Updated February 21, 2024
Reason #8,421 how Disneyland differs from Disney World: Many guests stay off-site. While the three Disneyland Hotels are fabulous on many levels, we’re lucky to have more affordable options nearby with plenty to get excited about.
Let’s review the perks of staying off-site, what amenities are close, where to dine, and how to travel to the parks from your hotel.
Basic Scoop
First, some perspective.
The Disneyland Resort is essentially surrounded by 4 major streets. West Ball Road is north. Harbor Blvd is east. West Katella is south. Disneyland Drive (which turns into S West St) is west.
A map for your reference:
Most off-site hotels are located on Harbor Blvd and are an easy walk to the entrance of Disneyland.
The Perks of Staying Off-Site
- Pricing tops this list.
- There are many possible freebies at off-site hotels, including parking at your hotel, breakfast, wifi, and cocktail receptions.
- The close proximity is fantastic. As strange as it sounds, an off-site hotel can actually be closer to the entrance of Disneyland than a DLR Hotel.
Nearby Shopping
- Target can be found on Harbor Blvd. It’s just beyond most of the hotels and includes groceries, too. This Target has lots of Disney items, too, including clothing, souvenirs and such.
- The Dollar Tree isn’t super close to the park, but you can make that stop on your way in if you didn’t already shop at home.
- A Dry Cleaner/Laundry can be found near Disneyland, south west of the parks, off of Katella.
- Walgreens is a short drive away, located near Target off of Harbor Blvd. Take a look at current Walgreens coupons, too, before you go. CVS is nearby, as well.
- Vons is a short drive away. Vons is a grocery store popular in California that stocks excellent produce and healthy options for take-away food. (Vons will also deliver groceries to your hotel room for free – first use only.)
Dining
The super helpful map above highlights many of the area restaurants near Disneyland. Be sure to click on this interactive version, which allows you to zoom in for better viewing. Most of your dining options will be listed on that map.
- Harbor Blvd – If you leave Disneyland and head south on Harbor, you’ll find a plethora of dining options. Comfortably walk all the way until Orangewood. If your destination lies further than Harbor and Orangewood, I suggest calling a cab. You’ll pay about $7 for a lift to the restaurant just beyond that intersection. Save your energy for the park!
- Garden Walk – This area includes a few table service restaurants, a bowling alley and some shopping options. You can walk here from the park, but a cab ride for around $6 will get you there quickly.
- Beyond Harbor, you’ll find other good places, including my favorite, Marri’s Pizza. The pizza is gooey and delicious and you can’t beat the service.
- Looking for good Mexican food? The Taco Stand is our local favorite.
Pizza, Restaurant, and Grocery Delivery
Check out these food delivery options places that will deliver to your hotel room at off-site Disneyland:
- Marri’s Pizza – Mentioning this again because they have free delivery for the yummy pizza, too! It’s my absolute favorite.
- Papa Pilo’s Pizza – Accepts online orders and has free delivery.
- Domino’s Pizza – If you’re looking for a national chain pizza delivery, this Domino’s location works. There are several Domino’s in this area, so confirm your hotel is in their delivery district.
- Not in the mood for pizza? Other restaurants in the area deliver, too.
- Amazon Fresh delivers to hotels near Disneyland. Check with your hotel to confirm they accept deliveries and what their policies are. Amazon Fresh is $299 a year, so it’s quite pricey, however, you can typically get a free 30 day trial, which should suffice for a Disneyland visit.
- Vons has free grocery delivery on your first order.
Breakfast & Coffee
I always recommend having breakfast taken care of before you arrive to Disneyland. How you start your day at Disneyland can determine the entire day’s success. While there are great options on-site, eating breakfast should be reserved for trips when you have multiple days and can spare those important, less crowded hours in the morning.
Take a look at these options for breakfast off-site:
- IHOP – Diner style breakfast.
- Denny’s – Diner style breakfast.
- McDonald’s – Quick, fast food breakfast.
- Starbucks – This location is north of the park entrance on Harbor, is connected to a gas station and is usually quite busy. I recommend stopping at the Downtown Disney location if your hotel isn’t north of the park entrance.
Transportation
- Choose a hotel in walking distance from Disneyland. The walk to and from the parks is pretty along Harbor Blvd.
- I recommend hiring Lansky Enterprises to drive you from the airport to the hotel. This is an affordable car service that drives your crew to the hotel, provides car seats and boosters, and stops at a grocery store en route to the hotel. This is an essential part of the off site experience and why staying off site makes sense. You can supplement your expenses with meals at the hotel and a stop at the grocery can help make that happen. Lansky has excellent service, too.
- Some hotels offer a shuttle service. Check with yours prior to booking if you want to avoid the walk.
- Anaheim Resort Transportation is a bus system that runs along Harbor Blvd and surrounding areas to take you to and from the resort. Passes are available in 1, 3 and 5 day increments.
- Taxis line up just outside of Disneyland, in the 15 Minute Parking Lot on Harbor Blvd, however, I recommend using Uber instead.
Additional Tips
- We often arrive the afternoon or evening prior to our park visits to enjoy the off-site hotel amenities. Swim, dine or walk over to Downtown Disney for a taste of what’s ahead at the parks.
- If you’re utilizing taxis and have a good experience with a driver, ask him for his card so that you can call him for your next ride. Good service deserves repeat customers.
- Take advantage of all that off-site hotel life offers near Disneyland. Save money and time by planning ahead!
Hotel Recommendations
Location & Cost
For a hotel truly ‘across the street’ from Disneyland, I recommend Tropicana. It’s affordable, recently refurbished, super close to the parks and all around an excellent option. This post includes what you need to know.
Luxury
For the best luxury hotel experience near the Disneyland Resort, I choose the JW Marriott again and again. Check out what you need to know here.
Family Fun
I recommend this hotel for families who want to enjoy their resort along with the parks.
You can’t beat the Courtyard Marriott. Their water playground is a ton of fun and their service rivals Disney’s. Here’s the scoop.
I think you mean ‘4 nights for the price of 3’ here? :
“Luxury…..
For the best luxury hotel experience near the Disneyland Resort, I choose the JW Marriott again and again. Check out what you need to know here. Get Away Today is offering 3 nights for the price of 4 during all of 2022. Book here to grab that deal.”
Yes! I’m so sorry. Will edit asap. I appreciate you letting me know.
Hi Casey!
Thank you so much for all of the info! We are headed to Disneyland in July. I have a one year old and a four year old. Which good neighbor hotel is the closest, walking distance, to the entrance of Disneyland? We will have to walk back for nap time etc. Thank you!!
There are several very close, but of varying prices. Call 855.GET.AWAY so they can narrow down your options and give you a discount, too! They’re super helpful.
Hi, we are going this September and booked the Cortona inn. Is this a hotel you would recommend? We have 3 kids 9-7-4 and 2 adults.
I haven’t stayed there personally. Check this link for more info on the property and to book at a discount:
https://www.getawaytoday.com/hotels/disneyland-resort/anaheim-cortona-inn-and-suites
Is your code DDaily still valid. I tried using it for our 5 night 4 day package and it would not wotk.
It should be. Absolutely. Are you purchasing park tickets, too?
Casey, my family and I have reservations at the Fairfield Marriot which is on 1460 south Harbor Blvd.
I’m thinking about changing to the best western you recommended but I wanted to ask if you know if the walking distance is a big difference? The Fairfield inn will charge $20 a day for parking and I think the best western has better discounts for military plus that free breakfast! Any advice? Recommendations?
The free breakfast at Stovall’s Inn is awesome. Love that hotel! I would call 855-GET-AWAY to compare the current promotions and details for each. I’m guessing the BW will be better. Compare what Get Away Today can do for you to what the military discount could. The walk from the BW will be longer. You will have to enter the security line near the Disneyland Hotel, but it might be worth it for the savings.
Will do! we plan to eat at Goofy’s kitchen one of the mornings too, which looks like it will be on the way from the Best Western. If there’s a big enough price difference, I’ll definitely switch our reservations. THANKS!
It is on the way. Perfect!
Ok just for an update for ya, I did switch! Best western it is!
With GET-AWAY it was $538 for three nights and with the military discount $390, including taxes and parking. I actually want to take a picture of this list of discounts for Disney for military and sent it to you but I don’t know how to add the pic?
Hi Casey,
First of all, thank you so much for all the research you do to help the rest of us make our Disney trip successful!! I am wondering if your discount code is still valid on Get Away Today for tickets. I tried it but it was not accepted. Thanks.
Hi, Lori.
The discount code only works for a package with Get Away Today that includes 2 hotel nights or more. It won’t work for just tickets. I’m so sorry! Please let me know if I can do anything else for you.
Any reviews on Best Western Plus – Raffles Inn? Thanks.
Haven’t stayed there yet, but Get Away Today visits all their hotels once a year to check in on quality. More info on them at this link:
https://www.getawaytoday.com/destination/disneylandresortarea?referrerid=7461
Hi Casey,
Planning a trip beginning of December. Just wondering what you would recommend for an off-site hotel… Grand Legacy at the Park or Wyndham Aneheim Garden Grove. Or somewhere else. We chose those two after reading your reviews. We are two adults going, no kids, but will be about 6 or 7 weeks pregnant. Trying to find that perfect place for a couple of grown-up kids… with one on the way.
Hi, Leon. Definitely the Wyndham. Love it! I’ll be updating this larger post asap with individual reviews. Here is mine on the Wyndham:
https://disneylanddaily.com/wyndham-anaheim-garden-grove-with-get-away-today/
Hi, Casey!
I looked into the off-site hotels that you recommended for a spring break Disneyland trip (our family’s first!). The hotels are saying that they do not have availability for those dates. Is it possible that the hotels are booked already (currently June 2017, but booked for March 2018)? Or is my request simply too far in the future? Thanks! Your recommendations have put this planner at ease!
Hi, Melinda!
Take a look at this page from Get Away Today:
https://www.getawaytoday.com/destination/disneylandresortarea?referrerid=7461
I’ll have lots of reviews soon on many of these posts, but I recommend booking here now if you can’t wait. They’re the best!
Hey Casey!
You say it’s about a five minute walk from Paradise Pier to the new security check-point near the Disneyland Hotel. How long would the walk be from Stovall’s to Paradise? Five minutes? Ten minutes?
I also see they offer a shuttle to the park. Do you know if it’s worth taking it compared to walking? What the cost is to use it?
Thanks!
Hi, Kimberly.
I’m not sure of the cost of the shuttle. You would need to contact the hotel directly for that info. I’ve stayed there, though, and didn’t see a need for the shuttle. Add 5 minutes to get to Paradise Pier from Stovall’s Inn. It’s really not that far.
This is a great hotel.
Book here for a good discount and use code DisneylandDaily for an additional $10 off.
https://www.getawaytoday.com/hotels/disneylandresortarea/bestwesternstovallsinn
Enjoy!
I am so glad it’s in reasonable walking distance! So far this is our preferred hotel for all it has to offer and the price is pretty amazing. Was a little worried that the walk would be a little too much with the kiddo’s due to the change on where you are now able to enter – but 10 minutes isn’t bad.
Thanks Casey!
Hi Casey! Do you know if you can book Grand Legacy or Candy Cane Inn through Getaway Today? They did not come up when I searched their site. Thank you!
They are not affiliated with them. Maybe soon enough for Grand Legacy. I will update this post if they do.
Thank you!
Now that you can’t short cut through grand Californian I’ve read on TripAdvisor it’s not worth staying at Stovall inn? Is it really that far extra of a walk?
Hi, Kristy.
I don’t think the walk is that far and definitely not something to inhibit you from staying there or anywhere else on Katella.
In this link, I share photos, a map and more details regarding the new path to walk.
https://www.facebook.com/DisneylandDailyCasey/posts/1122694584494850
I’m now working with Get Away Today and they have a partnership with this hotel. Book at this link if you decide to stay here to save money:
https://www.getawaytoday.com/hotels/disneylandresortarea/bestwesternstovallsinn
Let me know if you have any more questions!
Anyone have insight into the best off site hotel that has suites? We’re traveling as 4 adults and 2 kids and would like to have a suite as opposed to 2 separate rooms, but I’m finding many of the hotels don’t offer that option
Grand Legacy has suites. Find them here: http://www.grandlegacyhotel.com/accommodations/
The desert Palm was good for us they offer a variety of
Rooms bunk beds, two room 2 bath, and kitchen suites. They have a full Buffett style breakfast great for fueling up before Disney. It is within walking distance but ART stops right in front as well. 7-11 next door. Cvs, Walgreens, subway and pizza right across the street for snacks after the park.
Hi Casey!
We are heading to Disneyland for Spring break with our 6 yo and 3 yo. We are thinking about staying at Hyatt House, but it is not a Good Neighbor Hotel. Would there be any reason to not stay there and choose a Good Neighbor Hotel (charging in parks, early mornings etc)? Also, I believe it is at the corner of Harbor and Katella…is the walk going to be too much for the 6 yo? Would Uber be the best option if transportation is needed? Thanks so much for your blog! So Helpful!
Hi, Cauleen.
Hyatt House isn’t too far. Uber will definitely work at the end of the day if you’re too tired to walk.
Don’t not stay there because it doesn’t have the “Good Neighbor” name. Hyatt House is a nice hotel. The “Good Neighbor” label doesn’t mean as much as it used to. You’ll enjoy your stay.
Hi Casey,
Just starting to research our big family holiday to Disneyland next year and found your fabulous site. There are 6 adults and 4 kids traveling from Australia.
Can you tell me how the coupon system works and where to find them please. We have a similar idea where you can find discounts for various items on the back of grocery dockets, but it is not as well used as in your country.
Many thanks
Jenny
Hi, Jenny!
I’ll have a post soon dedicated to Australian visitors. I’ve been saying that for a year now, but I will! I promise!
Australians can buy up to 10 day tickets in Australia, but not here, unfortunately. I’m working with someone from Australia to help me share where all of that comes from. (If anyone else knows, please share!)
I also have a ticket connection, but your offer there will get you many more days for less money. If you need fewer tickets, find those in this post:
https://disneylanddaily.com/discounted-disneyland-tickets-that-are-actually-safe-to-purchase/
This Australian 10 day ticket is only available through an Australian Travel Agent. They send you a voucher (mine is from Flight Centre), you then take that to DL and they turn it into a ticket. It can be used over 14 days but only permits 10 day entries. It is a park hopper ticket.
We are going to be staying at the Anaheim Fairfield Inn within walking distance on Harbor Blvd and have booked Disney themed view rooms. Has anyone stayed there?
I have not. 🙁 Anyone else?
We have stayed at the Fairfield and loved it. Its proximity to the parks is incredible — about 10 minutes door to door! We utilized the snack bar in the hotel (great breakfast sandwiches and burritos) in the mornings. Highly recommend.
HI
I have just found your website and LOVING it. So many useful tips thank you, we will be there April 1-9
We are travelling from Australia to Disneyland in April as my daughter is doing a dance tour at Disneyland with her dance school. We’ll have 5 day hopper passes and stay at Tropicana INn & Suites
Thanks again Elesha
Hello! Have you stayed at or near the Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate? I’d like to know how much of a walk it is to the parks? Thanks!
I haven’t stayed at this hotel. Sorry!
We just stayed at the Marriott, January 7-14th. It’s walkable, about a 10-15 minute walk. We did end up getting passes for the ART shuttle because we would go back to our suite during the day for a bit of a break and it rained quite a bit when we were there. We really enjoyed the hotel, a bit older but our suite was clean and a good size. We appreciated the full kitchen for quick dinners. The included breakfast buffet was acceptable with a decent selection. We packed a small lunch and snacks for the park, saving lots of money on meals.
Hi Casey,
Last month, I booked a stay at Grand Legacy for March 2017 after seeing your post about it. Today I received a voice mail from them saying that they will be changing over to a “breakfast to go bag” before our stay. I checked their website and it says it will include a granola bar, string cheese, seasonal fruit and water. I’m a little bummed that we won’t get the full breakfast, but I’m sure it won’t really have an impact on our stay. Just thought I would let you know about the new info!
Thanks for your great advice on all things DLR. I have been following you since last summer when we took our kids for their first trip and have recommended your website to several friends. Your insight and humor are the best!
Thanks, Carrie. I just heard the same from them. Appreciate you letting me know. And thank you for sharing my site!
That is disappointing. We booked our stay there in February based on yours and another friend’s recommendation and the accommodations offered. Breakfast was high on the list. Thank you for your constant updates though Casey!
Sorry for your disappointment. I’m sure you could find another option and get a refund if you wish. The hotel works with guests often.
Thank you. I think I need to see it like Carrie above did … probably not going to impact our stay. After all, we’re going to Disneyland, right?!
Hey Casey!
Thanks for the great info!
We usually stay at one of the 3 Disney-owned hotels but decided to give the Candy Cane Inn a try this last year. And it is amazing! Plus, it’s so convenient because it’s so close to the park entrance! And don’t get me started on the price difference!
We’ve also been hearing a lot of good things about the Howard Johnson. Have you stayed there?
Anyways, thanks again for the info, we’ll be looking into the Grand Legacy at the Park. Looks like a great new option for our stays 🙂
Hi, Jay. I’m staying there next weekend, actually. Anxious to share my experience! Grand Legacy and Candy Cane seem closer, geographically. I’ll keep you up to date.
Hi, thanks for all the great tips! We will be there next week staying at Homewood Suites….what is the best/cheapest way to get to Disneyland? Walk? ART? uber? Is there any other trams/trolleys? Don’t want to start our day tired, kids are 5, 8, 10
Hi, Kristine. If you’re staying at the Homewood Suites on Harbor Blvd, it’s a bit further than most people like to walk. You’re right next to the Toy Story Parking Lot, however. You could hop on their buses (they’re free) and they will take you to the main entrance at the park. Otherwise, an Uber would be quickest.
Hi Casey,
I was just checking to see if you know if any of the off property hotels, within walking distance, off a free (or cheap) shuttle to LAX?
Thank you so much for your time and expertise!
None that I know of. Sorry, Tara. Wish I could help!
Hi Casey! I love your blog & follow you in Facebook. We are headed to The parks next week with our three yo and 1 yo and I’m 22 weeks pregnant. We plan to stay at a neighbor hotel.Can you recommend a few that would have easy access to the monorail? I’m thinking that may be the easiest way to get back and forward for naps ect.
Two of the hotels listed in this post – Anabella and BW Stovall’s Inn – are closer to the DLR Hotels, which are closest to the monorail. The monorail really only goes from Downtown Disney and into Tomorrowland, so there aren’t a ton of hotels that it serves well. The best is the Disneyland Hotel, actually. Hope you have a great trip!
Thanks so much Casey! I wish the DL hotel was in our budget! I will look into your suggestions.
Hi Casey,
We’re looking to plan a Disney trip with our three kids, ages 8, 10 & 12 and the grandparents.
Love all your info. Very helpful. But I am wondering if you know which of the closer hotels if any offer hotel suites with kitchens?
Hi Casey …. I have stayed at the Desert Inn and Suites on the corner of Harbor & Katella. We love it breakfast, parking are included and there is a 7-11 right next door. You can walk or the ART stops right out side …… We love it great for families they have suites with bunk beds.
Hi,
We’re staying in the Park Vue hotel the first week in Dec (hoping for lighter crowds). Do you have any experience with this hotel? We picked them bc they’re closest to the DL crosswalk on Harbor, and they have a pool and free breakfast.
Thanks!
I don’t have personal experience. So sorry!
I have stayed there once and my sisters stay there all the time. It was a great experience. I went there on recommendations from my sisters. Hope to go next year again to Disneyland. Just need to figure out when. Would like to get in Halloween and Christmas all in the same trip as the friend I’m going with has never been.
So glad you enjoyed it and that your sisters stay often. So many great things in one hotel!
Thanks so much!
Do you have any experience with the Anaheim Fairfield Inn by Marriott? My daughter and I have booked this for our upcoming trip in January and would like your opinion. Thank you.
Hi, Suzy. I don’t have first hand experience. But I trust the Marriott brand. I think you’ll be just fine.
Hi Casey,
Grand Legacy at the park, is this not a good neighbour hotel? I cannot seem to book it through the Disneyland website so that it is a package. I have always liked just having the whole package put together. we have a 3 and 5 year old coming from Australia and really want to stay at a place you recommend. love the detailed information so much!
Hi, Sarah. It is not a “good neighbor” hotel, so you will need to book separately. Not as convenient, but you will save lots of money by booking through the link in this post and then buying your tickets through Park Savers at an additional discount, too. Find those at this link: https://disneylanddaily.com/discounted-disneyland-tickets-that-are-actually-safe-to-purchase/
Now that Hyatt House is open at Harbor and Katella we’ll stay there. But it’s always hard to pass up the ParkVue Inn. It’s as close as the Grand Californian is to the plaza, has a pool (never used it) and free parking. Rooms were fairly recently updated too. Breakfast is included but is a bit of a hassle. If not for using Hyatt points and status for Hyatt House I’d stay at ParkVue again in a second!
What about the best western park place inn and mini suites? I was thinking about staying there next year
I don’t have personal experience there. I’ve stayed at many of the off site hotels. And the ones I have listed are my favorites so far. Anyone else have experience?
I stayed there in February of last year (2016). The rooms were clean and decent and it was an easy walk to the park entrance from the hotel. I believe it’s very near the crosswalk. It also includes breakfast, which was the typical continental breakfast spread- eggs, waffles (I think), fruit, oatmeal- it was a good spread.
I’ve also stayed at the Candy Cane Inn (mentioned above) and enjoyed that one as well. The walk was farther, but they do provide their own shuttle. We just never took advantage of it.
Casey, which good neighbor hotel do you recommend for families with little kids? I know you like the Candycane Inn. We are looking to go in the fall, and definitely wanted something within walking distance, with a pool, and a breakfast. If it had any nighttime meal/snack options it would be wonderful also. What do you recommend?
Love Candy Cane. Also like Best Western Stovall’s Inn. I haven’t stayed at the specific locations on Harbor, but I’ve enjoyed many Homewood Suites and Embassy Suites stays over the years. Full breakfast plus happy hour/apps in the evening……full dinner at Homewood Suites. Always surprises me to see all that they provide. Both of those are just past the Hampton Inn (also in the same hotel family) on Harbor.
Next week, I’m staying at the Grand Legacy at the Park and LOVE their new rooftop bar with views of the fireworks. They have kid activities (life size Connect 4, bean bags, etc) and plan to add more kid-friendly fun. I’ll be posting lots about my stay on Facebook.
Hope you find one you love!
Hi Casey,
I love all your valuable tips. I have a question about The Candy Cane Inn. Do they have an elevator to get to upper floors. I have some knee trouble (having PT now) and I know climbing a full flight of stairs multiple times a day would be too much for me with all the walking we’d be doing. Thanks so much. 🙂
Shauna from Massachusetts
They do have an elevator. You’ll be just fine there. Hope you heal quickly!
Hi Casey,
If I buy tickets from ParkSavers and stay at a DLR hotel, do I still get Magic Mornings every morning during my stay?
Thanks,
Kathryn
Yes. They sell actual Disneyland park tickets and they work the same. You can also take your confirmation to the front desk at the Disneyland Hotel to exchange for park tickets instead of going to the ticket booths in the esplanade. Buy today – the last day of the promotion – to save an additional $2 off per ticket. Lots more here: https://disneylanddaily.com/discounted-disneyland-tickets-that-are-actually-safe-to-purchase/
I’m loving your site, thank you so much for all the info! We’re coming for a Disney visit from Australia, so I’m soaking up all your valuable tips!
I was checking out the dining options in this post & it looks like Millie’s might be closed? Do you know if this is right? It’s a bummer cos their menu looked so awesomely American. Thanks!
Hi, Charlotte. I haven’t heard they closed. Where did you see that? I appreciate the help!
Millie’s closed for good about a year ago. No plans to reopen.
Thank you! Edited my post.
Are any of the non disney hotels decorated disney? Do any offer the ability to have purchases delivered to your room like the disney hotels? If not can you have items waiting for you in the park to pick up when you leave? Silver dollar city in branson does that
Many of the non-Disney hotels are decorated in some way. Call the Disney Florist to inquire about which hotels accept deliveries from them. More on that in this link: https://disneylanddaily.com/making-magic-happen-at-disneyland/
Does anyone know if it is possible to use the tram from Mickey and Friends parking structure if you don’t park there. I would think this would be a great way to get to your hotel along Ball St without walking so far. Or to use the buses to the Toy Story parking lot?
Yes you may. No one will know the difference.
We are planning on staying at Disney Resort Hotel. My husband and I are torn between Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian. We have two children ages 4 and 6. We are on a budget and Disneyland Hotel would free up more funds for us. Is the Grand Californian worth the extra spend and if so, why?
I think they’re both excellent. The Grand is closer. But the Disneyland Hotel is actually my favorite. Go with that one!
The Grand Californian hands down! The rooms are much bigger at Disneyland Hotel but the walk to Disneyland Hotel is such a haul when taking small children back and forth for naps or at the end of the night. A screaming child all the way through Downtown Disney is no fun. Once you get to Disneyland Hotel is pretty far to the actual room. We were also disappointed to find that our two younger kids couldn’t use the slide at the Disneyland Hotel because they didn’t swim and they don’t allow you to “catch” your child at the bottom or allow the children to wear a life jacket or floaties on the slide. It may be the same at The Grand Californian but by the time we tried that our kids were older. The direct entrance to California Adventure is the best and available to any resort hotel guest. It is located off the Grand Californian. We have found the hotels along Harbor to be our favorite place to stay. This is due to their close proximity to the main entrances of the parks. We are big fans of Park Vue Inn on Harbor which has been renovated and has bunk beds and kitchenettes in some units. Also, Marriott has a brand new Courtyard on Harbor next to McDonalds for about the same price.
I hear the Courtyard Marriott is lovely!
Hi Casey,
My family has been to Disneyland a handful of times. We’ve always stayed at a hotel within walking distance. We are considering a VRBO, but I’m concerned about the walk. I like to be able to walk back to our hotel midday, as we have young children, including one with special needs. Have you ever gone the VRBO route?
Thanks
I haven’t, actually. But you can Uber if the walk is too much.
Hello. First time Disneyland traveler always do Disney world resorts but Disneyland resorts are extremely expensive. Which neighbor hotel do you recommend?
Thanks,
Monica
Candy Cane Inn is in walking distance and has free breakfast. Double Tree is a further walk, and has no free breakfast, but is the Hilton experience you’re likely familiar with. Portofino has bunk beds and people love it, too.
We recently stayed at Hyatt Place. It’s a bit further south but took the ART right outside the door. Free breakfast everyday was a lifesaver!
Theres a great pizza place across the street from the park called Pizza Press its 10 bucks (as of last time I was at the park) for as many toppings as you want on your pizza (there’s only 1 size), and it can feed 2 people. The people working there are super nice and often times you will see cast members in there ordering too. The nice thing is that they are often open after the park too which makes for taking a pizza back to the room for a snack before bed easy. They also serve beer and wine (I don’t think you can take this off property if it is opened).
Thanks, Amber! Great tip.
Is it reasonable to ship a box of snacks and things to your offsite hotel and they would be there for us when we check in? Is that a thing? lol
It is, Kristin! Most hotels will accommodate. Call yours to be sure. You can also hire Lansky to take you from the airport to your hotel. The driver will stop en route for 20 minutes at the grocery for you to shop. Find more info on that here: https://www.golansky.com/services.html
Hi Casey,
Do you know if any of the hotels, either on or off property (but close by) allow guests to leave their vehicle parked for the remainder of the day after checkout for an additional fee?
Thanks!
Each is different…….inquire before you book. You may have to pay for that extra day, but it’s worth it! Cheaper than parking on site for $17.
The Desert Palms Hotel offers free parking for hotel guests and will allow you to leave your car in their lot/garage after checkout so you can enjoy your last day at the parks without worrying about parking. And they have a free buffet breakfast. Solid hotel in the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel network.
Thanks, Denise! I’ve always wanted to try out that hotel. Appreciate your input.
How was it walking from the Desert Palms Hotel?
I haven’t stayed there. If you do, exit the hotel and walk to Harbor and then north to the entrance of Disneyland.
The walk isn’t bad. But art stops right In front of the hotel too. We have done both at the end of the night with kids it was nice to have a ride back.
Any idea if there are places that deliver to the Disneyland hotels?
Vons (Safeway affiliate) offers delivery to your hotel if you purchase $50+ order. I also read somewhere if you choose to take a taxi that it would be a $6 cab fare (not including the waiting time charged while you’re shopping).
Hi, Geraldine.
I’ve heard about the free first time grocery delivery, but not the cab fare. Seems hard to do with people staying in so many different places.
There is also a CVS on the corner of Harbor & Katella. It was about a 5-10 minute walk from The Del Sol Inn 🙂 My hubby had to run there a couple of times during our last trip and we didn’t have a car, so it was nice that it was close & we didn’t have to pay out the nose for essentials.
Yes, I believe it’s fairly new and very nice. Shannon from WDW Prep School loves it. Good tip!
Hello! So if you were at a hotel on Katella near Disneyland Dr, could you walk either through Downtown Disney OR Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel to get to the parks?
Thanks!
You could walk, but it would be a long walk. (I never mind it, though).
Then, if you are tired at the end of the day, use Uber.com to get back. It will cost you about $4.