Welcome to planDisney, Naomi! When my twin daughters were younger, a short walk back to the hotel was always one of my biggest priorities, especially if little legs were getting tired or it was time for a nap. It’s important, especially around naptime! Let’s break down which hotels may be best suited for your needs.
While there is not a Disney hotel that directly connects to the Esplanade, the main entry point between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park (DCA), there is a hotel with an entrance directly into DCA.
The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers a park entrance that drops guests off right across from Grizzly River Run. From there, it's typically about a 5- to 10-minute walk to either park entrance (depending on your room location). If you are looking for the shortest walk to the parks, this would be your best bet.
If your little ones would love being surrounded by Disney magic even after leaving the parks, the
Disneyland Hotel is a wonderful choice. Between the references to Disneyland throughout the hotel, and the incredible pool area, this hotel is perfect for families who want to be immersed in the Disney magic. The walk is longer (about 15-20 minutes, depending once again, on room placement) but you would be strolling through the
Downtown Disney District, which could be a preview of your day. Also, the
Disneyland Monorail station is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel, which could come in handy if you would like a shorter walk.
Finally, if you are looking for the shortest walk possible, you may wish to look across the street on Harbor Boulevard. The hotels, while not operated by Disney, do offer the convenience of being less than a 10-minute walk to the park. If this option is one you would like to explore, check out the
Good Neighbor section of the Disneyland website. While these hotels aren't Disney-owned, they've met Disneyland Resort standards for quality, service, and proximity, and many can be booked as part of a
Disneyland Resort Vacation Package.
Naomi, as you can see, there are plenty of options for you and your family to enjoy the Disneyland Resort in comfort. If you'd like more tips for visiting with little ones (including some of my family's favorite places to slow down and recharge during the day), please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again at planDisney.
May you and your family have a magical trip!
David