WDW Daily News

Long a favorite lodging for vacationers at the Disneyland Resort, the Disneyland Hotel offers Disney magic and special amenities with a AAA Four Diamond rating. Two themed restaurants, a tiki bar, pools, water play area and luxurious themed suites add immersive experiences, making the landmark property one more reason for families to enjoy a multiday vacation at the Disneyland Resort.

“The Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955, the same year Disneyland opened,” said Jon Storbeck, vice president, Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney District.  “It has greatly expanded over the years, and the latest renovations pay tribute to the shared history of the park and the hotel. We’re proud to be part of the Disney tradition of imaginative storytelling and great guest service and we welcome our guests to the Disneyland Resort, a world-class, multi-day vacation destination.”

From the 975 beautiful rooms to the theming of the hotel towers, the hotel creates a happy  family destination with a nostalgic nod to the early days of Disneyland. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to the popular “it’s a small world” attraction. The Frontier Tower lobby features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, an icon in Disneyland Park. At the Adventure Tower, Jungle Cruise characters are incorporated into the design. All three towers now feature an energy-efficient, sky-blue reflective glass exterior.

Iconic Dining Locations

Tangaroa Terrace, a “fast casual” restaurant, and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar take their architectural cues from the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland and the Polynesian/Tiki architecture that was popular during the early era of the original hotel.

Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with items that include cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cakes with Island fruit compote and Kalua pork flatbread, along with a selection of sandwiches, salads and “grab-and-go” items. Guests use an innovative, easy-to-use touch screen to select menu items, which are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “Head” Salesman – recounts the story of his worldly travels through the artifacts and memorabilia he collected along the way. The bar features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of signature cocktails such as the flaming Uh Oa — perfect for sharing —the Hippopotamai Tai and the Mosquito Mojito. The creative appetizer selection includes panko-crusted Chinese long beans and tamarind-glazed Island pork shanks with green papaya slaw.

Rounding out the tropical experience, Trader Sam’s features live music performed on the patio in the evening.

Guests also may relax next to a large, outdoor stone fireplace, or enjoy the view of the new Cascade Falls and Old Unfaithful near the Frontier Tower, both reminiscent of the former Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction in Disneyland.

Immersive Pool Experience

Guests of all ages will enjoy the new, immersive water play area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” is spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two thrilling water slides. A replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Cars sits at each slide’s entrance, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. Guests glide through the cars as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The larger of the two main slides sits 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet, until it plunges into a splash pool. The second slide is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. For younger guests, the area includes a third, two-lane mini-slide that sits just 3 ½ feet high and is 19 feet long, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play.

No tickets are required at the new D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions.

The four-foot-deep, D-Ticket pool is a shady oasis next to the new Monorail water play area, and the E-Ticket pool is perfect for families, with poolside food and beverage service at select times of the year.

The pool area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa, which matches a Mickey-themed spa. In addition, six new cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

Themed Suites

The Disneyland Hotel boasts a unique collection of themed suites including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse and the Pirates of the Caribbean suite. Three exciting, new suites were added as part of the renovation. The Adventureland Suite offers guests a two-bedroom hideaway complete with a grotto in the master bathroom that simulates various settings – including a rain forest and African savanna – through light and sound effects.

The Big Thunder Suite, where up to six pioneers are immersed in luxurious, rustic accommodations, was inspired by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park. The Fairy Tale Suite, adorned in colors of sage and champagne, features an exquisite canopy bed as its centerpiece and a hand-cut cut mosaic of a stylized Sleeping Beauty Castle in the bathroom.

Guest Rooms

The beautiful guest rooms feature exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor. The beds have stunning light-up headboards with an artistically carved representation of Disneyland park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. As the focal point in each guest room, the headboard features fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room. Guests also will discover a magical touch of music in the rooms, with refrains from the familiar song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”

The new magic at the Disneyland Hotel is part of a multiyear expansion project which was also highlighted by the creation of new experiences, attractions and nighttime spectaculars in Disney California Adventure Park. The project culminated in the summer of 2012 with the opening of Buena Vista Street and the 12-acre Cars Land.

The AAA Four Diamond Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa was expanded in 2009, adding 203 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, marking the West Coast debut for Disney Vacation Club. At the Paradise Pier Hotel, all rooms were recently remodeled to fit the playful, beach theme.