Hey there Tim! Thanks for dropping by planDisney.
You sound like you have the right idea for your arrival day! You are
able to park at the
Pixar Place Hotel early that morning on your arrival day for a fee. We also have left our luggage at Bell Services while we visited the theme parks which is very convenient. We are usually ready for a break mid-afternoon, and it's the perfect time to come back to the hotel to get settled.
You can begin check-in even before you arrive in the
Disneyland App. If you do not see a prompt on the home screen to begin check-in, you can navigate to the three horizontal bar line icon in the bottom right-hand corner and tap "Hotel Reservations." You also can visit the front desk upon arrival, and I've received a text message or a notification in the app in the past when my hotel room is ready.
We had a great stay at the Pixar Place Hotel during a recent trip, I highly recommend checking out the STOR-E for souvenirs during your trip! It has a great selection, and I've found items and sizes there in the past that I haven't been able to in the parks.
Great Maple Modern American Eatery could also be a great option for a delicious brunch or dinner during your trip.
I'm wishing you and your family a wonderful trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" Tim! If we can help with any other questions,
please come back and ask.
Have a magical day!
Melissa