Alexa, play When You Wish Upon a Star
Is there any way this hotel wouldn’t be a classic? I mean, just look at the name. Disneyland. Hotel. It carries a huge legacy in its name alone, with so much history that we couldn’t cover it all in a simple review. The Disneyland Hotel opened its doors way back in 1955, and it combines classic charm with the luxury you’d expect from the Happiest Place on Earth. If you like the idea of staying just 10 minutes away from Disneyland, with amazing pools and a sophisticated design that reflects Disney’s history, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Disneyland Hotel is one of the three main Disney Hotels in California - the other two being the Grand Californian and the Pixar Place Hotel. It’s a little more expensive than the Pixar Place but still more affordable than the Grand Californian, giving it the status of a mid-tier resort. Well, mid-tier for Disney also means huge towers full of rooms, multiple swimming pools, a gym, several restaurants, character dining and everything else you need to make your stay here truly magical.
What we like about the Disneyland Hotel
This is definitely the resort for those who want to breathe Disney 24/7. The Disneyland Hotel is divided into four huge towers, each inspired by lands you’d find at the theme park (and in the Magic Kingdom as well): Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Discovery Tower. Each tower also features a few easter eggs and fantastic artwork inspired by Disney classics, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Peter Pan and, of course, Mickey Mouse.
I love that the decor is charming and subtle, without being too “in your face.” The Disneyland Hotel focuses more on being classy and elegant than just colorful for the sake of it.
One of the best things about this resort is the pools, located between the main towers. There are two main pools, one of which has two big waterslides themed after the classic Disneyland monorails. In fact, these waterslides are among guests’ favorites and are an absolute classic, mentioned in nearly every article about the hotel. You can also find two whirlpools, a water play area, poolside cabanas, and multiple bars waiting for you. If you love good and fun pools, then you are going to love this place.
There’s also a character dining spot called Goofy’s Kitchen, open for breakfast and lunch. Here, you can find Goofy (duh!) and some of his friends walking around, but interestingly enough, Mickey Mouse isn’t there… I guess he’s not a fan of whatever Goofy cooks. You can, however, find Minnie, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. Another cool thing? It’s not uncommon to spot characters just walking around the Disneyland Hotel, sometimes even in the main lobbies.
The rooms are nice and cozy, having been renovated in recent years. One of the coolest features is the headboards, decorated with artwork of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and fireworks. When you turn off the lights, the fireworks light up, and a music box plays “When You Wish Upon a Star.” These small touches truly take you by surprise and make your stay feel so much more magical. Now I want these headboards at home!
Also, remember that staying at this hotel comes with some great perks. For example, you get Early Entry access, allowing you to enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure 30 minutes before the official opening time. You can also walk from the Disneyland Hotel to the theme parks, which should take no more than 10 minutes once you reach Downtown Disney.
What we don’t like about the Disneyland Hotel
This might sound surprising, but there isn’t a traditional table-service restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel. The main table-service restaurant, Steakhouse 55, closed in 2021 and was replaced by a romantic bar/lounge. This means that if you're looking for a nice dining option, you only have access to Goofy’s Kitchen or several quick-service options.
It’s definitely unusual that such an iconic (and expensive) hotel doesn’t have a luxurious table-service restaurant aimed at adults. A steakhouse had been part of the Disneyland Hotel since the early 1980s, and as of now, if you’re looking for a nice or romantic dining experience, your best bet is to head to the Grand Californian.
Also, remember that the Disneyland Hotel first opened its doors in 1955. While the rooms have been updated over the years, the layout still reflects its mid-50s origins. Some rooms might feel a bit rustic, and this shows in subtle ways. For example, standard rooms don’t have a balcony, unlike those at the Grand Californian.
Do I recommend the Disneyland Hotel? I do, yeah. The Disneyland Hotel is ideal for those who want to experience Disney magic in a charming, classic setting filled with Disney easter eggs and trivia. It’s also perfect for guests who plan to enjoy the fantastic swimming pools and don’t mind the absence of a traditional table-service restaurant on site.
If all that sounds good to you, then you’re sure to have an amazing time at this hotel, which carries an extra dose of pixie dust.
Disneyland Hotel FAQ
How much is a room at the Disneyland Hotel?
Starting rates for the Disneyland Hotel are around $575 per night.
Can I walk from the Disneyland Hotel to the theme parks?
Yes! Disneyland Park is close to the Disneyland Hotel, and it should take about 15 minutes to reach the main gates.
Is there character dining at the Disneyland Hotel?
Yes! You can visit Goofy’s Kitchen for breakfast or dinner to meet Goofy, Minnie, Pluto, and Chip N’ Dale.
Are there meet & greets at the Disneyland Hotel?
While there aren’t pre-planned meet & greets at the Disneyland Hotel, it’s common to find characters like Pluto, Chip N’ Dale, and more walking around.
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