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Where to Stay in Disneyland Resort

Where to Stay in Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort California, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Disneyland Resort & Good Neighbor Hotels

  • Disneyland Resort Hotels:

    Three official Disney-owned hotels within the resort perimeter. Highest immersion, closest park proximity, exclusive benefits.

  • Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa:

    Most luxurious, Arts & Crafts architecture, private entrance to Disney California Adventure Park.

  • Disneyland Hotel:

    Original Disney hotel, classic theming, themed towers, direct monorail access to Disneyland Park.

  • Pixar Place Hotel:

    Reimagined with modern Pixar theming, walking distance to Disney California Adventure Park.

Partner & Off-site Options

  • Good Neighbor Hotels:

    Officially recognized partner hotels just outside the resort. Many are within walking distance or a short bus ride. Range from budget to deluxe.

  • Off-site Hotels:

    Numerous independent and chain hotels throughout Anaheim. Typically lower prices, need driving or longer bus/ride-share commutes.

  • Motel-style Accommodations:

    Prevalent along Harbor Boulevard, often updated with basic amenities, free parking, and a swimming pool at a lower price point.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Available through platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo. Cost-effective for families or longer stays, often with multiple bedrooms and kitchens.

Neighborhood Guide

Choosing where to stay influences your convenience, budget, and overall experience. Anaheim offers several distinct areas, each with its own character and benefits regarding proximity to Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Resort Area

Pros
  • Unbeatable proximity
  • Short walks to park entrances or monorail access
  • Early park entry for popular attractions with fewer people
  • Access to premium dining and resort activities
Cons
  • Highest price point
  • Rooms book quickly
  • Less connection to wider Anaheim community

Harbor Boulevard

Pros
  • Many hotels 5-20 min walk to main park entrance
  • Direct Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) bus access
  • Wide range of budget to mid-range accommodation
Cons
  • Can be very busy and noisy
  • Less aesthetically pleasing

Katella Avenue Area

Pros
  • Often slightly lower prices
  • Good access to Anaheim Convention Center
  • ART bus routes available
Cons
  • Longer walk to parks (20-30+ minutes)
  • Less immediate "Disney feel"
  • Reliance on ART or ride-sharing more likely

Garden Grove/Orange Further Afield

Pros:

Most budget-friendly accommodation options, significant savings. Varies by specific neighborhood for safety; research property locations carefully and read recent reviews.

Cons:

Needs a car or regular use of ride-sharing/public transport (ART or OCTA) to reach parks, increased commute time and cost. Less good for mid-day breaks.

Booking Strategies

Effective booking strategies save money and help secure availability.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • Disneyland Resort Hotels: Book 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak seasons.
  • Good Neighbor Hotels: For peak seasons, 3-6 months; for shoulder seasons, 1-3 months.
  • Off-site/Vacation Rentals: Book 2-4 months in advance. Fewer units, so popular ones can be reserved quickly.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates: Not generally applicable or common. Online booking or advance reservations almost always offer better rates.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Official Disneyland Website: For Disneyland Resort Hotels and park tickets.
  • Major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com.
  • Hotel Direct Websites: Check for "best rate guarantees" or loyalty benefits when booking directly.
  • Vacation Rental Platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo. Read reviews carefully.

Policies and Price Fluctuations

Deposit and Cancellation Policies:
  • Policies vary significantly by hotel and booking type.
  • Many offer both refundable and non-refundable rates. Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but carry a higher risk.
  • Disneyland Resort Hotels: Typically need a deposit at booking, specific cancellation windows (e.g., 5 days prior for full refund).
  • Always check the individual hotel's cancellation policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
  • Accommodation prices are highest during high season (summer, major holidays like Christmas/New Year's, Spring Break).
  • Significantly lower during low season (late January, early February, weekdays in September/early December).
  • Traveling during off-peak times leads to substantial savings on lodging.
  • Weekends typically have higher rates than weekdays.

Booking Tips

Read Reviews:

Read recent guest reviews before booking any hotel. Look for comments on cleanliness, noise levels, and the actual walking distance to the parks.

Verify Amenities:

Verify what amenities are included in the price, like parking, Wi-Fi, or breakfast. These can accumulate quickly.

Peak Periods:

During peak periods, book even earlier to guarantee your preferred hotel and room type. Availability drops fast.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are specific accommodation recommendations tailored to different traveler needs and budget levels, finding the right fit for your Disneyland Resort trip.

Family-Friendly Options

Suites with Kitchenettes

Many Good Neighbor Hotels cater well to families, offering suites with kitchenettes or separate sleeping areas.

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Convention Center
  • More space and ability to prepare some meals, saving money.
  • Look for properties with free breakfast and easy park access.
Hotels with Water Parks

Hotels with water parks or large, fun pool areas are popular choices for families seeking recreation outside the parks.

  • Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

Solo Traveler & Long-Stay Options

Solo Traveler Recommendations

Any hotel type is suitable for solo travelers. Consider proximity for convenience and ease of getting to and from the parks.

  • Good Neighbor Hotels on Harbor Boulevard balance cost and convenience.
  • On-site hotels offer maximum ease of access.
Long-Stay Accommodations

For extended visits (longer than a week), suite hotels with kitchenettes or vacation rentals are ideal.

  • Residence Inn by Marriott
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton
  • Vacation rentals via Airbnb/Vrbo
  • These options offer more space, ability to cook meals, and laundry facilities, for managing costs.

Budget-Friendly Stays

  • Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites:

    A popular Good Neighbor option on Harbor Boulevard, short walk to park entrance. Clean, comfortable rooms and a pool.

  • Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn:

    Another Good Neighbor Hotel on Harbor Boulevard, directly across from Disneyland. Offers free breakfast and a pool.

  • Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel:

    A well-regarded Good Neighbor Hotel with family-friendly amenities and a short walk to the park.

  • Castle Inn & Suites:

    Basic but clean accommodations on Harbor Blvd, suitable for budget-conscious visitors.

Mid-Range Stays

  • Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance:

    Highly rated Good Neighbor Hotel with a water park on-site, very short walk to the main gate. Excellent for families.

  • Anaheim Marriott:

    A larger hotel in the Convention Center area, good amenities, multiple dining options, and easy access to the parks via ART.

  • Hilton Anaheim:

    Another large convention hotel near the Convention Center, extensive facilities, a large pool, and convenient ART access.

  • Hyatt Regency Orange County:

    A full-service hotel a short shuttle ride away, with good amenities and a family-friendly pool area.

Luxury Options

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The top-tier luxury option, direct access to Disney California Adventure Park, premium dining, and a serene spa.

  • Its Arts & Crafts design stands out.
  • Refined, culturally rich environment.
Disneyland Hotel

A classic choice with retro-themed towers, a lively pool area with water slides, and monorail access into Disneyland Park.

  • Embodying Disney history.
  • Themed towers (Adventure, Fantasy, Frontier)

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

Disneyland Hotel

The original Disneyland Hotel, steeped in history. Its themed towers and mid-century modern design reflect the park's early days. A nostalgic journey.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

This hotel celebrates California's Arts & Crafts movement, with intricate architectural details, custom-designed furniture, and a focus on natural materials.

Main Street, U.S.A. Disneyland Park

Although not a hotel, the architecture of Main Street, U.S.A. Itself reflects an idealized early 20th-century American town, drawing on Walt Disney's childhood memories.