On Tuesday, January 30, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel officially became Pixar Place Hotel. We were there for an opening ceremony featuring Disney and Pixar executives, as well as characters.
Pixar Place Hotel Opening Ceremony
Pixar Place Hotel first opened in 1984 as the Emerald of Anaheim. It was operated by the Tokyu Group and at one point renamed The Pan Pacific Hotel Anaheim. Disney bought the hotel in 1995 and renamed it the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. To coincide with the opening of Disney California Adventure in 2001, it was renamed again as Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. The corresponding Paradise Pier land in the park eventually became Pixer Pier.
Upon visiting Pixar Place Hotel, guests will see the creative process behind Pixar animated films come to life in new ways. From the giant Luxo Jr. and Luxo ball statue in the lobby to the depth of theming in the guest rooms, Pixar Place Hotel serves as a “living gallery” that celebrates the art of Pixar.
The ceremony began with Edna Mode from “The Incredibles” taking the stage with a “stage manager,” as they discuss the design for the hotel. Eventually, they are joined by Frozone and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, who arrive to help “bring a Luxo ball” to the lobby. At this point, Lightning McQueen and Mater arrive alongside the event’s host, Disneyland Ambassador Jada Young.
Both Ken Potrock, president of Disneyland Resort, and Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios, made appearances during the ceremony and spoke about the work that it took to bring this reimagined hotel to life — and included a quick nod to Disneyland Forward:
We are looking to turbocharge expansion at Disneyland Resort over the coming years, and the transformation of Pixar Place Hotel is a demonstration of how we’re creating high-quality guest experiences infused with our most popular stories.
Ken Potrock, President of Disneyland Resort
Docter was next to take the stage, and used his moment to celebrate both the teams from Pixar and Walt Disney Imagineering that worked on Pixar Pier Hotel:
At Pixar, our mission is to tell great stories. And nothing is mor exciting than when we see those stories come to life in Disney parks. Pixar Place Hotel at the Disneyland Resort is the perfect example — it’s like walking into a world of Pixar. It’s truly immersive, and we’re thrilled to have collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to make such an experience possible for guests.
Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer
Docter then called for more Pixar friends to join the celebration. Miguel from “Coco,” Woody and Buzz from “Toy Story,” Russell and Carl from “Up,” and Joy and Bing Bong from “Inside Out;” this marks Bing Bong’s Disney Parks debut.
Disney also revealed during the ceremony that Bing Bong from “Inside Out” will appear exclusively at Pixar Place Hotel. Joe Gardner from “Soul” will also perform for guests.
Watch our full video of the opening ceremony:
Check out our tour of a standard room at Pixar Place Hotel. New Pixar Place Hotel merchandise was also released.
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