Which Disneyland Resort Hotel is Right For You?
Disneyland Resort Hotels make your stay at Disneyland even more magical and each hotel has something different to offer. These hotels boast individual themes while providing the family-friendly atmosphere so familiar with the Disney brand. All three hotels are a five to fifteen minute walk to both of the Anaheim parks and provide easy access to Downtown Disney. With three great choices to choose from, which is the best fit for your next trip to Disneyland?
Photo courtesy Tom Bricker
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – While The Pier is the hotel farthest from the park (about an extra five minutes away from the other two hotels) it also has the lowest rates of the three. As the name suggests, The Pier presents a fun beachside California feel and a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – Photo courtesy the Disney Company
The PCH Grill on the first floor offers California fair and a Character buffet breakfast. (Reservations are available and suggested for large groups.) The nearby Surfside Lounge has a full-functioning bar on one side and a snack bar on the other with a variety of enjoyable snacks and drinks. The first floor also has an arcade, children’s activity center, and the hotel’s store.
The rooftop pool at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – Photo courtesy the Disney Company
The Pier has a fitness center, pool, pool-side bar, movie nights, and a view of the fireworks (complete with music!). If your family is looking for a relaxing “seaside” place to stay, the Paradise Pier is the way to go.
The Disneyland Hotel – The newly renovated Disneyland Hotel is the original theme park hotel and is the center of all things Disney. The decor creates a never-ending atmosphere of fun and magic while maintaining a modern and elegant touch. Your family will always be in for an adventure whether you explore the three towers that make up the hotel (Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier), play in the themed pools and waterslides, or sample the wide variety of restaurants.
The Disneyland Hotel – Photo courtesy the Disney Company
Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel – Photo courtesy the Disney Company
The Disneyland Hotel also has two stores, a fitness center, movie nights, child activity center, and nightly live island- themed music at Trader Sam’s. One of the special features of the hotel is a light-up headboard (displaying a scene of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and fireworks) which plays a music box-like version of “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” It’s a magical way to tuck the kids in for bed or for a whimsical start to your day or night.
Light-up Sleeping Beauty Castle headboard – Photo courtesy the Disney Company
The Disneyland hotel is also just yards away from Downtown Disney and a couple minutes from the monorail entrance to Disneyland, making it a convenient commute from hotel to park.
The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – The Grand Californian is a luxurious step back in time to the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1900s. Despite its grand finishings, it is still a cozy family experience and has the same Disney charm. The grand lobby offers live piano music and a fireplace next to the hotel’s store and bar.
The lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa – Photo courtesy the Disney Company
The Mandara Spa (attached to the fitness center), and the renowned Napa Rose restaurant offer an upscale experience for either just the adults or the whole family. The hotel also offers pools, a child activity center, movie nights, arcade, three restaurants (the Napa included), quick access to Downtown Disney, and a private entrance to California Adventure Park (available for use by all Disneyland Hotel guests). As an added bonus for the kids, bunk beds are available upon request.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel’s Napa Rose Restaurant. Photo courtesy Tom Bricker
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa – The Grand Californian also has Villas available to Disney Vacation Club members and for those who reserve a room through the DVC Rental Store. These villas are available in studio, one, two, and three bedroom units and are located in their own tower of the hotel. The Villa tower has its own laundry room and quick access to the pools.
Photo courtesy the Disney Company
Unlike the regular Disney hotel rooms, Villa rooms come with a DVD player and DVDs can be rented (two per day) at the information desk in the lobby. The larger rooms also have kitchens while the one bedroom comes with a wet bar, refrigerator, and microwave. The Villas are great for both large and small families and add a special touch to any vacation.
