Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian Compare & Review 2024

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Are you comparing the Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian for your next magical Disneyland vacation?

Maybe you want to see how the Pixar Place Hotel holds up against the other Disneyland Resort Hotels. Or better yet, decide what perks you get compared to a Good Neighbor Hotel in the area.

I’ve stayed at all 3 Disneyland Resort Hotels and multiple Good Neighbor Hotels. Trust me, the Disney Hotels are worth that extra Disney Magic. 

Deciding on the Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian Hotel and Spa vs Pixar Place Hotel depends on what type of vacation vibe you’re going for.

For a quick hotel comparison: the Grand Californian is the best for proximity and going that extra VIP mile while the Disneyland Hotel is all about nostalgia and the classic Disney Park theming. Pixar Place is the underdog but has my absolute favorite view and the best budget out of the three.

Book Your Disneyland Vacation with Discounted Tickets & Hotels through our Affiliates at Get Away Today. Use code “FTF10” to receive $10 off your next vacation package.

The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Price: $$$$

Location: Adjacent to Downtown Disney & California Adventure 

Atmosphere: Rustic Californian Redwoods

The best Disneyland hotel for families is the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Theming in the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier (Pixar Place) Hotel is more “Disney,” BUT you can’t beat the location when you stay at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

The Grand Californian Hotel has the best location to go back for a nap, enjoy the fireworks from the hotel, and just hang out in the room.

If you’re traveling with multiple generations those who don’t want to walk around all day will easily be able to meet up with you.

I love the Grand Californian Hotel for multiple reasons, but the location is top on the list.

Grand Californian Hotel Rooms

The Grand Californian rooms have a few different layout options.

We usually stay at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa when traveling in a large group, so we get the 2-bedroom suite or 3-bedroom suite.

The 3-bedroom suites can hold up to 12 people, so we added on another room which had 2 Queen size beds. It was the same thing as a suite room without a connection to a common area and kitchenette.

Each room at the Grand Californian includes a microwave, mini fridge, and coffee machine.

Grand Californian Hotel Room Types

• Hotel Entrance to Downtown Disney
• Hotel Entrance to California Adventure
• Standard View
• Woods-Courtyard View
• Partial Theme Park or Downtown Disney View
• Downtown Disney View
• Pool View
• Standard & Premium View Club Level
• 1, 2, and 3 Bedroom Suites
• Signature Suites

Grand Californian Hotel Price

The Grand Californian on average costs $800 per night as of 2023.

It’s the most expensive hotel out of the three Disneyland Resort options.

Is the Grand Californian worth the price?

If you want a pampered Disney vacation with all the perks, then yes it is well worth the price. I think every Disney fan should stay here at least once.

Fair warning: My first time staying at the Grand was with my mom and sisters. It was a “once-in-a-lifetime splurge.” …We’ve stayed there 3 times now, and plan to stay again.

Grand Californian Hotel Amenities

Disney’s Grand Californian offers the most amenities compared to the Disneyland and Paradise Pier (Pixar Place) Hotels.

In addition to the pool area, a fitness center, and a character dining restaurant, the Grand Hotel has a spa and its famous lounge.

I haven’t tried the spa yet, but my friends swear by the foot massage after a full day of walking around the parks.

The spa services can be used by anyone, but there is an extra fee if you’re not a hotel guest.

The Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure is our favorite character meal in the Disneyland area. It’s also an easy way to wave hello to the princesses as they walk in and out of the Napa Rose restaurant. They won’t be able to stop for a picture or autographs, but it’s still exciting!

Grand Californian Hotel Amenities

• Acorns Gifts & Goods
• Grand Californian Great Hall cart
• Hearthstone Lounge
• Storytellers Cafe
• Napa Rose
• GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill
• 3 Pools, 1 Kiddie Pool, 2 Jacuzzies, 1 Waterslide, 1 Kid Waterslide
• Tenaya Stone Spa

Personal Experience 

Imagine walking into the Grand Californian and thinking “I’m home.”

The Grand Californian’s that cozy and amazing.

We upgraded to the concierge level which includes unlimited snacks, drinks, and light meals throughout the day. Yes, this includes alcohol.

We could quickly eat some pastries or cereal and fruit, then grab a couple of waters to head downstairs for rope drop.

An entrance just for hotel guests goes directly into the Disney California Adventure theme park. This helped us get into the park super quickly and avoid the bottleneck at the main entrance.

Even the Downtown Disney entrance let us beat the guests riding the tram from the parking lot to the Disneyland entrance.

Guests from Good Neighbor Hotels across the street also have a good positioning for a quick security entrance for rope drop. 

If you’re being budget conscious that’s also a good option, but the Grand gives you an extra 30 minutes in either theme park before park opening.

The lounge chairs by the pool were amazingly comfortable, the waterslides were fun, and the kiddie pool was perfect for our baby and toddler.

I rate the Grand Californian Hotel as 9/10, practically perfect in every way. It’s my favorite hotel at Disneyland Resort for an epic Disney vacation.

I wish it were slightly more budget-friendly, and that orange couch in the rooms needs to be upgraded to better match its “luxury” status.

Disneyland Hotel

Price: $$$ – $$$$

Location: The end of Downtown Disney

Atmosphere: Nostalgic Disneyland, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse

When comparing Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian, there’s no contest when it comes to classic Disneyland nostalgia.

The Disneyland Hotel rooms are full of Mickey Mouse-themed decor with hidden Mickey accents. There are three main towers with different themes based on the original lands of Disneyland: Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier.

Even if you don’t stay here, you need to go check it out.

Disneyland Hotel Rooms

A room at the Disneyland Hotel adds that extra Disney magic to your vacation. The carpet is a fireworks print and the headboard has a built-in castle that lights up and plays music.

The Disney theming is spot on. Music from the castle headboard worked as a music box to help our girls fall asleep, and it was so cool!

The Disneyland Hotel offers the most unique options for room styles thanks to their newest addition: the Disneyland Hotel Villas in the Discover Tower.

These Villas were built for the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, but are also available for non-DVC guests to book.

Since the Disneyland Hotel is at the end of Downtown Disney, you’ll get a great view of the fireworks or Downtown Disney, but it is a little further away from the action.

Disneyland Hotel Room Types

• Standard View
• Deluxe View
• Premium View
• Premium Downtown Disney View
• Standard or Premium View Club Level
• 1 or 2 Bedroom (connecting) Junior or Family Suite
• 3 Bedroom connecting family suite
• 2 bedroom family suite
• Signature Suites

• The Villas: Standard or Preferred Duo Studio for 2 (mini fridge)
• The Villas: Standard or Preferred Duo Studio for 4 (kitchenette)
• The Villas: Duo or Deluxe Studio Garden
• The Villas: Standard of preferred Deluxe Studio
• The Villas: 1, 2, & 3 bedroom villas (full kitchen, washer & dryer)

Disneyland Hotel Price

Averaging $600 per night (as of 2023), the Disneyland Hotel is in the middle compared to the other 2 Disneyland Resort Hotels.

The price is worth the full-on Disney ambiance you get. Even the wallpapers in the lobby bathrooms are Disney-themed.

You’re paying for the Disney brand, stellar customer service, a Disney-themed pool (complete with Monorail waterslide!), and proximity to the parks. There is a couple hundred dollar gap between the cost of the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Paying more money to stay at the Grand makes sense to me.

When we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, the walk just seemed so much further than when we stayed at the Grand. It’s not a terrible walk, but when you’re tired at the end of a long Disney day, you want to stay at the first hotel you pass.

Disneyland Hotel Amenities

Even if you aren’t staying at the Disneyland Hotel, there’s a good chance you’ll end up eating here.

Goofy’s Kitchen is a popular Character Breakfast located in the middle of the Disneyland Hotel Towers.

The popular Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar and the Tangoroa Terrace Tropical Var and Grill are right next to the pools at Disneyland Hotel.

I had a blast at Trader Sam’s with my husband and siblings, all while the grandparents went back to the hotel room with our kids.

The bartenders lowered my seat without me noticing, and then when I started trying to figure out what happened to my seat, they pointed at me and shouted “She’s shrinking!” 

We still need to try out the Monorail waterslide at the Disneyland Hotel Pool area, but it looks cool! Somehow it’s hard to schedule pool time when you have Disneyland tickets.

Disneyland Hotel Amenities

• Disney’s Fantasia Shop
• Small World Gifts & Sundries
• Goofy’s Kitchen
• The Coffee House
• Tangoroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill
• Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
• Historical Displays in the Lobbies & by Goofy’s Kitchen
• Multiple Pools, Jacuzzis, & Monorail Waterslides
• Fitness Center

Personal Experience 

The Disneyland Hotel’s vibe is dripping with classic Disney.

We entered the room and immediately turned on the music and lights on the castle-themed headboards.

My daughters’ faces lit up, it was like the ultimate music box!

You get views of Downtown Disney, but our view from the standard room wasn’t anything crazy. It was very cool being so close to the parks. It was a bit further to walk than the Grand Californian, but not crazy far.

My favorite part was the theming throughout the hotel and in each of the lobbies. Each tower has models and items on display that relate to the land that goes with their theme: Fantasy, Adventure, and Frontier.

The main lobby has pictures of Walt Disney with various famous people throughout history. Walking into the Disneyland hotel is like walking into a magical museum.

The Disneyland Hotel is for you if you love classic Mickey Mouse and Disney nostalgia.

Paradise Pier Hotel/Pixar Place Hotel

Price: $$ – $$$

Location: Across the street, Disneyland Drive

Atmosphere: Family Fun, Pixar

The Paradise Pier Hotel was one of my favorites. The beach theme of Paradise Pier was fun, but the new Pixar theme is amazing!

It’s the only Disneyland Resort Hotel with a rooftop pool, and you can see the fireworks from the roof at night.

It’s just a cheaper option out of the three Disney Resort Hotels, is a quick walk, and has a separate entrance into Disney California Adventure Park. The vibe is more laid back, and family fun.

Paradise Pier (Pixar Place) Hotel Rooms

Paradise Pier Hotel had more Mickey and friends theming to the rooms than the Grand Californian: hidden Mickey on a surfboard floor lamp, a tabletop lamp with Mickey sitting on a lifeguard chair, and a photo of Goofy’s “How to Swim” on the wall.

Everything was a beach vacation theme (hence the name Paradise PIER).

But as of January 30, 2023, we officially say goodbye to the beach party for a Pixar theme. Paradise Pier turns into Pixar Place Hotel.

We’ve experienced pieces of Pixar Place while it’s been under construction, but I’m excited to book a stay once the new Pixar-themed rooms are finished.

My favorite room view is from the Pixar Place Hotel. From the Premium Room window, you can watch the World of Color and look out at the beautifully lit-up Pixar Pier at night.

Pixar Place Hotel Room Types

• Standard or Premium View
• 1 or 2 Bedroom Suite
• Standard & Premium Club Level 
• 1, 2, or 3 Bedroom Signature Suites 

The Signature Suites are currently beach-themed and named after Southern California beaches like Dana Point and Malibu. 

I am very excited to see what they come up with for the new Pixar Place Hotel remodel. The photos show Pixar character wall decor with the Pixar ball pillow. 

It seems like a simple but effective modern refresh of the previous Paradise hotel rooms.

Pixar Place Hotel Price 

Average of $500 per night as of 2023 pricing. I’m expecting this to increase in 2024 with the official opening of the Pixar Place rebrand.

The Disneyland Hotel vs Pixar Place Hotel pricing is very comparable, with the Grand Californian Hotel Pricing being significantly higher than both of them.

If you book a room in Disney’s off-season and look for special discounts you can get a great deal on Pixar Place Disney Hotel. For one weekend stay we paid $300 per night which was very similar to the current Good Neighbor Hotel pricing.

Pixar Place Hotel Amenities

Pixar Place Hotel has an amazing rooftop. There’s a pool, jacuzzi, splash pad, and waterslide in the pool area. You exit the pool area into a rooftop lounge with firepits and cushioned seating.

There’s a large turf area where lawn games will be available to play and a cafe that will open up at the end of January 2024.

The pool is sloped from a shallow to a deep end. is small compared to the pools at the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. I found it hard to have my 6 and 4-year-olds practice swimming with the big kids making a ton of waves, but once some people cleared out it was perfect.

The jacuzzi is a great size and elevated above the pool level, both pool and hot tub are heated.

We haven’t tried out the rooftop fireworks view, but it’s a pretty cool option if you’re not still in the theme park.

Pixar Place Hotel Amenities

• Hotel Entrance to California Adventure
• Great Maple Modern American Eatery
• The Sketch Pad Cafe (coming soon)
• Self-Service Market
• STOR-E
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• 1 Pool, 1 Jacuzzi, 1 Splashpad, 1 Waterslide
• Rooftop Pool Deck Fireworks View
• Fitness Center
• Kid’s TV Theater

Pixar Place Hotel Personal Experience 

I love this hotel. The view of Pixar Pier from the premium rooms is the best of any of the 3 hotels.

This hotel is best for being more budget-friendly and has more Disney-themed details than the Grand Californian.

There’s a Pixar Ball pillow on the beds and multiple hidden Mickeys, including on the sheets and bathroom tiles.

It’s a bit of a walk from Paradise Pier (Pixar Place) Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel, but Paradise Pier has a separate entrance into California Adventure. And the walk isn’t that bad.

I can’t wait until they finish the upgrades to change it into a fully Pixar-themed hotel.

Is Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel Worth it?

Yes! 1,000 times yes! The only time I would recommend a Good Neighbor Hotel instead of a Disneyland Resort Hotel is if you can’t compromise on budget. 

If you’re trying to spend a Disney-sized budget on your hotel, but still want to be close to the parks, then check out the Grand Legacy Hotel or any hotels on S Harbor Blvd. 

Those hotels are as close as you can get without staying on Disney property.

What do you get for staying on-site at Disneyland?

• Disney High Customer Service Standards
• Disney Themeing
• Proximity to the Parks
• The Best Disney Views
• Early Entry
• Preferred Access to Dining Reservations
• Charge Food and Shopping to your Room
• Direct-to-Room Service
• In-Room Celebrations (add-on)
• Extra Events and Activities (included and add-on)
• Use Your Phone as Your Key

As Magic Key Holders, we go to Disneyland quite often. 

Sometimes we make the 1.5-hour drive there and back in one day, but usually, we like to drive up at least the night before for a successful rope-drop morning.

We’ve stayed in both the Grand Californian Spa and Disneyland Hotel multiple times. More recently we’ve also added the Paradise Pier/Pixar Place hotel to our favorites. Between all three hotels, this includes staying in a 2-bedroom suite, 3-bedroom suite with concierge upgrade, standard room, and premium view room.

We’ve also stayed at Good Neighbor Hotels multiple times. 

Whether it’s been a Disney hotel or not, they all have been wonderful stays, but there is an added level of Magic to the Disneyland brand hotels. 

It’s like you can stay in your Disney Park bubble 24/7 as if you didn’t leave the theme park at all.

Early Entry for Disneyland Resort Hotels

Early Entry is when you get into the theme parks before they open if you’re a hotel guest.

It used to be an hour early at a scheduled park (Disneyland or California Adventure) before 2020. When they brought Early Entry back it was 30 minutes early but could be either theme park on any day.

As of January 20, 2024, it’s still 30 minutes early, but they are bringing back the specific theme park schedule. 

Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
DCA	DL	DCA	DL	DCA	DL	DCA

For example, if the park opened at 8:00 am, early Entry is from 7:30 am-8:00 am. A lot of people have complained it’s not the full hour anymore (myself included- oops, lol), but you really can get a lot done in 30 minutes with little to no wait times.

To make your Early Entry a success, go on a quick ride or a ride that normally has a huge line. Do not choose a ride that takes a long time, like Soarin over the World. That one ride due to load time and ride time will take up your full 30 minutes. 

There are also only select rides available. Enjoy a few then get in line to “rope-drop” a ride not included in Early Entry. You’ll still get a head start on those rides than the other non-hotel guests.

In Disneyland, you will be able to enjoy Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. California Adventure has rides open scattered throughout the theme park.

Disneyland Park Early Entry Rides

• Alice in Wonderland
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• King Arthur Carrousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Space Mountain
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Astro Orbitor
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Disneyland Monorail

California Adventure Park Early Entry Rides

• Guardians of the Galaxy 
• Incredicoaster
• The Little Mermaid
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
• Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Soarin’ Around the World
• WEB Slingers

Make sure you read the signs for where to go! 

We had a hotel guest waiting behind us at rope drop (on a day we didn’t stay in the hotel) wondering why they couldn’t get in yet. I pointed them over to the Early Entry line and they were able to get right in.

Disneyland Hotel Discounts

There are two main ways to get a discount on your Disneyland Resort Hotel stay.

If you’re a Magic Key (season pass) Holder, Disney offers a 20-25% discount on their rooms at certain times during the year. It’s typically an offer for stays Sunday through Thursday nights in the off-season.

Anyone can get a discount through Get Away Today or a similar official Disney resale business.

We are affiliates of Get Away Today because we love the deals and use them ourselves!

The taxes and fees are included so the discounted price you see is the price you get.

You can even bundle the tickets into your package and use our code FTF10 for an extra discount.

Resort Hopping

Resort Hopping is what people call visiting the common areas of each hotel.

Even if you’re not staying there you can check out the themed lobbies, eat at a hotel restaurant, and shop.

The best lobby to hang out in is the Grand Californian with its huge fireplace and lots of seating. There is always some sort of extra decor for the holidays and usually a live piano player.

Our friends at the Market House Podcast have even done the foot massage at the Tenaya Stone Spa in the Grand Californian after walking around Disney all day.

Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian vs Paradise Pier

So what do you think? Will you stay at one of these hotels for your next Disney experience?

The three Disneyland Resort Hotels all have different theming and vibes. The type of vacation you want will decide which hotel you should choose.

Best for Location: Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Best Overall Theme & Budget: Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Paradise Pier)

Best Nostalgic Disney Magic: Disneyland Hotel

Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Paradise Pier) is for those wanting the Disney brand but not at the premium pricing. It’s still more than many good neighbor hotels, but has a modern, fun Pixar vibe. 

The view of Pixar Pier in California Adventure from your hotel window is worth getting the premium room, and the splash pad in the pool area is great for kids!

You’ll get a great dining experience at Goofy’s Kitchen or Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.

The Disneyland Hotel also gives you a classic Disney-theming and Walt Disney nostalgia. It’s for you to fully immerse yourself in the Disneyland ambiance.

The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is for your VIP Disneyland vacation experience. The lobby and pool area have a relaxing vibe, and you’re the closest you can get to the theme parks.

The Hotel is located right up against Disney’s California Adventure. Seriously, from the 3-bedroom suite balcony we were right over the World of Disney store looking over the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure.

To me, the Grand Californian is home, while the Disneyland Hotel gets full points for its classic Disney theming. Both the Grand Californian and Disneyland hotels have the best Dining Options at Disneyland. I still really like the Pixar Hotel, especially since the Pixar-themed upgrades. It’s my favorite for a low-key, more budget-friendly hotel stay.

If you need to save even more on your hotel budget and avoid a Disney resort hotel, then check out our favorite Good Neighbor Hotels to help with your Disneyland Vacation Planning.