Disneyland Hotel

Opened in 1955, just three months after Disneyland itself, the Disneyland Hotel was not originally owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. Its greatest expansion into the current trio of towers occurred prior to Disney purchasing the property in 1988, while the most recent renovations occurred in 2012. The three main buildings pay tribute to the theme park’s various districts, and include the Fantasy Tower, Adventure Tower, and Frontier Tower. The exteriors are modern, while interiors are fully Disney-fied with all kinds of memorabilia, music, and decor that's puts an upbeat touch on the otherwise chain-like style. Expect details like teacup seats in the lobby, Mickey-shaped waffles for breakfast, and a Jungle Cruise-themed tiki bar brimming with tchotchkes. You'll also spot Disney characters for meet-and-greets. Overall, this is a convenient home base for Disneyland and Downtown Disney, though we'd like to see a fresh coat of paint in a few spots. As a Disney-owned property, rates are expectedly high. Families with kids are the main clientele, though the property is also popular for various functions and events -- there's even a convention center on-site.

The property is located on West Magic Way, right by Downtown Disney, which is filled with dining options and shops. A monorail station is also about a two-minute walk from the hotel, for quick and easy access to Disneyland. Otherwise, the Disney Esplanade is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Other nearby destinations include the Anaheim Convention Center, which is about a 20-minute walk or seven-minute drive from the hotel, while Anaheim GardenWalk, a retail and restaurant zone, is also a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Both the Angel Stadium and the Honda Center are about a 10-minute drive away. Los Angeles International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away (though it can take longer, depending on traffic), as are the central L.A. districts. Valet parking as well as self parking in surface lots are available at the hotel, and electric vehicle charging stations are available at the Fantasy Self-Parking Lot.

There are several different categories of rooms here, including Standard Rooms (with pool or Disneyland views), Club-level rooms, one-bedroom suites, and Signature Suites with themed decor. Though Signature Suites take the cake when it comes to Disney style -- expect themes like Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse, and Fairy Tale -- even entry-level rooms get a dose of Disney magic thanks to regal Sleeping Beauty Castle headboards that light up and play music. Handsome furnishings finish off the room in rich brown tones offset by royal blues, and Mickey Mouse gives a hand or two in decorating the light and plumbing fixtures. 

All rooms have desks as well as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Robes are provided and guests can request wake-up calls from Mickey. Club-level rooms tack on extras like DVD players as well as access to the E-Ticket Club with free breakfast, snacks, drinks, desserts, and evening wine and cheese. Suites also add DVD players as well as dining areas and wet bars. 

Bathrooms are fairly standard, with granite-topped vanities and shower/tub combos as well as magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. Note that guests occasionally complain of poor water pressure in the showers as well as water that's not too hot.

Besides playful character greetings and the prime location, the hotel's pool area is a highlight. It includes two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, and two waterslides -- both of which are over 100 feet long. The decks are lined with loungers and umbrellas, plus there are cabanas available to rent. There are also two kiddie waterslides for the little ones. The whole pool area is marvelously detailed, but it could use a paint refresher and removal of rust and water stains.

You can also expect plenty of dining options in the hotel to complement those found in the park and nearby in Downtown Disney. Goofy’s Kitchen, an all-you-can-eat buffet, is a favorite with kids for its character dining. Tropical-themed Tangaroa Terrace offers casual fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus there's live music in the evenings. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is a delightful, albeit often busy, spot for cocktails, snacks, and live music in an immersive, Jungle Cruise-themed setting. The creme de la creme here is Steakhouse 55 for premium cuts of meat as well as cocktails. For a quick breakfast bite, the Coffee House is great for donuts and coffee.

The hotel has a convention center with 136,000 square feet of meeting space, including 52 meeting rooms and two ballrooms that are available for various events. While there is no on-site spa, the hotel partners with the Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for guests who'd like treatments. Other on-site amenities include gift shops, a fitness room, laundry facility, and a business center. Free film screenings can be enjoyed at the small Goofy’s Theater, plus guests get a daily "Extra Magic Hour" -- bonus time in one of the theme parks before they open to the general public.