Disney Resort Hotel Options in California

Disney Resort Hotel Guide

The Disney company offers three Disney Resort hotel options in California. All three are large hotels, with 500 or more rooms. They all offer ATM machines, business centers, concierge services, photo processing, and all have a pool, in-room refrigerators, health club and laundromat.

• Disneyland Hotel: The largest Disney Resort hotel, with almost 1,000 rooms. See what people have to say: Is the Disneyland Hotel worth the cost? or take a photo tour of the Disneyland Hotel.

• Paradise Pier: Overlooking California Adventure's Paradise Pier, this is least-expensive Disney resort hotel, and the first to sell out. Choose another property if you have a baby with you, though. They do not offer cribs.

• Grand Californian: Designed after the classic lodges at Yosemite, the newest and most expensive Disney Resort hotel is in some ways the most "adult." It's the only one with a spa, and they don't have rollaway beds. However, it's also the only Disney Resort hotel to offer child care and children's activities in the hotel. Take a photo tour of the Grand Californian

Disney Resort Hotel Character Dining

All three Disneyland hotels offer breakfasts featuring Disney characters. You can chow down with Chip 'n Dale at the Grand Californian's Storytellers Cafe, grab a bite in Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, or munch with Minnie Mouse at Paradise Pier's PCH Grill. The characters are available only during limited hours, and as you can imagine, are quite popular. Call (714) 781-3463 to arrange for Priority Seating.

Should You Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel?

On the positive side, staying in a Disney Resort hotel is very convenient, with the Grand Californian offering direct entry into California Adventure. Because they're close to the parks, you can sleep a little later and don't have to worry about shuttle schedules or pay for parking. You may even be able to manage without a rental car. Disney offers packages that may include admission discounts.

However, your stay at a Disney Resort hotel won't be inexpensive. Standard room rates at the Disney Resort hotels ranges from $165 to $500+ per night. Even with the discounts incuded in a package, the nightly rate can be more than twice the cost of other comfortable Disneyland area options. Choose a Disney Resort hotel for convenience and ambience, but not to minimize your vacation cost.

Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Program

Disney partners with a number of area hotels each year, designating them as a "Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel." However, they provide no information about how the hotels are chosen, or whether there are any special reasons to use them.