One of my favorite things about Disneyland is the incredible range of places to stay nearby; there’s something for every budget and travel style. I grew up staying off-property. Growing up, my parents tried different off-site hotels, and after a few trips, we settled into a rhythm of staying at the Best Western Raffles Inn & Suites, which could easily fit my parents, four younger siblings, and often my grandparents. It wasn’t until I got married and had kids that I tried an on-site hotel, and what a game-changer! Still, we chose off-site again on our most recent adults-only trip, and it worked wonderfully for our needs.
Below, I’ll walk you through each option’s biggest advantages and trade-offs, so by the end, you’ll know exactly where you’ll want to hang your Mickey ears.
One of the biggest perks of being on site is the 30-minute Early Entry window. In Disneyland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open for early entry. In California Adventure, some of Pixar Pier, Cars Land, and Avengers Campus are opening for early entry.
Another Perk of being on-site is the proximity to the parks. Disney’s Grand Californian is as close as it gets. They have two entrances to California Adventure, and their entrance to Downtown Disney is about a 3-minute walk to the front gates of either park. Pixar Place has its own entrance to California Adventure, and is a short walk to Downtown Disney to hit security. Disneyland Hotel is just outside Downtown Disney security and is a short walk to the monorail or through Downtown Disney to the front gates. Security lines for these resort entrances are a little shorter than the entrance off of S Harbor Blvd.
The next biggest perk of onsite hotels is being in Disney magic ALL THE TIME. When you stay at a Disneyland resort, you will get excellent customer service, see Disney characters, and have magical Disney details in the room. Disney is known for its customer service, and we know check-in will be a breeze, our rooms will always be clean, and we will feel at home in the hotel. The pools are amazing and have so many options. Every hotel has a slide or two, a splash pad, lounging chairs, a hot tub, free life jackets, sunscreen, and sometimes even a toy or two.
A common drawback is the higher price point. On-site hotels often come at a premium compared to many off-site options. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide whether paying extra for upgraded accommodations, exceptional service, and convenient amenities is worth it or if you’d rather save on your room and have more spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and extra park experiences. There are ways to bring the price down for on-site hotels that make them much more comparable to the off-site options directly across the street. If you want help checking the price comparison, answer a few questions here and I’ll reach out.
Another downside is the resort parking fees. On-site hotels charge between $40 and $70 per night just to park your car, depending on which property you choose. That fee can add up over a multi-night stay, so if you’re driving in, factor parking into your budget (or look into rideshares and shuttles as alternatives).
By now, you’ve seen that on-site Disneyland hotels deliver undeniable perks, such as early entry to your favorite lands, Disney-level theming at every turn, and exceptional service, but at a premium price. The key question remains: Is the extra cost really worth it? Only you can weigh those benefits against higher nightly rates and parking fees.
If you’d rather skip the guesswork, I’m here to help make that decision simple. My personalized Disneyland planning services are free to you: I’ll compare on-site and off-site options, secure the best rates, and build an itinerary that delivers maximum value for your budget. Ready to find out if on-site is right for you? Fill out my no-obligation planning form, and I’ll be in touch with a tailored recommendation.
For daily Disney tips, insider updates, and exclusive deals, follow along on Instagram @Disneywithjojo. I’ll help ensure every dollar you spend adds extra magic to your next Disneyland stay!
