Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim

 

 

Overview
Located in the heart of the Disneyland Resort in Southern California, the Disneyland Hotel is one of my favourite hotels in the golden state, let alone any Disney Resort in the world. Since opening way back in October 1955, the hotel has undergone a number of transformations, with the most recent one having been completed last year.

Today, none of the original buildings remain, with the former areas now housing parts of the Downtown Disney District, including the ESPN Zone, Rainforest Café and AMC Cinema.

The 990-room hotel now has three towers, set out in a horseshoe like shape around the pool complex – aptly named the  Fantasy, Adventure and Frontier Towers. In 2009, the Disneyland Hotel began its most recent renovation where all rooms were refurbished and new energy-efficient windows were added. To me, the new rooms are bright, airy and are full of subtle Disney touches, including a Sleeping Beauty Castle light-up headboard.

Tip: The Fantasy Tower contains Reception, Bell Services and the Gift Shop.
The Adventure Tower is closest to the theme parks.
Get a pool or resort view. (With the resort view – ask for a view of DtD)

If your budget allows, upgrade to the Concierge Level. This is where you will enjoy a room on a higher floor, most likely with un-obtrusive views of the Pool or the Downtown Disney District (great for the fireworks). In addition, you’ll have access to the E-Ticket Club – located on the 11th floor of the Adventure Tower facing the Downtown Disney District and the theme parks. This is where you can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day from 6.30am to 10pm, Select alcoholic beverages are included. Plus, on select nights – watch the “Remember, Dreams Come True” or “Magical” fireworks spectacular from the club. You’ll also have use of the dedicated Concierge Team, who are there to assist you with dining, parade and show reservations, in addition to anything else.

Recreation
During the day, guests can relax around the large pool and courtyard area, including a Monorail Pool and Waterslide and the D-Ticket and E-Ticket pools.

Located in the Fantasy Tower, you’ll find a large gift-shop selling all your favourite Disney items including some signature items too!

Just steps away from the Adventure Tower, you’ll find the bustling Downtown Disney District packed full of shops, bars and restaurants. Its also how you’ll get to the theme parks too.

Dining
Nearby the pools, you’ll find Tangaroa Terrace, a casual quick service eatery serving island-style cuisine including  Hawaiian Burgers, Mahi Mahi fillets and Asian Style Salads. Next door, you’ll find the incredibly popular Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

Trader Sam’s is a unique and interactive bar experience themed after the world-famous Jungle Cruise attraction. Be careful what tropical drink you order, as it may just come along with consequences for everyone inside, not just yourself! I’m not going to reveal what is in store for you, but lets just say it is certainly a fun experience for everyone.

For families, Goofy’s Kitchen is the perfect buffet-dining location where you can meet all your favourite Disney Characters for breakfast or dinner in a casual surrounding. This is one of the most popular character dining locations at the Disneyland Resort, so be sure to make an advanced dining reservation prior to your visit!

For one of the ultimate signature dining experiences at the resort, I suggest a visit to Steakhouse 55, where you can experience world-class cuisine in an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of an old-time Hollywood club.

Location
For me, there is nothing better than staying on-site at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, and I personally think the Disneyland Hotel is one of the best. Just a couple of minutes stroll from the hotel you’ll find the bustling Downtown Disney District and the Monorail Station, from where you can hop aboard a Mark VII monorail to the Tomorrowland Monorail Station inside Disneyland Park. (Theme park admission is required).

Why should you stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
What is the difference between staying on-site at the Disneyland Resort as opposed to staying just outside on South Harbor Boulevard? Well, for starters you are immersed in the Disney experience all the time and will receive only the highest levels of service that the brand have become synonymous for. In addition, as a guest of the Disneyland Resort Hotels you will be able to take advantage of a variety of benefits:

– Extra Magic Hours
– Key to the Magic (Use your room-key to charge purchases to your folio)
– Package Pick-Up Delivery (Get them delivered to your hotel for free)
– Enter Disney California Adventure Park via a private entrance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
– Experience the magic of Disney all the time during your stay at the Happiest Place on Earth!

 

 

The Lowdown:

Location: Minutes from the parks and the Downtown Disney District.    9/10
Rooms: Modern, Spacious and full of Disney touches. 10/10
Wine & Dine: Tangaroa Terrace is great for a quick bite, however it lacks inside seating.
Trader Sams is simply amazing, fun and a great laugh. 10/10
Service: Only the highest standards, as you would expect from Disney. 9/10
Value: Very good, it is expensive – but in my opinion, its worth it. 7/10

Want to know more about visit the Happiest Place on Earth? Take a look at my Guide to the Disneyland Resort.