Planning a trip to Disneyland is all fun and games until you realise that there are about a thousand and one hotels to choose from for your stay. And, choosing the right Disneyland hotel can make or break your stay.
Unlike Disney World, Disneyland offers few options when it comes to Disney resort hotels. In Anaheim, you’ve only got three options: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, or the Disneyland Hotel. Or, choose from another hotel located outside the park in order to save money.Â
Here are seven tips for choosing the best Disneyland hotel that will make your stay at the Happiest Place on Earth even happier.
How To Choose The Best Disneyland Hotel
How do these rankings work?
1. Get to Know the 3 Disneyland Hotels
As mentioned, at Disneyland, you only have three options when it comes to actual Disney resort hotels: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, or the Disneyland Hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel is usually the cheapest, followed by Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, offering premium accommodations and an exclusive entrance to California Adventure, is the most expensive Disneyland hotel.
2. Consider the Benefits of Staying at a Disneyland Hotel
While it might seem a little more expensive up-front, there are actually financial benefits of staying at a hotel inside of the park. Aside from just being a whole lot easier, Disneyland hotel guests can enjoy access to Extra Magic Hours at Disneyland one hour before the park opens on select days.
If you’re arriving from out-of-town and know that you’re only going to visit Disneyland, then staying on-site can also actually help you reduce your costs of renting a car.
3. Know When to Book Your Hotel
If you’re having trouble deciding on which hotel to stay at due to price, then knowing when to book can help you save a lot on your vacation. Disneyland usually offers a fall/winter room discount to entice visitors to go during the colder months.
With this discount, you can usually save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel If you stay between October and December. You might want to read the fine print on this one, as stays usually be during specific days, such as Sunday through Thursday.
4. Factor in Fun
Part of the pull of staying at a Disney hotel is getting to enjoy the themed nature of their resorts. Think about this when considering whether to book a traditional hotel in Anaheim or one in Disneyland.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa feels like you’re staying at a huge wilderness lodge in Northern California. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel allows you to transport yourself all the way back to a 1960s California boardwalk. The Disneyland Hotel allows you to choose from three different unique styles. Stay in the Adventure, Fantasy or Frontier tower.Â
5. Utilise Disney Park Hotel Amenities
If you’re going to pay upwards of $300 a night to stay at a resort in Disneyland, then definitely choose one that’s got the amenities you’re looking for.Â
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, for example, features a rooftop pool with a slide. However, staying at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa grants you access to the hotel’s forested courtyards and enchanting lobby.
6. Optimise Your Room Choice
The Disneyland Hotel is the most accessible resort hotel in Anaheim, offering 31 wheelchair-friendly or handicapped-accessible rooms. However, if you’re truly looking to optimise your time in the park, think about choosing your room wisely.
Try not to book a room that’s really far from the lobby or main entrance. This can add 10-15 minutes of walking time at the beginning and end of each day. Also, if you’re on a budget, then consider asking for a room with a standard view instead of a preferred view.
7. Book a Hotel Near Disneyland
You don’t have to stay at a Disney hotel resort in California to truly enjoy the magic of Disneyland. There are numerous hotels located within walking distance to the park.Â
While you won’t get to experience the true magic that lies in the intricate details and enchanting touches that make Disneyland parks so wonderful, you’ll be able to snag a great price and still enjoy your stay.
As of right now, there are at least seven hotels in Anaheim that are within half a mile of the entrance of Disneyland. If you’re down for walking each morning, you can skip the car rental or Uber fee and save even more money.
