There are three Disney-owned inns at Disneyland Resort, with Pixar Place Lodge and Disneyland Lodge being essentially the most comparable to at least one one other, and a notch under the flagship Grand Californian. This head-to-head comparability weighs the professionals & cons of every, choosing a “winner” in theme, eating places, location, swimming pools, value, and different classes.
This marks the most recent entry into our ongoing Disney Lodge Comparability Collection, which in any other case addresses tough dilemmas you would possibly face when making an attempt to decide on the proper resort. That’s primarily for Walt Disney World since there are a few-dozen inns there, whereas there are only some on-site inns at Disneyland Resort.
It was the case that we solely considered two on-site inns at Disneyland Resort as being value your cash. That modified with the debut of Pixar Place Lodge, which was beforehand Paradise Pier Lodge. We made no secret about our disdain for its predecessor, however the newly-reimagined Pixar Place Lodge is a large enchancment–an evening and day distinction over what it as soon as was.
Put up-reimagining, it’s our perspective that Disneyland Lodge (DLH) and Pixar Place Lodge (PPH) are essentially the most much like each other primarily based on their location, model, and slate of facilities. It might appear that Disney agrees, as pricing between the 2 is aggressive, with each routinely having rooms within the $475 to $675 per night time vary for dates when the Grand Californian prices $675 to over $1,000.
Whereas it’s unattainable to say that the Grand Californian is “value it” for these value factors, it’s unquestionably the flagship resort at Disneyland Resort. As an alternative of being a tower-style resort, it’s a bona fide 5-star resort with numerous accolades and a powerful slate of facilities. It additionally has a greater location with a direct entrance into Disney California Journey.
Suffice to say, the Grand Californian reminds us of one of many luxurious beachfront resorts in Southern California, most of that are equally priced, whereas Disneyland Lodge and Pixar Place Lodge are extra akin to high-rise inns round Los Angeles, however Disneyfied (and adjoining to the parks as an alternative of inside cities, clearly).
Earlier than we get began, it’s value declaring that the overwhelming majority of tourists to Disneyland Resort will wish to keep off-site. That a lot might be apparent primarily based on the beginning value vary above of round $475 per night time. That’s one other manner that Disneyland differs from Walt Disney World, as there aren’t any Worth Resorts on the California advanced.
As an alternative, the funds choices are all off-site, and there are wonderful lodging inside strolling distance. See our Disneyland Space Lodge Rankings & Evaluations for recommendation on the place to remain. A lot of these are cheap and extremely near the parks. There are some, just like the Westin or JW Marriott, that provide luxurious lodging at cheaper value factors than PPH or DLH.
As for the Disneyland Lodge vs. Pixar Place Lodge comparability, it’s an extremely shut name. Whereas we are going to draw our personal conclusions as to which is best, we’ll additionally clarify our reasoning alongside the best way, so you may type your individual opinions. Since a lot of it is a matter of subjective, private choice, that’s one of the simplest ways to method these comparisons. Plus, it could be a reasonably brief weblog put up if we didn’t supply explanatory textual content together with the winner of every factor.
Theme: Disneyland Lodge – Theme is such a difficult topic since a lot of it’s predicated in private choice. Reasonably than making a worth judgment about which theme is inherently “higher,” we method this from their respective execution of their types.
In contrast to the Grand Californian, each are pretty simple inns thematically. In actual fact, the names just about let you know the total story. Pixar Place Lodge is a spot that’s impressed by Pixar Animation Studios. There are many nods to the flicks all through, particularly Automobiles, Toy Story, Discovering Nemo, and Inside Out. However actually, it’s a celebration of Pixar’s inventive legacy and the animation course of.
For instance, the redone entrance space contains a large Luxo Jr. balancing on the Pixar ball. There are additionally color-changing lighting fixtures panels alongside the higher atrium, in addition to a cell with summary depictions of Pixar characters within the early phases of Pixar filmmaking. The fundamental shapes and coloration research, when coupled with the color-changing panels, are paying homage to Piet Mondrian. Examples like this abound all through the resort, whether or not it’s idea artwork within the foyer bar or nods to characters on the pool deck. There’s lots of Pixar stylization in Pixar Place Lodge.
Ditto Disneyland Lodge. Its theme is actually Disneyland–proper there within the title. The resort is a self-referential love letter to Walt Disney and his unique magic kingdom in fairly peculiar package deal. Disneyland Lodge’s towers every have their very own theme: Fantasyland, Adventureland, or Frontierland.
There are fashions within the lobbies, posters, idea artwork, and nice depth of element. Every tower has its personal distinct persona, and sufficient nods that it feels such as you’re immersed within the resort model of the respective lands.
Disneyland Lodge additionally incorporates mid-century trendy design into its towers and customary areas, giving it better persona and a recognizable model. Somewhere else, DLH weaves collectively each tiki tradition and up to date seems, whereas maintaining its self-referential attraction entrance and middle. This would possibly sound like rather a lot, however Disneyland Lodge efficiently balances all of those components, and by no means does it really feel like an inexpensive try to tug on the heartstrings of Disney followers.
On the finish of the day, Disneyland Lodge simply works. For followers of Walt Disney or the park he constructed, it’s going to “click on” higher and be extra interesting than Pixar Place Lodge. It’s additionally much less surface-level. However you probably have children who’ve seen the Pixar films and haven’t any connection to Walt Disney or the historical past of his park, Pixar Place Lodge will nonetheless be extra interesting, even when it’s not as well-done on an goal stage.
Rooms: Pixar Place Lodge – Each inns have rooms that had been lately up to date, however the Pixar Place Lodge rooms had been totally gutted and redone as a part of the reimagining. In contrast, Disneyland Lodge rooms had a tender items refurbishment and are as soon as once more displaying their age–and slated for a full transform throughout the subsequent few years. (Or so we had been instructed by the resort supervisor–nothing has been formally introduced.)
In terms of Pixar Place Lodge, not are the rooms caught within the 90s with a little bit of window-dressing. These up to date rooms are spacious and trendy and, lastly, on par with the numerous real-world inns in Anaheim which were constructed within the final decade. The rooms are Pixar via and thru, with colourful character-filled paintings and nods to the Pixar Lamp on the desk and the ball through the throw pillow on the mattress. Shade selections of blue, purple, and yellow additionally evoke Pixar.
The Pixar Place Lodge rooms are clear and trendy, and really feel contemporary–particularly as contrasted with the rooms at DLH which might be actually beginning to present their age. The PPH rooms have quite a lot of high quality of life enhancements and space-saving design options, too. Having stayed in all of those inns a number of instances (together with within the final yr), my common impression is that the Pixar Place Lodge rooms have a bigger ‘appears like’ dimension.
With that mentioned, one little factor–that may make an enormous distinction–the Disneyland Lodge rooms have going for them is the “goodnight kiss” change that lights up the fiber optics within the headboard and performs “When You Want Upon a Star,” music field model. You probably have children, they’ll love this. In case you are an grownup who’s unduly impressed with issues that mild up and make sound, like me, it would be best to depart this on all night time.
The opposite memorable characteristic of the visitor rooms at Disneyland Lodge is the fireworks-infused (I assume?) carpet. There are additionally historic photographs of Walt Disney, and (for those who’re fortunate) ephemera within the room you may take dwelling. In any other case, the rooms are extremely variable in format and dimension, and wholly forgettable. And as talked about above, they really feel extra dated with every passing yr. We went from PPH to DLH in pretty fast succession lately, and each of us had been stunned by simply how a lot we most well-liked Pixar Place Lodge. It was actually surprising, however the datedness at DLH was noticeable.
With that mentioned, the nicest rooms of all may be discovered within the Villas at Disneyland Lodge. That is the brand-new DVC tower, which may also be booked by common friends paying money charges. The Villas at Disneyland Lodge rooms characteristic lots of considerate design options that assist maximize the ‘really feel’ of the sq. footage, whereas additionally providing a refreshing design that melds Disney characters with luxurious facilities. One thing to contemplate for those who’re debating renting DVC factors to economize on a keep.
Eating: Disneyland Lodge – Each of those inns have a number of eating choices that serve totally different functions.
Nevertheless, for those who seek the advice of our Checklist of the 25 Greatest Eating places at Disneyland Resort, you’ll discover that 3 areas on there are at Disneyland Lodge, and nil are at Pixar Place Lodge. It is a pretty simple win for Disneyland Lodge in consequence.
Tangaroa Terrace and Palm Breeze Bar at Disneyland Lodge are robust choices for counter service or informal meals. On the character eating entrance, Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Lodge is unbelievable, and has no counterpart at Pixar Place Lodge. Dealer Sam’s is in a league of its personal as a themed bar, and in addition has no counterpart at PPH.
With that mentioned, don’t underestimate Pixar Place Lodge. It’s much less formidable on paper, however its restaurant roster is arguably extra sensible.
In contrast to Disneyland Lodge (which closed Steakhouse 55 for causes past us), PPH really has a normal desk service restaurant with Nice Maple, which is surprisingly good–and has a deep menu. Then there’s the underrated Small Bytes, which is each the pool bar and the first counter service restaurant at Pixar Place Lodge. This has some unbelievable choices, together with what would possibly simply be my favourite burger in all of Disneyland Resort. With a smash burger that good, maybe PPH doesn’t want some other eating places?!
Let’s not get carried away–it does. The dearth of a personality restaurant at Pixar Place Lodge is disappointing, and no marquee desk service restaurant at Disneyland Lodge is likewise a evident weak spot. Grand Californian completely trounces each PPH and DLH in terms of eating.
Location: Pixar Place Lodge – Each Disneyland Lodge and Pixar Place Lodge are situated on the opposite aspect of Downtown Disney, which means that you must stroll via that procuring and eating district not less than partially to entry Disneyland. Of the 2, Disneyland Lodge is about 5 minutes nearer to the parks through Downtown Disney, because it has a direct entrance into that district. It’s both a couple of minutes to the monorail station or about 10-12 minutes all over.
Nevertheless, Pixar Place Lodge has a personal entrance to Disney California Journey. That is solely accessible through a room key, and is mainly a shortcut into DCA that means that you can bypass Downtown Disney. Pixar Place Lodge friends merely cross Disneyland Drive and enter the gated walkway close to the trail to the GCH. It’s a brief ~5 or so minute stroll, and also you’ll enter by Corn Canine Citadel and the Little Mermaid darkish experience.
It is a game-changer. Whereas not as excellent as the situation of Grand Californian, which additionally presents quick access to Disneyland, this walkway offers Pixar Place Lodge a strolling distance benefit over Disneyland Lodge. That’s very true you probably have Park Hopper tickets and may use DCA as a cut-through for noon breaks.
The tough factor right here is that this entrance is accessible through a room key for any of the three Disney-owned inns, which means that Disneyland Lodge friends may also stroll to Pixar Place Lodge to make use of the cut-through. It’s a little bit of backtracking, but it surely does save time ultimately. By the identical token, heading the opposite route from Pixar Place Lodge to begin at Disneyland provides about the identical period of time to your commute.
That means that for those who spend equal quantities of time at DCA and Disneyland, this finally ends up being a wash. In principle. That’s provided that you don’t have Park Hopper tickets or take noon breaks. In our expertise, the sensible actuality is that Pixar Place Lodge comes out approaching high from a location perspective. (As an apart, it’s best to in all probability improve to Park Hopper tickets earlier than splurging for on-site lodging.)
Swimming pools: Disneyland Lodge – One main distinction between the 2 is the pool areas. At Pixar Place, that is situated on the third-floor rooftop deck. Whereas the pool is clearly the focus, this entire space is extremely nice.
There are firepits, ample quantities of seating, and unbelievable environment. Strands of popcorn lights overhead and lots of atmospheric lighting throughout units the proper temper. Between the warmth from the hearth pits and the towers performing as a wind block, it’s pretty nice even on chilly Southern California nights. There’s additionally an underrated pool bar, as talked about above.
Then there’s the Pixel Pool and 186-foot-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide. Little ones trying to get their ft moist can splash at Nemo’s Cove, whereas adults in the hunt for a extra stress-free retreat can spend time within the whirlpool. These Pixar Place Lodge swimming pools are all passable–more likely to be adequate if swimming pools aren’t a precedence, however you wish to take a fast dip. Most likely not someplace you’d wish to do a fully-fledged “pool day,” although.
Disneyland Lodge is a very totally different story. Right here you’ll discover the large 4,800-square-foot E-Ticket Pool, which lives as much as its title. This options 2 winding waterslides, each characteristic replicas of the unique Mark 1 Monorail trains. There’s the 25-foot-high, 180-foot-long Purple Monorail slide or the 13-foot-high, 80-foot-long Yellow Monorail slide.
There’s additionally a 2-lane mini slide for smaller youngsters with pop jets, fountains, and a waterfall add to the enjoyable. This nostalgic water play space is topped by a “Disneyland” signal paying homage to the park’s traditional years. This whole pool space is top-notch; it’s bigger and has extra enjoyable on supply than its counterpart at Pixar Place Lodge. You probably have children of any age, there’s little doubt that they’ll want the swimming pools at Disneyland Lodge.
By all goal measures, Disneyland Lodge will get the win. Frankly, although, we want the pool space at Pixar Place Lodge. The vibe is extra relaxed and the views are good, making it a much better choice when taking time away from the parks to unwind. Kids will in all probability disagree (there’s in all probability a purpose why fewer friends use the pool space at PPH), however {couples} would possibly give the sting to the rooftop deck at PPH. For that matter, even households would possibly want the world as a complete at Pixar Place Lodge, as there are lots of different actions and leisure choices up right here past the swimming pools.
Price: It Relies upon – On common, Pixar Place Lodge is barely inexpensive than Disneyland Lodge in terms of rack charges. Each routinely are within the $400 to $700 vary throughout most common price seasons. That’s pre-discount and for normal rooms, although.
Reductions undoubtedly complicate issues, particularly since Pixar Pier Lodge sometimes presents a decrease proportion financial savings than Disneyland Lodge. One other issue is availability of normal rooms, that are far and away the preferred reserving class in any respect three inns at Disneyland Resort since they’re the least costly.
The underside line is that Pixar Place Lodge must be barely cheaper, however that’s solely in principle. Genuinely, it’s primarily a toss-up. That’s doubly true at current, because the “new resort odor” hasn’t completely worn off Pixar Place Lodge, whereas Disneyland Lodge is outdated information.
Verdict: It Relies upon – This in all probability depends upon how a lot time you’ll be spending at your resort, and the place you’ll be spending it. If you happen to’re primarily reserving for a spot to remain and plan on spending most of your time on the parks–save for noon breaks to relaxation and recharge–then Pixar Place Lodge must be the winner for you. And doubtless by a decisive margin, because the rooms are a lot nicer and extra trendy, and entry to and from the parks is less complicated.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a resort the place you’ll spend extra time, Disneyland Lodge must be the winner. Households with children will in all probability want the Disneyland Lodge itself for the superior pool and better stage of caprice to the rooms and property as a complete. And for those who’re spending extra time on the resort or doing extra non-parks time, you’ll seemingly additionally respect the far superior eating choices, and the rapid entry to Downtown Disney.
Likewise, {couples} and diehard Disney followers will seemingly want the nostalgia, enjoyable of Dealer Sam’s, and different ways in which Disneyland Lodge simply “oozes” all issues Walt Disney and Disneyland. It’s a extremely shut name and there’s nobody dimension matches all reply for everybody. Heck, the exact same folks would possibly favor DLH at some factors and PPH at different instances.
Talking of which, there is no such thing as a clear winner for us. It really is an “it relies upon” sort of deal. As big followers of the historical past and legacy of Walt Disney, we take pleasure in spending time at Disneyland Lodge way more than Pixar Place Lodge. Disneyland Lodge appears like an extension of the eponymous park, and it makes days exterior the parks nonetheless really feel such as you’re a part of the Disneyland magic.
Alternatively, we lately did a parks-focused keep at Pixar Place Lodge. We used that unique entrance a ton, and just about the one time we had been on the resort was once we had been in our room–which we preferred greater than our final keep in the usual rooms at Disneyland Lodge (the villas are a unique story).
The one time we dined at PPH was at Small Bytes after leaving the park, and it was an excellent expertise–higher than what we’ve had at Tangaroa Terrace lately. Our solely actual criticism about that keep at Pixar Place Lodge was the glacial pace of the elevators, which can appear to be an odd factor to say, but it surely’s a really actual downside at peak instances (if there have been an “elevators” class right here, DLH would trounce PPH).
All of that is to say that we predict most friends doing a Disneyland Resort trip will want Disneyland Lodge. These doing Disneyland Park and Disney California Journey-centric visits will seemingly lean in the direction of Pixar Place Lodge. These choosing a commando DCA-only journey will in all probability want Pixar Place Lodge.
Nonetheless unsure which resort at Disneyland Resort is best for you? Get skilled assist at no cost from an Licensed Disney Trip Planner (Disney’s time period for a journey agent). They obtain fee from Disney, so most approved planners won’t cost you for reserving the holiday package deal and planning companies. The fee-free Licensed Disney Trip Planner that we suggest is Be Our Visitor Holidays. Their companies don’t value further, they’ll assist select the proper resort for you, e book your trip, assist you to with eating reservations and itineraries, and apply one of the best reductions to your reservation.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Suggestions for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Lodge Evaluations & Rankings. For the place to eat, try our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, try What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, try our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and lots of different SoCal cities!
YOUR THOUGHTS
The place do you stand within the Pixar Place Lodge vs. Disneyland Lodge debate? Which of those two middle-tier inns at Disneyland Resort is the higher one, in your opinion? Does value, rooms, location, swimming pools, eating, or one thing else matter most to you? Are we lacking a key variable that might, doubtlessly tilt the scales? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
