When I was young, my Mom took me to Disneyland each year for my birthday. Even though we only lived 45 minutes way from Disneyland, we would stay at the Disneyland Hotel. This was back before Disney acquired the Disneyland Hotel in 1988. Yes, that's right! The Disneyland Hotel at one time wasn't owned by Disney at all, it was owned by Jack Wrather and Helen Alvarez. Disney had used all his resources and capital on Disneyland and didn't have the money to open a hotel so he negotiated a deal with Wrather and Alvarez to own and operate the Disneyland Hotel. Much has changed since then, including the names of the Hotel Towers, the Koi ponds, paddle boats, Olympic sized pool, putting green, marina and waterfalls being removed, and water slides being added, among other things.
Here's a look at the layout of the Disneyland Hotel as it stands in 2017.
Because the Main Street Electrical Parade was back at Disneyland for a limited time (a parade I used to watch with my Mom when we'd go to Disneyland) I wanted to take my family there to see it. To keep with the nostalgic theme I was creating for my family, I decided that we would stay at the Disneyland Hotel. Typically when we go every year, we stay in one of the hotels across the street on Harbor Blvd, which offer a slightly shorter walk to get to Disneyland and are significantly cheaper than the Disneyland Hotel. But this year, we were all in for a great treat! Because the park hours are shorter during the spring time, which is when we were visiting, it also made more sense since we'd be spending a little more time at the hotel.
Here's a look at our stay in pictures:
This is the Fantasy Tower from the area where you temporarily park your car to check in to the hotel.
Of course, there's always the optional valet if you so choose.
Here's a look at the Lobby of the Fantasy Tower, where guests check-in for all three towers.
As a nod to Fantasyland, for which this tower is named, there is a seating area designed with Tea Cups.
There is a quaint little area for kids to sit and take in some Disney Cartoons while the parents check in.
Here's a look at the brilliant blue lighting behind the check-in desk.
The Hotel area is well signed. This is the sign as you leave the Fantasy Tower and head south-east, either toward Disneyland or to the Frontier Tower.
As we walked from the Fantasy Tower to the Frontier Tower, we passed the Monorail Water Slides which looked spectacular at night! We stayed so busy at Disneyland during our trip that only 2 of our family tried out the new water slides...but they enjoyed them!
Our room was located in the Frontier Tower which is the furthest tower to the south and, consequently, the longest walk of the the three towers to get to Disneyland.
The lobby of the Frontier Tower, including the amazing replica of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Our rooms were located on the 9th floor...
...which meant that we had fantastic views of the Hotel Resort area...
...and even a little glimpse into Disneyland.
As we stepped off the elevator on the 9th floor, we were greeted with this awesome carpet!
And here's a look at the hallway to our rooms.
The vending machine in the hallway was missing a few items...
The next few pictures will show what our rooms looked like. The couch on the right side of the picture actually turns into a bed which Trey, my 9 year old, was excited to claim as his own!
Here's a closer look at the couch and a look at the cabinet where the mini-fridge is located (in the bottom right cupboard).
Here's a closer look at the beds and the back board that is, perhaps, the coolest part of the room.
The lamp on the desk between the beds has a switch that allows you to light up the bed board which also plays "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." Below is a video of the bed board in action!
Here's a look at the bathroom...
The fixtures offered a nice touch.
Just opposite the bathroom is a small study area.
Just outside the Frontier Tower is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. Although we didn't get to try it this trip, it looked like a fun atmosphere to relax after a long day at the park or during an off day.
We had such a fun time staying at the Disneyland Hotel. The service was great, the themeing was amazing, and the rooms were adequate. If the pricing wasn't so outrageous we'd make a habit of staying here!
