In my two decades of Disneyland visits, I thought I had experienced every accommodation option the resort had to offer.
But when I had the recent chance to spend a long weekend at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel with my three kids (ages 7, 11 and 14), I realized I had been missing out on the most family-friendly lodging secret in the entire resort.
Here’s what to know about this special corner of Disneyland Resort.
Amenities and Perks of The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel opened in 2023, and the debut of the 12-story structure marked the resort's first new tower since 1979. Though built with Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members in mind, the property welcomes all guests and sits adjacent to the iconic Disneyland Hotel. Both properties share access to multiple pools, a monorail-inspired waterslide, the stunning Palette Pool and a Steamboat Willie Splash Area. And, of course, there’s the added perk of an easy stroll through the recently revamped Downtown Disney district to the park entrances.
I was surprised to learn that DVC membership isn't required to book The Villas at Disneyland Hotel — an important detail travel advisors should know, too. For larger families such as mine, or those traveling with multiple generations, I can confidently say these accommodations are a standout option. In our Deluxe Studio, my kids and I stayed connected while having space to spread out, complete with home-like amenities that made our extended stay genuinely comfortable.
A Magical — and Comfortable — Stay
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Our Deluxe Studio married midcentury-modern design and Disney storytelling. It featured a kitchenette complete with a single-serve coffee machine and a minifridge. But the real star was the space-saving Murphy bed that transformed our seating area into a comfortable sleeping space with a queen-size bed. And it was actually comfortable — unlike so many other lumpy sleeper sofas my kids have endured. My two younger kids actually slept so soundly on it that they fought the next day over who would get to sleep there again. Combined with the traditional queen bed in the bedroom, everyone in our party of four was able to get a good night’s rest — crucial when spending long days and nights in the parks.
Another detail I particularly appreciated was the bed's height, which allowed us to stow our luggage underneath to save even more space, which is a terrific perk when I'm traveling with three kids and all their gear.
There were also whimsical nods to our room's “Sleeping Beauty” theme everywhere we looked. The illuminated castle backdrop behind the bed, a painting hidden behind the Murphy bed and fairies etched on the bathroom mirrors gave us treasures to discover each night. Even after all my Disney visits, I found myself pausing to appreciate these design details throughout the property.
Sleeper sofas offered within a Deluxe Studio at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are perfect for families with kids.
Credit: 2025 Disneyland ResortRooms for Every Family Size
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer various accommodations options, from two-guest studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. During my tour of the one- and two-bedroom villas, I was struck by their apartment-like scale. All have fully equipped kitchens, and some boast dining tables that can comfortably seat up to 12 guests, which makes them ideal for multigenerational trips. Families can also request connecting suites for even larger groups. Advisors should note that the two-bedroom villa sleeps up to nine guests, while the three-bedroom Grand Villas sleep up to 12 guests.
Convenience at Every Turn
The Disneyland Hotel’s dining options kept us happy (and full) the whole weekend. I grabbed my morning lattes and quick breakfast bites at The Coffee House, which is located super short walk away and adjacent to the main pool.
My kids couldn’t get enough of the character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe in the neighboring Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. In the evenings, I’d unwind at the iconic Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland Hotel while the kids ran around on the nearby lawn playing cornhole or watching an outdoor movie, which made it a win for all ages.
Kids can splash around in the main pool.
Credit: 2025 Disneyland ResortMy personal favorite discovery, perhaps in all of Disneyland, was Disneyland Hotel’s Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill, just steps from the Villas tower. (Pro tip: Don't skip the Loco Moco Burrito at breakfast.) Another lifesaver I discovered: The Disneyland app's Mobile Order feature, which allowed me to order food from anywhere in the resort and have it ready for us at a designated time. This is a tool to rely upon when traveling with hungry, impatient kids.
One of the best parts of staying at a Disneyland Resort property, of course, is its proximity to the parks; we could easily hop back in the afternoon when energy was lagging to splash around in the pool or even take a nap.
The exclusive, members-only lounge at Star View Station
Credit: 2025 Disneyland ResortBonus for DCV Members
Though I'm not a DVC member, I was able to tour Star View Station, the exclusive members-only lounge in Tomorrowland within Disneyland Park — a welcome retreat from the crowds and Southern California heat. The gorgeously designed hideaway, which is themed around vintage Disney aviation (think “Mad Men” in space), houses impressive Walt Disney memorabilia alongside complimentary beverages and coffee service.
Experiencing The Villas at Disneyland Hotel has changed how I will approach future Disney trips with my kids — especially when traveling with other extended family members. The combination of space, convenience and those special Disney touches created exactly the kind of family experience I had been hoping to find all these years.
