By Nellie Day
wikimedia.org
The Disneyland Hotel is the perfect place to end a day at Disneyland. Not only does it provide ample accommodations for families, but it carries on the Disney theme throughout its lobby, restaurants, gift shops and
hotel rooms. Although it's not as high profile as it used to be --- thanks to the Grand Californian and Paradise Pier Hotel --- it still draws a ton of guests and tourists looking to catch a glimpse at some rare artwork and unique souvenirs. Plus, its centralized location ensures that guests can easily maneuver between the two Disney parks, the other two Disney hotels and throughout all of Orange County.
Insider Tips
At first glance the Disneyland Hotel might look like your standard amusement park hotel. It is far from this, however. Pay close attention to the artwork, wallpaper and displays that adorn the hotel's exterior. A remnant of Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and everything else that is eternally Disney will jump out at you when you start to look around. This makes the Disneyland Hotel the perfect spot for exploring, even though you might need a few hours to take it all in. Be sure to grab a map of the hotel's layout and check off the wings and hallways as you explore them to be sure that you don't miss anything. Those expecting to see the Disneyland Hotel as it originally stood back in 1955, however, will be disappointed because much of that nostalgic feeling is long passed, having been replaced with more modern artwork and attractions. You can still revisit the past, however, by visiting one of the web sites dedicated to vintage Disney.
Pros and Cons
For as much as the interior of the Disneyland Hotel has to offer, the exterior may arguably have even more sights and sounds. There is a large koi pond, numerous waterfalls, a sandy beach and a pool that boasts a Neverland theme, complete with a pirate ship. Even though the hotel is located in Anaheim, which is about a 20-minute drive from the beach, the hotel's exterior transports you right into an exotic jungle landscape that will definitely impress kids and adults. Those traveling with small children should not miss Goofy's Kitchen, which has an extremely child-friendly buffet and a plethora of Disney characters, including Goofy, Chip N'Dale and Alice, that visit each and every table. Those who are not traveling with young children but are still captivated by the Disney characters might want to stay at a different hotel, however, as kids pretty much have the run of the place. You should still pop in to check out the décor, however, although you'd be better served to spend the night elsewhere.
Bottom Line
The Disneyland Hotel is pretty much everything you would expect it to be. It's wall-to-wall Disney, which means it is also wall-to-wall kids. Parents will appreciate all the neat artwork, while children will appreciate how accommodating the hotel is to their demographic. There are many sights to explore, so you'll want to spend a few hours here. Those looking to stay at the Disneyland Hotel might want to book mid-week to save some cash, while those who can't avoid the crowded weekends should book as early as possible because the hotel can fill up quickly and prices can be astonishing.
About the Author:
Nellie Day is a freelance writer based out of Hermosa Beach, CA. She has her Master's degree in broadcast journalism from USC, and Bachelors' degrees in English and sociology from UC Irvine. Ms. Day's work can regularly be seen on newsstands, where her specialties include weddings, pets, real estate, electronics, product reviews, business, architecture and design, Southern California, food and wine, and travel and tourism.
