There are three Disney-owned lodges at Disneyland Resort, with Pixar Place Resort and Disneyland Resort being probably the most comparable to 1 one other, and a notch under the flagship Grand Californian. This head-to-head comparability weighs the professionals & cons of every, choosing a “winner” in theme, eating places, location, swimming pools, price, and different classes.
This marks the most recent entry into our ongoing Disney Resort Comparability Sequence, which in any other case addresses troublesome dilemmas you would possibly face when making an attempt to decide on the best resort. That’s primarily for Walt Disney World since there are a few-dozen lodges there, whereas there are just a few on-site lodges at Disneyland Resort.
It was the case that we solely considered two on-site lodges at Disneyland Resort as being value your cash. That modified with the debut of Pixar Place Resort, which was beforehand Paradise Pier Resort. We made no secret about our disdain for its predecessor, however the newly-reimagined Pixar Place Resort is a large enchancment–an evening and day distinction over what it as soon as was.
Put up-reimagining, it’s our perspective that Disneyland Resort (DLH) and Pixar Place Resort (PPH) are probably the most just like each other based mostly on their location, type, and slate of facilities. It might appear that Disney agrees, as pricing between the 2 is aggressive, with each routinely having rooms within the $475 to $675 per night time vary for dates when the Grand Californian prices $675 to over $1,000.
Whereas it’s unattainable to say that the Grand Californian is “value it” for these worth factors, it’s unquestionably the flagship resort at Disneyland Resort. As an alternative of being a tower-style resort, it’s a bona fide 5-star resort with numerous accolades and a formidable slate of facilities. It additionally has a greater location with a direct entrance into Disney California Journey.
Suffice to say, the Grand Californian reminds us of one of many luxurious beachfront resorts in Southern California, most of that are equally priced, whereas Disneyland Resort and Pixar Place Resort are extra akin to high-rise lodges round Los Angeles, however Disneyfied (and adjoining to the parks as an alternative of inside cities, clearly).
Earlier than we get began, it’s value declaring that the overwhelming majority of holiday makers to Disneyland Resort will need to keep off-site. That a lot might be apparent based mostly on the beginning worth vary above of round $475 per night time. That’s one other method that Disneyland differs from Walt Disney World, as there aren’t any Worth Resorts on the California complicated.
As an alternative, the finances choices are all off-site, and there are glorious lodging inside strolling distance. See our Disneyland Space Resort Rankings & Critiques for recommendation on the place to remain. A lot of these are cheap and extremely near the parks. There are some, just like the Westin or JW Marriott, that provide luxurious lodging at cheaper worth factors than PPH or DLH.
As for the Disneyland Resort vs. Pixar Place Resort comparability, it’s an extremely shut name. Whereas we’ll draw our personal conclusions as to which is best, we’ll additionally clarify our reasoning alongside the way in which, so you possibly can type your personal opinions. Since a lot of it is a matter of subjective, private choice, that’s one of the best ways to method these comparisons. Plus, it could be a fairly quick weblog put up if we didn’t supply explanatory textual content together with the winner of every aspect.
Theme: Disneyland Resort – Theme is such a difficult topic since a lot of it’s predicated in private choice. Slightly than making a price judgment about which theme is inherently “higher,” we method this from their respective execution of their types.
Not like the Grand Californian, each are pretty easy lodges thematically. In reality, the names just about inform you the complete story. Pixar Place Resort is a spot that’s impressed by Pixar Animation Studios. There are many nods to the flicks all through, particularly Vehicles, Toy Story, Discovering Nemo, and Inside Out. However actually, it’s a celebration of Pixar’s inventive legacy and the animation course of.
For instance, the redone entrance space encompasses a large Luxo Jr. balancing on the Pixar ball. There are additionally color-changing lighting fixtures panels alongside the higher atrium, in addition to a cell with summary depictions of Pixar characters within the early levels of Pixar filmmaking. The fundamental shapes and shade research, when coupled with the color-changing panels, are harking back to Piet Mondrian. Examples like this abound all through the resort, whether or not it’s idea artwork within the foyer bar or nods to characters on the pool deck. There’s numerous Pixar stylization in Pixar Place Resort.
Ditto Disneyland Resort. Its theme is actually Disneyland–proper there within the identify. The resort is a self-referential love letter to Walt Disney and his authentic magic kingdom in fairly bizarre bundle. Disneyland Resort’s towers every have their very own theme: Fantasyland, Adventureland, or Frontierland.
There are fashions within the lobbies, posters, idea artwork, and nice depth of element. Every tower has its personal distinct persona, and sufficient nods that it feels such as you’re immersed within the resort model of the respective lands.
Disneyland Resort additionally incorporates mid-century trendy design into its towers and customary areas, giving it better persona and a recognizable type. In different places, DLH weaves collectively each tiki tradition and modern appears, whereas preserving its self-referential allure entrance and heart. This would possibly sound like rather a lot, however Disneyland Resort efficiently balances all of those components, and by no means does it really feel like an affordable try and tug on the heartstrings of Disney followers.
On the finish of the day, Disneyland Resort simply works. For followers of Walt Disney or the park he constructed, it’s going to “click on” higher and be extra interesting than Pixar Place Resort. It’s additionally much less surface-level. However in case you have youngsters who’ve seen the Pixar motion pictures and don’t have any connection to Walt Disney or the historical past of his park, Pixar Place Resort will nonetheless be extra interesting, even when it’s not as well-done on an goal degree.
Rooms: Pixar Place Resort – Each lodges have rooms that had been not too long ago up to date, however the Pixar Place Resort rooms had been totally gutted and redone as a part of the reimagining. Against this, Disneyland Resort rooms had a mushy items refurbishment and are as soon as once more exhibiting their age–and slated for a full transform throughout the subsequent few years. (Or so we had been instructed by the resort supervisor–nothing has been formally introduced.)
With regards to Pixar Place Resort, not are the rooms caught within the 90s with a little bit of window-dressing. These up to date rooms are spacious and trendy and, lastly, on par with the various real-world lodges in Anaheim which were constructed within the final decade. The rooms are Pixar by and thru, with colourful character-filled art work and nods to the Pixar Lamp on the desk and the ball by way of the throw pillow on the mattress. Coloration decisions of blue, pink, and yellow additionally evoke Pixar.
The Pixar Place Resort rooms are clear and trendy, and really feel contemporary–particularly as contrasted with the rooms at DLH which can be actually beginning to present their age. The PPH rooms have quite a lot of high quality of life enhancements and space-saving design options, too. Having stayed in all of those lodges a number of instances (together with within the final yr), my basic impression is that the Pixar Place Resort rooms have a bigger ‘appears like’ dimension.
With that mentioned, one little factor–that may make an enormous distinction–the Disneyland Resort rooms have going for them is the “goodnight kiss” swap that lights up the fiber optics within the headboard and performs “When You Want Upon a Star,” music field type. You probably have youngsters, they’ll love this. In case you are an grownup who’s unduly impressed with issues that mild up and make sound, like me, you’ll want to go away this on all night time.
The opposite memorable function of the visitor rooms at Disneyland Resort is the fireworks-infused (I assume?) carpet. There are additionally historic pictures of Walt Disney, and (for those who’re fortunate) ephemera within the room you possibly can take dwelling. In any other case, the rooms are extremely variable in structure and dimension, and wholly forgettable. And as talked about above, they really feel extra dated with every passing yr. We went from PPH to DLH in pretty fast succession not too long ago, and each of us had been stunned by simply how a lot we most popular Pixar Place Resort. It was truthfully surprising, however the datedness at DLH was noticeable.
With that mentioned, the nicest rooms of all may be discovered within the Villas at Disneyland Resort. That is the brand-new DVC tower, which may also be booked by common visitors paying money charges. The Villas at Disneyland Resort rooms function numerous considerate design options that assist maximize the ‘really feel’ of the sq. footage, whereas additionally providing a refreshing design that melds Disney characters with luxurious facilities. One thing to think about for those who’re debating renting DVC factors to save cash on a keep.
Eating: Disneyland Resort – Each of those lodges have a number of eating choices that serve completely different functions.
Nonetheless, for those who seek the advice of our Checklist of the 25 Greatest Eating places at Disneyland Resort, you’ll discover that 3 places on there are at Disneyland Resort, and nil are at Pixar Place Resort. It is a pretty straightforward win for Disneyland Resort in consequence.
Tangaroa Terrace and Palm Breeze Bar at Disneyland Resort are sturdy choices for counter service or informal meals. On the character eating entrance, Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Resort is unbelievable, and has no counterpart at Pixar Place Resort. Dealer Sam’s is in a league of its personal as a themed bar, and likewise has no counterpart at PPH.
With that mentioned, don’t underestimate Pixar Place Resort. It’s much less formidable on paper, however its restaurant roster is arguably extra sensible.
Not like Disneyland Resort (which closed Steakhouse 55 for causes past us), PPH truly has a typical desk service restaurant with Nice Maple, which is surprisingly good–and has a deep menu. Then there’s the underrated Small Bytes, which is each the pool bar and the first counter service restaurant at Pixar Place Resort. This has some unbelievable choices, together with what would possibly simply be my favourite burger in all of Disneyland Resort. With a smash burger that good, maybe PPH doesn’t want another eating places?!
Let’s not get carried away–it does. The dearth of a personality restaurant at Pixar Place Resort is disappointing, and no marquee desk service restaurant at Disneyland Resort is likewise a obvious weak point. Grand Californian completely trounces each PPH and DLH in the case of eating.
Location: Pixar Place Resort – Each Disneyland Resort and Pixar Place Resort are situated on the opposite facet of Downtown Disney, that means that it’s a must to stroll by that purchasing and eating district no less than partially to entry Disneyland. Of the 2, Disneyland Resort is about 5 minutes nearer to the parks by way of Downtown Disney, because it has a direct entrance into that district. It’s both a couple of minutes to the monorail station or about 10-12 minutes right through.
Nonetheless, Pixar Place Resort has a non-public entrance to Disney California Journey. That is solely accessible by way of a room key, and is mainly a shortcut into DCA that lets you bypass Downtown Disney. Pixar Place Resort visitors merely cross Disneyland Drive and enter the gated walkway close to the trail to the GCH. It’s a brief ~5 or so minute stroll, and also you’ll enter by Corn Canine Citadel and the Little Mermaid darkish journey.
It is a game-changer. Whereas not as superb as the situation of Grand Californian, which additionally affords easy accessibility to Disneyland, this walkway provides Pixar Place Resort a strolling distance benefit over Disneyland Resort. That’s very true in case you have Park Hopper tickets and might use DCA as a cut-through for noon breaks.
The tough factor right here is that this entrance is accessible by way of a room key for any of the three Disney-owned lodges, that means that Disneyland Resort visitors may stroll to Pixar Place Resort to make use of the cut-through. It’s a little bit of backtracking, but it surely does save time in the long run. By the identical token, heading the opposite route from Pixar Place Resort to begin at Disneyland provides about the identical period of time to your commute.
That means that for those who spend equal quantities of time at DCA and Disneyland, this finally ends up being a wash. In principle. That’s provided that you don’t have Park Hopper tickets or take noon breaks. In our expertise, the sensible actuality is that Pixar Place Resort comes out approaching prime from a location perspective. (As an apart, you must most likely improve to Park Hopper tickets earlier than splurging for on-site lodging.)
Swimming pools: Disneyland Resort – One main distinction between the 2 is the pool areas. At Pixar Place, that is situated on the third-floor rooftop deck. Whereas the pool is clearly the focus, this complete space is extremely nice.
There are firepits, ample quantities of seating, and unbelievable ambiance. Strands of popcorn lights overhead and numerous atmospheric lighting throughout units the best temper. Between the warmth from the fireplace pits and the towers performing as a wind block, it’s pretty nice even on chilly Southern California nights. There’s additionally an underrated pool bar, as talked about above.
Then there’s the Pixel Pool and 186-foot-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide. Little ones seeking to get their toes moist can splash at Nemo’s Cove, whereas adults seeking a extra stress-free retreat can spend time within the whirlpool. These Pixar Place Resort swimming pools are all passable–prone to be adequate if swimming pools will not be a precedence, however you need to take a fast dip. In all probability not someplace you’d need to do a fully-fledged “pool day,” although.
Disneyland Resort is a completely completely different story. Right here you’ll discover the huge 4,800-square-foot E-Ticket Pool, which lives as much as its identify. This options 2 winding waterslides, each function replicas of the unique Mark 1 Monorail trains. There’s the 25-foot-high, 180-foot-long Purple Monorail slide or the 13-foot-high, 80-foot-long Yellow Monorail slide.
There’s additionally a 2-lane mini slide for smaller kids with pop jets, fountains, and a waterfall add to the enjoyable. This nostalgic water play space is topped by a “Disneyland” signal harking back to the park’s basic years. This whole pool space is top-notch; it’s bigger and has extra enjoyable on supply than its counterpart at Pixar Place Resort. You probably have youngsters of any age, there’s little doubt that they’ll favor the swimming pools at Disneyland Resort.
By all goal measures, Disneyland Resort will get the win. Frankly, although, we favor the pool space at Pixar Place Resort. The vibe is extra relaxed and the views are good, making it a much better choice when taking time away from the parks to unwind. Kids will most likely disagree (there’s most likely a cause why fewer visitors use the pool space at PPH), however {couples} would possibly give the sting to the rooftop deck at PPH. For that matter, even households would possibly favor the world as an entire at Pixar Place Resort, as there are numerous different actions and leisure choices up right here past the swimming pools.
Price: It Relies upon – On common, Pixar Place Resort is barely inexpensive than Disneyland Resort in the case of rack charges. Each routinely are within the $400 to $700 vary throughout most common fee seasons. That’s pre-discount and for normal rooms, although.
Reductions undoubtedly complicate issues, particularly since Pixar Pier Resort usually affords a decrease proportion financial savings than Disneyland Resort. One other issue is availability of ordinary rooms, that are far and away the most well-liked reserving class in any respect three lodges at Disneyland Resort since they’re the least costly.
The underside line is that Pixar Place Resort must be barely cheaper, however that’s solely in principle. Genuinely, it’s basically a toss-up. That’s doubly true at current, because the “new resort scent” hasn’t completely worn off Pixar Place Resort, whereas Disneyland Resort is previous information.
Verdict: It Relies upon – This most likely depends upon how a lot time you’ll be spending at your resort, and the place you’ll be spending it. When you’re primarily reserving for a spot to remain and plan on spending most of your time on the parks–save for noon breaks to relaxation and recharge–then Pixar Place Resort must be the winner for you. And possibly by a decisive margin, because the rooms are a lot nicer and extra trendy, and entry to and from the parks is less complicated.
When you’re on the lookout for a resort the place you’ll spend extra time, Disneyland Resort must be the winner. Households with youngsters will most likely favor the Disneyland Resort itself for the superior pool and better degree of caprice to the rooms and property as an entire. And for those who’re spending extra time on the resort or doing extra non-parks time, you’ll probably additionally recognize the far superior eating choices, and the instant entry to Downtown Disney.
Likewise, {couples} and diehard Disney followers will probably favor the nostalgia, enjoyable of Dealer Sam’s, and different ways in which Disneyland Resort simply “oozes” all issues Walt Disney and Disneyland. It’s a very shut name and there’s nobody dimension matches all reply for everybody. Heck, the exact same folks would possibly favor DLH at some factors and PPH at different instances.
Talking of which, there is no such thing as a clear winner for us. It actually is an “it relies upon” type of deal. As enormous followers of the historical past and legacy of Walt Disney, we get pleasure from spending time at Disneyland Resort far more than Pixar Place Resort. Disneyland Resort appears like an extension of the eponymous park, and it makes days exterior the parks nonetheless really feel such as you’re a part of the Disneyland magic.
However, we not too long ago did a parks-focused keep at Pixar Place Resort. We used that unique entrance a ton, and just about the one time we had been on the resort was once we had been in our room–which we favored greater than our final keep in the usual rooms at Disneyland Resort (the villas are a unique story).
The one time we dined at PPH was at Small Bytes after leaving the park, and it was an important expertise–higher than what we’ve had at Tangaroa Terrace not too long ago. Our solely actual criticism about that keep at Pixar Place Resort was the glacial pace of the elevators, which can seem to be an odd factor to say, but it surely’s a really actual downside at peak instances (if there have been an “elevators” class right here, DLH would trounce PPH).
All of that is to say that we expect most visitors doing a Disneyland Resort trip will favor Disneyland Resort. These doing Disneyland Park and Disney California Journey-centric visits will probably lean in the direction of Pixar Place Resort. These choosing a commando DCA-only journey will most likely favor Pixar Place Resort.
Nonetheless undecided which resort at Disneyland Resort is best for you? Get skilled assist free of charge from an Licensed Disney Trip Planner (Disney’s time period for a journey agent). They obtain fee from Disney, so most licensed planners is not going to cost you for reserving the holiday bundle and planning providers. The fee-free Licensed Disney Trip Planner that we advocate is Be Our Visitor Holidays. Their providers don’t price further, they’ll assist select the best resort for you, e book your trip, allow you to with eating reservations and itineraries, and apply the very best reductions to your reservation.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Suggestions for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Find out about on-site and off-site lodges in our Anaheim Resort Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and lots of different SoCal cities!
YOUR THOUGHTS
The place do you stand within the Pixar Place Resort vs. Disneyland Resort debate? Which of those two middle-tier lodges at Disneyland Resort is the higher one, in your opinion? Does price, rooms, location, swimming pools, eating, or one thing else matter most to you? Are we lacking a key variable that might, doubtlessly tilt the scales? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
