Disneyland Hotel & Disneyland Paris Park Entrance

You reach the Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland Park through gates near the train station. The picture below was taken of my friend Kelly (hands raised) in 1997, before security checks were in place. Today, everyone must undergo “bag check” which is located within these gates.

Once past security, you enter the Fantasia Gardens. This is a great place to sit, relax, and people watch.

The Disneyland Hotel is a deluxe resort. It was co-designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and the architectural firm of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo. Most would agree, it’s reminiscent of the Grand Floridian at Disney World, however its pink exterior gives it a more fanciful look.

Since the hotel sits at the entrance of Disneyland Park, its design needed to be appropriate when viewed from Main Street. The following picture was taken from The Hub looking back toward the Train Station. As you can see, the hotel is clearly visible from inside the park.

The ground floor of the Disneyland Hotel contains lockers, ticket booths, walkways, and turnstiles. Guests pass beneath the hotel to get to Disneyland Park.

Once you’ve passed under the hotel, you’re in a large courtyard. Ahead you’ll find the Train Station and Main Street. Behind you is another beautiful view of the hotel.

The interior of the Disneyland Hotel isn’t quite as opulent as the Grand Floridian, but it still packs a gracious punch. The three-story lobby is similar, yet different to the Disneyland Hotel in Hong Kong.

The first picture is of Hong Kong, the next two are of Paris.

Take a look at the wallpaper found in the lobby. Cool!

One of the restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel is the California Grill – and it looks nothing like its cousin at the Contemporary Resort at Disney World. Instead of a post-modern design, this restaurant is full of Victorian charm and elegant grace.

As the name suggests, the menu is “California” inspired – with concessions made for the French palate. Since it’s been three years since I ate here, I really don’t remember what I ordered, but I do remember that I was very pleased. This picture of my dessert will give you an idea of the caliber of food that is served here.

This next picture is the view from my table.

The California Grill also has a show kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal. Plan on spending around an hour and a half enjoying several courses and a nice bottle of California wine.

It’s interesting to note, the California Grill is a “character” restaurant. At Disney World, the “fine” dining establishments are free from our animated friends, but here Tweedle Dum & Dee and the White Rabbit make periodic visits to your table.

Another wonderful spot at the Disneyland Hotel is the Café Fantasia. The name “Caf锝 is a misnomer. This is a cocktail lounge themed after the “Dance of the Hours” segment from the Fantasia movie. The interior of this watering hole is pleasant, but the private balcony table on the front of the hotel is absolutely fabulous — and so is the view.
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The Disneyland Hotel is a deluxe resort with prices to match. Rooms look out at either Fantasia Gardens or toward Disneyland. On the Disneyland side of the hotel, the higher the floor, the better the view of Main Street. Rooms sleep 2-4 in either a king sized bed or two doubles.

If you have the money, I would recommend this hotel over all the rest. Its proximity to Disneyland Park, The Walt Disney Studios Park, and Disney Village gives this resort a definite edge.

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