Eight reasons why you should consider a stay at Disneyland Hotel 

There is certainly no shortage of lodging options when visiting the Disneyland Resort. The streets surrounding the two theme parks are lined with budget-friendly motels, moderately priced hotels, and convention-style resorts – many of which are designated by Disney as “Good Neighbor Hotels.” There really is something for everyone in the Southern California city where Walt decided to build “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

But what if you want to remain inside the “Disney bubble,” even after heading through the turn styles for the night? The answer lies in a trio of on-property, Disney-owned hotels I affectionately refer to as “The Big Three.” Say hello to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Pixar Place Hotel, and (drum roll, please) the absolute best spot to stay…

The Disneyland Hotel. Ok, this might just be my (not so humble) opinion, but here’s eight undeniable reasons why you should consider a stay at this marvelous accommodation:

1. Location, Location, Location

The Disneyland Hotel sits on some seriously prime real estate. It’s literally steps from the Downtown Disney District and only a short stroll (through Downtown Disney) to the entrances of both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.

This is a priceless feature that will save you time when waking up for early entry and will save your legs when returning from a full day at the parks!

2. The Pools

Two words: Monorail Waterslides. These two unique slides feature replicas of the original Disneyland Monorail trains and are perfectly positioned under a nostalgic “Disneyland” sign. Pro tip – select the yellow slide for a tamer adventure! Little ones not daring enough for the exhilarating monorail descents will dig the mini-slide, fountains, and darling Steamboat Willie Splash pad.

The lush pool deck serves up relaxing island vibes and the Mickey-shaped whirlpool is perfect for a late-afternoon recharge.

3. Delightful Dining

You are guaranteed to find what you’re salivating for at the Disneyland Hotel.  Are you in search of mystery, romance, and adventure? Wander over to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar for a highly themed dining (or drinking) experience. Looking for a casual hideaway with Polynesian vibes?

Grab a seat on the wraparound patio at Tangaroa Terrace, illuminated nightly by flickering tiki torches. If you’re craving something more quintessentially “Disney,” a breakfast or dinner buffet at Goofy’s Kitchen is an absolute must! A hidden gem that was recently added to the Disneyland Hotel’s dining repertoire is the Palm Breeze Bar.

This outdoor restaurant’s ambiance is true to its name and offers shareable appetizers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and more. Wondering what’s cookin’ (or should I say “brewing”) down on the pool deck every morning? Don’t worry, it’s just a flock of park-bound guests grabbing coffee and pastries. (The savviest guests always mobile-order these items from their hotel rooms – just sayin’.)

4. The Villas

In September of 2023, the three existing towers of the Disneyland Hotel (named “Fantasy,” “Frontier,” and “Adventure” as an homage to the park’s original lands) were joined by the all-new “Discovery” tower.

This tower contains 344 beautifully themed rooms that were designed to celebrate the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Room types range from a Duo studio, which sleeps up to 2 guests, to a Grand Villa, large enough for 12! It’s safe to say any travel party, whether Tinkerbell-tiny or substantially Sully-sized, will be comfortable here.

5. Steeped in History

The Disneyland Hotel opened in October of 1955 and has catered to families ever since. (Although back then, kids under 12 stayed free!) Much like Disneyland itself, it soon became a tourist destination in its own right, and by 1960 it was the largest hotel in Orange County.

Now boasting over 1,000 guest rooms, this classic still hasn’t forgotten it’s humble beginnings. Photographs of the hotel’s earliest guests adorn the lobby walls, and guest rooms feature a framed snapshot of Walt Disney himself, exploring Disneyland Park.

Each tower even holds a special exhibit from its namesake land. I was delighted to find a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the lobby of the Frontier Tower during my last visit.

6. Retail Therapy

Pins, mugs, spirit jerseys, and the coveted EARS. All can be found at Disney’s Fantasia Shop, located on the ground floor of the Fantasy Tower. This is the perfect place for souvenirs or gifts, and the helpful cast members often go above and beyond to locate a particular item or clothing size. They are even happy to call other Disneyland Resort stores to check inventory, ensuring you happily go home with your pixie-dusted purchase.

7. Bountiful Benefits

I would be remiss not to mention a few of the more tangible, practical benefits of being a guest at the Disneyland Hotel. They may not seem as enticing as my previous justifications, but they are equally as important!

• Early entry into the parks (experience some of the most popular attractions before the majority of the park guests are allowed to enter)
• Access to the full-service Tenaya Stone Spa (a 6,000 square-foot luxury facility)
• Digital room key with adorable magic wand sound effect when door unlocks (is this a real “benefit?” I think so.)
• Privilege to charge dining and shopping purchases directly to the room (no need to worry about carrying a heavy wallet…cha-ching!)

8. The Magic

When my family visits Disneyland, we have a tradition of joyfully announcing the moment the magic begins. This event commences the instant our feet touch the grand welcome rug which lines the entry to the Disneyland Hotel.

My daughters claim they can actually “feel” the magic surrounding them as they walk closer to the glass sliding doors. I cannot confirm or deny the validity of this phenomenon, but it undoubtedly marks the beginning of an amazing vacation together, every single time.

The Bottom Line

With so many exciting things to do at a theme park, it seems impossible to be enchanted with the place you simply go to sleep each night. Lucky for us, the Disneyland Hotel was born from the mind of Walt Disney, a man who believed that it was “kind of fun to do the impossible.” I’ll let you determine your level of enchantment when your head next hits the pillow – just make sure it’s under one of those light-up Sleeping Beauty headboards at the Disneyland Hotel!