Is the Disneyland Hotel Worth it?: Things to Consider
The on property hotels at Disneyland are expensive. Like kidney on the black market expensive. While Disney World has enough resorts to cater to a range of budgets, the California parks do not. There are plenty of affordable off property hotels nearby. Is the Disneyland Hotel worth it?
Is the Disneyland Hotel Worth it?: Things to Consider
1. Disneyland Hotel Location
2. What Makes Disneyland Hotel Special?
3. Disneyland Hotel Rooms
4. Should You Book Disneyland Hotel Club Level?
5. Disneyland Hotel Pools in California
6. You Can Rent a Disneyland Hotel Pool Cabana
7. Things to Do at Disneyland Hotel
8. There is a Disneyland Hotel Gym
9. Restaurants at Disneyland Hotel
10. Disneyland Hotel Early Entry to Theme Parks
11. There Are Disneyland Hotel Parking Fees
12. There is Free Wi-Fi During Your Disneyland Hotel Stay
13. Check-in Time Disneyland Hotel
14. Disneyland Hotel Checkout Time
15. Theme Park Availability is Better
16. You Can Have Your Park Souvenirs Delivered to the Hotel
17. You Need the App for Your Stay at Disneyland Hotel
18. No Pets Allowed
19. Don’t Miss the Disneyland Hotel Wake Up Call with Little Kids
20. You Can Get Discounts for Disneyland Hotel
21. What Do You Need to Bring?
22. Disneyland Hotel COVID-19 Precautions
23. What Are Your Other Options?
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Is the Disneyland Hotel Worth it?
1. Where is Disneyland Hotel?
The address for Disneyland Hotel is 1150 Magic Way in Anaheim.
The other two on property resorts, Paradise Pier and the Grand Californian, are also near Disneyland Hotel in California. You can easily access the restaurants in those properties with a short walk.
How far is the Disneyland Hotel from Disneyland? It is an easy walk to both parks and Downtown Disney, where you will find lots of dining and shopping options.
If you don’t want to walk, you can ride the monorail to Disneyland Hotel from the parks.
The closest airport is Orange County, located about 15 miles from the resort. You get usually get to LAX within an hour depending upon traffic.
Is it worth it to stay at a Disneyland hotel in Anaheim, California? The location makes it difficult to say it isn’t.
2. Why Stay at a Disneyland Hotel?
The hotel was built in 1955. Walt Disney has actually been there. The halls are dripping with nostalgia and history. It feels very different than any other Disney property in that it has a genuine, old school vibe.
Is it worth staying on site at Disneyland? If you appreciate the history of the property, it definitely is.
Pro tip: This hotel is made up of three Disneyland Hotel towers. These are the Fantasy, Adventure, and Frontier. Request the Fantasy tower for the easiest access to the lobby and dining options.
3. Rooms at Disneyland Hotel
Is it worth staying at Disneyland Hotel? When you consider the cost of the rooms, things get a little dicey.
There are several Disneyland Hotel room types, all of which are expensive. What separates these rooms from those found at other hotels is the detailed theming. There are hints of Mickey throughout. Even the sink handles have ears.
Disneyland Hotel amenities in the room include mini-refrigerators, coffee makers with coffee and tea (but nothing with which to flavor your beverages like sugar or cream), irons, hair dryers, and H2O bath products.
The highlight is the Disneyland Hotel headboard that displays fireworks and plays a song.
Pro tip: Pack and Plays are available upon request.
Disneyland Hotel Standard Rooms
The standard Disneyland Hotel guest rooms are your typical studio configuration, meaning you can’t escape your children unless you go to the bathroom. They come with one king, two queens, or two queens and one day bed.
You can get views of the pool, Downtown Disney, trees, or the Disneyland Hotel parking lot.
You can also book these rooms on the Club Level, which gets you access to the hotel lounge.
Maximum number of guests: 5
Standard Disneyland Hotel Suites Anaheim
The suites offer the benefit of a common area and bedrooms with doors to close. This benefit comes with a hefty upcharge.
One Bedroom Disneyland Hotel Junior Suite
The junior suite comes with one king, one sleeper sofa, and one twin pulldown bed. This room only comes with a view of the parking lot.
Maximum number of guests: 4
Family One Bedroom Suite at Disneyland Hotel
The one bedroom family suite comes with one king and one sleeper sofa or two queens and one sleeper sofa. Disneyland Hotel views from this suite are of Downtown Disney, the pool, trees, or the parking lot.
Maximum number of guests: 6
Junior Two Bedroom Suite Disneyland Hotel
The two bedroom junior suite is two connecting rooms. It comes with one king, two queens, one day bed, and one pulldown bed. The Disneyland Hotel room views are only of the parking area.
Maximum number of guests: 8
Two Bedroom Disneyland Hotel Family Suite
You can book two bedroom family suites that are connecting rooms or a single unit. The connecting rooms offer a variety of sleeping options that include kings, queens, and sleeper sofas. The single units have two kings and a sleeper sofa.
These suites come with views of the pool, trees, or parking area.
Maximum number of guests: 6 in a single unit, 10 in connecting Disneyland Hotel California rooms
Three Bedroom Suite
The three bedroom suites are basically Disneyland Hotel adjoining rooms with open doors. They have several different options with various combinations of kings, queens, and sleeper sofas. You can get views of the pool, trees, or parking area.
Maximum number of guests: 14
Disneyland Hotel Themed Suites
The Disneyland Hotel themed rooms are only for people willing to drop some serious bank. We’re talking bucket list items here.
Adventureland Suite Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel Adventureland Suite is heavily themed, featuring two bedrooms, a large common area with a dining room table, and a fireplace. It includes two kings and a daybed.
Maximum number of guests: 5
Big Thunder Suite Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel Big Thunder Suite, themed after the roller coaster in the park, has a woodsy cabin feel. It has a large common area with a dining room table and fireplace. There are two bedrooms with one king, one queen, and one sleeper sofa.
Maximum number of guests: 6
Fairytale Suite Disneyland Hotel
Princesses don’t have kids yet, so the Disneyland Hotel Fairytale Suite is smaller and filled with white things. It comes with an awesome bathtub and one king bed.
Maximum number of guests: 2
Mickey Mouse Suite Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel Mickey Mouse Suite is filled with Mickey Mouse decor. It has two bedrooms with one king, one double bed, and one sleeper sofa.
Maximum number of guests: 4
Pirates of the Caribbean Suite Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel Pirates of the Caribbean Suite doesn’t hold actual weapons, but there are pictures of them. It is good clean fun, so children would be fine. This two bedroom suite has one king, one sleeper sofa, and two twins.
Maximum number of guests: 4
4. Should You Book Club Level for Your Stay in Disneyland Hotel?
The Club Level Disneyland Hotel rooms come with a substantial cost and no more space. What do you get for the price?
A. Free continental breakfast at Disneyland Hotel
B. Afternoon snacks (only available during park hours)
C. Wine and cheese in the evenings (only available during park hours)
D. Nightly dessert (only available during park hours)
E. Access to the Disneyland Hotel Concierge Lounge that has a view of the fireworks
F. Access to assistance from Concierge (useless to most people)
G. Nightly turndown service
Is Club Level at Disneyland Hotel worth it? That’s a judgment call for you.
As you probably surmised, the majority of the free Disneyland Hotel food is only available when you will be in the parks and not available to consume it.
Compare prices for Disneyland Hotel options and do the math. Will this save you money because of the free breakfast? If not, it is probably not worth it, but do not hesitate to book it if it makes you happy.
5. Disneyland Hotel Anaheim Pools
The hotel pools are sprawling and heavily themed. Named after former Disneyland tickets, the D-ticket and E-ticket pools give you plenty of space to spread out. There is also a hot tub that is frequented by children.
The highlight is the Disneyland Hotel Monorail water slide section. These slides deposit into their own body of water, so you don’t have to worry about someone else landing on your child while he or she is swimming.
There are always plenty of highly vigilant lifeguards on duty. Servers will bring you cocktails at the swimming pool at Disneyland Hotel. No need to get up.
Is the Disneyland Hotel pool heated? Yes, all of the pools are comfortable year round.
Is staying at the Disneyland Hotel worth it? The pools definitely fall into the pro column when making your decision.
Pro tip for Disneyland Hotel: Free life jackets and towels are available poolside. You don’t need to bring your own.
6. Disneyland Hotel Cabana Rental
Cabanas are available to rent at the pool for an extra charge. These include places to sit, a TV, fan, safe, clock radio (why?), mini-refrigerator with some bottled water, and a fruit platter.
The price for Disneyland Hotel cabanas varies by the day.
Is it worth it to rent a cabana? Probably not. There is ample seating by the Disneyland Hotel swimming pool and your hotel room is within walking distance if you need to cool off. With that said, if it makes you happy, go for it.
Maximum guests per Disneyland Hotel poolside cabana: 6
7. Disneyland Hotel Things to Do
There are a few daily Disneyland Hotel activities, but not many. Examples may include movies and drawing classes. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.
Is Disneyland Hotel worth the money? If you are looking for an all-day activity schedule, it is definitely not.
8. There is a Disneyland Hotel Fitness Room
Does Disneyland Hotel have a gym? Yes, it is open 24 hours per day. You’ll be walking all day in the parks, so I would personally recommend having a cocktail instead, but if you want to work out, the option is there.
Guests must be at least 14 to use the facility, and at least 17 to visit alone.
The Disneyland Hotel fitness center offers paid classes. Reservations are required.
Pro tip: As of the time of this writing, the resort offers power walks through California Adventure before park opening. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.
9. Disneyland Hotel Restaurants Anaheim
In addition to the restaurants in Disneyland Hotel, Downtown Disney and the other two resorts are within walking distance. There is no shortage of dining options.
Is it worth it to stay at Disneyland Hotel? When it comes to dining options, it is.
Pro tip: The restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel are great about accommodating allergies. There are even special menus for each major allergen. You will not have a hard time eating gluten free.
Bonus pro tip: The Disneyland Hotel dining menus are posted online. Have a look before your trip to decide where you want to eat.
Note: The hotel recently closed the very popular Steakhouse 55. RIP.
Disneyland Hotel Goofy’s Kitchen
Goofy’s Kitchen Disneyland Hotel is an incredibly overpriced character buffet. The food is mediocre at best. The aspiring actors in the character costumes are not. Kids will have a great time interacting with them.
Pro tip: This Disneyland Hotel breakfast with characters has gluten free pancakes, but you need to ask for them.
Bonus pro tip: This restaurant in Disneyland Hotel is popular. Make a reservation.
The Coffee House Disneyland Hotel
Starbucks The Disneyland Hotel Coffee House is a quick service with a few breakfast items and a ton of coffee.
Pro tip: The line gets long. Use mobile order.
Tangaroa Terrace Disneyland Hotel
Tangaroa Terrace is a quick service located near the pool. It serves all three meals, as well as alcohol. It is your best option for a quick Disneyland Hotel breakfast.
Pro tip: Mobile order is your friend. There is no reason to wait in line.
Bonus pro tip: Don’t miss the Dole Whip with rum.
Trader Sam’s Disneyland Hotel Tiki Bar
This Disneyland Hotel bar has an Enchanted Tiki Room vibe, minus the animatronic birds. It serves lunch and dinner, but the real appeal is the fun drinks.
Note: The tiki bar at Disneyland Hotel is loud. Bring noise canceling headphones if it will bother your child.
10. Early Park Entry
What are the perks of staying at a Disneyland resort? You don’t get many, but early park entry is a big one. On property guests at the hotels get in 30 minutes before everyone else.
Only 30 minutes? Who cares? Here’s the thing.
Early entry makes it impossible for off property guests to effectively rope drop the park. No short lines for them. The Disneyland Hotel on property guests have filled them up. This is a bigger deal than one might appreciate.
11. Parking at Disneyland Hotel is Not Included
As of the time of this writing, parking for Disneyland Hotel is $35 per night.
12. Does Disneyland Hotel Have Wi-Fi?
One of the perks of staying at Disneyland Hotel is free Wi-Fi. Is it worth staying at the Disneyland Hotel for this? No, it is not.
13. Disneyland Hotel Check-in Time
What time is check-in at Disneyland Hotel? It starts at 3:00 p.m. If your room is ready early, they will let you in.
One of the best Disneyland Hotel tips and tricks is to arrive at park opening and leave your luggage with the front desk. You can get two park days out of one hotel night.
Pro tip: You can check-in on the app before you arrive and go directly to your room without stopping at the Disneyland Hotel lobby.
Bonus pro tip: If you arrive early with nowhere to go, there is a TV playing cartoons in the lobby.
14. Checkout Time
Checkout time is 11:00 a.m. You can request Disneyland Hotel late checkout, but it is highly unlikely that it will be granted.
Pro tip: One of the Disneyland Hotel benefits is that the hotel will hold your luggage after you check out so you can go to the parks.
15. Theme Park Availability is Better
You have to make a reservation to enter the theme parks. Disneyland has a lot of annual pass holders that snap those up. They can be hard by which to come.
One of the benefits of staying in Disneyland Hotel is that reservations are held for hotel guests. You will have an easier time getting one if staying on property.
16. You Can Have Your Souvenirs Delivered to the Hotel
One of the additional benefits of staying at Disneyland Hotel is that you don’t have to carry your souvenirs around the park. Your in-park purchases can be delivered to the hotel.
17. You Need the App
You need the Disneyland app, even if you never enter a park. It gives you ride wait times, allows you to mobile order, and has a Disneyland Hotel digital key for your room. Download it before you arrive.
18. No Pets Allowed
Is the Disneyland Hotel pet friendly? Other than service animals, no, it isn’t. If you want to bring your dog, you should go elsewhere.
19. Don’t Miss the Wake Up Call
There is a cute wake up call feature with characters available. Don’t miss it with little kids.
20. Ways to Save
How much does a night at Disneyland Hotel cost? A lot, but there are ways to save.
You can book a room only, or Disneyland Hotel packages that include tickets.
Pro tip: This is not an option as of the time of this writing, but the hotel will eventually offer Disney Vacation Club (timeshare) rooms. Renting points from an owner to book these rooms will be a great way to save in the future.
Direct Purchase Disneyland Hotel Deals in Anaheim
The hotel occasionally offers deals. Check the offerings at the time of your booking, then check back periodically. You can amend your reservations for Disneyland Hotel later.
Pro tip: If you want to book direct, a free travel agent can check discounts and update your Disneyland Hotel reservations for you.
Bonus pro tip: The offers often include Disneyland Hotel discounts for military personnel.
Third Party Disneyland Hotel Bookings
You may be able to find deals for Disneyland Hotel on sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, or Tripadvisor. If you go this route, purchase discounted park tickets with a site like Undercover Tourist.
Travel at Off Peak Times
If school is in session, your Disneyland hotel and tickets package will be cheaper. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, try to avoid the masses.
Note: Hours may be shorter and some rides may be closed for maintenance during off peak times.
Pay with Discounted Disney Gift Cards
You can buy discounted Disney gift cards at stores like Target (with a Red Card), Meijer, Costco, BJ’s (with a membership), Raise, and Giftcarddeal.com (careful with this one).
Pay for your Disneyland hotel and ticket packages, as well as dining and shopping, with these cards for a substantial savings.
Note: This is not a good option if you might need to cancel. Your refund will be in the form of Disney dollars.
Pro tip: You can combine gift cards up to $1,000 per card on Disney’s website so you don’t have to carry dozens of cards with you to the parks.
Disneyland Hotel AAA Discount
You may be able to find AAA Disneyland Hotel discounts.
Disneyland Hotel Groupon
You may be able to find deals on Groupon. Don’t assume it has the best price. Shop around.
Use Miles and Points
Miles and points are a great way to save on all travel. Disneyland Hotel rates are no exception.
Capital One
The Capital One Venture credit cards allow you to erase travel expenses from your statement. You could book your Disneyland Hotel trip with your card, then erase it.
Disney Visa
The Disney Visa from Chase earns Disney dollars. It isn’t the best credit card for everyday spend, but you could use your rewards to cover your trip.
21. What Should You Bring?
The rooms are small. Don’t overpack. Check out our free Disneyland packing list to bring what you need and not what you don’t.
22. COVID-19 Precautions
As of the time of this writing, the majority of the Disneyland Hotel COVID restrictions are lifted. Masks are recommended but not required in most settings.
23. What Are Your Other Options?
In addition to the this hotel, you can stay on property at the Grand Californian and Paradise Pier. You will get the same Disneyland Hotel perks at these properties, the most important being early park entry.
Generally speaking, the Grand Californian is a little more expensive. Paradise Pier is the cheapest Disneyland Hotel. Note that I said cheapest, not cheap.
If you want to go off property, there are a ton of much cheaper options within walking distance.
Is it better to stay at a Disney hotel? That is up to you. You will not get the early entry and Disney touches, but you may be able to get more space. Weigh the pros and cons when deciding what is best for your family.
Final Thoughts – Is the Disneyland Hotel Worth it?
The hotel is expensive. There is no way around it. The Disneyland Hotel prices are tough to swallow. However, the location, theming, pools, and early park entry provide a lot of value.
Is the Disneyland Hotel worth it? For most people, it probably is, particularly if you don’t visit often. Do your best to save and give it a try with your family. You will not regret it.
This is such a helpful
Guide to understand what type of hotel
Would be best for us and budget ourselves accordingly. Thanks for this.
I wish I would have read this before we went a couple weeks ago. It was not worth the cost to us, but it was nice to stay and experience it. I wouldn’t go back though. Price was too high.
Wow, it is a very informative article! I have never been to Disney Land, and it is still my big dream. I have two sons now, 18 months and 4yo. So, looks like we going to Disney land In a couple of years. Yay!
Such great info and all in one spot! Thank you!! Definitely saving this for if I convince my husband to take me to Disney when I turn 40 ?? (I just want to spend my birthday among princesses!!)
I was at Disneyland for my 40th. I keep telling myself it was a not sad decision to make.
I’ve been wanting to research this information, thank you so much for having it all in one place!! Wow!! Very informative.
I have often wondered about the price for staying at the Disneyland Hotel. Thanks for your very helpful article. After reading it I do think it’s worth the extra money especially if you are travelling from abroad then you really want to make the most of it.
Thank you for sharing what you know about the experience and phtoos! I’ve heard about the hotels so this is helpful for planning.
This is very helpful. It is just perfect since I was planning my conference trip this October here! Thank you!
I was at Disneyland Paris and the price for hotel there was way too high