Where to Stay in Disneyland: Top Picks for Magical Accommodations (2023)

Planning a magical trip to Disneyland is full of excitement and anticipation, but finding a place to stay can be a daunting task. With a wide variety of options both on and off Disney property, it's important to find the perfect hotel that fits your vacation style and budget. In this article, we'll explore some of the best suggestions for accommodations near Disneyland to make your decision a little easier.

One of the best aspects of staying at a Disneyland hotel is the convenience of being within walking distance of the theme parks. On-property hotels such asDisneys Grand Californian Hotel & SpaandDisneys Paradise Pier Hotelprovide a hassle-free Disney experience and exclusive perks like early park access. If you're looking for off-property alternatives, consider hotelsHarbor Boulevard, which is within walking distance of the parks and offers more budget-friendly options without sacrificing too much on location or amenities.

As you read, we'll dive into some of the best hotels and areas to consider when planning your Disneyland stay. From luxury resorts to family-friendly options, you'll discover plenty of options to cover every type of Disney vacation. So gear up and get ready for a whirlwind adventure that will simplify your planning journey and bring you one step closer to your dream Disneyland vacation.

Where to Stay in Disneyland: On-Site vs Off-Site

On-site hotels and resorts

Disneyland offers three hotels, each offering luxurious accommodations and unique themes. ThatDisneyland Hotel, the Paradise Pier Hotel and the Grand Californian Resort and Spa are all conveniently located near the park entrances.

• Disneyland Hotel:This hotel offers classic Disney themes with spacious rooms and a variety of amenities.
• Paradise Pier Hotel:This beach-themed hotel offers guests a California-style experience with a rooftop pool and colorful rooms.
• Grand Californian Resort and Spa:Known for its luxurious design and luxury amenities, this hotel brings guests closer to nature and offers a relaxing atmosphere.

While staying on-site offers convenience and the full Disney experience, be aware that parking fees can be higher at these hotels compared to their off-site counterparts.

Accommodation away from home

There are manyoff-site hotels within walking distancefrom the Disneyland gates, allowing easy access without staying on property. Some popular options include:

• Fairfield Anaheim Resort:Less than 10 minutes from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, this hotel allows guests to easily walk to the parks, making it a family favorite.
• Various hotels on Harbor Boulevard:This road offers plenty of lodging options within walking distance, as well as more affordable parking compared to on-site hotels.

Off-site accommodations often offer more budget-friendly options, and some even offer free parking, making them a great option for guests looking to save money on their Disney trip.

Fun fact

Did you know that the original Disneyland Hotel, which opened in 1955 next to Disneyland Park, was not originally built or owned by Walt Disney? It was actually built by the Wrather Corporation and Disney bought the hotel in 1988.

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While staying on or off site, guests can enjoy a variety of activities in addition to exploring the Disneyland parks. Some options include:

• Downtown Disney District:Open to the public, this shopping, dining and entertainment destination offers a taste of Disney magic without entering the parks.
• Character dinner:Many on-site and nearby hotels offer Disney Character Dining Experiences so guests can enjoy a meal with their favorite characters.
• Pool and leisure:Both on-site and off-site hotels usually offer pools and recreational activities, giving guests a chance to relax and unwind after a long day at the parks.

Disneyland overnight stay on site

Disneyland offers a variety of on-site lodging options for guests who want to stay close to the magic. In this section, we will cover Disneyland's three on-site hotels: the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Each hotel offers unique features and services to enhance your stay.

Disneyland Hotel

The iconicDisneyland Hoteloffers a magical experience with its themed rooms and nostalgic atmosphere. Guests can enjoy:

• Pools with water slides and monorail themed water play
• Signature dining options including Steakhouse 55 and Goofy's Kitchen
• Close to Downtown Disney and the theme parks

Fun fact: The Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955 along with Disneyland Park, making it Disney's first hotel.

Really do: Enjoy the themed pools, dine with your favorite characters at Goofy's Kitchen, or explore the rich Disney history displayed throughout the hotel.

Disneys Paradise Pier Hotel

Disneys Paradise Pier Hoteloffers an ocean-themed resort for families. Guests can expect:

• Rooftop pool with waterslide and California Beach themed boardwalk
• Disney characters eat at Disney's PCH Grill
• View of Disney California Adventure Park and fireworks at night

Interesting history: Originally the hotel was not owned by Disney, but they acquired it and redesigned it in 2000 to give guests another on-site option.

Really do: Relax by the rooftop pool, enjoy character dining at Disney's PCH Grill, or watch the nightly fireworks from your hotel room.

Disneys Grand Californian Hotel

The luxuriousDisneys Grand Californian Hoteloffers a luxurious stay with craftsman-style architecture and first-class amenities. Hotel features include:

• Exclusive access to Disney California Adventure Park for hotel guests
• The brand new Tenaya Stone Spa for relaxation
• Signature dining options including Napa Rose and Storytellers Cafe

Fun fact: The design of the hotel was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century, with natural materials and handmade details.

Really do: Treat yourself to a spa day at Tenaya Stone Spa, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Napa Rose, or take advantage of exclusive park admission for a hassle-free day at Disney California Adventure.

Pros and cons of staying on-site at Disneyland

Advantages of living on site

When planning a visit to Disneyland, staying on-site has many advantages. One of the main advantages isExtra magic hour, allowing Disneyland Hotel guests to enter the parks 30 minutes early each morning. This perk allows guests to enjoy some attractions with shorter wait times, even if it requires an early riser.

Hotel guests are also immersed in the Disney atmosphere throughout their stay, enhancing the overall experience. Plus, staying on-site provides easy access to both the Disneyland parks and the Downtown Disney District. This facilitates a more convenient and relaxed holiday. In addition, Disneyland Resort hotels may offer unique dining experiences, themed pools, and other exclusive amenities.

Possible disadvantages

While there are many advantages to living on the Disneyland grounds, there are also some potential disadvantages. An important issue is the cost.Accommodation at hotels belonging to Disneylandit is usually more expensive than staying off-site as there are no Value or Meterate resort options available in the area. High demand for on-site accommodation may also mean limited availability, which may require booking well in advance to secure a room.

Additionally, although Disneyland Resort hotels are within walking distance of the parks, some off-site locations may offershorter walking distancesat the park entrances. This makes it necessary to consider different accommodation options when planning your Disneyland vacation.

Remember, getting precise requirements and preferences can help you make the most suitable choice for a magical trip to Disneyland.

Budget-friendly accommodation outside

Good neighboring hotels

Disneyland's Good Neighbor Hotels offer a variety of affordable options for families who want to stay close to the theme parks without breaking the bank. These off-site hotels are located a short distance from the park and often provide additional benefits such as shuttle service and discounted tickets.

• Item from Westinis a new hotel that opened in July 2021. It is approximately a 10 minute walk from the main entrance to Disneyland and is also on a bus route served by Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) for a small fee.
• Green Point Hotel Kissimmeeis another budget-friendly option located 6 miles from Disney World. It offers free transportation to the parks, free breakfast and free parking.

Holiday rental

Vacation rentals can be an affordable alternative to hotel stays for families or larger groups visiting Disneyland. Renting a home or condo near the park provides the convenience of extra space, private amenities, and a more relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a fun day.

• Vacation Homes in Anaheimoffers a wide variety of vacation rentals near Disneyland, with options to accommodate groups of various sizes. These homes have amenities such as private pools, full kitchens, and game rooms.
• WILLOW TREEandAirbnbare popular platforms for finding vacation rentals near Disneyland. You can filter your search results based on your preferences, such as proximity to the park, number of bedrooms and price range.

Fun fact

Did you know that Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany? Disneyland's iconic castle has become a symbol of magic and fantasy for millions of visitors since the park opened in 1955.

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In addition to the theme parks, there are many activities to enjoy near Disneyland. ThatIn the center of the Disney Districtoffers shopping, dining and entertainment options. You can also venture further into Anaheim and Orange County for various attractions such asAnaheim parcel areaand nearby beaches.

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Transfer to the parks from your hotel

When you stay at a Disneyland hotel, it's quite convenient since all the theme park rides and attractions are a short walk from the hotel, and you get early access to the Disneyland rides and entrance to the parks before the regulars.source. However, if you're staying at a non-Disney-operated hotel, there are still plenty of options within walking distance of the Disneyland gates, so you don't have to worry about sacrificing location or extra transportationsource.

For those who live a little further from the parks, many hotels offer shuttle services to help you get to Disneyland. Alternatively, you can use the Metro Express Line 460 bus that connects the Disneyland Resort to Downtown Los Angeles and various other bus and train lines throughout Los Angeles Countysource.

Disneyland parking lot

When visiting Disneyland, there are a few security checkpoints to be aware of when arriving by car. If you park in one of the two parking structures, you will go through security before entering the tram. If you arrive by bus, shuttle or foot on Harbor Avenue, there is a security check on that sidesource.

The Disneyland Monorail is another transportation option to get to the parks. Stops at the nearby Downtown Disney District and Tomorrowland inside Disneyland Parksource.

Fun fact:Guests staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa can enjoy easy access directly to Disney California Adventure Park through an entrance near the hotel's poolssource.

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While visiting Disneyland, be sure to explore the various attractions, shows, and parades in the parks. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park offer many entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Don't forget to also wander the Downtown Disney area for shopping, dining and live shows to make your visit even more magical.

Disneyland tips and tricks for your stay

Maximize your time

Visiting Disneyland can be a magical experience, but it's important to maximize your time to get the most out of it. Consider these tips when planning your visit:

• make sure thatbuy tickets online. You must have a valid park ticket and a park reservation before you arrive. Consider buying discounted Disneyland tickets to save money.
• Main Street USA is often open30 minutes agothe rest of the Disneyland park. Use this time to eat breakfast, shop, or take photos with characters.
• The end of September and the beginning of October can begood times to visitDisneyland, as the park is not very crowded and you can enjoy Halloween decorations.

Dining reservations

To enjoy the best dining options at Disneyland, consider making reservations in advance. This can save you time and ensure you get a table at popular restaurants. Keep these tips in mind when making your dining reservations:

• Book at least 60 days before your visit.
• Be flexible with your timing as popular restaurants book up quickly.
• Remember to include all members of your party, including infants and children, when booking to ensure a suitable table for everyone.

Fun fact or interesting story

Did you know that the "It's a Small World" attraction at Disneyland was originally designed for the 1964 New York World's Fair? The ride was then moved to Disneyland in 1966, where it has been a favorite of millions of visitors ever since.

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Disneyland offers a variety of entertainment options for guests of all ages. Here are some suggestions for activities during your stay:

• Explore the different themed areas of the park, including Adventureland, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.
• Meet your favorite Disney characters and take unforgettable photos with them.
• Enjoy popular attractions such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion.
• Don't miss Disneyland's parades and fireworks, which are a great way to end your day at the park.

Remember to have fun and create lasting memories during your visit to the magical world of Disneyland!