Hi Jason, and welcome to planDisney! I'm excited that you're considering a stay at one of the
Disneyland Resort's excellent hotels. My family enjoys planning short staycations at these distinctly Disney hotels a few times each year. I’m here to help!
Jason, there are many benefits to staying within the Disneyland Resort. Located on the property, the hotels offer convenient access to the parks. There's the Disneyland Monorail, located near the Disneyland Hotel, that drops off Guests right in Tomorrowland. There's a special entrance into California Adventure for Guests of the Pixar Place Hotel. And the Grand Californian is located in the heart of the Downtown Disney District and adjacent to California Adventure. From the hotels, it's easy to get to various dining experiences, including
Character dining, as well as additional entertainment and shopping options at the
Downtown Disney District.
My favorite part is how Disney magic extends into the hotels. Creative touches, big and small, are sprinkled throughout each property, including in the rooms. The accommodations are great – I always sleep well in the beds at these hotels. The comforters are so cozy! We had a premium view room at the Pixar Place Hotel and loved watching the bustle of California Adventure from our window.
Jason, if you are a fan of relaxing poolside, you'll be happy to know that each hotel has a pool area with a unique theme and mix of features. My family spends hours at the pool area with every stay! The
pools at the Disneyland Hotel are my favorite for water fun. There are mini water slides for small children, two larger Monorail-themed water slides, a Steamboat Willie splash pad, three separate pools, and a few whirlpool spas. Your pool access continues until the end of the day after you check out, which is a great perk. Just keep your hotel key, load up your luggage, and enjoy more fun at the pool.
All three
Disneyland Resort hotels also offer activities that are
open to resort hotel Guests. The Front Desk will provide you with a printed schedule of events when you check in. Can I also pause here to say how friendly and helpful the Cast Members are? Back to activities, the Sketch Pad Cafe inside Pixar Place Hotel hosts a free drawing class on Wednesdays. On certain days, guided walking tours of the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel are also available. I've also seen complimentary movie nights as well as fitness classes that can be booked for an additional fee. I've always wanted to try the morning "
Yoga in the Redwood Creek" class! Keep in mind that some activities require reservations.
Lastly, another benefit to staying at one of the hotels at the Disneyland Resort is the ability to link your reservation in the
Disneyland mobile app. You can complete your check-in early through the app and even unlock your room with your phone. With the app, you can also charge dining and shopping purchases from the theme parks to your room.
Each Disneyland Resort hotel offers something special. Jason, I know you'll have a wonderful time wherever you choose to stay. Let us know if you have any other questions about Disney vacations. We at planDisney are always happy to help!
Your pal,
Kriss