The Disneyland Resort offers three on site properties. Benefits of staying on property include Early Entry and proximity to both parks. I’ve stayed at all three properties the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Pixar Place Hotel. I can offer some advice and recommendations to help you make a decision on which property would best suit your group.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the nostalgic Disneyland Hotel. Don’t ask me which one is my favorite Disneyland Resort Hotel cause they all offer things that I love! Find out why I love Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and check out my review of the PIxar Place Hotel.
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About the rooms
The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel are the biggest in size of the three on site properties. It’s the oldest hotel on property. I have vivid memories as a child seeing the hotel from the Monorail. The rooms were renovated in 2012 and this last year in 2023 they completed the Disneyland Villas. The hotel has a nostalgic feel with so many old school touches, photos and magic around every corner. Here are some photos of the room.
They have rooms with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. Rooms sleep up to 5 people with a chair that converts to a sleeper. The beds are super comfortable and the headboards are totally magical. They light up with fireworks, don’t forget to turn them on at night.
We upgraded our room to park views. We were able to see both World of Color and the fireworks from our room each night. We turned on the T.V. in our room and listened to the music that went along with the show, it was fantastic. I booked our discounted room through Get Away Today, more details found at the end of this article.
Early Entry perks for guests at the Disneyland Hotel
Guests who stay on property get into the parks 30 minutes before other park guests. We took advantage of this perk every day when we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. I have a complete article about how to make the most out of Early Entry. To maximize your time when you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel you want to leave your room no later than 6:45 a.m. See the map below and then follow the steps/timeline of how to conquer Early Entry. I also made a video documenting Early Entry tips and strategies.
- Line up at Downtown Disney security. If the line looks long don’t worry it moves quickly.
Downtown Disney security during Early Entry for Disneyland Hotel guests. - Walk through Downtown Disney to the gates, don’t use the Monorail for Early Entry access, it takes too long to get you into the park.
- Line up at one of the turnstiles, there is no separate line for Early Entry guests. You’ll be there lining up with regular park guests not doing Early Entry.
- Around 7:25 a.m. they will let everyone in the park. The day of the week dictates which park you go to. The current schedule is Disneyland on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Disney California Adventure on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Once inside the park you can follow all my tips over on my Early Entry article.
Proximity to Disneyland
The Disneyland Hotel is only a few minutes from both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You can walk to the parks through Downtown Disney to the gates, about 7-8 minutes. Or you can walk to the Monorail and take it directly into Tomorrowland if you have a park ticket. Read more about the Monorail.
Breakfast
There are options on site where you can eat breakfast. The Coffee Shop is located near the lobby and offers quick options with bagels, pastries etc. Tangaroa Terrace is located near the pool. This quick service option sells breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have yummy food with fantastic views. Lastly, Goofy’s Kitchen is a character breakfast option near the lobby.
Other dining locations
The Disneyland hotel is home to the famous Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. There is a new restaurant Palm Breeze Bar that serves lunch and dinner. You can access this location over near the new DVC tower, but anyone can eat here. And Goofy’s Kitchen is open for dinner with characters. In addition you are very close to Downtown Disney where there are plenty of restaurants!
Parking
There is parking on property including a valet parking option. Parking fees apply.
Pool
There is a huge pool along with the famous Monorail water slides. There are two slides plus a kids slide and play area too. Plus another pool and splash area over by the new villas. Find the hot tub and plenty of lounge chairs around the pools! Make sure to spend some time at the pool. It’s heated year round!
More amenities
The gift shop in the lobby is awesome. They have lots of souvenirs, pins, clothing, ears and more. If you’re looking for Disneyland Hotel specific merchandise they have it inside the gift shop. Make sure to stop in during your stay. In the lobby at check in there is a T.V. playing kids cartoons. Also in the lobby you will find characters wandering around at times. This is a great chance to snag a photo with no lines!
Upgrade to Club Level
We added Club Level to our stay on the last visit. It was a big splurge and we loved it. The benefits of the exclusive E-ticket lounge with food, drinks and snacks was next level! Club level includes continental breakfast with lots of options. There are even grab and go items if you want to take stuff into the parks. Throughout the day the lounge is open with other offerings and a fully stocked fridge of sodas.
Everything is included with Club level. You can even enjoy desserts in the evening and watch the fireworks. The views while eating in the lounge are fantastic. You can see Downtown Disney, rides in each park and more! There is a concierge team member at the desk to help with questions, reservations or any guest relations stuff. We really enjoyed this and would totally add it to our room again for a special occasion! To get pricing for these rooms search here for Club level room prices. If you don’t see pricing for your dates call 855-GET-AWAY and tell them Magical Tour Guide sent you!
Hotel deals and pricing
My travel partner over at Get Away Today has discounted rates for the Disneyland Hotel. Disney often offers specials like up to 20% and 30% off room rates. Check here for pricing and availability. If you’re booking a vacation package (tickets + hotel) use promo code DTG10 for an additional $10 off your vacation. If you don’t see availability on your travel dates call 855-GET-AWAY for more rooms in their inventory. Make sure to tell them Magical Tour Guide sent you for the best prices. I personally have used Get Away Today to book my Disney vacations for over 15 years. Book with confidence, I 100% guarantee!
Here are some more Disneyland posts to help with your vacation planning!
How to fit in all the rides in one day at Disneyland?
How to fit in all the rides in one day at Disney California Adventure?
How to skip the lines and use Lightning Lane at Disneyland?
