Is Staying On-Site At Disneyland Worth The Extra Funds? Find Out Now!

Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. However, planning your Disneyland vacation, especially as a first-time visitor, can be quite tough and stressful. You need to decide if you want to stay on-site at Disneyland or if you rather save a few coins and stay off-site at Disneyland.

Today, we are going to dive in-depth into Disneyland’s 3 on-site resorts to help you decide if it’s worth the extra money or not. 

The On-Site Disneyland Resort Hotels

Unlike Walt Disney World, which has 32 on-site resorts, Disneyland only has 3. Disneyland’s on-site resorts are the Grand Californian, Pixar Pier Hotel, and Disneyland Hotel. 

Grand Californian

The Grand Californian at Disneyland is like a vacation dream come true. Picture this: a hotel that’s not just close to the action but literally part of it. This hotel is nestled right in the heart of Disney’s California Adventure theme park, giving you the feeling that you’re living in the magic 24/7.

The vibe of the hotel? It’s like stepping into a classic California adventure, with an Arts and Crafts style that’s both elegant and cozy. You’ll want to think big, impressive lobbies with giant fireplaces, comfy seating, and this warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like a VIP.

Rooms are super comfy and spacious, with some even offering views of the Disney’s California Adventure and even more amazing views of World of Color without the crowds. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while watching the park come to life! And when it comes to dining, the hotel doesn’t disappoint. There are great spots to grab a bite, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fancy meal.

But the real kicker? The exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure Park for hotel guests. It’s like having a secret pass to the parks. Plus, Downtown Disney is right outside the hotel, so more fun, shopping, and dining options are just a stroll away.

And if you need a break from all the theme park excitement, the hotel has these gorgeous pools and a spa (for an extra charge) where you can unwind and relax.

So, in a nutshell, staying at the Grand Californian is like being in a little bubble of Disney magic. It’s perfect for those who want the full-on Disney experience with a touch of luxury and convenience.

Pixar Place Hotel

Pixar Pier Hotel use to be a sunny, beach-themed getaway in the middle of the Disneyland magic. But in the recent years, it went under a huge renovation. Before it was called Pixar Place Hotel, it was once known as Paradise Pier Hotel.

With the new renovation, you’ll be able to find all of your Pixar friends featured in this new reimagined hotel from the exterior to the rooms. 

The rooms? They’re cheerful and comfy, with some cool Disney touches that kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too) will love. If lucky, you might even get a room with a view of Disney’s California Adventure theme park. Imagine checking out the Disneyland fireworks from your window!

One of the highlights is the rooftop pool. It’s got this awesome waterslide that’s shaped like a classic California roller coaster. And the view from up there? Totally Instagram-worthy.

Dining options are a bit more casual here. You’ve got a couple of places to grab a bite that are perfect for refueling after a long day at the parks.

And speaking of parks, while Pixar Pier Hotel isn’t as close to the action as the Grand Californian, it’s still just a short walk to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Plus, you’re close to Downtown Disney for even more entertainment and dining options.

In short, Pixar Pier Hotel Hotel is all about bringing your inner kid to your Disneyland stay. It’s a bit more laid-back and budget-friendly compared to the other on-site hotels, making it a great choice for families looking for a balance of Disney magic and relaxation.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is like the granddaddy of all Disneyland resorts. It’s classic Disney through and through, and staying there is like taking a nostalgic trip through the magical history of Disneyland itself.

First off, this hotel has been around since the early days of the park, so it’s got some serious history. Walking through its halls and grounds, you’re basically strolling through a lovingly preserved piece of Disney heritage. It’s got this timeless charm that’s just enchanting.

The whole place is decked out in classic Disney style. The rooms are super comfy and have these adorable Disney touches that are a treat for fans of all ages. Some rooms even have headboards with a special Disneyland fireworks display – talk about sleeping in style!

Now, let’s talk about the pools – they are amazing. The highlight has to be the Monorail-themed waterslides. They’re not just fun; they’re like a slice of Disneyland history you can actually splash around in. And for a more relaxing time, there are quieter pools and hot tubs to chill out in.

When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. There’s everything from casual eats to fancier options. And don’t forget the iconic Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – it’s a must-visit for some quirky, tropical fun.

What’s really great about the Disneyland Hotel is its location. You’re just a short walk from the parks and Downtown Disney, so the fun is never far away.

In a nutshell, the Disneyland Hotel is all about that classic Disney magic. It’s perfect for those wanting a full Disney experience with a lovely dash of nostalgia. Plus, it’s got all the comforts and fun you’d want in a resort. Perfect for families, Disney history buffs, and anyone looking to be right in the heart of the Disneyland magic.

Benefits of Staying Onsite at Disneyland

Just like when you stay on-site at Walt Disney World when you stay on-site at Disneyland gives you some perks. I did mention a few of them in the overviews of each hotel, but let’s really dive down and see why staying on-site at Disneyland may be worth the cost. 

Private Entry to Disney’s California Adventure

If you plan on staying at either Pixar Pier Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian, you get your private entrance into Disney’s California Adventure.

If you are staying at Pixar Pier Hotel, you’ll have to walk across the street to get to the entrance, but if you are staying at the Grand Californian, you can enter the park through the hotel park entrance.

Visitors love this perk because you can easily get into the park without the crowds and leave the park without the hassle! Not to mention, you get to enter through the Grizzly Peak area. It really enhances your stay at Disney’s Grand Californian that much more. 

Early Magic Hour

I know an extra magic hour may not seem like much, but when you think about it, there’s only 3 hotels that get this perk. That means you can easily do most, if not all, of Fantasyland rides before the park truly opens to visitors.

If you have small children, this can be a game-changer because Fantasyland can get quite packed very fast and with nearly none of these rides offering Genie+ the lines can be long and meltdowns are very high.

Getting up early and going into the park an extra hour early can save your day!

Close Proximity to the Parks and Downtown Disney

Something that is vastly different between Walt Disney World and Disneyland is everything is closer together. The parks and Downtown Disney are next to each other, which is not the case between the parks and Disney Springs in Orlando.

When you look at the map, the two parks and Downtown Disney are closer to Disneyland Drive versus Harbor Blvd where all the off-site hotels are. You will always walk through Downtown Disney when you stay on-site at Disneyland. It’s a few minute walk to get to Grand Californian and only a few more minutes to arrive at Pixar Pier Hotel and Disneyland Hotel. 

Wake-Up Call From Characters

When at Disneyland it’s only right to get a wake-up call from characters. Whether you are a child or an adult, you want to be up before rope drop. The only way I know I want to wake up is having a character call me to tell me it’s time to get up and start my glorious day. 

Characters in Hotel Lobby

Throughout the day, at the on-site resorts will have Characters in their hotel lobby! Yes, you can even meet characters outside of the park. This is magical to adults and children alike. Plus, characters in the lobby will have much shorter lines than the ones in the park. Keep your eyes peeled, you’ll never know who you will find. 

Package Delivery to Hotel

If you are like me, you love to grab yourself some souvenirs, but you don’t want to carry them. However, if you are on-site at Disneyland this is no problem. You can have it sent back to your hotel room! How cool is that?

Of course, this can be a dangerous game since you no longer have to carry your packages, so you don’t always remember everything you spent. But I say shop at your own risk with this lovely perk. 

Preferred Reservation Access at Some Restaurants

The Happiest Place on Earth is never complete without snagging your must-have reservations. With staying in an on-site resort, you can snag your reservations that much easier.

Like the normal reservation system, this is also on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Drawbacks and Downsides to Disneyland Resort Hotels

We’ve went over the pros to staying at one of Disneyland Resort hotels, but we have yet to go over the cons. If they are even cons to you. But let’s see the downside and drawbacks for most visitors. 

The Cost

The biggest drawback for visitors coming to the Disneyland Resort is the cost of the hotel. Pixar Pier Hotel is the cheapest on-site Disneyland Hotel, which is still well over $400 a night. Many visitors don’t have $400 a night just to place their heads after a long park day. 

Disneyland Hotel Looking Worn 

Many visitors who stay at the Disneyland Hotel, while they love the piece of history, they say the hotel needs a new facelift. That the rooms could use a remodel. That while yes, they are excited to stay here, but it could be better that the furnishings and hotel just look worn down.

This can be a punch in the gut when Disneyland Hotel commonly costs over $500 a night for a standard room.

*Please Note: This does not go for the new DVC tower that opened late 2023. 

Pixar Pier Hotel Under Construction & Far Away

Since April 2022, Pixar Pier Hotel has been under construction. Yes, the resort is still open to book. However, some of the amenities may not be available during your stay.

While this is the cheapest resort that Disneyland has to offer, it is also the furthest away. While this may not matter to some, it does matter to those who want to be a bit closer to the park for the price they are paying.

Some people prefer to stay in an off-site hotel on Harbor Blvd and save the $100s of dollars and be the same distance away from the park.

*Please Note: Construction should be completed by the end of January 2024.

Staying On-Site at Disneyworld Worth It?

If money is not an issue for your family vacation, I highly recommend staying on site. It’s a once in a lifetime trip and you might as well make the most out of it.

Of course, if you don’t want to miss out on the Disney bubble, on-site Disneyland resorts will keep the magic happening all day around. It can be worth it depending on if you will utilize all the benefits they have to offer. 

Tips for Saving Money at On-Site Disneyland Resorts

If you are finding that staying on-site is at Disneyland is worth it, but you don’t quite have the money to splurge. There is a few different ways you can save some serious money while still getting to stay on-site at Disneyland. Here’s my few go-to suggestions. 

Renting DVC Points

If you are looking to save some money while booking your Disneyland vacation, you should look into getting your room through DVC rental places such as David’s DVC Rental, DVC Rental Store, and a few others. This can help you save $100s of dollars just on your hotel room!

Vacation Packages

Also look into bundling your hotel room and tickets as a vacation packages. At times you can get yourself a good price. Even at times, you can get yourself a vacation planner and get your savings through that way as well. 

Go During Off-Season

If possible, try going during off-season. Such as the beginning of the year, many times prices are much cheaper than during peak season. This will allow you to save a lot of money on your hotel stay!

Staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel

If the above ways still don’t bring down the cost of an on-site hotel within your budget, don’t hesitate to look at Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels. These hotels are just as amazing as Disneyland on-site resorts. 

I’ve written a comprehensive guide to help you pick out a hotel that fits your budget. 

Conclusion

Wrapping up our tour of Disneyland’s on-site resorts, it’s clear that each one has its unique flavor and perks. From the luxury and convenience of the Grand Californian to the playful, beachy vibes of Pixar Pier Hotel, and the nostalgic charm of the Disneyland Hotel, there’s something special about each option.

Deciding whether to stay on-site at Disneyland is a big choice. Sure, it can be pricier than staying off-site, but the benefits like private park entries, early magic hours, and the sheer closeness to the fun are hard to beat. Plus, those extra Disney touches, like character wake-up calls and package delivery to your room, just add to the magic.

However, it’s essential to balance the dream with the budget. The cost is a significant factor, and for some, the on-site resorts might not be the most economical choice. And with the ever-changing landscape, like the ongoing construction at Pixar Pier Hotel, it’s good to stay updated.

If you’re planning a Disneyland trip and wrestling with the on-site vs. off-site dilemma, don’t sweat it too much. Remember, there are ways to save money, like renting DVC points or choosing off-season travel. And don’t forget about Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels as a great alternative. I’ve even put together a detailed guide to help you pick the perfect spot that fits your budget and keeps the magic alive. After all, Disneyland is all about making memories, whether you’re sleeping in the heart of the magic or just a hop, skip, and a jump away.