Where to Stay and Play: Disneyland Resort Hotels Vacation Guide
By: Disney Destinations
Guests planning their next getaway to Disneyland can escape to a storybook vacation at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort! Whether they’re a value-savvy traveler or looking for the utmost in luxury (or a bit of both), they can choose from a range of options, experiences, and price points to make the most of their stay.
Guests can vacation in the grandeur of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, relish in Disney nostalgia and the mid-century modern design of the Disneyland Hotel, or surround yourself in the animated artistry of Pixar Place Hotel. Three unique settings provide endless possibilities, all distinctly Disney.
In this guide, let’s discover the bold personalities of each of these on-property hotels, the differences and amenities that set them apart, and how staying in the magic means a memorable trip guests won’t soon forget.
Throughout the year, be sure to check out the Disneyland offers page for the latest discounts, vacation packages, and value-added extras on overnight stays.
Want even more options for guests staying around the Disneyland Resort? Keep reading to learn more about our Good Neighbor Hotels too!
Overnight guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort can be immersed in Disney day and night, within close walking distance of Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District. Special amenities, activities and unrivaled convenience are at their fingertips.
Perfect for a family vacation, a weekend getaway with friends, a bridal party or a business trip, each hotel offers a variety of accommodations to match the moment.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is an upscale retreat in the heart of Anaheim with an architectural style reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement of early 20th century California. Designed to capture the artistic exploration of California’s coastlines with its Monterey pines and redwood forests, the hotel is layered with the memories of the arroyo craftsmen, the mission pioneers, and the plein air school of painters.
From spa treatments to sparkling pools and culinary delights, also noteworthy is this hotel’s exceptional location with direct access to Disney California Adventure park* and the Downtown Disney District.
Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel, which opened in 1955, pays tribute to the early days of Disneyland through each of three towers with distinct themes. The main lobby in the Fantasy Tower showcases Mary Blair artwork connecting to “it’s a small world,” while the Frontier Tower has a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Adventure Tower has Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design.
This hotel is the closest to the Disneyland Monorail station for a scenic ride to Tomorrowland.*
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel is the newest Disney Vacation Club property at Disneyland Resort and is the fourth tower of the hotel, also referred to as the Discovery Tower. The tower is a blend of contemporary designs and timeless artwork inspired by characters and stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic films including The Jungle Book, The Princess and the Frogand Sleeping Beauty.
Pixar Place Hotel
At Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story hotel overlooking California Adventure, the iconic Pixar Lamp and ball sets the stage for storytelling, creativity, and heartfelt characters. As the first fully themed Pixar hotel in the United States, the artistic designs illustrate how filmmakers bring beloved Pixar films and shorts to life, featuring curated artwork from favorite stories.
What’s Your Room Type?
Standard Rooms and Suites
When selecting accommodations, factors to consider may be party size, bed type, preferences on view, any special requests, date flexibility, and budget.
Across the three hotels, standard, deluxe, and premium rooms typically sleep up to five adults and are differentiated according to the view, while one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites are selected by size and may be ideal for traveling with larger families.
Signature and Themed Suites
For the ultimate accommodations, each hotel offerssignature or themed suites. At the Disneyland Hotel, the themed signature suites are the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite, the Adventureland Suite, and the Big Thunder Suite, which were designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and feature incredible details to delight Disney fans.
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, suites are designed with an elegant Craftsman-era aesthetic and vary in size from the Arcadia Suite, the Arroyo Suite, the El Capitan Suite, and the Mount Whitney Suite.
At Pixar Place Hotel, signature suites include the Pixel, Sketch, and Story Suites that vary in size and connecting bedrooms, and some with easy access to the rooftop pool.
Disney Imagineers are also planning two all-new themed signature suites at Pixar Place Hotel themed after Coco and The Incredibles.
The Benefits of a Concierge Lounge
Reserving a club-level room at any of the three hotels grants access to the hotel’s concierge lounge, which can be particularly convenient and beneficial for families. The added value of a concierge lounge includes complimentary continental breakfast, appetizers and desserts at select hours, an evening wine and cheese reception, personal assistance from concierge staff, and fireworks viewing from select locations.
Concierge lounge access can also be added to any, one, two-, or three-bedroom suite at any of the three hotels. Guests may request to add club level to their suite when booking the reservation or upon arrival at the hotel, for an additional fee.
The concierge lounges at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are the all-new High Key Club at Disneyland Hotel, the Creators Club at Pixar Place Hotel, and The Veranda at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where plans are also underway for a second, all-new concierge lounge.
Check out our page to read more about these concierge lounges and other hotel updates.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Room Types
The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel offers a variety of spacious room types from duo studios for two to the stunning three-bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12, with just-like-home amenities, including full-size kitchens in select villas. Other options include deluxe studios, and one- and two-bedroom villas.
These accommodations are available to book by all guests.
Hotel Perks at Disneyland
Guests staying at the Disneyland Resor will be within convenient walking distance of all the excitement, with no need for transportation around the resort.
Other magical hotel benefits as only Disney can provide include seasonal hotel activities, preferred access to a limited number of hotel dining reservations at select table-service restaurants, the ability to charge Disneyland Resort shopping and dining purchases to the hotel room, and online check-in and digital room key features using the Disneyland app.**
Disneyland Resort Hotel Restaurants and Lounges
There sure are plenty of places to nosh at the hotels! If guests are looking for a tasty snack on-the-go or to embark on a culinary journey with multiple courses, numerous hotel dining options are sure to please every palate.
These dining spots are easy walking distance of each other and welcome all visitors, whether guests are staying on property or simply want to experience a uniquely Disneyland Resort hotels dining experience.
Disney Character Dining
Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa serves hearty, homestyle favorites with character dining experiences and buffets for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Check Disneyland.com for the latest offerings and characters in their seasonal attire.
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, also at Disney’s Grand Californian, is a one-of-a-kind experience featuring visits with several Disney Princesses, enchanting activities, a sumptuous three-course breakfast, a private portrait location, and keepsakes.
Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel is a fun-filled breakfast, brunch, or dinner buffet with Chef Goofy and his pals. Seasonal experiences at Goofy’s Kitchen are available at select times during the year.
Signature Restaurants
Napa Rose is an award-winning, upscale restaurant known for its artfully presented California cuisine, exhibition kitchen, and superb selection of regional wines. Currently undergoing an exciting renovation, Napa Rose will reopen with an exquisite new look, expanded counters where guests will be able to watch the chefs in action, enhanced patio seating, and two new fireplaces.
Great Maple Modern American Eatery at Pixar Place Hotel offers playful takes on upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with buttermilk fried chicken and maple bacon donuts being a popular highlight. The sophisticated ambiance features gorgeous green leather seating, a beautiful bar area serving craft cocktails, and a seamless open-air patio.
Poolside Fare
Palm Breeze Bar serves refreshing fare and drinks outside the Palette Pool area at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
GCH Craftsman Bar at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a poolside eatery featuring shareable dishes, desserts, kids’ meals, craft cocktails, California wines, and craft beer.
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at Disneyland Hotelfeatures express eats with a Polynesian flair for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Small Bytes is available seasonally on the rooftop pool deck of Pixar Place Hotel, where you can order salads, wraps, assorted cheese plates, and more with signature beverages.
Grab-and-Go Goodies
The Sketch Pad Café at Pixar Place Hotel serves a selection of coffee, pastries, and teas. The wall décor shows a timeline of Pixar films conveyed through character design.
GCH Craftsman Grill at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a tucked away spot serving a variety of items from waffles and breakfast sandwiches to salads and burgers.
The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel is a place to pop in and fuel up during the day with freshly brewed coffee specialties and pastries, salads, and snacks.
Leisurely Lounges and a Tiki Bar
Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a cozy setting ideal for enjoying cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and desserts by a crackling fireplace.
Broken Spell Lounge at Disneyland Hotel is an enchanting place to relax for a nightcap, where the décor draws inspiration from the Enchanted Forest in the classic Disney Animation film Sleeping Beauty.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel is a bewitching hideaway inspired by the world-famous Jungle Cruise, offering breakfast, pu pu platters, lunch and dinner menus, and adventurous cocktails in a tropical oasis.
Rest, Relaxation, Recreation, Repeat!
At each of the three hotels, there’s lots to keep every family member happy and having the best time. A schedule of Hotel Guest Activities may include Learn to Draw classes, movie nights, live entertainment, hotel tours, and seasonal festivities for overnight guests. Many activities are complimentary and some are at an additional fee.
Make a Splash at the Pools
Relaxing at the pool is always a vacation favorite. The Disneyland Hotel has a retro-themed oasis with the E-Ticket Pool, and the smaller D-Ticket Pool with two waterslides designed to look like the original Mark 1 Disneyland Monorail, along with a Mickey Mouse- and Minnie Mouse-shaped whirlpools. The Palette Pool area at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel features a Steamboat Willie splash pad.
At Pixar Place Hotel, guests can frolic on a Finding Nemo-themed splash pad at Nemo’s Cove, take a ride on Crush’s Surfin’ Slide and splash in Pixel Pool.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has three pools to choose from (Fountain, Redwood and Mariposa), two whirlpools, and the Redwood Tree waterslide.
Each hotel also offers options for a poolside cabana, pod, or daybed rental to lounge the day away in comfort and style.
Tenaya Stone Spa
Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and inspired by the spirit of nature and Californian craftsman architecture, this full-service spa offers an array of body treatments, facials, massage, and salon services sure to leave guests in a “Golden State” of mind.
Another benefit overnight guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort may enjoy is the ability to register for unique Tenaya Stone Spa fitness classes, some of which take place in the parks before they open. Classes include Sunrise Yoga in Disneyland, a Power Walking Workout or an Adventure Boot Camp in California Adventure, or Paddleboard Yoga at the pool.
Additional Offerings
Pixar Shorts Court at Pixar Place Hotel invites guests to try their hand at games inspired by Pixar short films. When night falls, this third-floor rooftop deck has a terrific view of Disneyland fireworks as they light up the sky on select evenings.
It’s also great spot to relax with a beverage and bite from Small Bytes, and lounge by fire pits shaped like Ember from Elementaland Anger from Inside Out.
And guests never know who they just might meet out and about! At Pixar Place Hotel, they might create core memories with characters such as Bing Bong from Inside Outor listen to Joe Gardner from Soul playing melodies near the hotel lobby.
Nearby Good Neighbor Hotels
For a greater range of options, there are more than 50 designated Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels nearby.
With all of the amazing things to do across two theme parks, the hotels and the Downtown Disney District, guests may want multiple days to experience it all. The Disneyland Resort is a great base to visit other Southern California destinations such as the beaches and Hollywood.
We can’t wait to welcome guests for their next magical vacation!