Staying in a Disneyland Hotel is a rather expensive treat. Sure, you're within walking distance to the parks (the Grand Californian is actually in the park) and you get early Magic Hours to explore the parks free of the crowds, but the room rates often go above $500 a night. Even if you're an annual pass holder (which we are), the discounts aren't that great. Especially not when you consider the abundance of hotels in Anaheim that go for considerably less.
We recently stayed at the Anaheim Marriott in early February and it was about $250 less than the Disneyland hotels. Aside from renovated rooms and a new restaurant concept, the hotel has a full-service Starbucks on-site, an outdoor pool and a dedicated Disney ticket desk, giving you a Disney connection without a Disney price. (We also hear the hotel's director of sales and marketing is the son of Ilene Woods, the original voice of “Cinderella.”) And even while the hotel does considerable convention business, the employees are ready and willing to help families with whatever they need from help with gear and luggage to milk and cookies at turndown.
And now, there's another Marriott to look forward to in Anaheim-–The Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Hotel & Waterpark. Oh yes, waterpark.
Word is the hotel will open in July with the main attraction being the Surfside Water Park, a 20,000-sq.ft. water wonderland filled with slides, pools, fountains and a 400-gallon “Drench Bucket.”
However, inside the hotel will have 500-sq.ft. rooms all with twin bunk beds, two sinks and separate walk-in shower, the perfect set-up for families. The hotel is also promising “state of the art” free WiFi, along with free Netflix/Pandora streaming on 47″ TVs. And yes, there will be a full Starbucks here as well, along with a Bistro restaurant. We're also really excited about the guest laundromats that will be available. Oh and free on-site parking is a bonus too.
Most importantly, the hotel says it's just a five-minute walk from the turnstiles of the parks, not just the entrance.
Reservations are not open yet, but we'll let you know when they come online. We expect rates to be up there during peak season and hot days but hopefully, still a little more affordable than the Disney hotels.
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