Howdy, Amanda! Thanks so much for returning to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question!
I have stayed at all three
Disneyland Resort Hotels so I'm happy to break it all down for you! My absolute favorite is the Disneyland Hotel. I am simply in love with the charming classic Disney decor, the amazing pools, and the out-of-this-world dining options that are on-site at this hotel. Plus, it's only a short walk through the Downtown Disney District to the parks. Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is also a really fun option that is a bit more budget-friendly. I really liked the beach-themed rooms and having breakfast with Mickey at Disney's PCH Grill right in the hotel lobby. If you want to be the closest to the parks, then Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is for you. This hotel even has it's own entrance into Disney California Adventure Park!
When you stay at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels, you have access to
Extra Magic Hour every day of your stay. This allows you to enter Disneyland Park one hour early on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Disney California Adventure Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The extra hour at Disney California Adventure Park is exclusive to Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests so it's really a great perk. If you book a stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel that includes three-day or longer theme park tickets, then you have access to one Magic Morning at Disneyland Park. The days and hours for Magic Morning are the same as Extra Magic Hour at Disneyland Park, but, again, you only get to use this benefit one day out of your three-day or longer trip when you stay off-site.
I hope you found this information helpful! Happy planning!
-Linda