Hey there, Frank!
Welcome back to planDisney and thanks for bringing a great question to us! I love how far ahead you're planning and I know that all your hard work will be paid off once your trip gets here!
Congrats on staying at the
Pixar Place Hotel! It's an absolutely gorgeous property and a dream for any Pixar fan. As a Guest of an official Disneyland Resort Hotel, you will be eligible for
Early Entry which, as you stated, will be for Disneyland Park on Thursday.
The
Monorail does operate on Early Entry days for Disneyland Park. The first Monorail will leave Downtown Disney Station at the time of Early Entry (so for instance, if Early Entry begins at 7:30 a.m., the Monorail will leave the station at 7:30 a.m.). However, if you want to maximize that precious 30 minutes, I would recommend walking all the way to the Main Entrance of the Park at least 45-60 minutes before Park opening. The Cast Members will begin allowing Guests through the turnstiles and onto Main Street, U.S.A. about 45 minutes before opening and there will be a Rope at the Hub blocking further entry into the Park. Since you are a Guest of Pixar Place, you'll be allowed beyond the Rope at your Early Entry time. Make good use of that half hour! I definitely think that Guests who walk to the Park have an advantage over those who use the Monorail because they'll already be in the Park when the Monorail pulls away from the station.
You'll be arriving at the Disneyland Resort just as the
Holiday Season is set to begin! I bet you'll see some decorations as the Cast Members prepare for the most festive season of the year! It really is a beautiful time to visit and I wish you a magical trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Frank, I hope this was helpful for you as you plan your visit. If you need anything further, please feel free to write anytime. You're always welcome at planDisney and we'd love to hear from you again. Until next time!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al