21 Best Disneyland Hotel Tips for Families (Complete Guide)
The Disneyland Hotel is a unique destination hotel, located within the Disneyland Resort in California. It offers a special vacation magic you won't find anywhere else! Find out whether the Disneyland Hotel is worth the cost and additional planning tips before you stay.
Disneyland Hotel Tips
Even though there are technically closer hotels to the Park entrances at much cheaper prices, there is just a magic that envelopes you when you stay at the Disneyland Hotel.
This post will cover the details, along with insider tips, for staying at the Disneyland Hotel. Here's what you'll find in this article:
- Choosing a Disneyland-area hotel
- History of the Disneyland Hotel
- Hotel overview
- Checking in and checking out at the Disneyland Hotel
- Disneyland Hotel towers
- Resort guest rooms
- Suites and Club Level
- Swimming pools
- On-site Dining
- Gift Shop
- Additional Amenities
- Perks of Staying "On-Site"
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Planning for a Disneyland Vacation
Disneyland Resort Hotels
There are three on-site hotels within the Disneyland Resort. These locations are within a short walking distance (about 10 minutes) to the front gates of the theme parks:
- The flagship Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa is the closest location to the park.
- The Disneyland Hotel is the original, with a retro feel that's still current and modern.
- Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel) has recently been renovated, reflecting a Disney/Pixar theme.
Choosing Where to Stay
The Anaheim area is filled with Good Neighbor Hotels. These are local accommodations that are often within walking distance of the theme parks.
Choosing to stay at these hotels can be a more budget-conscious way to save money on a Disneyland.
For a more detailed comparison, read Disneyland Resort VS. Anaheim Good Neighbor Hotels.
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Disneyland Hotel History
The Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim California is the first hotel to bear the Disney name. It opened in October of 1955, nearly 3 months after Disneyland opened.
There were 100 rooms in five two-story guest room complexes. Guests could book a night for $15.00.
Today none of the original hotel buildings from 1955 remain standing. The entire resort has undergone a drastic remodel that makes it shine brighter than ever.
I've stayed at the Disneyland Resort with my family countless times over the years. Since we live in San Diego, a drive to Disneyland only takes about 90 minutes so our trips were generally just one day and we didn't often stay overnight. Staying at the Disneyland Hotel was, and still is, a special treat for us.
Overview of the Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel includes 4 separate towers - Fantasy Tower, Frontier Tower, and Adventure Tower. The newest, Discovery Tower, houses the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel is located at the end of Downtown Disney, the outdoor shopping area.
Guests may reach the theme parks one of two ways. Get to the theme park front gates and main entrance esplanade by walking through the entirety of the Downtown Disney District.
The second option is to take the Monorail. The Disneyland Monorail station is located closest to the Disneyland Hotel.
Disneyland Monorail
For a quick ride, and overview, of Disneyland park, the Monorail offers unique transportation. The round-trip loop takes less than 15 minutes, spanning about 2.5 miles.
The Monorail entrance is located near the Disneyland Hotel. It can be reached by exiting the hotel premises and passing through security by a short walk into the Downtown Disney District.
The Disneyland Monorail makes two stops - One at the Downtown Disney station and the second, within Disneyland park (near the Finding Nemo Submarine ride).
Guests must have a valid theme park ticket to ride the Disneyland Monorail. Trains leave approximately every 10 minutes. Be aware that the Monorail may not be operational during very hot weather and they do not run during fireworks shows.
Checking In and Checking Out at the Disneyland Hotel
The main lobby and check in for the hotel is inside the Fantasy Tower. There is a large covered foyer in front of the hotel. Guests can attend to hotel check-in, unload luggage and arrange parking with bell services.
Disneyland Hotel Parking
Parking fees for guests with a vehicle apply per night. The self-park parking lot is directly in front of the Disneyland Hotel. There is also a valet parking service for an additional cost.
Hotel Lobby at the Disneyland Hotel
The lobby of the Fantasy Tower has ample seating both indoors and outdoors for guests, with room for luggage.
Cast members at guest services can help book restaurant reservations, arrange wheelchair services, offer theme park maps, and help with local area information and directions.
Disney magic is on display in this whimsical space. There is themed artwork, Alice in Wonderland inspired teacup chairs and a row of small highbacked seats for watching cartoons.
Disneyland Hotel Luggage Storage
Cast members at the bell desk are able to store luggage if you arrive before a room is ready. They can also hold things after check out. There's no charge for this service, but a tip is customary.
Check In and Check Out
Guests may check in via the Disneyland app or at the front desk with a Cast Member. While check-in can happen at any time, rooms may not always be immediately available. Hotel rooms are often ready by 3:00 pm, or earlier.
Disneyland Hotel check out is 11:00 am. A late check out may be requested, but not always granted (dependent upon availability).
Disneyland Hotel Towers
The Disneyland Hotel pays tribute to its iconic past, in the naming and themes of each tower, Fantasy, Frontier, Adventure, and Discovery.
Each of the towers has a unique lobby theme. Even at Christmas time, the decor and trees in the individual lobbies are decorated in the theme of the tower.
If you have time, step inside the lobby of the different towers to check out the theming. The Frontier Tower has an awesome scale replica model of the ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Fantasy Tower Lobby
The lobby of the Fantasy Tower has the most to explore and is open to anyone, hotel guest or not. There's an extensive wall of Disney memorabilia and historical photos, along with an Autopia car to sit in. The private convention center space is located upstairs.
Disneyland Resort Hotel Rooms
The magic of the Disneyland Hotel extends into the guest rooms, where the hotel rooms are rife with touches of Mickey Mouse from floor to ceiling. The look is fresh and modern, with crisp bedding and a carpet inspired by the Disneyland fireworks spectaculars.
Don't forget to check out the amazing double headboard, with a light up Sleeping Beauty Castle. There's a button next to the bed to trigger the musical, magical surprise!
The layouts are generally spacious, though more cramped when booking the 5 guest maximum per room. There is a nook near the door for suitcase or stroller storage.
Standard Disneyland Hotel Rooms
Beds are raised off the floor, with space for storing luggage underneath. Each room has a desk area with a chair, additional seating, bedside tables with storage, and a dresser.
Disneyland Hotel rooms sleep up to 5 guests. Different room configurations offer a king sized bed, 2 queen beds, or a 2 queen bed layout with an additional sofa that pulls out into a day bed.
Expect to find the usual hotel offerings, including a safe, closet with storage, hair dryer, and mini fridge. A baby crib ("pack and play" sleeper) can be requested, along with additional blankets and pillows.
Hotel Bathrooms
Disneyland Hotel bathrooms offer a bathtub/shower combo, ideal for families traveling with young children who take baths. Counter space is limited, but there is an additional shelf for toiletries.
Rooms offer products, including bar soap and in-shower pumps of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Disneyland Hotel Views
The Disneyland Hotel offers four standard room types, based on hotel room window views. Pricing increases as the view improves.
- A Standard view generally overlooks buildings, parking areas, or trees.
- Deluxe view could include slightly obstructed pool views.
- Premium view offers the best views, including unobstructed viewing of the pool or theme park fireworks.
- Premium Downtown Disney view offers an overhead look at the shopping district and Disneyland fireworks shows.
Upgraded Rooms at the Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland Vacation Club Villas
The newest Discovery Tower is the new home of DVC (Disney Vacation Club). These Disneyland Vacation Club Villas can be booked by DVC members or by any guest directly.
This colorful building houses a variety of room styles, including an intimate Duo Studio for two or a stunning multi-room Grand Villa.
For guests that want all the luxuries of home, there are kitchens, washer/dryers, and living room spaces in some rooms.
Disneyland Vacation Club Villas also has a dedicated swimming pool just for guests. The Palette Pool includes a delightful spray pad featuring Steamboat Mickey!
Disneyland Hotel Club Level
Rooms at "Club Level" are still the standard Disneyland Hotel rooms. Booking at Club Level offers guests additional perks, including access to the E-Ticket Lounge.
There are complimentary snacks and refreshments served throughout the day, including staff available to serve alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.
Disneyland Hotel Signature Suites
Okay, so we'll probably never have the opportunity to stay in one, but just knowing that the Disneyland Hotel has the amazing themed signature suites available gives me goosebumps!
Which one of the five would you choose? Adventureland, Fairy Tale, Big Thunder, Pirates of the Caribbean or Mickey Mouse Penthouse?
Tips for the Disneyland Hotel Pools
The Disneyland Hotel pool is our favorite place to spend an afternoon. I love that even the pool area pays tribute to Disneyland's roots.
I've discussed on this blog before how much we love the pool at the Disneyland Hotel (see my post outlining all the fantastic Disneyland Resort Pools).
Shaded by the four resort towers sits the themed pool area. This central area includes three retro-styled pools at multiple levels, Monorail-themed water slides, and heated whirlpool tubs.
Each of the Disneyland Resort hotels offer cabanas to rent for the day. Cost is relative to the size, location, and seasonal demand.
The Monorail pool, E-Ticket pool and D-Ticket pool are for guests of the Disneyland Hotel. Guests staying in the Disneyland Vacation Club Villas Discovery Tower can also visit the Palette Pool and Steamboat Mickey splash pad.
Dining Options at the Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel offers great onsite dining with a variety of options, including Character Dining, quick service, and themed bars.
Popular locations require advance dining reservations or may be booked on the Disneyland app by joining the mobile dine walk-up list. Look for a QR code at the restaurant entrance or search the location on the app.
Goofy's Kitchen (Advance Dining Reservations required)
All-you-can-eat buffet serves up breakfast and dinner, alongside some familiar characters. Chef Goofy greets guests at the entrance, while Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and other Disney characters meet 'n greet at the tables.
Food choices are expansive, and include made-to-order omelets, Mickey waffles, and pastries for breakfast. Dinner offers a carving station, salads, and a kid's buffet with fun offerings like peanut butter & jelly "pizza".
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar (Advance Dining Reservations required)
There's both indoor and outdoor dining, but it's the bar that offers the most coveted reservation. Book your reservation early and request indoor seating for the full tiki bar experience.
Sharable dishes are a highlight, including the Pu Pu Platter, panko-crusted long beans, and Hawaiian platter.
The specialty drinks are what makes Trader Sam's so special. Cocktails like the HippopotoMai-Tai and Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum may cause an disturbance of sorts inside the bar! There are themed non-alcoholic beverages, as well.
More Dining at the Disneyland Hotel
The Coffee House
This small shop is located near the pool entrance, in the courtyard behind the Fantasy Tower. Grab and go snacks, pastries, specialty coffee and espresso, along with alcoholic beverages are served from morning until afternoon hours.
Palm Breeze Bar (Advance Dining Reservations required)
The newest dining hot spot, located within the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. In addition to specialty drinks, guests can order upscale salads, sandwiches, and artisan pizzas.
Broken Spell Lounge
Intimate area in the Fantasy Tower with a design inspired by Sleeping Beauty. Look for specialty cocktails, flights, and high-end bites like parmesan truffle fries and ahi tuna tataki. Larger dishes include steak frites, turkey club, and forest mushroom farro risotto.
Open only for evening hours and geared more towards Disney adults than families (ie: no kid's menu).
Tangaroa Terrace
Charming quick service location with indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks the hotel pool area. Tangaroa Terrace shares a kitchen with Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, so many of the dining offerings are the same.
This restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Polynesian-inspired dishes like a Loco Moco burrito, poke bowl, and ramen. There's also chicken tenders and cheeseburgers for the less adventurous eaters.
There is both a walk-up window and an area to order and eat inside.
Disneyland Hotel Tips for Dining
Room Service
Want to eat Mickey waffles in bed? In-room dining is available for either breakfast or dinner meals.
Need Help Scoring the Best Disneyland Reservations?
For highly-coveted meals, an Advance Dining Reservation is required. I highly recommend using MouseDining to score these hard-to-get reservations.
Disneyland Hotel Gift Shop & Souvenirs
Disney parks offers lots of great places to pick up souvenirs, including the lobby of the Fantasy Tower.
Disney's Fantasia Shop is a roomy store with plenty of gift items, including t-shirts, mugs, hats, and ornaments. small world Gifts & Sundries has additional travel needs, like sunscreen, swim diapers, snacks, and toiletries.
Disney Touches to Find Throughout the Resort
Of course the Disneyland Hotel doesn't take itself too seriously. This is the house of the mouse. You can find Mickey touches in subtle (and not-so-subtle ways) throughout the resort!
The front entrance of the hotel features statues of Mickey and Minnie.
Along the pathway from the hotel to the Downtown Disney District is Mickey's huge sorcerer's hat, that Tinker Bell illuminates with twinkling lights at night.
Located near the elevators in the Fantasy Tower, check out the rows of historical photos from around the Disneyland resort over the years.
There are Disney touches everywhere you look, even in these sweet Minnie, Mickey and Pluto topiaries just outside the pool grounds.
Within the hotel rooms, look for "hidden Mickey" icons and other fun details that are Disney-inspired.
Disneyland Hotel Freebies
Part of the Disney magic of staying at a Disneyland hotel is exploring the resort. There are several special activities that are included with a hotel stay.
Disneyland Hotel Tour
Want to learn more about the Disneyland Hotel? Guests 14+ can take this complimentary one-hour walking tour and discover how the Disneyland Hotel was a part of Walt Disney’s dream of the “Happiest Place on Earth”. Reserve a spot at the Guest Services desk.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy live music from the outdoor patios at both the Palm Breeze Bar and Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. You do not have to be a theme park guest to visit these restaurants.
Character Meet n' Greet
On occasion, characters will appear around the resort. Guests may find them in the lobby, near the pool, or on the walkways outside.
Movies Under the Stars
A feature Disney film is shown on the lawn. Check with the cast member in the lobby regarding exact location, time, and movie details during your visit.
Washcloth Creations
Learn how to create your own washcloth designs! Ask the front desk about available times for your visit.
Perks of Staying "On Site" at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Early Entry
Arguably the best Disneyland Hotel perks is Early Entry. On select days of the week, Disneyland Hotel guests can enter one of the two theme parks 30 minutes before official park opening.
My friend Jessica from The Happiest Blog on Earth shares her tips on how Early Entry works.
A Room with a View
Rooms of the Disneyland Hotel overlook various parts of the resort. Some rooms have a view of the parking lot or swimming pools. A select number of rooms may have partial fireworks views.
In-Room Celebrations
Surprise a Disneyland Hotel guest with character-inspired souvenirs in their room. Choose from gifts, Disney treats, balloon bouquets and more. Call (714) 239-2502 for more details and to order.
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Author and owner Julie Bigboy shares first hand knowledge on a variety of subjects, including family travel, positive parenting, and simple living. Her work can be found on The Points Guy, SheBuys Travel, MiceChat and Disneyland With Kids, among others.
This article originally published on May 4th, 2015 and has been updated and republished with a new date.
Very well written! This post makes me want to visit so badly. I love all the touches, and your pictures are great!
Oh. My. Goodness.
Those suites.
If I hit the lottery I'm living there.
Thanks for sharing! Great post.
We love the Disneyland Hotel, too. We haven't stayed there since the new waterslides were built, but it is a great location and lots of fun!
Our favorite Disneyland resort is also the Disneyland Hotel. The pool, the lighted headboards, the theming and TRADER SAM'S ENCHANTED TIKI BAR, all contribute to the hotel's appealing aura. Though we are staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa this summer (I'm not complaining!) this is our default headquarters in Anaheim!
I got to stay there for the first time last year and fell in love with this resort. It was a little piece of Disney heaven.