Let’s talk Pixar Place Hotel Restaurant Options. Disneyland has always been a magical destination, known for its enchanting rides, captivating characters, and immersive experiences. It is one of our favorite places. We’ve been magic key holders for years and love to visit the disneyland hotels. The on property hotels at Disneyland always offer a stellar extension to the in park experiences. I love that they give us fun dining options and cool places to enjoy in addition to what we have inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Now? We have another amazing location. The remodel of disney’s paradise pier hotel has moved along and we get to experience the first fully pixar-themed hotel in the United States. While the entire hotel has an immersive Pixar experience, the Pixar Place Hotel restaurant options are seriously stellar.
Pixar Place Hotel Restaurant Options: a full guide
During my initial visit to the only fully pixar-themed hotel in the country……I got to experience all three new eateries at the hotel. I wanted to note, these options at disney’s pixar place hotel are available to both hotel guests and non-hotel guests. Pro tip: I love to take a little break from park days to dine at one of the disneyland resort hotel locations (character dining or non-character dining). It always feels like a relaxing escape.
Great Maple
I had heard a ton about the new great maple restaurant inside the hotel. This modern american eatery has a few locations in Southern California and has a STELLAR reputation. I love that we are getting a high end dining option that is different than the other disney dining options. And bonus? I love that it’s a southern california-based company (we even have a location here in san diego ).
Great Maple welcomes patrons into a stylized setting with nods to pixar artists and their beautiful work. The decor, inspired by the artistry of Pixar, features stunning greens, playful character art, and a touch of comfort. The atmosphere feels relaxing and inviting, and I think is a nice addition to the downtown disney district dining options.
The Menu
The star of the show at Great Maple is undoubtedly its brunch menu. Great Maple is known for it’s donuts….and I can absolutely see why they are so popular. We tried the Famous Maple Bacon Doughnuts and WOW. DELISH. They will also be serving their famous Brew Bears (cold brew concoctions served in a bear shaped glass) during brunch and breakfast hours. We were able to try a variety of food offerings including the donuts, the Soda Pop Baby Back Ribs, the Cobb Wedge, the Portobello Mushroom Fries, and the Charred Cauliflower Hummus. They also served a lovely Lavender Lemonade that I really enjoyed.
My personal favorites? I loved the soda pop-braised baby back ribs (they’re gluten free yay) and the hummus. The lemonade was DELISH. I’m hoping to dine at Great Maple again soon so I can try the Brew Bears signature beverages and a few more of the entrees.
I think this is a great dining options for a girls’ brunch or a happy hour with friends (they have a full bar )! You can make reservations for Great Maple in the disneyland app or on the Disneyland website.
Sketch Pad Cafe
Nestled within the general hotel lobby and atrium area of Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel, the Sketch Pad Cafe is a casual cafe that offers some great quick service options. It also has some fun Pixar touches that are truly unique. This innovative cafe is designed to be a casual relaxing space and does a great job of creating an immersive experience that celebrates the visual storytelling talents of Pixar Studios.
As you step into the sketch pad café , there is….just so much to see. The walls are adorned with sketches and concept art from Pixar films in order of release. The carefully curated decor pays homage to the animation process, allowing guests to feel as if they have stepped into the pages of an animated sketchbook. It’s bright and colorful and a ton of fun. There is a tv that plays Pixar short films and there are a ton of tables and seating of various sizes.
The Sketch Pad Cafe is a morning dining option and currently is open from 6 am to 11 am each day. The cafe is also managed by the Great Maple team and has some of the same stellar artisanal coffee offerings. I ordered a lavender oat milk latte that was delicious. The cafe also has a variety of pastries, chia pudding options, frittatas and an avocado toast option. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast before heading into Disneyland or disney california adventure park for the day.
The Sketch Pad Cafe goes beyond being a casual cafe; it serves as a gallery for Pixar’s artistic legacy. Rotating exhibits showcase concept art, storyboards, concept renderings and sketches from various Pixar films, offering guests a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the beloved animations. It’s a really fun location to explore.
Small Bytes
Looking for a fun rooftop pool bar vibe with a disney / pixar touch? Enter Small Bytes. This quick service spot will be opening in early March, but we got a bit of a sneak peek. We also had the chance to try a few of the food and drink offerings. Small Bytes is located near the pool and the family play court that is filled with fun outdoor games (they’re La Luna themed and ADORABLE).
We got to sample some of the signature dishes that will be served at the new pixar place hotel outdoor dining location. The location will serve fancy floats, pretzels, Ceviche, salads, burgers, nachos, and some kids dining options. They also have a full bar and some fun cocktail options!
My favorite part about Small Bytes is the dining area . You can sit outside to enjoy your food with….a direct view of the Disneyland Fireworks. There are adorable firepits in the seating area inspired by pixar character artwork. I love that they specifically focus on characters that have fire as a part of their storyline.
Important info about Small Bytes, it is near the pool area but only guests with hotel rooms have pool access.
I love that the only fully pixar-themed hotel in the country has three distinctive dining options. I can imagine different scenarios where I’ll be enjoying each and can’t wait to hear which of the Pixar Place Hotel restaurant options is YOUR favorite.
