Hotel for Disney - does quality, pool and breakfast matter?

Question

I’m having trouble making a decision on a hotel and would love advice.

We are going to Disneyland for three days in April (Tues - Thurs). I was planning on driving up from San Diego on Monday, getting dinner and relaxing, then an early night before Disney the next morning. Hotel each night after Disney, except for Thursday, when we drive home.

I was shocked that there are many options on my dates from $300 (for all three nights) to many at the $400-$550 range

They vary in distance, whether a yummy breakfast

Is served and they have free vs paid parking or a pool. And…. I’m in analysis paralysis.

My kids are 9 and 11. They’ve never been to Disney before, despite us living in Southern California our whole lives. It’s a big expense for me…And any extra money we spend on a hotel is money we can’t spend elsewhere (and they do enjoy getting souvenirs, cotton candy type food, etc.)

That being said, I do want it to be comfortable and fun. Questions:

1) Will we most likely be at the parks all day and only use the room to sleep, after the first night?

2) Pool/hot tub - do you find you got back early enough to go to a pool and hot tub… or if close did you leave the park mid day and return? (I kind of feel we wouldn’t leave the park mid day, but also don’t want the kids to feel pressured, but for us to go with the flow).

3) does distance make a huge deal? What’s your preferred way of getting into the park? (Close and walking.. paying parking fee at hotels). (A little further and uber’ing or driving into the parking lot). Or a lot further and driving in 20 min in the morning and parking. We do wake up early regularly and will sometimes go to the park or pool before school… so I’m not super worried about that 🤷‍♀️. **also is it a safe area and busy enough to be walking late at night?

4) is breakfast at the hotel a nice perk? Honestly it sounds great. Some of the breakfasts’ seem decent (especially further away) and some just a few things.. nothing warm. But also if the hotel costs more and we could go get some breakfast somewhere else for the same price… and maybe it would be even yummier. That would be ok too.

**Would love to hear any places you like. Ideally, I’d like a place that feels clean and isn’t decorated in a super outdated way and has great breakfast (I haven’t decided on the importance of distance). If they have a nice pool, it’s a perk but I don’t know if it’s necessary (also not sure if breakfast is) 🤷‍♀️

I don’t want to go above $650 ish, ($300-$500 feels better) unless the price really added a ton of value to the experience… and that would be hard mentally when there are much cheaper options.

That being said, we may never do Disney again, though. So… I don’t want it to be distractingly yucky… if that makes sense.

I know this is an essay and am sorry for not being more concise. Would love to hear your thoughts and also any places you like. I’ve been making myself an excel sheet, but also driving myself crazy with all the options. I figured a little more info would help.

Thanks in advance if anyone chimes in here!

Answer

Planning your first Disneyland trip with kids is exciting but understandably overwhelming, especially when trying to balance hotel quality, cost, and convenience. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decisions:

1) Will you be at the parks all day?

Yes, typically on multi-day Disneyland trips, families spend most of the day in the parks. Many guests return to their hotel only to sleep or grab a quick rest, especially after the first night. That said, your first night after arriving from San Diego could be a nice low-key evening to relax and recharge.

2) Pool/Hot Tub Use

With kids ages 9 and 11, it’s unlikely you’ll return mid-day to use the pool or hot tub. Most families focus on park hours and may use the pool only in the morning before going to the parks or in the evening after park closing if the hotel is close by. If the pool is a perk but not essential, it’s okay to prioritize location and comfort instead.

3) Distance to Disneyland

Distance matters mostly for convenience. Walking hotels just outside Downtown Disney allow you to step out quickly for breaks, nap returns, or mid-day meals, though parking fees at these hotels may add up. Slightly further hotels (within 5-10 minutes drive) are still very manageable if you plan to drive or Uber, and you often get more spacious rooms or better breakfast options. A 20-minute drive is fine if you’re okay with parking at the park, but walking hotels do give that magical, stress-free vibe.

Safety and walkability: Anaheim hotel areas near Disneyland are generally safe and busy, especially around hotels, so walking in the evening is reasonable. Still, it’s always good to stick to well-lit main streets.

4) Breakfast at the Hotel

Breakfast can be a real perk, especially with kids. Some hotels offer continental or hot breakfast, which is convenient and can save time/money in the morning. However, if a hotel with a better room or location doesn’t offer breakfast, it’s easy to pick up breakfast nearby. Consider how important the morning convenience is versus the overall experience and comfort.

Hotel Considerations

Comfort and Cleanliness: Prioritize hotels with updated, clean rooms and good reviews. This impacts your downtime and overall experience significantly.
Price: For your budget ($300-$500), you can find well-reviewed hotels within 5–10 minutes drive from Disneyland that are clean, modern, and family-friendly.
Breakfast: Nice-to-have but not essential. A hot breakfast is convenient, but many families find nearby cafes or quick-service spots to be equally satisfying.
Pool: A perk if close, but not essential. Kids will likely be more focused on park activities.
Distance: Walking distance hotels offer magical convenience, but driving 5–10 minutes is fine with your early-riser habits.

Suggested Approach: Focus on clean, well-reviewed hotels within a short drive to Disneyland. Don’t stress over breakfast or pool unless they are key priorities. Walking distance is great for first-time magic and spontaneity, but a slightly further hotel with good reviews, ample parking, and comfort may provide better value and peace of mind for your budget.

Examples of hotel types to consider:

Mid-range, modern chain hotels 5–10 minutes from Disneyland (often with free parking and breakfast)
Walking-distance boutique hotels near Downtown Disney for the “Disney immersion” experience
Hotels with pools if you think kids would appreciate a quick morning dip before the park

Overall, prioritize comfort, cleanliness, and proximity over extras like breakfast or pool. A solid, clean hotel can enhance your first Disneyland experience and help you make the most of your three park days without overpaying.

Hotel for Disney - does quality, pool and breakfast matter?

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