Hi there Amber,
Welcome to planDisney from a fellow Arizonan! Thanks so much for your question - I'm thrilled to hear about your upcoming trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!
I'm happy to report that you absolutely can take advantage of
Early Entry (since you will be a Guest of one of the
hotels of the Disneyland Resort) on the morning of your check-in day. In fact, I strongly recommend people utilize this option if they're able!
In the days leading up to your trip, you'll see an option in the
Disneyland mobile app that will prompt you to enter all your check-in information, which will save a bit of time when you arrive at the hotel. Alternatively, you can check in once you arrive. Either way, you can drop your bags off at Bell Services and head straight to the parks.
Typically, the Cast Members in the parks will ask you to scan your room card for Early Entry. However, when I have visited in the past and my room wasn't quite ready yet on the day of my check-in then they have asked to see the reservation in my Disneyland mobile app instead.
Also, I noticed you mentioned that you'll be staying at
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, which will have
just finished its transformation into the Pixar Place Hotel, so you'll get to be one of the first Guests to stay at this newly reimagined hotel. How exciting! Make sure to stop by
Great Maple and pick up some delicious breakfast on one of the days of your stay - I've heard it's fantastic.
Thanks again for your question, Amber. Enjoy your visit to the Disneyland Resort.
Have a Magical Day,
Greg