Greetings, Katherine, and welcome to planDisney! The Disneyland Hotel is my family's favorite place to stay, and
the fantastic pool area is a big part of that! Mini water slides for small children, two larger Monorail-themed water slides, a Steamboat Willie splash pad, three pools, and whirlpool spas – what's not to love?
Katherine, I have great news for you. Yes, on the day of check-in, you can access the pool area, even if your room is not ready yet. Stop by the Front Desk to check in and ask for a key card that will grant you entry to the pools. Drop off your luggage at the Bell Desk, keeping a small bag with your swimwear. There are poolside restrooms where you can change.
Ready for another sprinkling of pixie dust? This also applies on the day you depart. After checking out of your room, take your luggage to the Bell Desk, and squeeze in a few more hours of fun at the pool. The key card will work until the end of the day. Leaving the hotel is a little less sad after going down the water slide a few times and indulging in a Dole Whip. I know from personal experience!
As a Disneyland Resort hotel Guest, you'll have a chance to take part in
exclusive activities during your stay, such as complimentary movie nights, fun demonstrations, crafts, and hotel tours. Check with the Front Desk to get a schedule and ask about joining the Disneyland Hotel tour. Fitness classes can also be booked for an additional fee.
You can also visit
amazing dining locations at the hotel – some accept reservations and a couple offer mobile ordering. I have, on a few occasions, used the
Disneyland mobile app to make a mobile order for
Tangaroa Terrace – the Island Garden Avocado Toast is one of my favorite breakfast items at the Resort! How about enjoying a Dole Whip at sunset? Or having light bites and a drink at the Broken Spell Lounge, or a tropical taste of adventure at
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar? Of course,
Goofy's Kitchen is a gem of the hotel as well.
While you wait for your room to be ready, explore the
Disney's Fantasia Shop, which has lots of great merchandise and souvenirs to choose from. And for more shopping (and food), the
Downtown Disney District is really close by. Of course, if you're heading into Disneyland, getting there is super convenient with the nearby monorail.
If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of the Disneyland Hotel – the hints of nostalgia with modern touches throughout make it feel truly magical. Between the pool area, dining locations, and shops, you'll have a great time, even when you're not in your room.
Katherine, I hope you have a truly magical vacation, with plenty of pool time ahead. If you think of any other questions, please reach out to us here at planDisney – it's our pleasure to assist you!
Just keep swimming,
Kriss