A new rooftop water park themed to Nemo, Dory, Crush and other characters from the “Finding Nemo” animated film franchise is the latest dose of Pixar pixie dust to be sprinkled on the aging Paradise Pier Hotel undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation.
The new Finding Nemo water play area will open to Pixar Place Hotel guests on Tuesday, Aug. 1 as part of an ongoing transformation of the Paradise Pier Hotel that is expected to be completed this winter.
The revamped rooftop pool area will feature a mini water park with a Pixel Pool, 186-foot-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide and Nemo’s Cove splash pad starring Hank the septopus.
In “Finding Dory,” Hank is an escape artist with camouflaging abilities and a penchant for solitude. The septopus — or seven-tentacled octopus — is voiced by “Modern Family” actor Ed O’Neill.
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The new hotel pool deck with Pixar character-inspired fire pits is being billed as the ideal spot to watch the Disneyland fireworks.
A family play area on the outdoor deck inspired by Pixar short films will feature interactive games themed to “La Luna,” “Bao,” “For the Birds” and “Burrow.”
Work on the 15-story Paradise Pier Hotel — which remains open during construction — is expected to continue through the rest of the year. The Pixar-themed transformation will add areas dedicated to The Incredibles, Toy Story and Inside Out.
The renovation represents a major investment in the tens of millions of dollars that will completely reimagine the rooms, swimming pool, lobby and exterior of the hotel, according to Disneyland officials.
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Work on the Pixar Place lobby, front desk and elevator bay has largely been completed, according to MousePlanet.
“For a space so completely decorated with Disney characters, it doesn’t seem to have much character of its own,” according to MousePlanet. “Take away the artwork and this could be any of the lovely new hotels along Katella Boulevard.”
Beyond the initial impressions, MousePlanet plans to reserve judgment on Pixar Place until work is complete and the hotel is officially rededicated.
Still to be installed in the hotel lobby this winter: Pixar’s iconic Luxo Jr. lamp sitting on top of the red-starred blue and yellow Luxo ball. Concept art also shows a kinetic art mobile in the lobby atrium featuring characters from “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Wall-E,” “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out,” “Toy Story” and “Coco.”
SEE ALSO: Fried chicken and doughnuts restaurant coming to Disneyland’s Pixar hotel this summer
The Great Maple upscale restaurant — known for its fried chicken and maple bacon donuts — plans to open at the revamped hotel this summer.
The Great Maple culinary team will also run the Pixar Place lobby cafe and grab-and-go coffee shop.
