Summary
This is the second most expensive of the Disney hotels. It’s at the end of Downtown Disney. It was originally built in the 1950s, but it’s gone through massive renovations over the years. There is also a new hotel tower just built in 2023. The hotel is themed to reflect the magic and nostalgia of Disneyland itself. It has decor and design elements inspired by various aspects of the Park’s history and attractions. The feel is nostalgic and retro modern.
Why People Stay Here
- Location: This hotel is further from the Parks than the other Disney hotels. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the park entrance. It’s in a great location, directly connected to Downtown Disney. The monorail is nearby, but we find it inconvenient. It takes you to a deep corner into Tomorrowland in Disneyland. It shuts down on hot afternoons due to no air conditioning. We find it faster to walk. Ride it at least once though if you never have.
- Atmosphere: Stay surrounded by the Disney Bubble. It’s a magical atmosphere that stays with you when you leave the Parks.
- Pool: This is the best family-oriented pool area of all the Hotels. They have awesome pool slides and jacuzzis. The poolside service from the wonderful Tangaroa Terrace is divine (we love the dole whip cocktails). They have comfy chairs with umbrellas.
- The Rooms: The rooms at the older hotel towers were all renovated over the years. They have a modern, high-quality feel even though this is an old hotel. We love the classic Disney theming. We usually book standard rooms with no view (least expensive).
- Hangout spaces: It’s a big hotel property and the best hangout spaces are outside. Explore the property. There’s a lot to see.
- Restaurants: There are some excellent restaurant options. The restaurants are covered in detail our Disneyland Foodie Guide. The Palm Breeze Bar is our favorite for food. Trader Sam’s is our favorite for drinks and appetizers. We also love the GCH Crafstman Bar and the GCH Grill. Napa Rose is a fine dining restaurant and we’ve had some excellent meals there. They also have Character Breakfast and Brunch at the Storyteller’s Cafe.
- Early Entry: Disney hotel guests can enter one Park each day for 30 minutes before other guests. Not all rides are open for early entry. Read our article on Early Entry for more on this topic. The days for each Park are pre-designated. You don’t get to choose the Park you want for Early Entry.
Pro Tip: Don’t use the hotel entrance to California Adventure Park for Early Entry. It places you in the wrong location for getting to the most popular rides first. Use the main entrance for California Adventure Park. All other times are great to use the hotel’s direct entrance to the Park. It’s only Early Entry that’s the issue.
Pro Tip: If Disney-owned hotels are too expensive for your entire stay, consider transferring there for your last night. That gives you two days of Pool access and Early Entry mornings. You can check into the hotel very early, before Early Entry. The Hotel will give you pool access before your room is ready on your check in day. We’ve done this and it worked wonderfully.
Drawbacks
- Price: It’s the most expensive hotel.
- Noise: The only time we didn’t enjoy our room was when we overlooked Downtown Disney. Even though the hotel is well insulated, we still heard some music. Downtown Disney stays open until 1AM on weekends.
- Room Size: Standard rooms are a tight to fit 5 people but it works.
More on Hotel Room Options
The Rooms: Most rooms are the same size. They sleep up to 5 adults, which can be tight. The rooms that sleep 5 have 2 queen beds and a couch or chair that folds open to a bed. They do have some rooms with King beds that don’t sleep 5 people. Ask for a King Bed if you want one. Prices for the standard-sized rooms get more expensive with preferred views.
There are several uniquely themed signature suites, such as the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite, and the Adventureland Suite. They look amazing but we have not tried them because they are more expensive.
There is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) building here that has different room types. It’s new and was recently built in 2023. Some rooms are smaller like the duo studio which has a pull down queen bed and is less expensive. There’s also a deluxe studio with 2 queen beds which is more expensive than a standard room.
Club Level Rooms offer food, drinks and alcohol in the Club facilities. It’s not something we recommend because there is so much great food a short walk away. Food during lunch and dinner are not billed as “meals” but rather snacks, appetizers and desserts. We have not tried the Club Level rooms. Many people say it’s wonderful.
Disney Hotel Discounts
If you have flexibility on when you come, there are often discounts to be found. Check the Disney website under “Places to Stay” then “View Offers and Discounts”. Discounts are usually in the 15-30% range for Sunday-Thursday nights. We have seen discounts that include weekends that require a stay of 4 nights or more.
You may have to wait for a room discount to post – one offer ends and then usually another begins. This is an area where a Travel Agent can be helpful. They can adjust your rate if a discount is offered after you book and before your trip.
Other Services
You can have your purchases at some shops sent back to the hotel. They are delivered to the hotel gift shop where you can pick them up. It’s an overnight service so your package is there the next morning. Not all stores do this so you have to ask. We have done it from World of Disney, the Emporium, and Elias & Co.. We asked at the Pioneer Mercantile and they said no, so it’s not offered at every store.
You can ship your purchased Disney items to your home from the hotel gift shops (for a fee). We have found the shipping fees to be reasonable. Anyone can do this. You don’t have to be staying at the hotel. You do need the receipts from your purchases.
There are many other services. The gym has great equipment and is open 24 hours. They offer some kids activities and exercise classes (for a fee). Room service is available and you can order Mickey Waffles. There is a laundry room you can use for a fee. They have a dry cleaning service too.
Summary
We love this hotel and we highly recommend it if it fits your budget. We have done split stays many times where we start at a non-Disney hotel and end at this hotel. Staying inside the Disney bubble for your trip is a magical experience.
Thanks for reading this and please check out our full website for lots more content. We at the Bippity Club wish you the very best and hope you enjoy an awesome Disneyland trip!
