Stretch the fantasies even longer by staying at one of the Disneyland Resort’s onsite hotels. The three Disney hotels in Anaheim offer easy access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, and guests can enjoy bonuses such as early access to the parks during their stay. Each hotel has its own unique personality and amenities too.
Disneyland Hotel
First opened in 1955 shortly after the park debuted, the Disneyland Hotel offers a sleek, retro-modern getaway. The elegantly updated rooms feature subtle nods to the parks—such as firework imagery in the carpets and Hidden Mickeys all over the decor. There are also whimsically themed specialty accommodations, like the Mickey Mouse Penthouse or the sumptuous Fairytale Suite. The Monorail Pool, with two towering watersides, is wildly popular; for a quieter retreat, relax in a plush chaise at the adjacent E-Ticket or D-Ticket pools.
Dining options offer something for everyone too, from the casual Tangaroa Terrace to the kids-favorite Goofy’s Kitchen, often featuring strolling characters. Whether you stay at the hotel or not, be sure to stop by Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar for Jungle Cruise ambience and one of its famous tropical cocktails.
One tower at the Disneyland Hotel houses The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, where the variety of contemporary accommodations runs from Duo Studios to three-bedroom Grand Villas. Though primarily a Disney Vacation Club property, nonmembers can book a stay here too. Stop in at the tower’s Palm Breeze Bar—the menu features salads, sandwiches, and pizzas—and be sure to take note of the art, which pays tribute to Mary Blair, the legendary Disney artist who shaped the Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and It’s a Small World rides.
Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa
With its mountain lodge aesthetic, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa aims to replicate the soaring wood-and-stone styling of The Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley. The central great room, with cushy oversized Craftsman-style chairs, an enormous stone fireplace, and live piano music, is a fantastic place to relax after a long day in the park. (Non-guests are welcome to dine in any of the resort’s five restaurants or simply enjoy its lounges.) The guests-only pool feels like an exclusive party, with poolside drinks and plenty of lounge chairs and fluffy towels, and enough room for kids and grownups to enjoy themselves. The full-service Tenaya Stone Spa is open to all as well (appointments required).
The hotel has its own destination dining too. The Storytellers Café offers a buffet for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, with character sightings at breakfast and brunch. Next door, Napa Rose offers elevated California cuisine for dinner but also a three-course Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures with princess meet-and-greets.
Another perk: Hotel guests at the Grand Californian have access to their own entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Pixar Place Hotel
Formerly known as Paradise Pier Hotel, the Pixar Place Hotel embraces the animation and spirit of Pixar Animation Studios films such as Toy Story, Coco, and The Incredibles. A giant Pixar Lamp, familiar to fans of the movies, greets you in the lobby, and the hotel is dotted with art created by Pixar artists. You might even meet Pixar characters in the lobby, such as Bing Bong from Inside Out. Rooms pop with color and feature murals depicting scenes from the movies.
Since it’s just across the street from the Grand Californian, Pixar Place Hotel guests can easily access the guests' back entrance for California Adventure. The colorful hotel experience also includes a Great Maple restaurant, outdoor firepits, and a rooftop pool that offers an excellent perch for watching evening fireworks
Booking a Stay at Disneyland’s Onsite Hotels
Along with early entry to the parks, guests at the onsite Disneyland hotels can enjoy perks such as special hotel activities or bookable insider experiences like yoga classes inside the park. Be sure to check the Disneyland offers and discounts page to see the latest deals for staying at the hotels. Depending on the time of year, you can often save anywhere from 15 to 25 percent off hotel rates. For more ideas on enhancing your trip, check out the Seasonal Events at Disneyland Resort and Special Tours and VIP Experiences at Disneyland Resort.