You might already know there are three Disneyland Resort Hotels, but do you know all the perks of staying at one of them? Honestly, guys, I’ve never stayed in a park hotel. SO, I asked my friends at Get Away Today to share the benefits of staying at a one of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort, so you can see why it’s worth it for your next vacation.
This is part of my Disneyland Tips series, and don’t miss my other hotel posts. I share the cheapest Disneyland hotels, the closest hotels, and I even have a list of my favorite family packages (which includes reviews of all the hotels I’ve stayed at).
Ok, take it away Get Away Today (btw in 2021 I did a tour with them for the best Disneyland hotels for families)!
Perks of Disneyland Resort Hotels
The three Disneyland Resort Hotels range from value to moderate to deluxe, so there is an option for every budget. Each is within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort, but that’s just one of the many benefits!
Let me just give you an idea of the pricing between the two hotels for a standard room for two nights (this is for a medium-busy time of year)
- Paradise Pier hotel {value} $922
- Disneyland Hotel {moderate}: $1192
- Grand Californian {premium} $1668
If that pricing just seems to high for you, maybe check out my post on the Harbor Boulevard hotels to see if any of those work for you.
One of the MOST important things to know is that ALL THREE Disneyland Hotel guests get the early entry that is offered now. As of writing that allows Disneyland resort hotel guests to enter the parks an extra 30 minutes early, and ride select attractions that are open (these vary and some may not be ready to open even if they’re listed). This was previously called “Magic Morning”.
All of these Disney hotels have room service (although each hotel also has more budget-priced food offerings as well — even the CA Grand — check out their Craftsman grill!).
Pro Tip: Even if you aren’t feeling like these are your best choice, you can still go check out these hotels on a free day. I’ve even gone and enjoyed the AC in the California Grand on a hot afternoon. Their lobby is very enjoyable and just a short walk outside the parks.
Benefits of staying at the Paradise Pier Hotel
Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel – This value hotel is located within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort, on the Disney California Adventure Park end. Select rooms even have views of the Park, including the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round in Pixar Pier.
They have just created a special Pixar Pier entrance which makes this park a GREAT option if you are looking to go to California Adventure.
The Paradise Pier Hotel features a casual, 1920s beach theme, and is home to Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast Character Dining. If you make a reservation for this experience, you’ll just head to the lobby of your hotel and enjoy a delicious buffet and Disney Characters before you head to the Parks. Characters vary, but you might encounter Stitch along with Donald, Mickey, Minnie and more.
However, this hotel is slowly going to be getting a Pixar update where it will have a Pixar theme instead.
Each registered guest of Paradise Pier Hotel is granted early entry, which is theme park admission 30 minutes before the Parks open to the general public. Each day of your stay, you’ll use your theme park ticket and hotel room key to get into either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park; simply check the Disneyland app or website to confirm. You can do this on both the day you START your stay (if you arrive early enough) and the day you leave.
Most often this perk is offered daily.
Paradise Pier Hotel is known for its rooftop pool with a waterslide. There’s both a leisure pool and a children’s pool, plus a whirlpool and The Sand Bar for snacks and beverages.
From the third floor rooftop pool and lounge areas, you can catch a fireworks show or World of Color performance on select nights at neighboring Disney California Adventure Park. It’s a wonderful way to beat the crowds in the evening and is definitely a perk of staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel.
Disney is known for going out of their way with customer service, and at Paradise Pier Hotel you can enjoy in-room celebrations if you’re visiting Disneyland for a milestone such as a birthday, graduation or anniversary. Simply let a Get Away Today travel specialist know about it when you book, and arrangements can be made!
You can also request complimentary Character wake-up calls in your room, and can have Park merchandise delivered to your hotel at no additional charge (this package delivery happens the next day, so you can’t use it on the last day of your stay. It’s a great benefit of Disneyland Resort Hotels so you don’t have to carry souvenirs around with you all day.
Pro Tip from Hilary: If that extra time in the parks is important to you — you can stay at one of these cheaper hotels to enjoy that!
Perks of Staying at the Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland Hotel – For proximity to Disneyland park, the Disneyland Hotel can’t be beat! This moderate hotel is within convenient walking distance and is just north of Paradise Pier Hotel.
To get to the parks you just walk through the Downtown Disney District
Depending on availability, you may find yourself with views of the Park and its fireworks on select nights. Disneyland Hotel decor is a nod to vintage Disney, and there is an old, light-up map of the Parks in the lobby. Guests love the rooms in Disneyland Hotel for many reasons, but the light up, musical headboards are especially popular. With the touch of a button you can sing along with “A Dream is a Wish” and watch your headboard magically twinkle.
If you book Goofy’s Kitchen Character Dining, you’ll find the restaurant here at the Disneyland Hotel, serving up visits from Chip, Dale and more right at your table. The buffet breakfast offers great variety and is the perfect way to start the day.
As with Paradise Pier Hotel reservations, when you stay at Disneyland Hotel you have Early Entry each day of your stay. Bring your theme park admission and hotel room key to get into either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes before general admission. Use this time to enjoy select rides that are open early and get a jumpstart on your day.
Another perk of staying onsite at Disneyland Hotel is the retro pool and lounge area. There are two monorail waterslides, which are a nod to a classic form of transportation in the Resort. Take a dip in either the E-Ticket Pool or D-Ticket Pool, and soak up the sun and make sure the little kids check out the smaller slides built with them in mind.
When you book, let Get Away Today know if you’re celebrating anything special so Disney can help with in-room celebrations. That little extra touch of magic is what Disney Customer Service is known for!
Perks of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – This deluxe hotel is located inside Disney California Adventure Park. As a result, it may be obvious that one of the perks of the Grand is its location! It has its own private entrance to California Adventure, as well as an entrance to Downtown Disney.
This is the most popular Disneyland hotel and with it’s limited number of reservations you want to book early.
For convenient access to Character Dining and your favorite Disney characters, stay at the Grand Californian and book the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure in Napa Rose Restaurant. You’ll enjoy one-on-one time with select Princesses, as well as a delicious meal designed for all ages. Book Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast or Brunch Buffet at Storyteller’s Cafe for visits with Mickey and friends during your meal, including photo-opps and storytelling.
Perks of the Grand Californian Hotel include the three outdoor pools, surrounded by towering trees and comfy lounge chairs. The Redwood Pool features a waterslide, and there’s a whirlpool at the Mariposa Pool. This is a favorite from among the Disneyland hotel pools.
They also have the Tenaya stone spa that is very popular.
As a deluxe hotel, the Grand includes live piano music in the lobby, exquisite craftsman lodge decor and even nightly turn-down service. Be sure to look for drawings of Chip and Dale throughout the hotel, too!
Looking for more info? Check out my best Disneyland hotel tips!
Book with Get Away Today and Save
To enjoy the perks of Disneyland Resort Hotels, book soon with Get Away Today. When you add a hotel to your vacation package, you can enjoy an additional $10 in savings with code Curls10. Just let them know Pulling Curls sent you! You can book at www.getawaytoday.com, or call a travel specialist directly at 855-GET-AWAY.
Hilary here now. I had honestly never even thought of staying at a Disney hotel, but after reading think it might be worth the cash, especially if you want that extra hour. Which one would you pick?
Don’t miss my list of Best Affordable Disneyland hotels — a list of 30+ of my favorite hotels (plus my own current top 10 hotel list).
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