Early park admission, character sightings, and magic that follows you from the park all the way back to your suite. Costs aside, Disneyland hotels come with perks that other lodgings in the area don't offer. However, they don't always come cheap, so it's a matter of weighing out the cost options [1] with what sort of amenities you're looking for.
And while Disneyland does name a list of "good neighbor" hotels that are recommended but not affiliated with Disney, there are actually only three official Disneyland hotels guests can stay at. Each place offers a very different experience, but all three are equal in their commitment to excellence (and fun, of course!) — something Disney fans know to expect and appreciate each time they visit the parks. Here's a breakdown of the amenities and perks of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Paradise Pier hotel.
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa [3] is the top of the line. Located in Downtown Disney, the hotel's charming decor and atmosphere will make you feel like you're in a cozy California lodge (fireplace included!). Staying at the Grand Californian also offers awesome perks for guests.
Grand Californian Perks and Amenities
- Special Theme Park Entrance and Early Park Admission: The Grand Californian is the only hotel that offers guests a private entrance to the park. With valid park admission, guests have prime access to Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District with an entrance located on the actual hotel grounds. As with all Disneyland hotels, guests also get early park admission.
- Themed Pools With Water Slide: The hotel has three main pools: the Redwood Pool (which has a water slide that curves around the stump of a giant redwood tree), the Fountain Pool/Children's Pool, and the Mariposa Pool, which includes a companion hot tub and four private cabanas guests can rent.
- Unique Dining Options: The hotel offers many dining choices, including Napa Rose and Napa Rose Lounge, Storytellers Cafe, Hearthstone Lounge, and more.
- Grand Californian Spa: Guests looking to relax and rejuvenate can visit the hotel's Mandara Spa.
- Cost: Starting from $417/night
Disneyland Hotel
In terms of decor and atmosphere, Disneyland Hotel [4] is the polar opposite of the Grand Californian. The hotel is chic and modern, with three "towers" — Adventure, Fantasy, or Frontier — that guests can stay in. The towers pay homage to Disneyland's original "lands."
Disneyland Hotel Perks and Amenities
- "Modern Accommodations With a Magical Touch": The rooms pay tribute to "the classic years of Disneyland Park." They have special Disney features and furnishings that fans will love.
- Signature Suites: The Disneyland Hotel offers five different "signature suites" with park themes and decor.
- Themed Pools With Water Slides: The hotel has two pools: the E-Ticket Pool themed after tickets from past years at the park, and the D-Ticket Pool. There are also two water slides that feature replicas of the original Monorail trains at Disneyland.
- Dining Options: The hotel offers numerous options for food, including Steakhouse 55 and the Lounge at Steakhouse 55, Tangaroa Terrace, Goofy's Kitchen, Trader Sam's Enchanted Bar, the Coffee House, and more.
- Early Park Admission: With valid tickets, guests at Disneyland Hotel get early park admission throughout their stay.
- Cost: Starting from $360/night
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel celebrates "the heyday of California beachfront boardwalks" with a vibe that is old school-meets-modern. Rooms are beach-themed, and guests are just a short walk away from the parks and, of course, from Paradise Pier.
Paradise Pier Hotel Perks and Amenities
- Rooftop Pools With Water Slide: Guests can enjoy the Paradise Pool, the California Streamin' water slide, the Children's Pool, and the Paradise Spa whirlpool.
- Dining With Characters: Meet your favorite characters at the hotel's Surf's Up! Breakfast With Mickey and Friends at Disney's PCH Grill.
- Fireworks Show: On select nights, guests can watch the Disneyland Park fireworks from the hotel's rooftop pool deck. Specific rooms offer views of Disney California Adventure Park and the World of Color nighttime water spectacular.
- Seaside-Inspired Accommodations: The sand-and-surf-themeed accommodations are designed to "reflect the casual yet elegant beachfront pavilion hotels of the early 1920s."
- Early Park Admission: All valid ticket-holders get early park admission.
- Cost: Starting from $269/night