When planning a magical Disneyland vacation, where you stay can make all the difference. The Disneyland Resort offers three amazing properties to choose from: the flagship property Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel. On our visit, we had the pleasure of a split stay, and this post will detail each property’s unique experiences.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a craftsman-style hotel with a nod to the Art Deco period. It boasts the easiest access to the Downtown Disney District and the theme parks. Location-wise, it simply cannot be beat.
Imagine getting back to your resort, and being greeted by the comforting sounds of the grand piano in the lobby.
In keeping with theme proximity to the magic, we stayed in a Downtown Disney View Room. Everywhere you look are subtle, rustic, Disney details.
Grand Californian offers award-winning food and wine, classic character dining with Storyteller’s Café breakfast, and Tenaya Stone Spa.
Considered the most luxurious Disneyland property, this would be ideal for those guests happy to pay a premium for location and amenities.
The Disneyland Hotel is a nostalgic favorite. It celebrates the history and magic of Disneyland with themed towers, retro-modern décor, and whimsical Disney touches throughout.
The Fantasy Tower Rooms are just adorable with their light-up Sleeping Beauty Castle headboards.
Favorite amenities at this resort include Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Goofy’s Kitchen which has character dining, and Broken Spell Lounge inspired by the film Sleeping Beauty.
This property is a great option for the OG Disney fans.
Finally, the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel features playful Pixar theming, perfect for fans of the hit movies.
Spend some time in the lobby and you may come across Bing Bong waiting to take a picture with you, or Joe Gardner on piano.
For this stay, we opted for a Pool Terrace Club Level Room and thoroughly enjoyed having the patio area. Fresh off a full scale renovation, absolutely everything is squeaky clean and modern. Though the walk is a little further to the parks, Pixar Place Hotel is definitely my current favorite.
Club Level enhances any stay. But more than that, it’s a great place to crash. Between an early flight and the time change, I arrived at the resort around 11am, too early to check in. I was able to find a comfy spot, enjoy a light lunch, and work on my laptop for a few hours.
If you have picky eaters, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of Club Level if food is the main priority. While there is always an assortment of fruit and sweets, you may not be able to substitute a meal with the main food offerings for them. I personally enjoyed the pasta salad and vegetarian chili, but will your five year old?
Pop up sensation Pixar Putt is on through 6/1/2025. I hope they extend it, or bring it back. How cute is this?!
Pixar Shorts Court by the pool deck is an interactive play area for littles where they can toss bean bags inspired by bao into steamer baskets, and push La Luna stars across a shuffleboard.
Who is this property perfect for? Guests who love Pixar films and characters, and want their room to be as clean as a whistle.
Here’s a look at the hotel locations in relation to Downtown Disney. Remember, Grand Californian has direct access into Downtown Disney and California Adventure Park.
This is but an overview. There is so much more that goes into crafting the perfect Disneyland itinerary, including which hotel to choose. Let’s chat! The Disney bubble is where it’s at!!
Disneyland Resort: The Parks / Disneyland Resort: The Resorts
Beyond Walt Disney World: Disneyland Paris
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and lover of all things Disney, I would be honored for the opportunity to plan your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth! Email ebony@familytraveladventuresllc.com to learn more.
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