Not all Disneyland stays are created equal. Some come with fireworks views from your pillow. Others? Endless lines for cold toast and no shuttle in sight. If you’re heading to the most magical place on Earth, your hotel better feel just as magical — or you’ll be dragging cranky kids and overpriced snacks through a fog of regret. The good news? We’ve tracked down the spots families rave about. The ones with killer pools, comfy beds, and enough space for your toddler and your sanity. Whether you’re looking for a full Disney bubble or just want to crash somewhere fun after a long day of churros and parades — this list is your cheat code. Ready to turn “Where are we staying?” into the best part of the trip? Let’s find your family’s perfect Disney home base.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Upon entering Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, guests are greeted by a forest-inspired landscape teeming with native California plants. Tall redwoods and manzanita evoke the majestic forests of the Sierra Nevada.
The garden paths mimic natural trails, offering a serene stroll that transports visitors to a woodland escape. The entry courtyard fills the air with a faint pine aroma, enhancing the immersive experience.
Distinctive details like these make the resort a favorite among families seeking both luxury and nature. Its unique design pays homage to California’s rich natural beauty.
Disneyland Hotel
At the Disneyland Hotel, modern design meets lush tropical surroundings. Here, palms, hibiscus, and flowering ginger line the walkways and pool area, creating a vibrant and exotic atmosphere.
Mature plumeria trees provide ample shade and a sweet fragrance that enhances the resort’s enchanting allure. These floral elements mirror the lively spirit of the Disneyland experience.
Distinctive detail: The proximity of these lush gardens to the monorail-themed water slides creates a unique juxtaposition of natural beauty and innovative design, captivating both adults and children alike.
Pixar Place Hotel
Pixar Place Hotel blends playful theming with vibrant plantings that echo Pixar’s bold color palette. At the entrance, colorful grasses and drought-tolerant beds create a lively welcome for guests.
Raised planters filled with succulents are arranged in organized, geometric patterns, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape. These design choices reflect the creativity and humor found in Pixar’s beloved films.
The landscaping not only complements the hotel’s updated theme but also invites families to explore a world where imagination and nature thrive together.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a lush escape into the tropics with gardens featuring banana trees, orchids, and taro. These plants, interspersed with tiki statues and lava rock features, create a vibrant Pacific paradise.
The path to the pool is a scenic journey lined with greenery and bursts of red and orange blooms. This rich tapestry of flora entices families to immerse themselves in a tropical adventure.
The resort’s design celebrates the diverse and vibrant plant life of the Pacific islands, making it a beloved choice for travelers.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort transports guests to European coastal gardens with its elegant landscape design. Formal hedges, lavender, and olive trees create a serene setting reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Climbing roses adorn iron trellises, framing picturesque views of the lake and Skyliner. This refined garden atmosphere offers families a taste of European charm without leaving the country.
Distinctive detail: The meticulous arrangement of flowering annuals and hedges reflects the sophistication and elegance of European horticultural traditions, providing guests with a tranquil escape.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a glimpse into the African savanna with its landscape teeming with tall grasses, acacia trees, and flowering shrubs. From guest balconies, families can observe the beauty of African-inspired flora.
Interpretive signs enhance the educational aspect, allowing children to learn about the species planted along the walking trails.
The lodge’s landscape design provides a unique learning experience, making it a favorite for families interested in nature and wildlife. This immersive atmosphere allows guests to explore the wonders of an African ecosystem.
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
In Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, guests wander through gardens lush with crepe myrtles, magnolias, and azaleas. The narrow brick paths meander between wrought-iron balconies, inviting visitors to explore the charming setting.
In spring, pink blossoms blanket the trees, creating a romantic atmosphere that transports guests to the heart of New Orleans.
Distinctive detail: The resort captures the elegance and vibrancy of the French Quarter, offering families a cultural experience enriched by its stunning landscape.
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside offers a natural escape with its verdant green spaces. Bald cypress trees and native grasses create a tranquil riverside haven.
Spanish moss drapes elegantly from the trees near the boat dock, adding to the laid-back Southern ambiance. These natural elements provide families with a peaceful retreat from the bustling theme park activities.
The resort’s design draws inspiration from the scenic beauty of the South, offering guests a serene environment to unwind and connect with nature.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort captivates with its thematic landscape designs. In the “Cars” section, desert plants like yucca and agave grow among rock features, replicating the Southwest desert scene.
This playful landscape mirrors the animated worlds families have come to love, offering a vibrant and engaging outdoor space.
The intentional grouping of desert plants, jungle flora, and coastal grasses in different sections showcases the resort’s commitment to thematic detail and immersive storytelling, making each area distinct and memorable.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, guests are surrounded by bright tropical plants like palms, heliconia, and bird of paradise. These vibrant gardens create a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the Caribbean islands.
Small garden beds near hammocks attract bees and butterflies, adding to the resort’s charm.
The resort’s landscape design captures the essence of island life, offering families an exotic escape within the magical realm of Disney. The intoxicating blend of color and life makes it a standout choice for nature-loving visitors.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers a taste of New England charm with its coastal garden design. Hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and boxwood hedges create a picturesque setting along the lakeside paths.
White trellises adorned with clematis and roses add a touch of elegance near outdoor dining areas, inviting families to savor the scenic beauty.
The thoughtful landscaping at the Yacht Club Resort provides a serene and sophisticated environment, perfect for those seeking a refined getaway with all the enchantment Disney has to offer.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort shares similar plantings with the Yacht Club but adds its own flair. Open lawn spaces and perennial flower beds enhance the resort’s breezy, beachside atmosphere.
Sweet alyssum and dianthus perfume the air near the quiet pool areas, creating a tranquil setting for relaxation.
These lush landscapes invite guests to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature in a whimsical, coastal setting. The resort’s landscape design offers a refreshing retreat for families seeking a blend of adventure and serenity.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort combines Southwestern and tropical landscapes in a unique blend. Palms, agave, and flowering vines complement desert-style beds with gravel and boulders.
The new Gran Destino Tower adds modern touches with colorful accent pots and sleek pavers, creating a harmonious fusion of styles.
The resort’s diverse plantings and innovative design make it a standout choice for families who appreciate both tradition and modernity, offering an engaging environment for exploration and relaxation.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Despite being budget-friendly, Disney’s All-Star Resorts impress with thoughtful landscaping. Themed plantings like bright sunflowers and vines complement the larger-than-life movie decor.
Small pollinator-friendly garden beds near seating areas attract butterflies and bees, adding life and color to the surroundings.
These charming landscapes offer a vibrant and lively experience for families, ensuring that even the most economical options provide a magical and memorable stay. The resort’s attention to detail in its landscaping makes it a beloved choice for visitors.