latest news A Pixar-themed hotel is coming to Disneyland Resort

‘The Little Mermaid’ may have already hit theaters, but another kind of live-action remake is still taking shape at the Disneyland Resort – officials this week released the latest details on their development of a hotel on Pixar’s theme next to California Adventure.

Renovations have been underway since last year to convert the 15-story Paradise Pier Hotel into the Pixar Place Hotel, with designs inspired by the animation studio behind hits such as ‘Toy Story’, ‘Finding Nemo ” and “Coco”.

Renders released Thursday showed off a new lobby, water and play areas, renovated pool decks and a new restaurant.

“You may have already noticed that the exterior of the hotel has a bright new look,” wrote Valerie Lee, public relations manager for Disneyland. in a blog update.

Work will intensify over the next few months on the hotel lobby, which is changing from its beach theme to one incorporating Pixar images and characters.

A large version of Pixar’s lamp mascot, Luxo Jr., should greet visitors near the lobby entrance. A rendering shows the atrium adorned with scenes from movies such as “Cars,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Inside Out”.

Construction should be completed this summer on the hotel’s aquatic area. The water play area will be themed “Finding Nemo” and its sequel, and will feature characters from the films – including Hank the octopus on a paddling pool and Crush the sea turtle atop a 186-foot waterslide.

There will be an outdoor location for family games, such as croquet, and Disneyland’s nightly fireworks show will be visible from the nearby pool deck.

On the dining side, the hotel will introduce a new dining option: Great Maple, featuring modern American cuisine.

The restaurant is expected to serve upscale fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, such as buttermilk fried chicken, maple bacon fritters, and soda-braised baby back ribs.

Officials say Pixar Place is expected to open this winter. Paradise Pier will continue to take reservations during the renovation.

The change of hotel marks the latest transition in a long line for Paradise Pier.

According Disney historian Keith Gluckthe property opened as the Emerald of Anaheim Hotel in 1984. The hotel changed its name to the Pan Pacific Hotel in 1989 before Disney purchased the property in 1995 and renamed it Paradise Pier in 2000.

paradise pier has 481 rooms and 25 suites. Disneyland officials did not immediately say if those numbers would change with Pixar Place.