Stretch the fantasies even longer by staying at one of the Disneyland Resort’s onsite hotels. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa aims to replicate the soaring wood-and-stone styling of The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. The central great room, with cushy oversized Craftsman-style chairs, a soaring stone fireplace, and live piano music, is a fantastic place to relax after a long day in the park. (Non-guests are welcome to dine in any of the resort’s five restaurants or simply enjoy its lounges, too.) The guests-only pool feels like an exclusive party, with poolside drinks and plenty of lounge chairs and fluffy towels, and enough room for kids and grownups to enjoy themselves. By appointment, the full-service spa is open to all (appointments required).
For a sleek, retro-modern getaway, book a stay at the nearby Disneyland Hotel, which also offers whimsically themed specialty accommodations, like the Mickey Mouse Penthouse or the sumptuous Fairy Tale Suites. Dining options offer something for everyone, from the casual Tangaroa Terrace to the kids-favorite Goofy’s Kitchen, often featuring strolling characters. If you're in the mood for a little adventure stop by Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. The Monorail Pool, with two towering watersides, is wildly popular; for a quieter retreat, relax in a plush chaise at the adjacent E-Ticket or D-Ticket pools.
Formerly known as Paradise Pier Hotel, the Pixar Place Hotel embraces the animation and spirit of Pixar Animation Studios films such as Toy Story, Coco, and Inside Out. A giant Pixar Lamp, familiar to fans of the movies, greets you in the lobby, and the hotel is dotted with art created by Pixar artists. The colorful hotel experience also includes a Great Maple restaurant, outdoor firepits, and a rooftop pool. Stop in at the tower’s Palm Breeze Bar—with its menu of salads, sandwiches, and pizzas—and be sure to take note of the art, which pays tribute to Mary Blair, the legendary Disney artist who shaped Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and the It’s a Small World ride.
The latest additions to Disney’s lodging options are the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, where the variety of contemporary accommodations runs from Duo Studios to three-bedroom Grand Villas. Though primarily a Disney Vacation Club property, nonmembers can book a stay here too.
