The Disneyland Resort boasts three beautiful unique resorts on site that all have wonderful pools. If you have ever found yourself wondering which is the best resort for you, read on! I will break down the options, so you know just what to expect on your next Disneyland vacation.
Pixar Place
Pixar Place is the only one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels that was not built specifically as a resort for the parks. I suppose you could argue that the Disneyland Hotel itself was not either since it was not owned by Disney until many years after its opening, but it was still built with the intention that it would be associated with the park. Pixar Place was built in 1984 and opened as the Pan Pacific. In 1995 it was purchased by Disney and since then has gone through several refurbishments (for example it used to be Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel). The most recent is perhaps the most significant and impressive. No longer is it the last choice for Disney resort pool connoisseurs! The pool at Pixar Place is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and have a great time, especially if you are traveling with the younger crowd.
The rooftop pool itself hasn’t changed much since it was the Pan Pacific it’s still a simple rectangle and the smallest on the property, but the theming is fantastic. Pulling elements from many of the Pixar movies we all love, the chairs and loungers are right on target without being over the top or tacky. We haven’t ever had trouble getting a seat even though the area is fairly small. There are lots of umbrellas for shade and also covered loungers. Complementary towels are available, cabanas, and daybeds can also be rented. Kids’ entertainment is also offered, make sure to check the schedule when you check in.
The pool deck boasts a terrific 186 ft waterslide that is fun for all ages and the best splash pad on property. With all kinds of spay elements, it can keep littles (or in my case silly teens) busy for quite a while. The decking underfoot is soft and bouncy and doesn’t get hot in the sun. There is plenty of seating for grown-ups if the kids are wearing you out. If you are feeling a bit hungry there is also Small Bytes that offers up quick service salads, snacks, and a few drinks.
The only drawback to this pool is the hot tub. It’s small and usually busy, filled with kids and adults. If you are looking for a relaxing soak, you may be out of luck.
This is my favorite resort pool for families with young children. It’s easy to keep an eye on the littles in the smaller pool area and it also offers the best splash pad on site. Everyone can have fun here.
TIP: Make sure you listen for Crush at the end of the slide — Totally rad dude!
Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel is the original hotel onsite and has had many re-imaginings over the years. This resort usually has a price point between Pixar Place and the Grand Californian. The hotel itself has several towers that surround the pool area and no matter where your room is, you are never very far away. The retro Disney/Polynesian vibe is fun and there is lots of greenery and winding sidewalks throughout the pool area. For my money, this is the best pool deck area to sit back with a drink and enjoy the warm Southern California days and cool evenings. There is even a fireplace with plenty of seating so in the evening bring a sweater and your book!
This resort has two good-sized pools that are not the typical rectangular hotel pool. It also has two Monorail-themed waterslides with one being a bit more thrilling than the other and a small mini slide for the smaller, less adventurous swimmers in your group. Additionally, just around the corner, there is also a cute Steamboat Willie-themed splash pad and the palette-shaped pool at the Villas at the Disneyland Resort. Complimentary towels are available, cabanas, and daybeds can also be rented. Kids’ entertainment is also offered, make sure to check the schedule when you check in.
While the slides and pools are great, the Disneyland Hotel really shines with its food and beverage offerings. The coffee shop has great hot and iced drinks — even allergy-friendly options! But the star of the show is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. You can get a reservation here when you book your dining at the parks, but it goes fast! Fortunately, you can usually get into the Tiki Bar without a reservation if you are patient. Additionally, you can get most of the same fare next door at the Tangaroa Terrace quick service window. There are many non-alcoholic and allergy-friendly options here as well so don’t worry if you have dietary restrictions or prefer not to partake- there are lots of choices.
This resort is my go-to pick for families with teens or young adults. The pools are excellent and there is enough space that you can “be together apart”. The lifeguards are there as well to keep an eye on your teens when they get out of you sight for a bit. There are plenty of food options to feed those bottomless pits and Mom and Dad can still relax with a drink and be reminded of why they got together in the first place.
TIP: Ask about allergy options at Tangaroa Terrace. Sometimes they can modify dishes not listed on the allergy menu.
The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
The Grand Californian is the newest of the three hotel resorts and was built in 2001. This resort has the highest price point of the three and has the most refined atmosphere and service. I often say with travel, you get what you pay for. From the moment you walk through the oversized doors into the rustic but refined lobby, you are instantly transported out of your day-to-day life. The service at this resort is second to none and it is beautifully appointed in every way. I sometimes joke with my husband that I would like to be an old-timey movie star and just live in this hotel. With the entrance directly into California Adventure, this is not a budget resort, but it can be worth every penny to stay here.
The pools here are gorgeous, continuing the outdoor Northern California theme. There are several pools and hot tubs creatively hidden among winding paths, but the real draw is the slide. The Redwood Pool has a slide that looks like an old-growth Redwood tree stump. It’s a bit shorter than the other slides on property and empties into the pool itself instead of a small splash area. Disney offers smaller, less confident guests life jackets. I had a great time using the slide with my teen and tween and then slipping into one of the hot tubs to relax.
This is a beautiful pool deck. We did find that locating seating can be difficult here at times, but we never waited more than a few minutes. There is quite a bit of shade as well. As with the other pools, Disney offers cabanas and complimentary towels for rent. There is no splash pad at this resort.
The Craftsman’s Grill and Bar offers quick service and a poolside bar with seemingly endless drink options including mocktails. If you are looking for something more substantial, the Hearthstone Lounge has more upscale options like Wagyu burgers and truffle fries although I would probably change out of my swimwear before ordering here.
TIP: Many restaurants at The Grand can cater to allergies even though it isn’t indicated on the menu. Ask to speak to the chef about options. I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
The Grand Californian has a beautifully themed pool deck and excellent food options and while I love this resort, I don’t think it’s a win for everyone. The price point is high and I try to match guests to the resort they would enjoy the most. People traveling with small children, while of course they are welcome here, often find the pools don’t have the same amenities and theming aimed at younger guests that you would find at the other resorts. There is still kids programming and the slide is great, but overall this resort is aimed at slightly older guests. Dining options are also more upscale and tend to cater to a more refined palate. I love this resort for extended family vacations when the Grandparents come along. I think it’s also great for families with grade-schoolers and up along with adult-only holidays.
Disneyland Resort Hotels have abundant options and cater to a wide variety of tastes. There is something for everyone! With the benefits of staying on-site (early entry, proximity, and that Disney Bubble feeling) staying on-site is the way to go!
Jill Romine is a Travel Advisor for Touring and Cruises (formerly TouringPlans Travel). To get a complimentary quote for Disney or any other vacation destination click below:
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