Wondering if a stay at the Disneyland Hotel is worth the price?
Seeped in nostalgia, sprinkled with magic touches, and located just quick walk or monorail ride away from the Disney parks, the Disneyland Hotel has long been a favorite for families visiting Anaheim, California. But all this luxury and convenience doesn’t come cheap! Is a stay at the Disneyland Hotel worth the splurge?
Even though we live in Southern California, I love staying at hotels near Disneyland when we go. And the Disneyland hotel is a true bucket list destination! Rather than write a traditional Disneyland Hotel review, I’ve put together this list of top reasons the Disneyland Hotel might be the best place to stay on your California Disney vacation.
Here are our honest Disneyland Hotel reviews of everything from restaurants to rooms. I hope you find it helpful in planning your trip!
The Disneyland Hotel
For as long as there has been a Disneyland (since 1955, to be precise) there has been the Disneyland Hotel. And the Disneyland Hotel has always been a top choice for families looking to be in the center of the magic!
Of the three on-property Disney resorts – Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian, and Pixar Place Hotel – the Disneyland Hotel is my family’s favorite! We have stayed there numerous times. There is just something about staying where it all started that just adds to the magic, and the service at this hotel is exceptional.
It also has the best pool and happens to be the only place you can get a Dole Whip outside of the parks!
But before I get into all the pros and cons to consider in this Disneyland Hotel review, here’s a quick overview of the property.
The Disneyland Hotel is AAA Four Diamond-rated, and features mid-century modern décor (a throwback to its 50s roots), several themed restaurants, two pools and water slides, a water play area, easy access to Downtown Disney, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure, beautifully appointed hotel rooms, and luxurious themed suites.
It is also home to a new tower – The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, which opened in September 2023. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel is a Disney Vacation Club property.
All this awesomeness doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the current room rate is right around $550 per night. And while there are plenty of other hotels close to Disneyland that cost much less and are perfectly lovely, there really is only one Disneyland Hotel.
So if getting an immersive Disney experience is important to your family and if your budget permits, a stay at the Disneyland Hotel will make your vacation extra extra special.
15 Reasons Why a Stay at the Disneyland Hotel is Worth the Splurge
Here are 15 perks of staying at the Disneyland Hotel that just might justify the splurge (and some pros and cons you need to think about)!
1. Prime Location
The #1 reason most people stay at the Disneyland Hotel is location, location, location.
The Disneyland Hotel is just steps from Downtown Disney and a short walk to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Even better, hop on the monorail and zip straight into the park. The Downtown Disney Monorail entrance is right near the Disneyland Hotel and will deliver you directly into Tomorrowland.
After a long, fun day in the parks, there is nothing better than being able to walk straight to your hotel room.
2. Early Entry to the Parks
If you are staying at any of the Disneyland Resort hotels, you can get exclusive access to the parks 30 minutes before regular opening to enjoy select attractions. We’ve done this many times and there are almost no lines! If you plan it right you can blow through a bunch of rides before the park even officially opens.
This is one of the most valuable benefits of staying on-property at the Disneyland Resort.
If you are staying at the Disneyland Hotel and have a park ticket and reservation, you can take advantage of this 30-minute early entry into a designated theme park for every day of their hotel stay. Each day, either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park will be open 30 minutes early for hotel guests. Please check the theme park calendar for the schedule. A ticket and theme park reservation for the same park on the same date are required.
One thing to note here is that you have to be checked into your hotel to take advantage of early entry, so you won’t be able to do it the day of your arrival.
3. Disney Character Dining
If you have young kids especially, you’ll want to splurge on at least one character meal during your stay.
Disneyland Hotel is home to Goofy’s Kitchen, and they offer both breakfast and dinner buffet meals. Along with an all-you-can-eat buffet, your family will be treated to fun photo opps and entertainment with a variety of Disney characters, including of course Goofy.
The food is plentiful. Breakfast includes an omelet station along with all the usual breakfast dishes – and Mickey waffles are of course on the menu! For dinner you’ll find a carving station, salad bar, desserts, and lots of side dishes both kids and adults will enjoy.
To be honest, the food is good but not spectacular, and definitely not worth the hefty price tag if you weren’t getting the character experience with your meal.
One perk of staying at the Disneyland Hotel is that guests have preferred access to dining reservations at select Disneyland Resort hotel table-service restaurants during their stay. This includes Goofy’s Kitchen, where reservations can often be hard to come by, especially during peak meal times.
4. Awesome Pools and Water Slides
The showpiece of the Disneyland Hotel is its amazing pool and water slides. By far, this was my son’s favorite thing about staying there – and I’d be willing to bet most kids feel the same!
The E-Ticket Pool pays tribute to the park’s early days with a retro sign reminiscent of the park’s original entrance sign on Harbor Boulevard. The Monorail-themed slides in the pool area are replicas of the original Mark 1 Monorail trains that traveled between Disneyland and the Disneyland Hotel during the early ‘60s. There is the 180-foot-long Monorail Red slide and 80-foot-long Monorail Yellow slide.
The 4-foot-deep, D-Ticket pool is a shady oasis next to the Monorail water play area. There also are outdoor Minnie and Mickey-themed spas. The Disneyland Hotel pool has complimentary life vests for kids and there are plenty of life guards on duty.
5. Island Vibes & Live Entertainment
Every evening, wind down with a tropical cocktail amid glowing tiki torches at Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar. Sit on the patio and enjoy appetizers, drinks, and live acoustic music nightly—or cozy up at the outdoor fireplace nearby.
This is also the only spot outside the park where you can buy yourself a Dole Whip treat. (And unlike at the park, you can get one here with a splash of rum!)
The only con here is that you don’t have to be a guest at the Disneyland Hotel to visit the bar, so it tends to get crowded (and thus seating can be hard to find) when there is music playing.
6. Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill
Overlooking the pool and right next to Trader Sam’s you’ll find Tangaroa Terrace, the Disneyland Hotel’s quick service eatery with a South Pacific vibe. We already mentioned the Dole Whip bar at Tangaroa Terrace, but there is some great food here, too!
Because really, does anything say family vacation better than starting the day with Mickey waffles by the pool?
7. Merchandise Delivery
If you’re a shopper like me, this is a great free perk for hotel guests at the Disneyland Resort.
See something great at a store in the park but don’t want to lug it around all day? No problem! You can pay and then leave your theme park purchases at the store and pick them up at the Bell desk at your hotel!
8. Fun Fitness Classes
This Disneyland Hotel perk is a healthy one!
Among the many fitness classes offered at the three hotels at the Disneyland Resort, there are some truly special opportunities to experience the Disneyland Resort before the general public enters in the morning.
I signed up for the Power Walk through the Park a while back. It used to be free for hotel guests, but there is now (unfortunately) a fee. Regardless, it is a great way to kick off the day with an energizing walk through Disney California Adventure before it opens in the morning.
The walk is a fast-paced two-mile loop. It begins at 6:00 am and requires all guests to be able to keep a 15-minute mile pace. It is not recommended for those with knee, hip, or joint limitations, and strollers are not permitted.
Some other very cool fitness class options include:
- Sunrise Yoga in Disneyland Park – a morning yoga session at the park before it opens
- Adventure Boot Camp – a high-intensity workout at DCA before the park opens
- Paddleboard Fitness – Floating workout combining cardio and strength exercises at the Fountain Pool at Disney Grand California Hotel & Spa
- Yoga in the Redwood Creek – Yoga class at DCA designed to connect with nature through a unique blend of soothing sounds and imagery
There are many more unique fitness class options! Here is a full list of Fitness Centers and Activities at the Disneyland Resorts.
9. Disney Character Wake-Up Calls
Start the day with an early morning greeting one of your child’s favorite Disney characters!
Surprise your kiddos with a wake-up call from Mickey Mouse or one of his pals. Simply press the ‘wake up call’ button on your room phone and follow the prompts to set up the wake-up call.
While it’s cool kids can get a wake-up call at the Disneyland Hotel, one of the things I don’t love is that you can’t choose who will call. The greetings rotate between different characters. It’s really no big deal, but if you have a girl who loves Minnie Mouse she might not appreciate hearing from someone else first thing in the morning.
10. Disney Touches Everywhere
One of the best things about staying on-property at the Disneyland Resort is the total immersion into all things Disney. From teacup chairs hotel lobby to the “it’s a small world” wallpaper in the restroom, Disney touches are everywhere.
The Disneyland Hotel has three distinct towers. The Fantasy Tower is where you’ll find the hotel’s reception area, gift shop, restaurants and conference center. The Frontier Tower lobby features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. At the Adventure Tower, Jungle Cruise characters are incorporated into the design. Hidden Mickeys are everywhere!
Don’t miss the exhibit on the first floor of the Fantasy Tower (near the ball rooms) that showcases the Disneyland Hotel’s 60-year history. It is fairly small but super interesting, with lots of photos and “artifacts” such as uniforms, maps, and original ticket books.
11. Magical Headboards
When the Disneyland Hotel renovated its 973 rooms a few years ago, they added a truly magical touch! The beds now have light-up headboards with the Sleeping Beauty Castle artistically carved into them. The headboards feature fiber optics and music to create a skyline with fireworks. Just flip a switch and When You Wish Upon a Star plays while the headboard lights up.
Such an awesome only-at-Disneyland touch!
12. Disneyland App
Download the Disneyland App for your stay at the Disneyland Hotel and receive many great conveniences. With the app you can charge dining and shopping purchases right to your room, and take advantage of Direct-to-Room Service when you check in. This will allow you to bypass the front desk and go straight to your hotel room, using your phone to unlock the door.
13. In-Room Celebrations
Much like on a cruise ship where you can order your cabin to be decorated upon arrival, the same can happen at the Disneyland Hotel.
Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or just want to kick off your vacation with an added blast of Disney magic? With Disneyland Hotel In-Room Celebrations, it will look like some of your favorite Disney friends dropped by to celebrate your arrival! Create a personalized welcome experience right in your hotel room.
14. View Fireworks from Bed
Have you ever wanted to stay for the fireworks but you (or your kids) were just too tired?
Request a fireworks view room when you book your reservation, and you can watch the show from the comfort of your room! The music is piped in through your television so you won’t miss a thing!
If you don’t get a room with a view, hotel guests can also catch the show at the resort. Ask the concierge or front desk for exact time and location.
Nothing makes you feel like part of the magic more than watching the fireworks in your PJs.
15. Themed Signature Suites
If you thought a standard room at the Disneyland Hotel was pricey, then brace yourself for this! For the ultimate in accommodations, the Disneyland Hotel offers a unique collection of lavish, meticulous and magical Signature Suites that immerse guests in a Disney-themed environment.
The five themed Signature Suites at the Disneyland Hotel include:
- Adventureland Suite – 2 Bedrooms
- Pirate Suite – 2 Bedrooms
- Big Thunder Suite – 2 Bedrooms
- Mickey Mouse Suite – 2 Bedrooms
- Fairytale Suite – 1 Bedroom
I mean…if you’re going to bust your budget, you might as well do it sleeping in a princess bed!
But seriously. Personally, if I was going to go all out on a vacation, I’d spend the extra money on Dole Whips and Genie+. However, if you are looking for a truly magical, immersive Disney experience budget-be-damned, a signature suite would be an awesome treat!
Final Thoughts: Is Disneyland Hotel Worth It?
If staying on property is important to you, the Disneyland Hotel has many perks which will help ease the pain of its hefty price tag. It is slightly less expensive then room rates at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa, and when you compare the Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian, I firmly believe the Disneyland Hotel comes out on top.
Of the three on-property Disney Resort Hotels, the Disneyland Hotel is our favorite. It’s nod to Disney’s roots and stunning pools and property amenities will give you the most bang for hard-earned bucks during your Disneyland vacation!
I hope you found these Disneyland Hotel reviews helpful for planning your family vacation.
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