Picking a hotel for your Disneyland trip can feel almost as big as choosing which park to rope drop first. Do you splurge on staying “in the bubble”? Save by staying nearby? Walk? Shuttle? So many choices.
Let’s break it down so you can match the right hotel to your group—and feel confident in your decision.
Start With Your Group, Not the Hotel
Before you fall in love with pool photos or lobby chandeliers, think about:
- Who’s coming? Little kids, teens, grandparents, friends, or just adults?
- How much park time vs. hotel time? Are you rope-drop-to-fireworks people, or mid-day-swim people?
- Your top priority: Budget? Walking distance? Extra space? On-site magic?
Once you know what matters most, it’s easier to sort through the options:
- The three on-site Disneyland Resort hotels
- Disney Good Neighbor Hotels within walking distance or a short shuttle ride
- What fits your budget + priorities combo
The Magic of Staying “In the Disney Bubble”
There really is something special about staying at one of the three on-site Disneyland Resort hotels:
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Disneyland Hotel
- Pixar Place Hotel
From the moment you walk into the lobby, you’re in vacation mode. You never really “leave” Disney, you’re just changing locations within the magic.
Some of the reasons people fall in love with on-site stays:
- Immersive theming – From décor to music to Cast Members, it all feels like part of your park day.
- Proximity – You’re right there. Being able to slip back to the room for a nap, a swim, or a change of clothes is priceless for many families.
- Little Disney touches – Character touches in the room, fun pools, and magical views can make the hotel itself part of the memories.
But Let’s Talk About Cost
All that magic comes with a higher price tag. On-site hotels are often significantly more expensive than nearby Good Neighbor options.
Is it worth it? Honestly, at least once, if you can swing it.
Doing an on-site stay once in your Disney “career” can be a core memory trip:
- Perfect for a first visit, big birthday, anniversary, or “we really need this” family vacation
- Ideal if you want slower mornings, easy mid-day breaks, and those “wow” moments like watching fireworks from your hotel area
If an on-site hotel fits your budget for this trip, it can be a truly magical splurge. If not, don’t worry, you still have fantastic options.
Disney Good Neighbor Hotels: Close, Convenient, and Budget-Friendly
Disney Good Neighbor Hotels are Disney approved partner hotels that meet certain standards for quality, location, and service. They’re not owned by Disney, but they’ve been vetted and many of them are excellent choices.
Why we love Good Neighbor hotels:
- Many are within walking distance of the parks
- Options for larger families, suites, and kitchenettes
- A wide range of price points, from budget to bougie
- You can still book them in Disney vacation packages through trusted partners
And here’s a big money-saver a lot of people overlook:
Some Good Neighbor hotels include free breakfast.
For families, that can be a huge cost saving bonus. Feeding everyone before you even hit the gates means:
- Fewer early morning food purchases in the parks
- One less mealtime to budget for
- Happier kids (and adults!) who aren’t starting rope drop on an empty stomach
For a lot of families, Good Neighbor hotels are the sweet spot:
- Close enough that you’re not spending your whole day on transportation
- Comfortable, clean, and often roomy
- Easier on the budget, so you can put more toward park days, churros, and souvenirs
If you’re planning a longer trip, traveling with a bigger group, or watching costs closely, a Good Neighbor hotel can make Disneyland much more doable without sacrificing convenience.
How to Decide: On-Site vs. Good Neighbor
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
Choose an on site Disney hotel if:
- You want the “we’re living inside Disney” feeling
- You value convenience and theming over strict budget
- You’re celebrating something special or this is a “bucket list” style trip
Choose a Good Neighbor hotel if:
- You want to save money without giving up location
- You need more space (suites, extra beds, kitchenettes)
- You’re staying longer or bringing a larger group
- Free breakfast is a big win for your food budget
Either way, you can absolutely have a magical, stress light trip (no promises of stress free lol), it’s all about what matches your priorities.
Why We Book Through Get Away Today
When it comes to actually booking, we always recommend using Get Away Today, our trusted and chosen travel partner.
Here’s why we love sending our readers to them:
- They specialize in Disneyland packages, so their team really knows the area
- They work with both on-site Disney hotels and Disney Good Neighbor properties
- They often have exclusive deals or extras you won’t find by booking everything separately
Don’t Skip the Peace of Mind Plan
Life happens—kids get sick, plans shift, work changes, cars break down. That’s why we always suggest adding Get Away Today’s Peace of Mind Plan when you book.
With the Peace of Mind Plan, you get flexibility if something unexpected comes up and your plans need to change. Instead of stressing or losing money, you’ve got a safety net already in place.
For a trip you’ve probably planned and saved for, that extra protection is such a relief.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” hotel for everyone—but there is a perfect hotel for your group.
- Want a once-in-a-lifetime, fully immersive Disney stay? Look at the three on-site hotels.
- Want comfort, convenience, free breakfast at some locations, and a friendlier price? Explore the Disney Good Neighbor options nearby.
- Ready to book with confidence and some built-in flexibility? Use Get Away Today and add the Peace of Mind Plan so you’re covered if life throws a curveball.
Whichever route you choose, you’re already doing the most important part: planning intentionally so your Disneyland days are filled with more magic and less stress. 🌟🏰
