Disney owns three properties in the Disney Resort area. The Disneyland Hotel is the original hotel, which was opened along with the park opening. The other two are the Grand Californian and Paradise Pier. Each hotel has its own distinctive theme.
The Disneyland Hotel was remodeled recently and capacity reduced to allow for the Downtown Disney and California Adventure expansion. One of the original towers was torn down, but any lost capacity was made up by the new Grand Californian hotel and by acquiring Paradise Pier hotel.
If you are visiting from outside of Southern California, staying in one of the Disney Resort properties is expensive, but it affords you great advantages.
Along with the usual amenities, the Disneyland Hotel offers the following experiences:
For hotel guests
Rooms
The rooms are comfortable with nice Disney touches everywhere. The headboard lights up and plays music – a hit with kids and adults.
If you want to splurge, try one of the themed suites like Pirates of the Caribbean or Mickey’s Playhouse.
Pools
As a hotel guest, you can enjoy 3 pools and 2 waterslides. The water slides go through retro monorail replicas.
Children’s Activity Center
Children ages 5-12 can use their imagination to create and build or they can play video games. You can leave your children with experienced staff while you enjoy some adult time.
Magic Hour
Guests staying at any of the Disney hotels can enter the parks one hour before opening time. They can also join a power walk through California Adventure at 6 am while the park is empty.
Fun and Dining for all
You don't have to stay at the Disney hotels to enjoy some of the activities and dining. Here are a few that are available for all.
Tours
The hotel now offers several free tours. You have to reserve a spot at the guest services counter next to check-in.
One of the tours is called “The Happiest Hotel on Earth”. It is a one-hour narrated walk through the hotel in which the tour guide talks about the hotel history.
Another tour is the “60 Years of Magic” tour that takes about 90 minutes. The walk takes through all 3 Disney Hotel properties.
Note: Offered tours and schedules are subject to change. Always check with guest services for the latest offerings.
The park also offers paid tours to help first-time visitors explore the parks and the hotels for the best experience. Some of the tours are “Disney California Story Tour” and “Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps”.
Goofy's Kitchen Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious meal with Goofy and friends. Expect a visit from Disney characters to each table and make sure the camera is handy. Some of the buffet choices are Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, Omelet made to order, Peanut butter & jelly pizza!
Tangaroa Terrace
This is a great place for casual dining and drinks. Grab a table at the terrace and enjoy the views. You will feel like you were transported to Hawaiian island.
For lunch or dinner, check out their Hawaiian cheeseburgers and Shrimp Tacos.
For drinks, try their “Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum” – a coconut, pineapples, and rum iced drink.
The food prices are reasonable, but the alcoholic drinks are on the expensive side.
Steakhouse 55
This is an upscale restaurant with premium beef and seafood. They are famous for the bone-in rib eye and the filet mignon.
The steakhouse also serves a great brunch to start your day. Try their New York steak and eggs, eggs Benedict or the build-your-own omelet. For the young ones, don’t forget the Mickey-shaped pancakes.