Orlando Family I just returned from an incredible trip to Disneyland in California! Having grown up in Florida, I’ve visited Walt Disney World in Orlando countless times, but this was my first opportunity to explore Disneyland. My sister and I made the trip to California specifically to experience the parks during their magical holiday celebrations and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel.
We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, which is conveniently connected to Downtown Disney and is just a short walk from the parks. This iconic hotel perfectly embodies the charm and nostalgia of Disney, combining timeless themes with modern luxury. The spacious rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring whimsical Mickey Mouse-inspired details such as patterned carpets and sink knobs. A standout feature of our room was the beautifully carved headboard, adorned with a fireworks design that lit up at the push of a button. We stayed in the Adventure Tower in a club room with a view of the parks, offering a spectacular vantage point for the nightly fireworks display.
Mousekeeping was so sweet too! Every evening when we returned to our clean room, they had decorated using our Mickey Ears and towels.
Dining at the Disneyland Hotel offered a variety of experiences. The popular Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar served up tropical cocktails and themed bites in a fun, immersive setting. For a family-friendly experience, Goofy’s Kitchen offered a character breakfast and dinner buffet, where Goofy and other beloved characters greet guests at their tables. We enjoyed a holiday-themed dinner there, featuring classic favorites like turkey, ham, roast beef, stuffing, pasta salads, potatoes, and an abundance of delicious desserts. We didn’t make it to the newly opened Broken Spell Lounge or the tropical-inspired fast casual restaurant Tangaroa Terrace, but are excited to try them both next time. After a long day at the parks, room service was a convenient option, offering a great selection of breakfast and dinner dishes.
The club room was a great place to relax and enjoy light foods throughout the day. Each morning, they offered a continental breakfast with a selection of fruits, meats, cheeses, cereals, and breads, along with mimosas and juice. Throughout the day, snacks were available, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables with dips, and granola bars. In the evening, there was a variety of hot hors d’oeuvres, along with cold options like charcuterie and salads. At the end of the day, the club served delicious desserts such as macarons, cookies, mini cheesecakes, and more. During club hours, guests could also enjoy adult beverages like beer and wine. The fridge was always stocked with cold sodas and juice, while the freezer held treats like Mickey bars, frozen fruit bars, and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches.
The four buildings of the resort all surround a shared courtyard, which features a pool, a game area, multiple lounging spaces, and a large, cozy seating area surrounding a fireplace. While it was a bit too cold (for us Floridians) to swim, we still took the time to admire the lush pools and the monorail-themed waterslides. We also explored the property, enjoying the festive holiday decorations that had already transformed the space into a winter wonderland.
Overall, I would say that the Disneyland Hotel was a magical resort that lives up the the Disney name. They offered a variety of food, entertainment and room options, and I loved that the resort was in walking distance to the parks. Next time, I hope to bring the whole family so that they can experience Disney from coast to coast.
Ah, it’s so sweet that they add Christmas hats for the characters as well! I can see why you loved it!
p.s. How cold is too cold for Floridians to swim? I just looked at the weather right now, and it doesn’t seem too cold – but I’m used to the UK/Canada
It was 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit when we were there. A little cold front.