Throughout 2023 I have spent more staycations at the Disneyland Resort than any other place in the world. (I know, this is shocking).  And today I’m taking the opportunity to break down my experiences staying at the Disneyland Hotel.  

I feel like in recent years, the Disneyland Hotel has gotten a bit of a bad rep.  I’ve heard people say that it feels dated and/or that it’s really not that convenient, and definitely not worth the price.  In fact, when recommending where to stay on property for a Disneyland visit, I’m not hearing a lot of glowing referrals for this hotel.  

This past year, I’ve stayed here twice, each time for a couple of nights.  And I have to say, that I have LOVED it.  And I would absolutely recommend this hotel for your next Disneyland trip, if you can find a room for a discounted rate.  Here’s why…

When it comes to feeling that “Disney magic” at your resort property, it honestly doesn’t get better than the Disneyland Hotel.  Immediately upon entering the hotel, you’re greeted by statues of Mickey and Minnie, as well as a gorgeous mural inside the lobby that changes with the season or whatever Disneyland happens to be celebrating at the time.  And as an added bonus for all Disneyland hotels, you get to access both parks 30 minutes before the general public which gets you on at least 1 ride with no wait.  

Each of the hotel towers is themed for a different Disneyland “land” including Adventure, Frontier, and Fantasy Land.  And each lobby pays homage to its land in a unique way.  Even the wallpaper in the bathrooms is themed!

The rooms themselves are the most magical rooms in all of Disney Resort property (in my opinion), period.  The magical designs on the carpet and the light-up music box headboards feel like an extension of the park itself.  

But what if you’re not a Disney “super fan”, you ask?  And you don’t really care about these extra magical touches?  Is it still worth it then?  Well, my answer is “yes” and “no”. 

There is quite a bit to recommend about the hotel beyond what I’ve already mentioned.  The pool, for instance, is the best pool of the 3 hotels, in my opinion.  There are two waterslides and a splashpad for littles.  The chairs are comfortable, and the vibe is very bright yet also relaxed.  The poolside menu is also great. 

Then there is the on-site dining.  One of the most fun character dining experiences (“Chef Goofy”) is located here, and you can’t beat Trader Sam’s Tiki Lounge.  (If you want a fun interactive tiki experience, this is a MUST.).  And all of the Disneyland Hotels have upped their “room service” game, providing not only a standard room service menu but also the option to have food delivered from any of the nearby hotels and some select Downtown Disney restaurants. 

The Disneyland Hotel is also the closest to the Disneyland Monorail.  For those starting their park day experience at Disneyland, this is the easiest and most convenient way to get into the park.  (Closer than Grand Californian and the Pixar Pier Hotel). 

Now for the “bad”.  First, the rooms are a little dated.  You can see this most in the furniture and the fixtures.  I personally don’t think that it takes away from the magic.  The hotel reflects its age, just like any hotel would after several years.  I was taken aback that the rooms don’t come with complimentary water or basic toiletries (given the price point), but once I knew what to expect, I just brought my own water and used the shampoo and conditioner in the refillable bottles in the shower. 

If you decide to drive or rent a car, the per day parking rates are pretty steep, so this is something you’ll want to factor into your stay.  Unfortunately, pretty much all hotels in the area (Disney or not) require a separate per day parking fee, so there isn’t a great alternative to this problem. 

It is also pretty far if you want to enter or exit from the main gates of either park (although you do get to walk through Downtown Disney, so it could be worse).  

Given these factors, I do not think that staying at this hotel is “worth it” at a price point of $600-800/night.  It’s really only worth “splurging” if you’re able to find a deal for $300-400.  There are FAR better and more economical options for non-Disney hotels within the vicinity.  But if you are a Disney “super fan” and you crave being totally immersed in Disney magic from the second you arrive to the second you leave, then this hotel is a great option.    

Footnote:  You’ll notice that this post omits any mention of the new Disney Vacation Club Villas.  While I have been in these rooms and have experienced several of their offerings, I plan to give these their own dedicated post.  More to come!