Work is underway at the check-in entrance for Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel as it transforms into Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel.

Early Signs of Pixar Place

Construction trucks are parked at the front, and the porte-cochère mosaic first seen in early concept art is nearing completion.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel has endured several changes over the years, and was not a Disneyland Resort property until 1995, when it became the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. Just before Disney California Adventure (at the time Disney’s California Adventure Park) opened in 2001, the hotel swapped names again to reflect the Paradise Pier area it was now resting behind. When Paradise Pier became Pixar Pier in 2018, it seemed only inevitable that another modification would occur.

In the most recent official update made last week, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced the reimagining would be finished this winter. New concept art for the check-in and lobby area was also released today, highlighting a contemporary look with Pixar imagery infused. This includes Great Maple, stylized as a modern American eatery inspired by the flavors of Southern California.

Large blue, yellow, and maroon lighted dots now line the lower portion of the building.

In the first publicly-available images, each of these were intended to resemble the Pixar Ball (or Luxo Ball), which plays a large part in the animation studio’s history and features in virtually all of their content.

Instead, each one may simply glow with one individual color.

Heavy machinery to maneuver workers around the outside appears to be getting its fair share of use, as much of the original Paradise Pier Hotel paint is gone. The original beige look, resembling sand, is only visible in a few places now, with a more basic and subdued pearl taking its place.

Red, blue, and yellow stripes have crawled up the side of the building, as the entire color palette for the exterior has been swapped out.

Scaffolding completely surrounds the ride share pickup area, with construction workers out and about.

While still officially Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel for now, the Pixar Place transformation is happening on the interior as well. Promotional artwork, Luxo lamp wallpaper, and a “coming soon” display occupy the first and second floors.

Work is being done everywhere, evidenced by the end of this hallway, with doors marked with “Not an Exit” and “Construction Access Only.”

Actively Changing

The Mickey in Paradise merchandise shop has been relocated to the Pacific Ballroom. According to Disney’s most recent announcements on how construction will impact guests, the check-in process will also be moving to this space, starting September 26. The fitness center, pools, and ATM are all unavailable at this time, though guests are being given access to amenities at the nearby Disneyland Hotel as recompense for the inconvenience. The fireworks viewing deck is also closed.

Later this summer, overnight guests will be able to access the new water play area inspired by “Finding Nemo.” Crush the sea turtle will be atop a 186-foot-high waterslide, Hank will be hanging out at the pop-jet splash pad, and more.

As the year progresses, a family play court will be added to the deck with activities inspired by Pixar’s famous short films. Interactive games and imaginative free play will celebrate favorite friends from “La Luna,” “Bao,” “For the Birds,” and “Burrow.” When it’s time to relax, guests may enjoy food and drinks under the love-struck umbrellas from “The Blue Umbrella.”

Once opened, this will be the only Disney resort themed solely to Pixar in the United States.

What are your thoughts on this re-theme? Will you be planning any reservations when Pixar Place officially makes its Disneyland Resort debut? Let us know in the comments.

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