A Hotel With A Magical Touch
by Jennifer | Jan 27, 2017
My family and I are now proud Disneyland annual pass holders. So we try to take the ride down to Disneyland as often as we can. We always stay over since the drive is a few hours and we like to spend a few days in Disneyland. This past visit we made one of our dreams come true we stayed at the Disneyland hotel! We have been wanting to stay for a while and our plan finally worked out! Our stay was nothing less than magical in the way only Disney can make it.
As as soon as our feet stepped into the hotel the magic started the cast members greeted Savannah as princess and promptly handed Greyson a Mickey Mouse sticker. There were tables in the lobby in the shape of cups and saucers from Alice in Wonderlands Mad Tea Party Ride. Upon check in we were given a list of movies playing that weekend at the hotel (a must do for families), a map of the hotel and our room keys with Mickey Mouse printed on them. We were also informed of the weekend’s extra magic hours, exclusive access to the park which is either an hour before opening or an hour after closing only for Disney hotel guest.
As as we entered our room I do not think we were prepared for all the surprises that awaited us. Inside the room was the most fantastic magical headboard I have ever seen. It depicted the Disneyland castle with fireworks above it. But what made it even better was with a flip of a switch the castle was illuminated and the fireworks went off. And it even played the tune to the song “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” to a light show.
The memorablia did did not stop there. There were nostalgic Disneyland photos hung throughout the room. My favorite being Walt himself walking thru his iconic castle. We also enjoyed the memorabilia hung throughout the lobby and hotel hallways depicting the history of Disneyland thru the decades. And if that is not enough the hotel offers an hour long tour about the history of the property.
Ever heard of hidden Mickeys. They have a cult following with Disney fans. On all Disney properties if you look close you can find hidden Mickey heads. We found a bunch in our room, on the sheets, a few random tiles in the showers, the light fixtures and even the sink faucet handles.
The rooms are very kid friendly. There are pack and plays in the closet of every room. As well as refrigerators. The standard room is a really good size too. The bathroom has a tub/shower combination that was convenient for the little ones.
Location, location, location. Since the Disneyland hotel is on Disney property you are only steps away from Downtown Disney and a short walk from the park and even closer to the monorail that leads right into the park. Some of the rooms face Downtown Disney and give you a spectacular view of the nightly fireworks from the park. The TV in the rooms even have a soundtrack that plays along with the firework show.
All though we did not get a chance to enjoy the pool we walked around the pool area and marveled at their magic. The slides are shaped like the monorail and end in a large pool watched by lifeguards. Have little ones like us? They also offer complimentary lifevest for kids to use when they are poolside. If you have an aerial view of the hot tubs they are Minnie and Mickey shaped. The pool offers food served directly to your chair pool side which is a great way to relax and enjoy your day.
The hotel offers a variety of resturants on premise as well as a coffee shop. (Not to mention all the fantastic dining steps away at Downtown Disney). We enjoyed a meal at Goofy Kitchen a buffet style character dining option. It was a great way for the twins to see all their favorite characters and interact with them one on one with out being rushed. I recommend making reservations in advance since this restaurant is very popular.
The Disneyland Hotel helped us create memories that will last a life time. I will never forget the joy and surprise the twins had when watching the magical headboard light up and them fall asleep to its lullaby. Five stars from us!