TIPS

Some guests with park views may be able to see portions of Disney’s World of Color from their window in the evenings. Check the park schedule for dates and times. Also check your room TV for a channel with show music! If you’re lucky, you may see the Disneyland fireworks from your room. You can also watch the fireworks, along with piped-in music, from the rooftop pool.

Guests with concierge-level rooms receive a special check-in, access to a lounge on the 2nd floor with snacks and drinks, and turndown service. Concierge rooms also have DVD players—ask at check-in about borrowing DVDs during your stay.

Rollaway beds and cribs may be requested free of charge. Keep in mind that all rooms have either a day bed or a queen sleeper sofa.

Don’t be shy about going over to the nearby Grand Californian or the more-distant Disneyland Hotel to use their facilities, such as the restaurants and the shops. Unfortunately, this does not include their pools (unless the Paradise Pier pool is closed).

Good deals can be found here through online hotel clearinghouses like Expedia (http://www.expedia.com) and Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com). The least expensive rates show up in their system only about three months to 10 days in advance of your arrival date, so this is an excellent option if your trip is arranged at the last minute. You’ll find some helpful tips on booking a room through Expedia and Orbitz at http://www.mousesavers.com/dlresorts.html.

Some guests (like us) prefer to stay here before moving up to a pricier Disney hotel later in the trip. If you do this, just ask the bell staff to transfer your luggage to your new Disney hotel and allow a few hours for it to arrive.

NOTES

The guest laundry at Paradise Pier Hotel is located on the second floor near the fitness center, and accepts only credit or debit cards for payment. Expect to pay $3 per load to wash and $3 per load to dry. Tip: save money by bringing your own laundry detergent and dryer sheets from home.

Paradise Pier doesn’t have quite the same charm as the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian, except for its wonderful park views. This is an excellent choice for those who want a good deal but still want to stay “on property,” as well as those who prefer peace and quiet after a long day. We really enjoyed it, but if you prefer the magic and the price difference isn't too great, you might do better by staying at Disneyland Hotel.

This hotel is “on property,” but you must cross a city street to get to the parks.

The hotel has 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, plus a business center.

Check-in time is 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.

RATINGS

Ratings are explained on page 36.