Where to Stay at Disneyland

If you are heading to The Happiest Place on Earth, one of the major considerations is where to stay at Disneyland. Today, we're exploring all the options from on-site hotels to hotels within walking distance to Disneyland and beyond. We'll also discuss some options within walking distance to the parking lot, buses and shuttles, as well as amenities and inclusions that may be important to you. Have you wondered what a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel is? Well, read on, because we'll tell you all about those, too!

Hop To

• Overview
• Things to Consider
• Disneyland Resort Hotels
• Nearby Hotels
• Good Neighbor Hotels
• Kid Hotels
• Luxury Hotels

FAQs

• How can I save on Disneyland hotel stays? You can save money when you book Disneyland Resort hotel rooms through Undercover Tourist (for a $200 refundable deposit!).
• Do I need to be a DVC member to stay in the Disneyland Villas? No, anyone can book DVC rooms (including through Undercover Tourist).
• Are there discounts for staying off-site? You can also save on your off-site hotel stay through Undercover Tourist.
• What is a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel? We will go into this below, but in a nutshell, it's a quality hotel near a Disney Resort that is recommended by Disney for meeting high standards in service, comfort and value.
• Do I need a car when staying at Disneyland? That depends. A Disneyland trip can be the cornerstone of a larger SoCal vacation, and if you want to explore other areas in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs or other destinations, you'll likely need a car. If you are going to Disneyland and only Disneyland, you can skip the car rental and save money on hotel parking, theme park parking and the car itself, as many hotels are within a 20-minute walk of the main entrance (talk about magical!).

Overview of Where to Stay at Disneyland

Disneyland differs from Disney World and other theme parks, as it is surrounded by the city of Anaheim. There are a lot of hotels within walking distance of the parks, including some with shuttle service. There are three on-site Disneyland Hotels also within walking distance. You have so many options to choose from (and Undercover Tourist can help you save!). You'll find a LOT of hotels conveniently located near Disneyland that don't require a car ride.

One thing to keep in mind about booking hotel reservations through Undercover Tourist is that you do pay for your travel upfront. You can read the policies for each hotel to find out what day you need to cancel by to get refunded if you can't make it. For Disneyland Resort hotels, you can reserve your dates with a refundable $200 deposit, then pay the remainder 30 days prior to check-in. Theme park tickets from Undercover Tourist are also refundable (up to 365 days from date of purchase for most tickets!). Ribbit!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Hotel Near Disneyland

Here are a few things to consider when choosing your hotel that might make a big difference in your Disneyland vacation.

Free Breakfast

Free breakfast is always a nice perk. It saves both time and money, so you don't have to worry about fueling up once you enter the theme parks.

In-Room Kitchens or Kitchenettes

Having the ability to prepare food also saves time and money. You want to keep your milk cold and prepare foods your family knows and loves. If this is important to you, there are some options that work nicely. You can even have groceries delivered.

Select Disneyland Hotel Villas have kitchens, washers and dryers. The Desert Palms Hotel and Suites has some rooms with kitchens.

Distance from the Parks and Transportation 

Is your hotel close enough to walk, or do you need to drive/take a bus or book a rideshare? Some hotel guests have relied on ART buses to transport them to the theme parks. However, the ART buses will end by March 31, 2026. That means hotels that are just a little farther from the parks are losing that option, so keep that in mind when choosing a hotel.

A few hotels offer free transportation to the parks! That nice perk will hold a lot more value.

Hotels Near the Toy Story Lot Shuttles

If you stay near the Anaheim Convention Center, you may be able to walk to the parks, but the Toy Story Lot may be even closer. There are some hotels off Harbor Blvd., Clementine St. and Katella Ave.) that are closer to the lot than they are to Disneyland. You can walk into the lot and take the free bus to the parks. In the morning, you'll go through park security before hopping on the bus, speeding your entry to the esplanade and parks. In the afternoon, you'll go through security after the bus drops you off.

Is taking the bus faster? Not always, but in some cases it is, and it definitely reduces your steps, which you may appreciate more by the end of the night.

Hotels Near the Parking Structures

Just like the Toy Story Lot, there are a few hotels behind the parking structures off Ball Road. You can walk to the structures, go through security there and board a tram. If you have more spring in your step, you can also walk to the Downtown Disney security area near the on-site hotels and walk to the parks via that route.

Hotels Near Downtown Disney Security

There are some hotels on the southwest side of the resort off Katella Ave. near Disneyland Drive. They have a short walk to Downtown Disney. You'll pass Pixar Place and head toward the Disneyland Hotel to enter security with the Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place guests. Once in Downtown Disney, it's about a 10-minute walk to the parks.

Views

If you are on a budget, you may get a standard view. But sometimes it's worth getting a theme park view or a fireworks view (sometimes easier to watch fireworks with little kids in their jammies at 9:30 p.m. than manage tired kids in a crowded theme park — and sometimes, that theme park view is the perfect pixie dust on a non-park day!).

Parking

Consider parking costs, both at your hotel and at Disneyland. Being able to walk to the parks saves on parking fees. A few hotels offer free parking. However, if you save hundreds of dollars to stay further away, it might make financial sense to drive to Disneyland or take Uber/Lyft each day.

Party Size

Are you a large family or part of an extended friend or family group? Some hotels cater to larger groups with suites that have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, bunk beds (always a hit with the tadpoles) and kitchenettes.

Fun Amenities

Some families want to take advantage of the warm California sun by swimming, playing at splash pads or even going down waterslides. Some locations have arcades, sports courts, games and better-than-average hotel gyms. Consider those as they make it nice to relax either midday or affordable fun on your non-park days or arrival/departure days.

It's always nice to have something to do at the hotel for fun.

Great Wolf Lodge (just over 2 miles from Disneyland) has an indoor water park, games, characters and entertainment. It's a great way to spend a day off from the parks. It's a destination in itself. You'll find me in the lazy river!

On-Site Disneyland Resort Hotels

There are three on-site Disneyland hotels:

• Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Disneyland Hotel (also home to Disneyland Villas)
• Disney's Pixar Place Hotel

They are conveniently listed in order from biggest to smallest, most expensive to most affordable and based on distance to the parks. All three have been recently renovated. They are all in that "Disney bubble," meaning you don't have to leave the property unless you choose to.

We have several blog posts that go into the benefits of staying on-site and hotel dining. They all offer Disney theming, are within walking distance to Downtown Disney and the two theme parks, and they have waterslides/kid-friendly pool areas.

One of the benefits of staying on-site is that every registered hotel guest (with park tickets and park reservations) who is checked in receives 1 free Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction per stay. Hotel guests also get better theme park reservation availability and better access to hotel restaurant reservations.

You can book the Disneyland hotels through Undercover Tourist to save money. Lock in your dates with a refundable $200 deposit and pay the rest 30 days before your trip. We now book Club Level rooms, suites and DVC rooms (for all guests)!

All three have club lounges that come with club-level rooms (not bookable through Undercover Tourist). They have food, snacks, beverages and entertainment, providing a cool spot to relax. You check in at the lounge and can take advantage of concierge services.

Hotels Within Walking Distance to Disneyland

People walk from Disneyland to the Desert Palms Hotel

Unlike at Disney World, there are hotels and city streets surrounding Disneyland Resort. Some of the hotels across the street have an even shorter walk to the parks than from the Disneyland Hotels themselves. Some are right across the street on Harbor Blvd.

The best part about staying off-site is that these hotels can be significantly cheaper than the Disneyland hotels. But they are still close enough to go back to the hotel and take a nap or a dip in the pool. Plus, there are shops and restaurants nearby, so you can save some money on food, snacks, bottled waters and sunscreen versus buying on property.

The downside is that you do have to consider crossing streets and interacting with city residents. In other words, you are outside the "Disney bubble." That said, we have never run into a problem or felt unsafe walking to or from the Disney parks to our hotels.

Many of the hotels within walking distance are considered Good Neighbor Hotels.

What Is a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel?

You might see that term when researching where to stay at Disneyland. A Good Neighbor Hotel is a hotel that is off property but also one that is partnered with Disneyland. Disneyland has vetted these hotels and recommends them because they meet high standards in service, comfort and value. Some offer shuttle service and proximity to the parks.

Categories of options include:

• Moderate
• Deluxe
• Suites
• Superior

Some from each category offer free breakfast, which we've already mentioned can be a time and money saver. We've noted the locations that offer free transportation, free parking and free breakfast in our lists below.

Moderate Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels

• Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort, near Downtown Disney and has free breakfast and a wading pool)
• Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Motel 6 Anaheim Maingate (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free parking)
• Best Western Plus Pavilions (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and resort fee is waived for Undercover Tourist guests; free vouchers for breakfast at Denny's)
• Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort, near Toy Story Lot and has free hotel parking)
• Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free parking)
• Castle Inn & Suites (10-minute walk from Disneyland Resort and has free parking)
• The Anaheim Hotel (5-minute walk, across the street from Disneyland Resort and has outdoor recreation, a large pool and a Topgolf Swing Suite)
• Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground (10-minute walk, across the street from Disneyland Resort)
• Camelot Inn & Suites (Across the street from Disneyland Resort and has family suites for up to 6; some firework views)
• Tropicana Inn & Suites (Across the street from Disneyland Resort)
• Best Western Plus Raffles Inn & Suites (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Grand Legacy at the Park (Across the street from Disneyland Resort, and has a rooftop bar with fireworks views)
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort (Across the street from Disneyland Resort)
• Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn (Across the street from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Candy Cane Inn (Less than half a mile from Disneyland Resort, with free transportation to Disneyland Resort, free parking and free breakfast)
• Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Mini Suites (Across the street from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)

Deluxe Good Neighbor Hotels

• Sonesta Anaheim Resort Area (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and free hotel parking)
• Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast and some suites with bunk beds)
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Holiday Inn & Suites Anaheim (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort)
• Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Garden Grove (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Anaheim Garden Grove (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Hotel Lulu Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and near Toy Story Lot and has free parking)
• SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free parking)
• Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort)

• Desert Palms Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort, and you don't need to cross major traffic intersections and has free breakfast. Read our post on the Desert Palms Hotel to learn more.)
• Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Resort (Less than half a mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (Across the street from Disneyland Resort and has waterslides, split bathrooms and bunk beds)
• Anaheim Resort Suites (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has waterslides and free breakfast)

Good Neighbor Suites

• Candlewood Suites Anaheim Resort Area Suites (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free parking)
• Anaheim Marriott Suites (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and sleeps up to 6)
• Sonesta ES Suites Anaheim Resort Area (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free parking and free breakfast)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort, but next door to Toy Story Lot buses and has free breakfast, grills and sport courts)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate Area (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Suites by Hilton Anaheim Maingate Area (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort)
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and near parking structures and has free breakfast)
• Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort Area Garden Grove (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• SpringHill Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort, and has free breakfast and kitchens as well as basketball court, kids club and game room; also pet-friendly)
• Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free parking and free breakfast)
• Element by Westin Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free hot breakfast)
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area (Less than half a mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort (Less than half a mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast)
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort Convention Center (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and close to Toy Story Lot buses, with free hotel parking)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free breakfast; snacks in the evening)

Superior Good Neighbor Hotels

• Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort)
• Hilton Anaheim (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and near Toy Story Lot)
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free transportation to the park; sometimes has free parking and free breakfast)
• Hyatt Regency Orange County (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort)
• Sheraton Garden Grove - Anaheim South (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and may have free parking for some guests)
• Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and has free transportation to the parks and free breakfast)
• The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (More than 1 mile from Disneyland Resort, and has a rooftop bar with fireworks views)
• Anaheim Marriott (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and near Toy Story Lot)
• The Westin Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and can enter at Downtown Disney and has a rooftop bar with fireworks views)
• JW Marriott Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and close to Toy Story Lot buses)

Best Hotels For Kids & Families Near Disneyland

Our favorite kid hotels have kid-friendly pools, perhaps ones with slides or splash pads. (This includes the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, the Howard Johnson and the Anaheim Resort Suites.) Our favorite on-site hotel pool for kids is the Disneyland Hotel. It has multiple pools, splash pads and the two Monorail slides. We also love arcades, sport courts and any place we can get the wiggles out. Pixar Place Hotel has some games, a sports court and fire pits.

A fridge and microwave or kitchenette help keep food costs down. And don't get me started on how helpful it is to fill up at a free breakfast! Hotels such as Homewood Suites, The Anaheim Hotel and others have easy laundry facilities and play areas for kids.

If you have a big family, we have a post on finding the best hotels for large families. The tadpoles love the bunkbeds at the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance and Element by Westin Anaheim Resort Convention Center. Some of the rooms at Desert Palms Hotel are suites that can accommodate a larger family.

The Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place have larger suites. The DVC Disneyland Hotel Villas have some larger rooms for families with washers and dryers, and kitchens. They sleep up to nine or 12 people! You can save on these rooms through Undercover Tourist, too!

Luxury Hotels Near Disneyland

If you want to relax in luxury or have an extra special trip, these are our top picks.

• The Westin Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and can enter at Downtown Disney, plus has a rooftop bar with a fireworks view)
• JW Marriott Anaheim Resort (Half mile to 1 mile from Disneyland Resort and close to Toy Story Lot buses)
• Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (On-site and has character dining, rooms with balconies, a spa, its own entrance into Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney; some rooms have theme park views)

• Disneyland Hotel Villas (On-site; has 1-, 2-, and 3 bedrooms with Disney themes)

• Disneyland Hotel Signature Suites are luxury suites themed as Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Adventureland, Big Thunder, Fairy Tale (princess) and Pirates!
• Pixar Place Hotel Suites are themed after Coco, The Incredibles or Pixar!
• Disneyland Resort Hotel Club Level Rooms come with free food and beverages, concierge and an upscale and personal check-in experience.

As you can see, there are so many hotels around Disneyland with something for every family and budget. You can save on your Disneyland vacation with SoCal hotel stays near Disneyland, at Disneyland Resort hotels (with a $200 refundable deposit) and on your tickets to Disneyland and other attractions in Los Angeles and San Diego. 

Related: Where to Park at Disneyland Resort

Related: Reasons to Stay at a Hotel Near Disneyland on Your Next Trip

Hoppy planning!