Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel – 10 Reasons Why We Love This Seaside-Themed Retreat

As a guest at Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel you’re in for a dual delight of Disney magic combined with seaside splendor. The hotel, which has been a part of the Disneyland Resort family since it was purchased back in 1995, celebrates the bygone boardwalks and beachfront days of the Californian coast. There are countless reasons why this place has become a favorite lodging for scores of Disneyland vacationers, but here are 10 very good ones.

10. A warm beach welcome

The resort’s quaint beachfront boardwalk theme is one of its many highlights. So if you’re looking for a Disney-themed resort with a beachy keen vibe, Paradise Pier is definitely the place for you. You’ll notice the seaside accents throughout the entire hotel, from the lobby to your room. Look closely and you’ll even notice the subtle Disney details in the bedspreads, lamps (which feature a lifeguard Mickey Mouse), and other room décor. From the much-loved beach ball pillows to nautical accents and several hidden Mickeys, Paradise Pier is the “shore” way to experience classic Disney.

9. Lowest prices

Staying on Disney property is never cheap, but in regards to Disneyland’s other two hotels—the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel—Paradise Pier by far offers the cheapest going rate. Estimated prices start at $269 per night, excluding taxes. This is relatively lower when compared to Disneyland Hotel, with a starting rate of $360 a night and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which begins at $417.

8. Spacious rooms

Though it has the cheapest going rate, Disney’s Paradise Pier is renowned for having the largest guest rooms on average out of all three resorts. The typical room boasts a spacious 364 square feet and includes two queen beds or a king bed as well as a pullout daybed or sleeper sofa. Some rooms even offer views of Disney California Adventure Park, making it possible to actually watch the World of Color nighttime spectacular from your own room! Rooms with Club Level service are also available in addition to 1 and 2 bedroom suites and signature suites. But whichever accommodation you book, rest assured that you will be treated to impeccable quality and a host of in-room amenities done up with Disney magic.

7. Convenient location to all the magic

In comparison to the other two Disney properties, this hotel is not the closest to the iconic Disneyland Park, but it is still situated in a convenient location that offers easy access to both parks. It is positioned between Disney’s Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel, but is set back slightly more. With the Grand Californian right across the walkway, those at Paradise Pier can easily utilize the private entrances at the aforementioned hotel, which are reserved exclusively for Disneyland resort guests in order to enter Disney California Adventure. Paradise Pier guests are also in easy range to the Downtown Disney District and only a matter of minutes away from the monorail. And rest assured that despite the comparisons, you aren’t at all far from Disneyland Park. It’s only a short walk away.

6. Poolside fun

Another fun feature to be had at Paradise Pier is its boardwalk-themed rooftop swimming pool. While the hotel stands at a staggering 14 stories high, the “rooftop” pool is not really situated at its zenith but rather atop the third story in a terrace area. In addition to the main pool, the terrace also features a separate waddling pool for tiny tykes, a whirlpool spa, and the themed California Streamin’ rollercoaster slide. There are also plenty of chairs and places to lounge, and even a poolside bar—the Sand Bar. This pool location also provides an optimal viewing spot for the nighttime fireworks at nearby Disneyland Park.

5. Other onsite recreations and amenities

Paradise Pier Hotel is not without a wide range of other recreations, in additional to the rooftop pool. Right onsite guests can enjoy such endeavors as shopping, dining, and plenty more. On select nights the rooftop pool is also the place to go to enjoy a Magical Night at the Movies, in which Disney films are shown on a large screen. Plenty of pre-show activities accompany the event as well. Other onsite delights include an arcade, fitness center, and ongoing fun follies. Paradise Theater is another great way for kids and families to enjoy nonstop showings of Disney movies and shows. Located near the main lobby, this designation features miniature Adirondack chairs and other beach theming, including a sandcastle-themed television set.

4. Fun with trivia

Cast members make even more magic for hotel guests by offering up various activities, games, and other diversions. One endeavor many visitors find delight in is taking part in a featured Disneyland Resort-wide trivia challenge. Just grab a trivia challenge sheet from the hotel’s Guest Services desk on your way to Disneyland Park and then enjoy a day seeking out the exciting tidbits the sheet asks about. Once you’ve successfully answered all the questions you may return your sheet to Guest Services to receive a special prize.

3. Surf’s Up! Character dining

Guests staying at Paradise Pier definitely have choices regarding onsite dining options. The Surfside Lounge and Sand Bar are always great places for small plates, sandwiches, or drinks, but filling buffet fare can be yours at Disney’s PCH Grill during breakfast and dinner. The former is actually a character dining engagement known as Surfs Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends in which you get to experience a bountiful, all-you-can-eat spread of all your breakfast favorites while some of Disney’s best-loved characters pay you table visits. Characters you can expect to find here include the one and only Mickey Mouse along with Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Daisy, and even Stitch.

2. Shared Disney property perks

Disneyland Resort properties all share in the same great perks. So that means you can enjoy hotel amenities and services found at both Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. For Paradise Pier guests, this means getting the chance to enjoy the impeccable services at the Grand Californian’s famed Mandara Spa and renting one of the famed poolside cabanas at Disneyland Hotel, among many other extras. So when you check into one hotel it’s triple the Disney magic.

1. Early morning exclusives

There are many benefits to being an early riser, and some of the aforementioned resort-wide perks to be enjoyed by Disneyland resort guests deal with early morning magical happenings. The most popular perk is Disney’s Extra Magic Hour. This means that every day one of the parks opens an hour early for the exclusive enjoyment of Disneyland Resort guests. The days alternate between which park allows early admission on a specific day. Another unique morning offering is the opportunity to sign up for an early morning two-mile power walk through Disney California Adventure Park. It’s a way to experience a more tranquil, lesser-seen quiet side of this action-packed park. The early morning walks are free but signing up is mandatory.

Disney’s Paradise Pier is definitely the way to go for those who come seeking beach-like charm in the heart of vibrant Anaheim. Everything is always more magical when you stay at a Disneyland resort, and Paradise Pier is a true gem in this regard. Discover for yourself the fathomless ocean of opportunities and waves of wonderment to be had here.