Opened on Oct 5, 1955, the Disneyland Hotel was the first 'official' Disney hotel to be built. Over the last 60 years, the hotel has undergone numerous changes, updates and additions. Gone are the original 'motor lodge' style rooms - those were demolished in 1999 to make way for the massive resort expansion that included Disney California Adventure, Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa as well as the Downtown Disney complex. Regardless of the changes, however, the Disneyland Hotel remains an unbreakable link to Disneyland's past while still remaining relevant and embracing its future. The three towers that make up the Disneyland hotel were built between 1962 and 1978 and have a combined 973 guest rooms between them (including 71 suites).
The resort is themed to pay homage to its storied past, at the same time providing a sense of modern, sophisticated elegance. The hotel's lobby, with its modern design incorporating light wood pillars and textured electric blue background behind the check in desk, stand in contrast to the wall of photos chronicling Disneyland's history - as well as the history of the hotel. Elements of Fantasyland adorn the lobby as well, with Mary Blair inspired carpet and 'tea-cup' seating area. That theme carries to the pool area which features the iconic Disneyland sign atop its monorail feature slide.
TIP: Be sure to check out the large, memorabilia shadowbox in the convention center just off the main lobby. Years of Disney history is on display and you can spend a nice chunk of time just checking out all the details. You can also find a series of pictures from Disneyland's historic past just outside the main elevator in the lobby.
Disneyland Hotel Rooms
Walt Disney Imagineering brought touches only they could to this hotel, and nowhere is that influence more evident than the rooms that make up this property. The rooms at the Disneyland hotel run the gamut from large, well appointed standard rooms to some of the most magnificent suites you could imagine. The Disneyland hotel has 973 guest rooms (including 71 suites) spread among its three towers - Fantasy, Frontier and Adventure. The lobby of each tower are themed to reflect its name, but the rooms throughout remain the same. Get a No Obligation Vacation Quote
Rooms are available in standard view, pool view, Downtown Disney or partial theme park view. Rooms range from 425 sq. ft. to 475 sq. ft.
Standard Rooms
Square Footage: 425-475 sq. ft.
Max # of People: 5
The standard rooms at the Disneyland Hotel are the largest of the three on-property resorts at Disneyland, ranging in size from 425 sq. ft. to 475 sq. ft depending on the configuraion. Rooms have either two queen beds or one king bed, and a daybed or pull out sofa in rooms that will sleep 5. Rooms include a mini-fridge, flat screen TV, in-room safe, iron/ironing board and hair dryer. Complimentary USA Today newspapers are available in the lobby. Get a No Obligation Vacation Quote
These rooms combine a casual elegance with whimsical Disney touches that carry the theme throughout the resort.
Suites
1 Bedroom Suite (Regal Suite)
The one bedroom 'Regal Suite' is between 740-940 sq. ft. depending on configuration. These rooms have a large living/dining area (which also includes a wet bar and counter seating) as well as a half bath. The sofa pulls out to a queen size bed, allowing the suite to sleep 6 comfortably. The separate sleeping area holds either two queen beds or one king bed, as well as a full bath with an extra vanity sink right outside the bathroom.
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Big Thunder Suite
Stepping into the Big Thunder suite is an experience. With a design inspired by the Big Thunder Mountain roller-coaster, every detail is authentic - from the rock pillars, distressed wood, Navajo-inspired rugs - even the wagon wheel chandelier featuring mock kerosene lamps. This two bedroom suite features a 6 person dining table, a wet-bar with copper sink, 2 1/2 baths and living room with sofa and two chairs.
The master bathroom itself is something to behold - with a massive copper tub and huge walk-in shower.
Even the guest bathroom has character!
Mickey Mouse Penthouse
The Mickey Mouse Penthouse is a Disney fan's dream come true. Bold colors of red, yellow and purple come together to create a space that only Disney could.
Concierge Lounge
The concierge lounge is located on the 11th floor of the Adventure tower. The lounge offers stunning views of Downtown Disney and the Disneyland park. The lounge is open from 6:30am to 10pm daily. A continental breakfast is served in the mornings that consists of an assortment of pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, cheeses, cereal and yogurt. During the day, snacks such as veggies, house-made potato chips, chips and salsa, granola bars and the ever popular 'Uncrustables' peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In the evenings, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres are served, along with complimentary beer and wine. Soft drinks are available free of charge throughout the day, along with coffee, tea and bottled water.
Formerly known as Granvilles, Steakhouse 55 is the premier place for great steaks at Disneyland. From its elegant, subdued ambiance to its first rate service, this restaurant remains a fan favorite. The menu here runs the gamut of what you would expect in a fine steakhouse - everything from petit Filet Mignons to 20oz Porterhouse steaks. The bone-in Rib eye with the restaurant's signature 'Steakhouse 55' rub is a perennial favorite (the rub can be added to any steak by request).
TIP: Steakhouse 55 also offers breakfast. The prices are reasonable, the food is superb and it's rarely crowded. If you want a nice sit-down breakfast before heading into the park, this is the place to be.
The menu also features lobster and chicken dishes, along with sustainable fish selections. Some of the side dishes here are not to be missed - the Truffled Macaroni and Cheese, the Delmonico Gruyere casserole and the loaded baked potato are particularly good. Editor's note: I've eaten at Steakhouse 55 more than a dozen times and have never been disappointed. The rub is fantastic - it doesn't overpower the steak, it compliments the flavor perfectly. The service here is also first rate. This is the perfect restaurant for a quiet, romantic dinner.
Steakhouse 55 also serves a classic afternoon tea, featuring sweets, savories and a selection of teas. Enjoy an elegant afternoon Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Reservations are recommended.
Goofy's Kitchen is where you'll find great character meals at the Disneyland hotel. For breakfast, an array of food stations offer an excellent selection of items. Everything from the expected omelette station and Mickey Waffles to peanut butter and jelly pizza. The characters are as diverse as the menu - we've seen characters ranging from Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale - to Mulan, Princess Jasmine, Baloo, the Mad Hatter, and Donald Duck.
TIP: For Walt Disney World veterans - the character meals at Disneyland tend to have characters we don't see too often at WDW. Also, anecdotally - the food seems better at the DL buffets than at WDW.
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar features island-inspired bar food, plus signature cocktails served in collectible tiki mugs. Limited seating inside and more seating on the patio.
