Disneyland – On Property vs. Off Property Hotels

When planning a Disneyland Resort vacation, the first thing to consider is your hotel accommodations.  Of course, with all the available options, this can be quite overwhelming.  This is where our travel planners at ConciEARS come in!  We are experts at finding the perfect fit for your Disney vacation.

During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss your preferences. What is important to you for your hotel stay? Some families like having a suite with a separate bedroom and living space so the kids can go to bed while the adults have a space to hang out. For others, an amazing pool area is at the top of their list. Looking for a free hot breakfast? We know the best spots! Whether you are looking for the ultimate luxury resort or just a comfortable and affordable place to sleep, we have you covered. 

As I mentioned already, there are countless hotel options in the Disneyland Resort area, but I’d love to show you a few of our favorites. There are two categories of hotels that we can book for you: Disney Resort Hotels (“On Property”) and Good Neighbor Hotels (“Off Property”). Both categories of hotels can be booked as a Disney hotel and tickets package through ConciEARS! 

Disney’s On Property Hotels

There are three Disney Resort Hotels at the Disneyland Resort: Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (soon to be Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel), Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian. When you stay at these “On Property” hotels, there are some incredible benefits:

• Great proximity to the parks with some properties having private entrances to Disney’s California Adventure
• Early Entry – Ability to gain access to select areas and attractions in both parks 30 minutes earlier than guests not staying on property
• Package Delivery – Shop at the parks and have your items delivered to your hotel room so you don’t have to carry them around with you all day!
• Better theme park reservation availability 
• Staying inside the Disney bubble so you’re in the magic 24/7

Here are my “On Property” top picks:

(Likely to change when Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel debuts! 😉)

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is a beautiful tribute to the nostalgia that goes along with the history of Disneyland.  The rooms are all recently updated and have the famous fireworks headboard above the beds.  There is an incredible pool area with a Monorail-themed water slide, and a poolside restaurant and bar, Trader Sam’s.  Goofy’s Kitchen is another dining option at this hotel, and breakfast includes some of your favorite characters!  The Disneyland Hotel is located at the end of Downtown Disney, so it is a short walk through a shopping and dining area to the parks.  You also have the option to ride the Monorail into Disneyland.  The Downtown Disney station is just outside the Disneyland Hotel. If classic Disney magic and fun for kids are your priority, the Disneyland Hotel is the perfect choice!

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The Grand Californian themed around the timeless California Craftsman style, is the Disneyland Resort’s luxury hotel. It is known for its relaxing pool area, and world-class spa, and for its close proximity to parks, with a private entrance into Disney California Adventure. There are also several restaurants, ranging from casual to fancy. If proximity and style are your priority, this is the choice for you.

Good Neighbor Hotels

If staying in the Disney bubble isn’t for you, Good Neighbor Hotels are a great option!  There are still plenty of perks to staying at one of these “Off Property” locations:

• You can still book these non-Disney hotels as part of a Disney hotel and tickets package!
• “Good Neighbor” Hotels are approved and regularly monitored by Disney to ensure a quality experience.
• Great location with most hotels located within walking distance to the parks – some are even closer than the on-property hotels

There are over 50 different Good Neighbor Hotels in the Disneyland Resort area, but these are my absolute favorites:

Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance

The Courtyard is the next best thing to staying at an “On Property” hotel.  This hotel is absolutely gorgeous and is a swift 7-minute walk to the park gates.  The lobby even has a Starbucks!  Families are considered in every detail of this location.  Every room in the hotel has two queens, twin bunk beds, and a bathroom with a double vanity and two separate showers.  Plus, the rooms have a great spot to store your strollers or ECV units where they can be out of the way.  The most attractive thing about this hotel for families is the massive water park and pool area, which rivals that of the Disneyland Hotel.  If you’re looking for a great luxury hotel that caters to families with a great location, look no further!

Howard Johnson Anaheim

The Howard Johnson, or the HoJo as it is lovingly called, is a fun mid-century hotel located across the street from Disneyland.  It is about a 9-minute walk to the park gates.  Some of the guest rooms have been updated with a fun Disney flair, but even the rooms that haven’t been renovated are in impeccable shape and sparkling clean.  This location is home to a mini water park that is fun for kids and kids at heart!  There is also a separate pool area for those looking for a quieter environment.  Even though this property is located close to the freeway, the buildings have been insulated so as to almost completely eliminate the freeway noise.  I have personally tested this theory!  For guests looking for a nostalgic experience at a pristine hotel in a great location, this is the hotel for you!

Hyatt House Anaheim Resort Convention Center

This is a favorite “Off Property” option for our clients.  It is a residential-inspired hotel, meaning most rooms include a separate living space and kitchenette – perfect for families looking to prepare their own meals when they’re not enjoying the parks.  This hotel is about a 15-minute walk to Disneyland and is in close proximity to convenience stores and restaurants.  An attractive feature is their complimentary hot breakfast buffet – which is quite delicious! If your family is looking for a nice, clean hotel with the option of a suite instead of your standard studio-style hotel room, this would be my number one recommendation.

These hotels are just the tip of the iceberg, so if you’re planning a vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth, be sure to give ConciEARS a call.  We are experts at helping your family plan a magical vacation, no matter where you choose to stay.

If you’re ready to get your free Disneyland vacation quote, you can fill out this Request a Quote Form or contact me directly at bghilardi@conciears.com. 

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