Hiya Staci,
Welcome to planDisney! I just recently returned from a Disneyland Resort vacation, including a stay at
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Staying at a Disneyland hotel is such a treat! I love being so close to the Theme Parks, and the
early entry is the best perk of all. We were able to do so much during that extra 30 minutes, and not having to deal with huge crowds was a massive plus.
Staci, I’m with you; not relying on your smartphone for everything is my preferred way to vacation. I have a flashback of forgetting to charge my phone one night and my smartphone dying. Luckily, Disneyland hotels can provide you with a room card upon check-in, so your smartphone is not your only way to get into your room. This is the case even if you used online check-in! Just head to the front desk when you arrive to check in or after you have your room number if you used
Direct-to-Room Service to request a room key.
I hope this was helpful, Staci! Before I let you go, even if you get a room key from
Disneyland Hotel, you won’t be able to use it to enter the Theme Parks like you would at Walt Disney World Resort. Your key card will only be able to be used for room entry, unfortunately. I highly recommend using a
MagicBand+ for each of you to avoid using your phone.
Please come back and see us if you need anything else!
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.