The Most Nostalgic Stay at Disneyland: Full Disneyland Hotel Review

I recently had the chance to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, and to be honest—it just might be my favorite option at Disneyland Resort.

Now, I’ve stayed at the Grand Californian, and yes, it’s gorgeous and has that unbeatable private entrance into Disney California Adventure. It’s often considered the deluxe option. But even with its location and luxury, I found myself completely charmed by the vibe and energy of the Disneyland Hotel. There’s just something about it, the nostalgia, the theming, the classic Disney feel that made me not want to leave.

So if you’re wondering whether this iconic hotel is worth the price, here’s a full breakdown of my experience, including the pool, dining, rooms, amenities, and the overall pros and cons.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney vacation!

Hotel Overview: Classic Disney With a Modern Twist

The Disneyland Hotel isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s a piece of Disney history.

Located at the west end of Downtown Disney, the hotel is just a short walk (about 10 minutes) to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. While it’s not the closest hotel to the park entrances (that title goes to Disney’s Grand Californian), the stroll through Downtown Disney keeps the magic going and makes it super convenient to grab coffee, snacks, or do a little shopping along the way.

A Piece of Disneyland History

Originally opened in 1955, just months after Disneyland Park, the Disneyland Hotel was the very first hotel to carry the Disney name. It’s been renovated and expanded over the years, but it still pays homage to its roots with retro design elements, mid-century modern touches, and tributes to classic Disney icons throughout the property.

The Three Towers

The hotel is made up of three distinct towers, each themed after a different land in Disneyland Park:

• Fantasy Tower: This is the main hub of the hotel, where you’ll find the lobby, check-in, Goofy’s Kitchen, and many of the most iconic Disney touches. It’s full of whimsy and charm—perfect for families and first-time visitors.
• Adventure Tower: Themed with nods to the Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, and other adventurous Disney attractions. This tower tends to be quieter and is located closer to Downtown Disney.
• Frontier Tower: Celebrates the spirit of the American West and classic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain. It’s a bit more low-key, with a peaceful vibe and great landscaping.

Each tower offers standard rooms, suites, and select rooms with park or pool views.

Theming & Design

The overall design of the Disneyland Hotel is a mix of mid-century modern aesthetics and timeless Disney magic. You’ll find vintage attraction posters, character statues, and historical photos throughout the hallways. Even the music in the common areas taps into that nostalgic Disneyland feel.

What I love most is that the hotel feels distinctly Disneyland. While some hotels lean into luxury or sleek design, this one leans into charm, storytelling, and emotion—and it pulls it off beautifully.

The Pool: Monorail Slides + Disney Fun

Let’s start with what might be one of the most fun pool areas at Disneyland Resort. The Monorail Pool is such a hit with families—it features two monorail-themed water slides, a splash zone, and two more pools for swimming and relaxing. There’s also a hot tub and plenty of seating nearby.

For parents who want to relax, there are cabanas available for rent, plus poolside service for food and drinks from Tangaroa Terrace. The whole area is filled with retro Disney charm, and it was such a fun place to unwind between park visits.

Dining: Goofy’s Kitchen & Tropical Vibes

The Disneyland Hotel has some great dining options, especially if you want character meals or themed cocktails:

• Goofy’s Kitchen: One of the most popular character dining experiences at Disneyland. It’s loud, chaotic, and full of energy—but in the best way. Goofy and friends pop by your table dressed in their kitchen best, and the buffet has something for everyone (including soft-serve and mac n’ cheese pizza).
• Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar: This one’s a hidden gem for adults! The drinks are tropical and fun, the atmosphere is immersive, and you might even get caught in a “storm” while you’re sipping a Krakatoa Punch.
• Tangaroa Terrace: This quick service spot offers delicious food with island-inspired flavors. I loved grabbing a breakfast bowl and coffee before heading into the parks.

Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, it’s worth stopping by for a meal here.

The Rooms: Nostalgic Disney Meets Comfort

The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel really surprised me—in the best way. They’re modern, spacious, and packed with magical Disney details, like the light-up headboard that plays “When You Wish Upon a Star” with fireworks carved into the wood.

There are three themed towers—Fantasy, Adventure, and Frontier—each with slightly different theming. Rooms can have views of the pool, Downtown Disney, or even the fireworks if you’re lucky.

I stayed in a standard room, and it felt roomy and well-equipped for a family. The beds were super comfortable, and the Disney touches gave it just enough magic without being over the top.

Amenities & Location

While the Disneyland Hotel isn’t the closest to the parks, it’s only about a 10-minute walk through Downtown Disney to the gates—and that walk is filled with shops, entertainment, and food, so it never feels like a chore.

Some standout amenities include:

• Early Park Entry for hotel guests
• A spa and fitness center (though you’ll get your steps in at the parks!)
• On-site shops, including Disney merchandise and essentials
• Themed photo ops and vintage memorabilia throughout the hotel
• In-room celebrations and add-ons available to make your stay extra special

The overall atmosphere is what really stands out—it feels fun, energetic, and truly Disney in a way that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Iconic Disney theming and rich history
• Amazing pool with monorail water slides
• Fun and unique dining options (especially for families and adults)
• Spacious rooms with magical touches
• Walkable to parks with Early Entry perks

Cons:

• Not as close to the parks as the Grand Californian
• Still a high price point compared to nearby hotels
• Can feel busy, especially during peak travel seasons

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hotel that’s deeply rooted in Disney history but still offers modern comfort and family-friendly fun, the Disneyland Hotel is a fantastic option. For me, the energy and nostalgia here beat out the polished luxury of the Grand Californian. I genuinely loved the feel of this resort—and I’d absolutely stay again.

It’s a perfect fit for families, Disney fans, and anyone who wants to stay immersed in the magic even after leaving the parks.

Let’s Plan Your Magical Stay!

If you’re dreaming of a Disneyland vacation, I can help you find the best resort for your needs, book your tickets, plan your itinerary, and secure dining and Genie+—all at no extra cost to you.

Reach out today, and let’s plan a Disneyland trip you’ll never forget—including a stay at the Disneyland Hotel if it feels like the right fit for your family!

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