Disneyland Park through Extra Magic Hours, meaning guests can start their days at the parks before crowds arrive and experience some of the parks’ most popular attractions with minimal waits. A Disney hotel stay makes getting a jump start on the magic incredibly easy.
Other benefits you can expect as a Pixar Place Hotel or Disneyland Villas guest include:
- Complimentary theme park-inspired activities for kids
- Access to reserve premium nighttime viewing areas for events like fireworks shows
- Advance dining reservations at the parks and Disney hotels
- Merchandise delivery directly to your hotel from park purchases
The list goes on, but all of these built-in privileges add extra convenience and value to your Walt Disney World vacation when staying at these iconic Disney resorts. By staying on property, you’re not only immersed in incredible themed environments, but able to maximize your park time in truly advantageous ways.
Whether you’re seeking an incredible, fantastical Pixar-themed family getaway or craving mid-century nostalgic luxury, the Pixar Place Hotel and Disneyland Villas offer the best that Disney has to offer in unparalleled fashion. The extensive renovations, meticulous attention to detail, and thoughtful Disney storytelling make these properties not just hotels, but fully immersive worlds of their own. Book your visit and be prepared to be swept away by the magic!