Disneyland Resort Hotel Guide
The Disneyland Hotel
No doubt about it - our family loves the Disneyland Hotel. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, in the new configuration of the Disneyland Resort, it is a bit of a hike to the Disneyland Front Gate passing by every shop and restaurant in Downtown Disney on the way. But like Disneyland itself, there is some magic to be found within the confines of the Disneyland Hotel grounds. It's a beautiful setting. In fact if the crowds in Disneyland become overwhelming, head back to the hotel and there will always be something to do to pass the time away - swim in the Neverland Pool, stroll the grounds, have some fun with remote control boats or play in the arcade not to mention the assorted shops and restaurants that can be found on hotel grounds.
The restaurants can be pricey so generally eating in the hotel restaurants is a special occasion type deal for us. Goofy's Kitchen has a wonderful breakfast buffet. The food is generally good (at these prices make sure you have them make you a custom omelet) and plenty of characters can found for kids of all ages. Adjacent to Goofy's Kitchen is a "Starbucks" like coffee stand that I make sure to take advantage of before heading over the park. For a quick meal there is Croc's Bits and Bites serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, and nachos. This one isn't as hard on the wallet - less that 10 bucks for food and a drink. Just off Croc's is the Lost Bar which provides the perfect way to unwind after a long hard day of having fun. It's so relaxing that finding your way back to your hotel room could prove to be something of a challenge.
So is there anything not to like about the Disneyland Hotel? When the hotel gets crowded, there usually is a little wait to check in. You can request a "tower" preference when you make your reservation but this isn't guaranteed. If you are insistent on staying in a particular tower (we like the Magic Tower), you may have to spend one night in one tower then they will move you to your requested tower when a room becomes available. This has happened to us a couple of times. Elevator wait times can be a little long sometimes. Other than Downtown Disney, there is no off property access to reasonably priced restaurants without driving. You can hear a bit of outside noise through the walls and ceiling.
But these little criticisms pale in comparison to a stay at the Disneyland Hotel. It's pure Disney magic - just think of the hotel as another "land" in Disneyland.
Side Note: One of the advantages of staying at the Disneyland Hotel has always been its monorail access instead of hiking to the front gate by foot. When Downtown Disney was opened, people swear that they moved the monorail station well into Downtown Disney. Disney and Disney veterans say that this is NOT true. It just seems to be further away with the Downtown Disney configuration.
The Grand Californian
If you have the money or just won the lottery, a stay at Disney's Grand Californian just may be the way to go. WOW! It is by far the most upscale and classiest of the 3 Disney Resort hotels. It claims to be the only hotel actually on Disneyland property Kinda - It sits adjacent to Disney's California Adventure and has a private entrance into that park. Nice - the problem is that DCA opens later and closes earlier than Disneyland. The only time you can take of the private entrance is sometime during the course of the day when both parks are operational.
The lobby of the Grand Californian is impressive from redwood beams, a giant fireplace, beautiful couches and chairs, and a gentleman playing on a grand piano. The staff and service is impeccable. The rooms seem a bit smaller than the Disneyland Hotel but offer some impressive views and all seem to have a little balcony. What impressed me most when we treating ourselves to a stay in this hotel in 2002 was just how quiet the rooms were. When the doors were closed not an outside sound could be heard.
The Grand Californian lacks some of the "mouse" aspects of the Disney experience. This hotel looks and feels like serious business. The fun is replaced opulence and grandeur. If you have kids, the Disney Hotel might keep them better entertained. If you are an adult "kid" the Grand Californian might be the way to go. If I had the funds and deep pockets required to stay here, this would be my first choice just for the convenience factor. It's closer to the main gates (but it could have been so much closer....).
Criticisms - not much. When we booked our rooms in 2002 we requested 3 adjoining rooms. No problem when we were making the reservation. When we checked in - no way. It took about 45 minutes of haggling with hotel management to get what we told we could have. Other than through the private entrance to into California Adventure the only way to get into Disneyland is through hotel access passage way from Downtown Disney. They easily could have constructed an entrance way from the hotel that would have put you within feet of the park entrance plaza but it's not the Disney way. The hotel entrance passes within feet of the World of Disney store. Sometimes its shameless.........
Paradise Pier
The Paridise Pier Hotel has morhed itself into a Disney property but it has been around for awhile under other ownership. I may have stayed there once upon a time but I cannot say for sure. This is the third of the actual Disney owned properties in the Disneyland Resort but its actual construction has been around for quite some time. I haven't stayed at the Paradise Pier since Disney took ownership and control of the property but I know Nancy has and for the most part, that of the 3 Disney properties, this has to be regarded as #3. From the Paradise Pier to the Disneyland main gate is at least a 10 minute walk and if you are like me, it may be a 15 or 20 minute walk. Pre 9/11 - the Paradise Pier had its own private entrance into California Adventure but now entrance requires hotel occupants must make the hike to the Main Gate. It's quite a walk. It's the cheapest stay of the 3 Disney owned properties but at this point it may be more advantageous to stay off-Disney property at a hotel on Harbor Blvd.
Tropicana Inn and Suites (off Disney property)
What's the first rule of real estate - location, location, location. The Tropicana is closer to the Disneyland front gate than both the Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier. No - there isn't any Disney magic and once you close the door at night, you know you are in a typical motel. But if all you are looking for is a clean bed with a good night's sleep, the Tropicana may be right in the ball park with a substantial savings compared to Disney properties. Get up early in the morning, head over to the near-by McDonalds for breakfast then head for Disneyland and your pocket-book is already way ahead of the Disney price game. Then again, treat yourself to Denny's, IHOP, or Mimi's on Harbor Blvd and you are still heading into the park with money in your pocket. What are you looking for in a trip to Disneyland? A good and popular choice.
The Tropicana has a combination mini-mart, pizza parlor, coffee shop. It is an easy walk over to the Disneyland front gate (maybe 200 yrds). The only thing lacking is something in the back of your head that says "Disney". It's a small price to pay for those who go to Disneyland on a budget. We are going in November and we are staying at the Tropicana.
Best Western Park Place
Just about 50 ft closer to the Disney crosswalk to the main gate than the Tropicana is the Best Western Park Place. Janeen and Tammy stayed here in 2006. After an un-official comparison to the Tropicana which Nancy and I stayed at and is also right next-door, they agreed that the Tropicana rooms and property is just a bit nicer.....
Candy Cane Inn
It only took one visit to the Candy Cane Inn for this place to become our favorite off Disney property place to stay. It maybe only a motel but it is a huge step up from the Tropicana, Best Westerns, and other Harbor Blvd inns. The Candy Cane Inn is wonderfully maintained both inside and out. Service is friendly, fast, and professional. A shuttle service to Disneyland is offered and the drivers do their best to be on time and accommodating. A free continental breakfast is offered but we had a premium room so breakfast was brought to our room at our desired time. The breakfast selections may be limited but you can't beat free. Two convenience stores are located just outside the property. We have absolutely nothing bad to say about our stay other than our room had the most complicated alarm clock I have every seen.
