Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is one of the three on-site properties at the Disneyland Resort. Disney’s Paradise Pier was purchased (not built!) by Disney in 1995 and originally named the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. It was rebranded as Disney’s Paradise Pier in 2000. The resort overlooks Disney’s California Adventure theme park.
Due to Disney purchasing the hotel, rather than building it, Paradise Pier is the least “Disney” of the three on-property hotels. The exterior in particular is lacking in Disney theming. (Just in case you were wondering why the tite of this post is “Why We Like Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel” instead of “Why We Love Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel”!) The interior features more Disney touches with Surfer Goofy greeting guests in the center of the lobby atrium.
Accommodations
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel has about 480 rooms. Room types are broken in to Standard and Premium Rooms, as well as Suites. Rooms are 364 square feet and have a view of almost anything except a theme park. Premium Rooms are the same size but offer a view of Disney’s California Adventure.
Club Level Rooms are also available in Standard and Premium views. Club Level rooms include access to the Concierge Lounge on the second floor. The Lounge is open daily from 6:30 am – 8:00 pm and offers continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and wine, cheese, and desserts in the evening. Club Level guests also receive priority check-in, nightly turndown service, and planning assistance from the Concierge staff.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel also has Suites including 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and Signature Suites. We were lucky enough to stay in a 1-bedroom Suite that had a spacious living room with a full bathroom, pull out sofa, and dining table. The bedroom had two queen beds as well as a second bathroom. Our Suite had a fantastic view of World of Color, as well as the Disneyland fireworks.
The view of World of Color from our Suite.
Amenities
So what is there to do at Disney’s Paradise Pier when you are not in the theme parks? Plenty!
The pool is located on the roof of the third floor and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is even fireworks viewing from the pool! There is a fun water slide, hot tub, and children’s pool.
Not in the mood to swim? Check out the Arcade for some friendly video game competition. Watch a Movie Under the Stars at night!
If you are an early bird, guests (ages 14+) of the Disneyland Resorts can take advantage of the “Get Up & Go Power Walk” at 6:00 am. The walk is FAST and maintains a 15-minute mile pace. This power walk takes you through California Adventure prior to opening. No strollers or camera permitted. Advance registration is required, sign up at Guest Services in the lobby.
Dining
Disney’s Paradise Pier has one table service restaurant, PCH Grill, and two quick service locations, Surfside Lounge and The Sand Bar.
PCH Grill hosts Donald Ducks’ Seaside Breakfast and Brunch. This character meal features Donald and some of his friends. (Characters subject to change.) PCH Grill does not serve lunch but reopens for dinner with the “Calitalian Dinner Buffet.” Dinner is not a character meal and the menu features Italian cuisine.
The Surfside Lounge is located off the hotel lobby and is open from 6:00 am – Midnight. The menu features California style cuisine and is a quick, casual option for a meal.
The Sand Bar is the pool bar but also has hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks.
Location
Disney’s Paradise Pier is located the farthest from the entrance to the Disneyland Parks entrance. Once upon a time, this hotel had an exclusive entrance to Disney’s California Adventure, however sadly the entrance closed in 2004.
The walk to the park entrance now takes guests past the Disneyland Hotel, and all the way through the Downtown Disney District. It is about a 10-15 minute walk, depending on your speed. The entrance into California Adventure through Disney’s Grand Californian is exclusively for guests of that resort.
The plus side to the location is that the Premium View Rooms offer absolutely incredible views of the park! Being able to watch World of Color or the Disneyland fireworks from your room is the perfect way to end your Disney day. But I will admit to some frustration – it looks so close! And yet feels so far.
Conclusion
While Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel comes in third behind the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian in our hearts, I still would choose Paradise Pier over a Good Neighbor Hotel. The view of the nighttime shows, the fun pool area, and the early entry into the parks still makes this a great choice for a Disneyland vacation!
