Hi there, Jordan! Welcome to planDisney. I couldn't be happier to see that you have an upcoming trip planned to The Happiest Place on Earth. Staying on property has so many advantages, and of course, having easy access to the parks is one of many. I would love to help you get situated with park access from the hotels!
First off, both
Pixar Place Hotel and
Disneyland Hotel are awesome properties to be between. Pixar Place Hotel shines with its unique designs and playful details that truly make you feel like you've stepped inside a Pixar movie, while Disneyland Hotel is filled with timeless nostalgia and classic Disney charm that takes you back to childhood memories of yesteryear.
No matter which property hotel you are staying at, you are welcome to use the Grand Californian Hotel entrance into Disney California Adventure Park. If you're coming from Pixar Place Hotel or Disneyland Hotel, you'll want to cross Disneyland Drive and make your way into the Grand Californian lobby. You may be stopped by a Cast Member who asks where you are headed. Simply let them know you are a Guest of Pixar Place Hotel or Disneyland Hotel, and they'll kindly direct you to continue on your way.
My favorite part of this walk is passing through the magnificent Grand Californian lobby, especially in the morning, and walking by
Storytellers Cafe. I recently had the chance to dine there with 17 of my closest friends, and it was nothing short of magical. The character interactions had us laughing nonstop while we enjoyed a delicious spread of breakfast favorites. If you have time before heading into the parks, I highly recommend booking a reservation for this buffet breakfast adventure!
After going through the security checkpoint and scanning your ticket, you'll find yourself in
Grizzly Peak. From there, you can get splashed on
Grizzly River Run, test your agility at the
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, or take flight on my family's favorite attraction,
Soarin'! This entrance places you right into the magic of California Adventure, allowing you to skip the crowds at the front gates and step straight into the park's rugged, California-inspired beauty.
Jordan, thank you so much for bringing your question to us here at
planDisney. I hope this information is helpful as you continue planning your magical visit. If you have any additional questions, we're always here to help!
With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust,
Bev