By Last Updated on July 31, 2023
If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, I hope a visit to Disneyland is at the top of your to-do list. Located in Anaheim, just 30 minutes south of Los Angeles and less than a two-hour drive from San Diego, this iconic amusement park, Walt Disney’s dream, opened in 1955. Since then, Disneyland has expanded with California Adventure and the vibrant Downtown Disney added to the resort’s portfolio.
As Disney Vacation Club members, my family enjoys the option of using our vacation club points to book Disneyland hotels. After all, they are right on property!
We’ve stayed at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in the past, but given the property only has 50 villas, it’s almost impossible to land a reservation there. Though it’s not the best use of points, we can also book one of Disney’s three official hotels: The Grand Californian, The Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier. During high season (summer, spring break and other holidays), nabbing a reservation at one of these properties can be very challenging.
Our Plan B is to book at one of Anaheim’s other “good neighbor” hotels, ensuring that the property is within easy walking distance to the Disneyland Parks.
Yes, there is bus service to and from other hotels in the surrounding area, but, at the end of the day, when you’ve had as much Disney magic as you can handle, it’s nice to be able to leave the park and be at your hotel in 10 to 15 minutes flat.
Here are the “within walking distance” hotels we recommend the next time you’re needing a little pixie dust magic – from more value-oriented to luxury, all within about a half-mile or so of what Walt Disney dubbed “the happiest place on Earth.”
Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites
This family-friendly hotel is located just across the street and a five-minute walk to the Disneyland Resort.
Classic European architecture paired with modern amenities along with spacious suites and of course the best location outside of Disneyland make for a winning combination for a magical Disney vacation. Guest rooms have all undergone renovation as of 2023.
A terrace-level pool area features a sun deck and Jacuzzi offering amazing views of the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Disneyland Resort fireworks.
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
You’ve got to love a castle-themed hotel with Disney décor. It sets the stage for a memorable vacation.
Located just a half-mile from the Disneyland Resort entrance, this Tudor-style lodging on 13 acres of gardens offers spacious rooms and lovely en-suites with two on-site restaurants.
The renovated Castle Bunk Rooms with castle-themed beds are ideal for a family. The hotel also has a pool, hot tub, and game room with billiards and arcade games.
Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn
Breakfast is included with a stay at this hotel featuring two outdoor pools and two hot tubs, and it’s only a 15-minute walk to the Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure theme parks.
The location is also ideal for access to the numerous restaurants dotting Katella Avenue and it’s a great value for the price point – for a budget hotel, it’s pretty impressive!
Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance
This is definitely one of the best family-friendly properties near Disneyland. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the parks, but the top feature of the resort is its 20,000-square-foot Surfside Waterpark. Open to hotel guests only, the themed waterpark boasts six waterslides, a 400-gallon drench bucket and much more water fun.
Courtyard offers a variety of guest rooms, but what makes this one of the most popular hotels for families are its spacious suites with bunk beds. The 530-square-foot rooms can sleep up to six.
Fairfield By Marriott Anaheim Resort
Located next door to the Courtyard and even closer to the Downtown Disney entrance, Fairfield offers 400-plus guestrooms with Disney-inspired décor. There is a pool and hot tub on property, and anice gift shop, but one of the top benefits of staying here is its proximity to Downtown Disney and the parks. It’s literally a 10-minute walk to all the fun.
If you request rooms facing the Courtyard by Marriott side, you’ll have the best view of the Disneyland fireworks by just stepping outside your room.
Hotel Indigo Anaheim
This chic hotel is located in what was a boring, in-need-of-updating Holiday Inn. Now this cool kid on the block is a boutique property with stylish rooms, hardwood floors, modern décor and comfortable beds.
Rooms and suites feature funky, colorful wall murals. Bathrooms are luxurious and stocked with Aveda products. The property includes an outdoor pool, spa and a sauna, but perhaps the best benefit of staying at the Hotel Indigo is their complimentary parking.
Though it’s a bit farther out than some of the other “good neighbor” hotels, it’s still only 0.7 miles from Disneyland.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground
This amazing family-friendly hotel has its own garden pool and pirate-themed waterpark known as Castaway Cove. Big and little kids will love the pirate ship featuring four mini water cannons, a 200-gallon drench bucket, curvy waterslide and spray fountains.
If you can manage to get the kids out of the water park (which could be a challenge), the hotel is only a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Disneyland Resort area. Depending on budget, guests can choose from economy rooms to Disney-inspired themed rooms and larger suites.
JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
The glitzy hotel with elegant décor on South Clementine Street is only 10-minutes from California Adventure Park by foot and 15-minutes to the Disneyland Park.
Guests can choose from several room types that include queens, kings, and trundle beds and suites, ideal for families or inviting extra friends along. JW also offers theme park rooms overlooking the California Adventure Park.
The hotel’s rooftop bar offers scenic views of Anaheim and fireworks on the horizon. Everyone will love the pool with its relaxing, well-appointed cabanas.
Tropicana Inn and Suites
Located a mere five-minute stroll away from the Disneyland parks entrances, the Tropicana Inn and Suites offers, of no surprise, tropical-inspired rooms that have recently been updated.
Rooms feature mini refrigerators and microwaves. For larger families, the Park View Suites, Family Suites and Kitchen Suites offer fully-equipped kitchens. There’s also a pool and hot tub on site.
Westin Anaheim Resort
This luxury resort built in 2021 on Katella Avenue is a 16-minute walk to Disneyland Resorts and filled with a myriad of restaurant choices. If you’re looking for a higher end accommodation on your Disney vacation, this hotel definitely meets the bill.
Westin’s spacious rooms and suites are lovely, and hotel amenities include a rooftop fireworks view area and lounge, multiple restaurants, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes. Park-view rooms overlook Disney’s California Adventure.
The palm-tree lined pool is wonderful with plenty of lounge seating and cabanas.
Of note: These Anaheim-area hotels were selected because our family either personally stayed in them, or they were recommended by travel advisors who have stayed in or visited these properties.
What do you think?