So, you’ve decided you’re going to Disneyland! The next step is to figure out where you want to stay while in California. If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, you will find that making hotel arrangements at Disneyland is a little different than at Walt Disney World.
First, while many people choose to stay on property at Walt Disney World because of Magical Express and free transportation throughout the Disney World at Disneyland, you will not find these conveniences. The three Disney hotels are within walking distance of the parks so getting around is easy! And if you choose to stay at a Good Neighbor hotel (more on those options in a moment), you will find that many offer shuttle service to the parks (some are complimentary, some at a cost). Of course, you may have a personal vehicle and want to drive to the parks, in which case you will pay a parking fee. As for getting to the Disneyland Resort from the airport, you will have a cost here, either through a shared shuttle, motor coach or rental car.
There are only three Disney-owned hotels at Disneyland —the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier, and Disney’s Grand Californian. The Disneyland hotel opened in 1955 but was operated by a third party until it was bought by the Disney Company in 1989. Much of it was torn down in 1999 to make room for Downtown Disney and parking areas. Paradise Pier was purchased and converted to a Disney property in 1995. The Grand Californian was opened in 2001. Fun fact: there is an exclusive entrance into Disney’s California Adventure theme park through the Grand Californian.
The Disneyland hotel is a classic and is a tribute to the early years of Disneyland park. Paradise Pier is much like the area of California Adventure it overlooks — classic California beachfront boardwalk. The Grand Californian is a AAA Four-Diamond property and includes villas in addition to suites and standard rooms. Built in classic California craftsman style, it is the only DVC property at Disneyland.
With just 3 Disney-owned resorts, many folks opt to book a Good Neighbor hotel as part of a package at Disneyland. With over forty to choose from, there is something for every taste and budget. You can find some good deals and great perks at some of these off-property resorts. Some offer a free breakfast and some even offer Disney view rooms.
As with the Disneyland resorts, multiple options can be added to your vacation package once you decide on a hotel: adding tickets, dining experiences and even transportation all help to create just the vacation your family needs. The only hard part, with so many great choices, is deciding on which hotel is perfect for your “home away from home” at Disneyland in California!
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