Hi there Kara, welcome to planDisney! We're so glad you're here!
How exciting that you'll be staying at the newly renovated
Pixar Place Hotel! The bright and vibrant colors and Pixar storytelling throughout the entire hotel are stunning.
Usually the front street entrance to
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that you're referring to has a locked gate that requires a hotel key card to enter, and is exclusively for Guests of the hotel. However, if you are visiting for a
dining reservation at one of the great restaurants on-site such as
Storytellers Cafe, you can speak to a Cast Member at the gate and you'll be granted access. After enjoying your meal, you can enter the
Downtown Disney District through the entrance at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to head to Disneyland Park, or use the entrance into Disney California Adventure Park from the hotel.
However, did you know that Guests staying at Pixar Place Hotel have a reserved entrance into
Disney California Adventure Park? You'll head in the same direction across the street towards Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and walk up the sidewalk towards the gate referenced earlier. You'll then turn right and look for the gate with the sign that states it's for Guests of Pixar Place Hotel. You can then use your hotel key card to enter this special entrance, and you'll be led right into Disney California Adventure Park into Paradise Gardens Park! You'll enter near Seaside Souvenirs and Corn Dog Castle, I'd definitely be heading to
Goofy's Sky School or
The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure!
I hope this information is helpful for your trip later this year, Kara! Please
come back to planDisney if we can assist with any other questions or recommendations.
Have a magical day!
Melissa