Are you starting to plan your Disneyland vacation and are wondering if Disneyland hotels are really extra magical? Get the scoop on the Disneyland Hotel, which is just steps away from the Parks.
This Disneyland Hotel post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My family just got back from a trip to the Disneyland Hotel in California and we had the BEST time at this amazing hotel!
I loved getting Dole Whip without even entering the park. And my kids went down the monorail slides at the pool probably 100 times! Plus, we could see the Disneyland fireworks from our room!
Keep scrolling for my top 10 reasons why you should consider the Disneyland Hotel for your next Disney vacation!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Disneyland blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Disneyland with kids.
Where to Stay at Disneyland
- Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (it’s expensive but has a private entrance to Disney California Adventure)
- Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground (the water park is pretty fabulous)
- Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (amazing water park and has bunk beds)
- Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort (it’s so close to the park, and the rooms are awesome)
- Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn (this is my favorite Disneyland budget hotel)
Want to SAVE MONEY on Your Disneyland Vacation?
Get Away Today offers the best prices for Disneyland packages, hotel rooms, and even discount Disneyland tickets! Check rates and availability!
11 Reasons to Stay at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim
There are a lot of reasons to stay at the Disneyland Hotel but I’m just going to list the top eleven.
But before I really get into it, I wanted to mention that the best way to save money at the Disneyland Hotel is to book through Get Away Today. You can even do a package that includes park tickets. Check the latest rates and availability.
Convenient Location
One of the top reasons to stay at the Disneyland Hotel is its location.
When you stay onsite, you’re just steps away from the theme parks, giving you easy access to Disney magic. If you want to take a midday break for a nap or a meal at the hotel, you can easily walk back without losing time to travel.
You don’t have to plan for a shuttle schedule or parking; just take a few steps from the hotel’s side entrance and find yourself in the Downtown Disney District.
Or, you can show your theme park admission and hop on the Disney Monorail to enter Disneyland for the day. It will drop you off in Tomorrowland and it’s a great way to beat the crowds!
Adorable Disney Theme
Staying on property at the Disneyland Resort means you never leave the magic. You’re fully immersed in all the wonder and excellent customer service for which Disney is known.
The lobby, hallways, rooms, pools, and dining options all offer a vintage Disney vibe.
Throughout the Disneyland Hotel, you’ll see nods to Disney’s past, and you can enjoy a stay in one of the three uniquely-themed hotel towers:
- Adventure Tower
- Fantasy Tower
- Frontier Tower
We stayed in the Frontier Tower and they had a really cool diorama of a replica of Frontierland.
Our room had cool Disney touches, like the Mickey hands on the lamps and there was a button to press to play a quick song and light up our headboards to reveal Cinderella’s Castle and fireworks!
Disneyland Hotel Pools and Monorail Waterslides
Take advantage of the beautiful, Southern California weather and enjoy the outdoor pools at the Disneyland Hotel.
Both the E-Ticket and D-Ticket pools continue the retro Disney theming of the hotel itself. It feels like you’ve stepped into Disney history when you take a step into the pool or ride the Monorail waterslides.
There are 3 slides at different heights, which makes them great for younger kids as well as teens and tweens. My 9-year-old tested out all three and gave them two big thumbs up!
There are also a couple of hot tubs. Let me tell you, they were HOT so you have been warned. But, they were perfect for chilly evenings!
For families with young children, you’ll be happy to know that there are tons of lifejackets in various sizes available to borrow at the pool area.
And you can reserve a cabana if you really want to have an epic Disneyland Hotel pool party.
Disneyland Hotel Character Dining
The Disneyland Hotel is home to Goofy’s Kitchen, a themed Disney character dining experience. With advance reservations, you can book a breakfast or dinner time slot and enjoy the buffet.
We’ve done the Goofy’s Kitchen dinner twice and the breakfast once and all three times were pretty fun experiences.
During your meal, you will be visited by Goofy and a cast of characters that may include Pluto, Chip, and Dale. It’s a great way to not only have a delicious meal but get personalized interactions with some of your favorite Disney characters.
You’ll have the chance to get autographs and take photos at Goofy’s Kitchen. Plus, there’s a fun interactive dance party that my kids especially loved as toddlers and preschoolers.
In my experience, you can also walk up and try to get same-day reservations. There are no guarantees, but it’s something worth doing if you forget to book in advance.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
This bar and lounge at the hotel is inspired by the Jungle Cruise ride in Disneyland Park. Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar offers a variety of specialty drinks, appetizers and kids meals. On select dates, you can enjoy live music under the stars.
We tried really, really hard to get the coveted indoor reservations. Apparently, there is a little show inside that people say is cute.
We did manage to have lunch here on our arrival day and sat outside. The food is pretty good. It’s like Disney’s version of Hawaiian food.
Disneyland Hotel Outdoor Movie Nights
Enjoy an outdoor movie night at the Disneyland Hotel on select nights. About 30 minutes prior to the show’s start time, hotel guests are invited to gather with their own snacks and prepare for the movie.
When you check into the Hotel, just ask the front desk for a schedule.
We didn’t have a chance to do this, but it seems like it would be fun to do if your kids need a break from the park or if you’re doing a resort day.
Dole Whip at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill
My family LOVES Dole Whip and we try to order it anywhere it’s offered. We were delighted to find it at the Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill right at the Disneyland Hotel!
They have the standard Dole Whip, a Dole Whip float, and even a boozy version for adults!
It’s located close to the pool area so it’s easy to get it as a grab-and-go treat!
Early Entry
One of the best reasons to stay at the Disneyland Hotel is to have access to Early Entry. This perk is exclusive to hotel guests and is valid each day of your stay with your valid theme park admission.
It used to be called “Extra Magic Hour” but that would be misleading now that it’s only 30 minutes. However, you’ll still be able to enter one of the Disney Parks before the general public. You’ll have an extra 30 minutes to ride select attractions, giving you a jumpstart on your day.
And what’s extra cool is that Early Entry is available at both parks every day. So you no longer have to plan your trip according to which park has it on certain days.
Key to the Magic
Did you know guests of Disneyland Resort hotels can have Park purchases charged to their room cards? You can also use Key to the Magic privileges to make select dining purchases as well.
Additionally, items you purchase in the Parks can be sent back to the hotel at no additional charge. It’s a convenient way to collect souvenirs without having to carry them through the Park with you the whole day.
We did this for purchases at the gift shop in Toontown and they sent it to the gift shop at the Disneyland Hotel so we could pick it up the next morning. It was great not lugging it around the Parks all day long!
Disneyland Hotel Shops
If you love shopping for Disney merchandise (and who doesn’t), the Disneyland Hotel has 2 fabulous on-site gift shops.
The Fantasia Shop is located in the hotel lobby. It offers a variety of Disneyland Resort merchandise, clothing, and accessories.
It’s a great place to find Minnie Ears, Disneyland Hotel souvenirs, Disney pins, toys, and so much more. It’s quite large!
The small world gift shop is also located in the hotel lobby. It has snacks, drinks, medicine, swimsuits and pool accessories, and various Disney souvenirs.
Disneyland Hotel Trivia Challenge and Kids Activity Books
To go along with the constant presence of Disney magic, there is a complimentary trivia challenge at the Disneyland Hotel.
You can request a trivia sheet from Guest Services at the hotel, and take it with you to the Parks.
See how many questions you can answer while you’re there; if you complete the trivia challenge you can receive a themed prize!
They also offer free kids’ activity books that are great for kids to do while they are waiting in line for rides or waiting for their meal at a restaurant.
Booking the Disneyland Hotel
When you’re ready to book, you can do so online at www.getawaytoday.com, or over the phone at 855-GET-AWAY.
Their vacations are incredibly flexible, so you can book without knowing exact dates for future travel. Get Away Today offers a Peace of Mind Plan, so you can make changes to your vacation without accruing fees.
For just $75, your Peace of Mind Plan covers any and all changes (excluding airfare) you need to make up to 72 hours before your check-in date. This applies to almost all Southern California vacation packages.
If you purchase the Peace of Mind Plan as part of your Disneyland Hotel vacation package, keep in mind you may need to give five to seven days’ notice in order to avoid any fees.
Remember, you can take advantage of the Layaway Plan to book for as low as $175 down, and let them know Marcie in Mommyland sent you to apply code MM10 for that additional $10 in savings on your vacation package.
Disney Hotels FAQ
How much does a night at the Disneyland Hotel cost?
The cost of a night at the Disneyland Hotel varies depending on the type of room you choose, the time of year you visit, and whether or not you book in advance.
Here are some examples of rates for a standard room at the Disneyland Hotel:
- Standard room: $300-$410
- Club-level room: $475-$980
- Signature suite: $1,000-$2,000
Which Disneyland Hotel has direct access to the park?
Disney Grand Californian Hotel has a private entrance into Disney California Adventure Park. Read my full review.
Does Disneyland have a hotel inside?
No, there isn’t a Disney property inside the parks. There are no hotels located inside Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park.
What are the cheapest days to book a Disneyland Hotel?
The cheapest days to book a Disneyland Hotel are typically during the off-season, which is typically from January to March and September to November. Rates are also typically lower on weekdays than on weekends.
What are the benefits of staying at the Disneyland Hotel?
The Disneyland Hotel is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a magical and convenient experience. Some of the hotel features include the Monorail slide, easy access to Downtown Disney District, self parking or valet parking, room service, Tenaya stone spa, recreational facilities, and a shorter walk to Disneyland.
How far is the Disneyland Hotel from the Disneyland theme parks?
The Disneyland Hotel is located just steps from the Downtown Disney District, and a short stroll to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. It’s 0.5 miles to Disneyland Park and 0.4 miles to Disney California Adventure Park.
What are the dining options at the Disneyland Hotel?
The Disneyland Hotel has a variety of dining options to choose from, including table service restaurants, quick service restaurants, and lounges. There’s Goofy’s Kitchen, The Coffee House, Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill, and Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar. Plus, there’s always room service.
What types of rooms are available at the Disneyland Hotel?
The Disneyland Hotel offers a variety of room types to choose from, including standard rooms, suites, and club-level rooms. The Disneyland Hotel also offers a variety of themed rooms, such as the Fairy Tale Suite, the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite, and the Mickey Mouse Penthouse. These themed rooms are more expensive than standard rooms, but they offer a unique and magical experience.
What amenities does the Disneyland Hotel offer?
The Disneyland Hotel offers a variety of amenities to its guests, including on-site dining and shopping options, Two pools, a spa, and a fitness center.
Is there a shuttle service from the Disneyland Hotel to the theme parks?
Yes, there is a complimentary shuttle service from the Disneyland Hotel to the theme parks. The shuttle runs from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and the buses depart every 15-20 minutes. The shuttle stops at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Can I book a Disneyland vacation package that includes the Disneyland Hotel?
Absolutely! That’s what we did through Get Away Today. They usually have the cheapest Disneyland packages.
What time is check in at the Disneyland Hotel?
The check-in time at the Disneyland Hotel is 3:00 PM. If you arrive early, you can check in and store your luggage at the Bell Desk. You can then enjoy the Disneyland Resort until your room is ready.
What time is check out at the Disneyland Hotel?
The check-out time at the Disneyland Hotel is 11:00 AM. If you need to leave later, you can request a late check-out for a fee. Please note that late check-outs are subject to availability.
Anaheim Disneyland Hotel Wrap Up
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel is an amazing experience that offers a range of benefits and perks that cannot be found elsewhere.
With its prime location in the heart of the Disneyland Resort, guests can easily access the theme parks, Downtown Disney District, and other Disneyland Resort hotels.
The hotel’s proximity to the theme parks also means that guests can take advantage of early theme park opening hours, allowing them to experience some of the most popular attractions before the crowds arrive.
Furthermore, the Disneyland Hotel offers a range of exceptional amenities, including a coffee shop, a fitness center, a spa, and multiple pools.
The hotel’s Disney-themed rooms are decorated to create a magical and immersive experience, and the property’s dining options offer a variety of choices, including character dining experiences and signature restaurants.
Additionally, guests can enjoy the convenience of walking to the theme parks from the Disneyland Hotel, and the hotel’s proximity to the Monorail provides quick and easy access without having to wait in long lines at the main entrance.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, the Disneyland Hotel is the perfect choice for your next vacation.
Looking for more Disneyland travel resources? Check out other hotels at Disneyland, our Disneyland Princess Breakfast review, facts about Disneyland, Disney Grand Californian Hotel review, and how to book a Disneyland photo shoot.
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