Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Disneyland Hotel

Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Disneyland Hotel

There’s technically no bad hotel at the Disneyland Resort, but that doesn’t mean some choices aren’t better than others.

Pixar Place Hotel

When it comes to planning a Disneyland trip, Disney adults definitely do their homework — and that includes us! Heck, we consistently put in time staying at and visiting each hotel, just so we stay up-to-date on the hotel’s latest offerings. While we’re impressed by all three Disneyland Resort hotels, there’s one in particular that may make you feel regret about booking.

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Though typically the cheapest option among the three Disney-owned hotels on property, Pixar Place Hotel is about to come with a noticeable caveat.

Pixar Place Hotel

Despite being the cheapest, you’re still paying potentially hundreds more versus staying off-site at a Good Neighbor hotel. When you’re paying on-property prices, you probably expect on-property convenience. Pixar Place Hotel is technically “on-site,” but it’s the furthest hotel from the parks.

Pixar Place Hotel

Right now, Pixar Place Hotel has one big perk: its own entrance into Disney California Adventure. That private access has provided a great entry point for hotel guests that drops you off right in the middle of the park next to Goofy’s Sky School. You bypass a majority of the foot traffic and the long walk.

With that said, starting January 5th, 2026, this entrance will NOT be available as Disney works on new construction and projects coming to the park. Hotel guests will be funneled to the regular gates along with everyone else. No more “secret shortcut.”

Pixar Place entrance in DCA closed

After a long day in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure, you’ll be hiking back through Downtown Disney, past Paradise Pier, and Harbor Boulevard before reaching the hotel.

Meanwhile, both the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian get you way closer to the parks. The Disneyland Hotel is literally attached to Downtown Disney and a short walk from the Disneyland Monorail. The Grand Californian, which has entry points midway through the shopping district and even an entry point into Disney California Adventure that lets you into Grizzly Peak.

So not only is Pixar Place the furthest away, but soon it’ll also lose the one benefit that helped justify the distance.

Grand Californian Hotel

Pixar Place Hotel is adorable, and we love the updated theming, colorful décor, and Pixar character nods. The prices are also way more stomachable than the other two resorts. With that said, if park day ease is your top priority, Pixar Place is at the bottom of the list. Pixar Place is cute, but cuteness won’t shorten that walk at midnight.

Have you stayed at Pixar Place Hotel? Share your review in the comments below and continue to follow us for all the latest Disneyland updates and tips!

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Which Disneyland Resort hotel is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

The post Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Disneyland Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog.

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