Hello there Eric,
Welcome to planDisney and thanks so much for your question!
I am such a huge fan of the
hotels of the Disneyland Resort for all the benefits that they come with, which I'll share more about below, but I want to first focus specifically on what I love about Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.
I have stayed at
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel many times - the most out of the three Disneyland Resort hotels for sure. Typically, I have chosen this one often in the past because it tends to have a lower price point than the other two hotels, but still also comes with that added Disney Magic.
This is actually great timing for your question though, Eric, because this hotel is currently in the midst of a transformation into Pixar Place Hotel! The
Disney Parks Blog shared some details and concept art earlier this year, and you can keep an eye on how the work is going on the
construction updates page. All of these updates look absolutely incredible - I'm looking forward to seeing it when it's finished! There hasn't been an official launch date yet, but they are targeting this winter to finish the project.
Another aspect I specifically love about Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is the "top secret" entrance directly into Disney California Adventure Park! It's absolutely the fastest way to get to Pixar Pier from the
Downtown Disney District (I've timed it!) and doesn't seem to be widely known, so the entrance has never had a line when I've been able to utilize it!
To access it, you'll cross the street from Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel to
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. As you are walking up to an entry gate to get to the lobby, turn right instead to see another entry gate that notes it is for Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel Guests. Scan your hotel keycard and follow the path around the side of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa until you reach the entry gate to the park where you will go through a security checkpoint and scan your ticket! You'll enter in between
Seaside Souvenirs and
Corn Dog Castle.
Finally, you'll also have access to
all the other perks of staying at one of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort including
Early Entry,
Next Day Package Delivery, and
preferred access to hotel dining reservations.
I hope that was helpful in your decision-making on where to stay when you visit the Disneyland Resort, Eric! I love the hotels of the Disneyland Resort and am confident you will, too! Enjoy your stay in the New Year and feel free to come back to see us here at planDisney with any additional questions you think of between now and your visit. We'd love to help!
Have a Magical Day,
Greg