Updated October 2026 with the new Lightning Lane hotel guest perk, Pixar Place Hotel (which replaced Paradise Pier) and current dining at each Disneyland Resort hotel.
Ever thought of paying the extra money to stay at a Disneyland Resort in California, but you were worried about the Disneyland Hotel reviews online? Or that it wouldn't be worth the cost? Did you know that the first Disneyland opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California? Most people associate Disney with the east coast metropolis of Orlando, Florida. Well, the wonderful west coast has one of the best Disney experiences you could dream of! Disneyland in California hosts more than 18 million visitors a year. With such a huge array of guests, countless hotels have sprung up around it. There are three hotels on Disney property itself: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel. Disneyland Resort has two sprawling theme parks to check out. You likely won't be able to enjoy Disney to its fullest without a multi-day visit. Having the best hotel for your stay is essential. Choosing somewhere safe, comfortable, and fulfilling to lay your head on after a long day at the park might be a tough decision for some. We've put together our best Disneyland hotel reviews so you can make the best choice for your visit.
Located right inside Disneyland Resort, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel defines classic Californian craftsman-style architecture. With a wealth of glamorous amenities, you're forgiven for letting your better half take the kids to the park for the day so you can relax and recharge. The spa services at the Grand Californian are the perfect way to treat yourself after long days of excitement at the park. Plenty of rooms are on offer at this luxury stay. You're sure to find everything you need here!
The Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland is almost 34 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. The closest airport is John Wayne Airport, under 10 miles away. Long Beach Municipal is only 13 miles away, so you'll easily find your way to this luxury retreat. No matter how you're getting to the Grand Californian, the hotel is just off the 5 Freeway on the border between southwest and southeast Anaheim. Its immediate proximity to the park is the best part of the hotel. If you have your park ticket, you can use the hotel's own entrance into Disney California Adventure Park. Walking distance to Disneyland is one of the best things about this Disneyland hotel.
Families and couples can find their perfect spot in the Grand Californian. Most rooms come with space to sleep at least five guests. Queen and king beds are the norm. If you need a twin sleeper chair, these are readily available upon request.
Every room comes with Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee, a hairdryer, robes, desks, and so much more! The bathrooms offer rain showers, a vanity area, and a double sink. They even include step stools for the smallest guests. Check-in for rooms starts at 3 pm, and check-out is at 11 am daily. You'll get a weekday newspaper delivered, as well as an evening turndown service. In the depths of the summer heat, set your climate control to a cool breeze in every room. With 1,019 rooms, 44 suites, and 71 villas across 6 floors, the Grand Californian has a room for every taste. Of course, you're not visiting Disneyland to stay in the hotel. Let's explore some other perks of the Grand Californian!
Room service is available for every guest at the Grand Californian. Sometimes, after a long day of walking around the park, it's good to treat yourself to a relaxing dinner in your room. However, you won't be short of wonderful dining options while visiting Disneyland. The Napa Rose restaurant offers fine dining of seasonal flavors. Award-winning chef Andrew Sutton brought Napa Valley flavors to Disneyland when the restaurant opened, and the Napa Rose is known for its extensive wine list. Many guests celebrate a special occasion at this internationally recognized restaurant. If you're looking for something a little less dressy, the Storytellers Café is for you and the family. Storytellers Café also offers character dining, so ask about the current character lineup when you book. Storytellers Café is the best spot to find something for every palate; just be sure to make a reservation beforehand. The flavor presented by the chefs at Storytellers is some of the most popular throughout the resort! Also available at the Grand Californian is the Hearthstone Lounge. The lodge-like décor really sets the ambiance over a cocktail or two. With snacks and continental breakfasts available, you can visit any time of day and find something special. Or, why not pop down once the kids pass out and enjoy a drink by the fire? It's a relaxing spot to unwind after a long day of excitement. Want to order something on the go? Check out the GCH Craftsman Grill. Order from your phone and pick up some great to-go dining as you head out to the park. If you're looking for the most cost-effective option, the GCH Craftsman Grill is a superior option.
The Grand Californian offers three different pools to a diverse array of guests. Poolside cabana rentals are available for the days you don't want to go back into the park. There's even a pool bar so you can swim, drink, and enjoy yourself. Even though you'll probably get plenty of exercise exploring the park, the Grand Californian comes with a great fitness center. For children, you'll never be short of activities. There are regular film showings at the Parkview Terrace. We recommend asking the concierge about the daily interactive experiences for families. One of our favorites is The Grand Quest, a scavenger hunt throughout the hotel grounds.
Guests at the Grand Californian enjoy a private entrance into Disney California Adventure. Extra Magic Hours and early entry are gone at Disneyland Resort. Since January 5, 2026, each registered hotel guest age 3 and up instead gets one Lightning Lane entry to an eligible Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during the stay, at either park. You still need park tickets and a park reservation for that day. Walkability is the biggest perk of the Grand Californian. Don't worry about driving daily, finding a parking spot, or your vehicle heating up in the southern California sun. You can easily get to Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Park, and Downtown Disney on foot.
As one of the top-rated Disneyland hotels, the Grand Californian offers guests so many perks. Your room key charges meals and purchases to your room. You can even have your purchases delivered straight to your room. No matter your lifestyle, you'll be able to find your place in the Grand Californian. If you're looking for something a little extra, check out the Tenaya Stone Spa. Massages, facials, manicures, and foot and body treatments can help take the edge off a long day. There are even salon services available! You're forgiven for thinking you've escaped to your own private craftsman spa. The 6,000-square-foot facility is the cherry on top of an already fantastic hotel.
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel became Pixar Place Hotel on January 30, 2024. It's still the resort's most budget-friendly Disney hotel and a great pick for trips on a budget. The 15-story tower overlooks Disney California Adventure, and it's about a 10 to 15 minute walk to the park gates. Park-view rooms can give you a view of the fireworks on select nights.
Pixar Place is the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. Artwork, concept sketches and characters from films like Finding Nemo, Inside Out and Soul fill the hotel. Guests are welcome to use the amenities at the other Disneyland Resort hotels, so if you want a spa day, the Grand Californian is a short walk away. Let's start with the rooms!
The contemporary rooms celebrate the artistry of Pixar Animation Studios, and most sleep four to five guests. You'll have the standard comforts like a desk, hairdryer, coffee and an ironing board. If you upgrade to the Creators Club concierge level, you'll get access to a private lounge with food and drinks served by Great Maple. No matter which room you choose, you'll have heat and air conditioning to beat the California sun.
Great Maple runs the dining here. The Great Maple restaurant just off the lobby serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with dishes like buttermilk fried chicken and maple bacon doughnuts and soda pop-braised baby back ribs. The Sketch Pad Café in the lobby is the spot for grab-and-go pastries and coffee, and the rooftop pool bar, Small Bytes, serves salads, wraps, cheese plates and drinks with a view of the resort. Just be sure to bring snacks on your day out in the park! Strategic planning is key for the best experience at Disney.
The rooftop pool deck on the third floor is the star here. Kids can ride the 186-foot Crush's Surfin' Slide, swim in the Pixel Pool or splash in Nemo's Cove, a Finding Nemo splash pad. Adults can relax in the whirlpool or rent a daybed or cabana. At night, cozy up around fire pits themed to Pixar's hotheaded characters like Anger and Ember, and catch the Disneyland fireworks from the pool deck on select nights. The Pixar Shorts Court next door has outdoor games themed to Pixar short films.
Pixar Place has a renovated fitness center and a shop for souvenirs. You can check in and charge select purchases to your room through the Disneyland app. No matter what type of trip you're taking, Pixar Place is a fun and affordable home base.
Disneyland Hotel first opened in 1955. Though the hotel has expanded and modernized over the years, it's still the most nostalgic of the Disneyland hotel experiences. The hotel used to be an orange grove across the street from the first park. Today, the hotel is a short walk from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, right next to the Downtown Disney District. The three towers of the hotel are themed to Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Frontierland. With magical amenities galore, this is truly the deepest Disney experience one could ask for. Rumor has it that Walt Disney still wanders the halls of the Disneyland Hotel. You're sure to feel like you're living in an entirely new world as soon as you walk through the doors.
There are just under 1,000 rooms at the Disneyland Hotel. Staying at Disneyland Hotel is a gift for any group—families, friends, or couples. There is a variety of options to indulge in this Disney visit. Like the other Disneyland Resort hotels, the Disneyland Hotel now gives each registered guest one Lightning Lane entry to an eligible Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during the stay, which replaced the old early entry perk in 2026. Characters often frequent the hotel. You can see their evolution in the memorabilia that line the walls of the convention center. Downtown Disney is very close to the Disneyland Hotel. You could easily couple your Disney trip with an exploration of Greater Los Angeles or spend your entire time wandering the enormous grounds of the entire Disney resort.
All rooms and suites at the Disneyland Hotel sleep up to five guests. The standard view room comes with two queen beds and a daybed or a king bed. With views of classic Californian palm trees, this room is a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of the park. For a little more, families, friends, or couples can enjoy views of the pool in a deluxe view or premium view room. Of course, you could always upgrade slightly more and get the premium Downtown Disney view! The Downtown Disney District features an eclectic mix of eateries, shops, and interactive amusements. It truly feels like you're transported into the world of wonder. Each of the rooms comes with a shower, tub, and standard bathroom amenities. You can store your leftovers in the mini-refrigerator. Why not treat yourself to some leftovers and fresh coffee in your room for breakfast? Of course, you'll have Wi-Fi access. An alarm clock can kick you into gear for an early start in the park. There's even an iron and board so you can refresh your look every day! You definitely won't have to overpack for your trip when you can freshen up every day.
Disneyland Hotel Suites
The suites at the Disneyland Hotel are probably the most exceptional in the park. Each suite comes with two rooms and also sleeps up to five people. Suites are a great option for families. The kids can pass out early after a day of excitement, while parents relax on the plush king beds. The suites come themed, of course! Themes have included Adventureland, Big Thunder, Fairytale and Pirates of the Caribbean. The real bonus of the suites is the access to club-level service. Though you'll also get the same goodies like a standard room, the club level is a true perk. Suites come with access to the E-Ticket Club, a private club-level lounge in the Adventure Tower, with food and drinks served throughout the day. You'll have a dedicated concierge desk that'll help you navigate your stay. The height of the club lounge offers incredible views around Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and Galaxy's Edge. Kids are welcome in the lounge, where they can play games and do coloring. The food offered throughout the lounge proves that Disney really doesn't skimp. As well as traditional continental breakfast, you'll find hot and cold meals. There are cookies, crafted sandwiches, salads, cheese boards, and so much more to fill your boots!
Bonus Surprise!
Treat yourself to a light-up headboard! This quirky addition shows fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle. As you doze off, you'll hear When You Wish Upon a Star.
Food is probably one of the most important things to consider on your Disneyland trip. No trip to Disney would be complete without a character breakfast. At the Disneyland Hotel, you can meet your favorite Disney friends at Goofy's Kitchen. The hotel's former fine-dining spot, Steakhouse 55, closed for good in 2021, but there are still plenty of options for dining at the Disneyland Hotel. Goofy and his pals circulate around his kitchen during breakfast and dinner. No trip to Disney is complete without a proper meal with your favorite characters. While breakfast might not last forever, the photographs certainly will! The Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill is a personal favorite alternative. This Polynesian-inspired eatery is one of the more cost-effective options at the hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in this tranquil oasis won't be forgotten. You'll find all of your favorites and maybe try something completely new. Dining alfresco in the summer is a delight. Tribal print lanterns and the smell of fresh food will transport you to the Hawaiian Islands in a heartbeat. While the meal sizes are substantial, they're not too heavy. You'll definitely have room for dessert! If you love the tiki vibe, you're sure to enjoy Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar! Known for unique flavors and cocktails with a flair, this is more than just a family establishment. Trader Sam's is 21 and over in the evening, so bring a valid government ID and check the current hours before you go.
The Disneyland Hotel has two retro-themed pools. The best part? The epic Mark 1 Monorail Waterslides! Smaller slides are available for the smallest guests. Everything takes place under a Disneyland sign that harkens back to the park's classic age. You'd be forgiven for thinking you've traveled back to a simpler time at this epic recreational adventure. Whirlpools are available, so you can relax after a long day of walking through the parks. Poolside cabanas are a special treat. Park up and chill out for the morning or afternoon. The endless summer that only exists in California always calls for downtime, and there's nowhere better to indulge. Fitness centers and fitness classes are also available to guests. Just be sure to check with the concierge to get signed up!
Like all Disneyland Resort hotel guests, you can always hop on over to the Grand Californian to enjoy the Tenaya Stone Spa. What really sets the Disneyland Hotel apart from the others is the affordability and access to the parks. The other hotels are close too, but the Disneyland Hotel sits right next to Downtown Disney, and that makes it a favorite for many families. Be sure to book your trip well in advance in order to guarantee access to everything you want. No matter where you stay, you won't be disappointed.
While Disney World might be the larger of the two parks in continental America, Disneyland is still enormous. Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel keeps everything within walking distance, and strict security at the parks lets you roam without worry. Two of the key things to consider before booking your trip are weather and cost. Disney World is located in Florida, so humidity is something to consider. California, despite the lush green palm trees, is a desert. Disneyland is home to dryer heat, which is less intrusive than the humidity of Florida. Of course, every room in the three hotels has climate control options. Even on the hottest days in Anaheim, you can escape into the cooling climate of the hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops! When it comes to cost, Disneyland can be a little easier on your wallet. Shorter trips and fewer parks can keep the total lower, and you can save more with discount Disneyland tickets. We like Get Away Today Discount Tickets, and promo code FunParkGo takes $10 off Get Away Today vacation packages.
If you'd rather not stay at a Disney hotel, you can still enjoy everything the parks have to offer. Disneyland's Good Neighbor Hotels are nearby hotels that work with the resort, and many are within walking distance of the gates. Some cost less per night than a Disney hotel, though you'll give up perks like the Lightning Lane hotel guest entry and the private Grand Californian entrance. If your trip to Disneyland is part of a bigger California adventure, be sure to do as much research as possible before choosing somewhere to stay. Once you're set, plan your days around the best rides at Disneyland.
No matter when you're thinking of visiting the happiest place on Earth, we definitely believe it's worth the extra cost to stay at a Disneyland Resort. Our dedicated agents are experts in local experience. Our Disneyland hotel reviews are made with just a bit of that great Disney magic! Many of our team members have enjoyed their stays in Disneyland. You'll be sure to get first-hand, personal, and practical advice. Want a quick look inside first? Check out our Disneyland Hotel video on YouTube. We can't wait to meet you and help you save while you explore a whole new chapter of your life!
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