For most travelers, a vacation to Anaheim is synonymous with a trip to Disneyland. As Disneyland Resort continues to expand, so do the hotel options. Consider staying on the property to enjoy the most perks or choose a Good Neighbor hotel with fewer benefits. If you’re driving, staying further out at a more budget-friendly place may be a preferable option. If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation, here are some tips for picking the right hotel in Anaheim.
If you want to stay on property in Disneyland, you have three options: Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel, or the posh Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, which offers incredible views of Disney California Adventure. If you’re looking to compare Disneyland with Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Paradise Pier is akin to a value resort, Disneyland Hotel is a moderate, and the Grand Californian is a deluxe.
Of the three official Disney hotels, the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is the only one that offers direct park access, since the other two hotels are located a decent walk away in Downtown Disney. In addition to benefits like early entrance and nice resort pools, the Disney hotels have great on-site restaurants and bars. All these benefits certainly come at a price, however, as the official hotels are the priciest options in the area. You’ll also need to factor in overnight parking for the hotel if you’re driving a car, despite not paying for parking at the theme park.
Good Neighbor Hotels
Disneyland partners with a number of local Anaheim properties to provide Good Neighbor Hotels. Some are located within walking distance to the park, while others require transportation. Some hotels offer free transportation, while others charge for the service. Most use the fee-based Anaheim Resort Transit (ART), which operates every day from the hotels to Disneyland, shopping areas, and other entertainment spots. If you stay at the Disneyland Resort, you’d also need to pay for this service to get to other restaurants and entertainment in Anaheim.
Neither Wi-Fi nor parking is typically free at Good Neighbor Hotels, especially those located closer to the resort. Be sure to check all the additional fees before booking.
Good Neighbor Hotels offer the option to purchase online packages or tickets at the hotel. If you opt to purchase tickets at the Disneyland ticket booths, you won’t be entitled to the extra-hour Magic Morning benefit, which is available for three-day or longer tickets purchased online.
Other Anaheim Hotels
Another option is staying in other parts of Anaheim, where you’re likely to find hotels that aren’t necessarily geared toward Disney or other family travel. These hotels might be quieter in the mornings, and many don’t charge for overnight parking. They present great options for travelers looking for romantic Disneyland getaways rather than family-friendly trips.
No matter which class of hotel you’re considering for your Disneyland vacation, be sure to do a price comparison that includes all the extra fees, tickets, and extras. While the official hotels are pricier, they offer unsurpassed convenience. Good Neighbor Hotels are often more budget-friendly and may be within walking distance. Either way, be sure to plan and book as early as possible, as many hotels sell out quickly during peak times, events, and holiday periods.
This post was in partnership with Hotel Planner, but as always, all views and opinions are my own.
