Hey there, Robin! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by planDisney and ask your question!
I am excited to hear you are thinking about staying at a
Disneyland Resort Hotel. I love being able to just walk a few minutes to my room for a mid-afternoon break and knowing it's that close when we are closing the parks down and our feet can barely handle much more walking. Pools at the Disneyland Resort Hotels are not only open year-round, but they are also all heated so that you can enjoy them. I will note that there is a chance that a pool may be closed for refurbishment from time to time. Paradise Pier's pool just recently underwent a major refurbishment and is now ready for Guests to enjoy. I checked in with a few friends who have stayed at the hotels recently and they shared with me that they did not need a reservation for the pool. Now, this could change, but if there is no requirement now, I am hoping that means it would be the same for your stay. All you should need is your room key to get into the gates of the pools. The Cabanas are the only thing that would require a reservation in advance.
Just recently
Disney Parks Blog shared that new and previously loved benefits are coming back to Disneyland Resort Hotels soon. Early entry is returning for hotel guests next month, as well as package delivery. I love having this benefit to have the items you purchase in the parks delivered to your room so you don't have to worry about carrying them around all day or waiting to shop until the end of the day and risk something selling out. Paradise Pier Hotel also just recently opened its very own entry right into Disney California Adventure Park. Disney Resort Hotels do not have shuttles to and from the airport as there are multiple airports in the area that Guests fly into. There are outside shuttle services available and I know a lot of people just use ride-share services as well.
Robin, I hope I didn't overload you with too much information, but I just love staying at Disneyland Resort Hotels. Please come back and visit us again with any other questions!
Carrie