Disneyland Resort – Club Level

As a generous Christmas gift from their grandparents, the kids and I had a fun staycation at the Disneyland Resort! We returned to Disneyland Hotel, one of our favorite spots, but it was our first time staying Club Level at this location.  Overall, it was an awesome weekend full of great views, yummy snacks and treats, outstanding customer service, and best of all lighter crowds after the holiday madness!

One of the best things about the Disneyland Hotel is the fact that they really try to expand the Disney Magic to all parts of your stay, from the classic decor in the lobby and rooms, the odes to Disneyland attractions here and now, and the real vibe of Walt Disney in all that they’ve done to the classic hotel.  My kids always love being greeted by the characters in the lobby – a great spot to take character photos by the way, without waiting in long lines. You can really interact with them during the day when check in crowds are low and they are sometimes just ‘bored’ hanging out looking for kids to play with!

The highlight of staying Club Level was the private check in in our hotel room. Rather than deal with the hassle of the front desk, we were escorted up to our room immediately by a Club Cast Member and she took care of everything right then and there. Later, we needed to make some room adjustments and did it all right in the E Ticket Club Lounge – no need to deal with the desk or any lines.  This was definitely nice, especially if you were coming after a long journey!  Our view itself from the 10th floor was amazing, offering a panoramic look at Disneyland Park, DCA, and Downtown Disney.

Welcome packet for Club Level Guests in Room

Lovely view! 

It’s a perfect spot to watch the fireworks, too! Whether you have this view or not, all Club Members can visit the E Ticket Lounge (more photos from my earlier hotel tour here) on the 11th floor at any time, which has a light breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a happy hour service from 5-7 PM. At 8 PM, the good stuff comes out with desserts and other special treats.  Best of all, Club Level includes personalized Concierge Service – there to take care of any and all hassles, dining reservations, answer questions, and make sure your stay is absolutely perfect.  My kids loved the coloring pages, the endless goodies in the lounge, and the friendly Cast Members who quickly knew them by name. They also love renting Disney movies to watch in the hotel room.

Some goodies from dessert time in the lounge!’

Other perks open to all at the Disneyland Hotel are the fabulous pools and water slides – the best of the 3 On Property Hotels in my opinion – themed to the Disneyland Monorail and classic attractions. Lifeguards are on duty and do a fantastic job! Life jackets and swim diapers are available for little ones!  Disneyland Hotel dining is also great, offering the lovely Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar – one of our personal favorites for amazing Tiki Cocktails, you can even call your rums or personalize your order – which is adjacent to Tangaroa Terrace for casual fare.  A Coffee House is available for quick on the go snacks, and Goofy’s Kitchen is a hit for Character Dining with the amazing brunch and dinner buffets, and their famous peanut butter and jelly and Mac N Cheese pizzas. One of the best finds and secrets of Disneyland is Steakhouse 55, which offers amazing fine dining for dinner, but also a stupendous breakfast that has become a tradition for us to cap off our Disney stays.  They offer a lounge, great menu, cocktails,  and the Cast Members are absolutely incredible. The quiet ambience is a nice reprieve after time in the parks!

Trader Sam’s fun!

Love chilaquiles at Steakhouse 55! 

Overall, our kids deemed their Disneyland Hotel club stay one of their best Christmas gifts ever.  I think it was a very good value and was very impressed by the caliber of service, and the fantastic views.  I think if you’re coming from far away, the added convenience and comforts of not having to worry about snacks, breakfast, etc. are a nice perk, as well as the superb service and assistance. That being said, many who come have a packed schedule inside the parks, and are already doing a lot of dining at the restaurants throughout the Resort, so they may not get as much use or value out of the Club Lounge. For us “locals”, it was a great way to do Extra Magic Hour inside the parks with no people, enjoy our favorite attractions throughout the morning and lunch time, and then come back to relax and enjoy the hotel and E-Ticket Lounge Amenities.  We have had a good experience at the Paradise Pier Hotel’s Club Level, although the lounge here is smaller (no views) and open for shorter hours than Disneyland or the Grand Californian. We definitely hope to try  the Craftsman Club at the Grand Californian in the future, and I would encourage all interested to contact me for help planning your own stay at the Disneyland Resort, no matter where you might want to stay! 🙂