I’m a Disneyland expert, but I’ve never stayed at one particular hotel that’s simply unlike the other on-property options.

As a Southern California local who’s always at Disneyland, I know both the theme parks and the resort’s hotels very well. Over the last 30-plus years, I’ve stayed not only at numerous hotels nearby, but also every official Disneyland Resort hotel – except for one.

The one Disneyland hotel I’ve always skipped? It’s Pixar Place Hotel. Situated just across the street from California Adventure and conveniently located near Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Hotel, it’s become a fast favorite of many guests since it first opened in 2023. 

Below, I’m sharing the reasons why I’ve never stayed at Pixar Place Hotel – and if I’ll be booking a stay in the future.

Pixar Place Hotel is Always Booked Up

Trust me: I’ve tried to book a room at Pixar Place Hotel multiple times since it opened. But no matter the time of year, the days of the week, or even the room type I choose, the entire hotel is often booked up with no (or incredibly slim) room options available.

The hotel has been a hugely popular place to stay since it welcomed its first guests. And that’s not surprising. With its standout theming and status as the most character-filled hotel at Disneyland Resort, it’s in high demand with Pixar fans of every age. It offers perks that the two other on-property hotels don’t, like the opportunity to meet exclusive characters right in the lobby and an outdoor deck to catch the fireworks, complete with the soundtrack piped in.

And, obviously, it’s the newest hotel, which naturally makes it see higher demand than either the classic Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s luxurious Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Even during the off season, you can expect Pixar Place Hotel to be quite booked up. And that’s perhaps the biggest reason I haven’t stayed at this Disneyland hotel. If it’s too hard to find a room here, I always default to an off-property hotel that I know and love, like one of the nearby Good Neighbor Hotels surrounding the theme parks.

Room Rates at Pixar Place Hotel Are Expensive

When rooms are available at Pixar Place Hotel, there’s another factor that’s been preventing me from booking a stay: The rates at this new hotel are surprisingly pricey.

It’s no secret that official Disneyland Resort hotels are, generally, more expensive than surrounding non-Disney hotels. You’re paying more for numerous perks, including extra-special Disney theming, proximity to the theme parks, and extras like Early Entry, after all.

While Disneyland doesn’t have the same hotel categories and price ranges as Disney World’s Value, Moderate, and Deluxe options, in the past the three on-property hotels have each fallen into one of these categories. In its previous iteration as Paradise Pier Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel was the Value option; the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian were the Moderate and Deluxe hotels, respectively.

During the slowest periods of the year – the first weeks of January or mid-September, for example – and on the least crowded days of the week, the cheapest Standard View rooms at Pixar Place Hotel start at $448 per night.

Want a room with a view? You’re looking at rates starting at $536 per night for a Standard room. And Club Level rooms start at nearly $700 ($683, to be exact) per night.

That’s a ton of money to spend for a night or two at a former Value-level hotel. For comparison, similar hotels located near Disneyland average around $175 to $200 per night – and they tend to offer additional perks like free breakfast, larger rooms, and discounted rates for certain memberships or loyalty programs.

In my opinion, trying to balance Pixar Place’s limited room availability and the high per-night prices makes it a hotel that’s worth skipping, at least for now. Once the hotel is no longer the hottest new addition, things may change. But for right now, it’s a tricky one to book if you want plenty of options at a range of price points.

Who is Pixar Place Hotel Best For?

While I have yet to stay at Pixar Place Hotel, it’s popular for good reason. And for certain guests, the limited availability and per-night pricing may be worth the splurge. As someone who’s visited the hotel and explored its grounds firsthand, I think Pixar Place is a great fit for:

• Families with kids who want a hotel filled with onsite fun
• Pixar fans who want an immersive themed hotel experience
• Guests who don’t mind paying a bit more for Disney magic

Wondering if Pixar Place Hotel is the best fit for you and your next Disneyland trip? Reach out to our partners at The Vacationeer. With the help of an expert travel agent, you can learn the ins and outs of each onsite hotel, find the best rates, and book while deals, discounts, and special offers are happening. Just fill out this form to get planning started!