Unlike at Walt Disney World Resort, a vacation at Disneyland Resort does not necessitate a stay at a Disney hotel. In fact, there are only three Disney hotels in Disneyland: Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With an estimated 17.9 million visitors per year and only a little more than 2,000 rooms on-site, it’s clearly impossible for every visitor to stay at a Disney hotel. That’s why you’ll find that Disney partners with 49 “Good Neighbor” hotels that have received the Disney seal of approval. The Good Neighbor roster includes a diverse suite of hotels with varying amenities, locations and price points. Last week, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance, and we’re sharing our experience with you on today’s blog.
The Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance is so close to Disneyland Resort that you can see theme park icons like Space Mountain (pictured above) and Matterhorn Bobsleds from select guest rooms.
After a three-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance, the hotel has risen to the top of our go-to Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels. Categorized within the Deluxe category, the hotel is not the least expensive on the Good Neighbor list; however, the location, spacious rooms and amenities make it an amazing option for families - and an affordable option for large families.
Location, location, location. The Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance is about a 10-minute walk to the entrances of Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. The pathway is paved, well-lit at night and safe. You’ll encounter driveways leading to neighboring hotels and restaurants during your stroll, so you want to remain alert (i.e., avoid looking at Disneyland attraction wait times on your mobile phone while walking). You do have to cross Harbor Boulevard which is a busy street, but there is a pedestrian crossing with signals indicating when it’s safe to cross. Furthermore, the hotel is only about a 15-20 minute drive from John Wayne Airport, which we recommend flying into as opposed to LAX. That makes it quite easy to hit the parks shortly after your flight lands!
After crossing Harbor Blvd. from the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance, you’re officially inside Disneyland Resort. Just about two more minutes from here….
and you’re ready to enter security for bag checks and screenings. Then you’ll choose to enter the gates of Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.
After you check-in (which is at 4 pm, although our room was ready at a noon arrival), you’ll be shocked at the spaciousness of the hotel rooms. A standard guest room has a whopping 532 sq. ft., two queen beds (yesss, two queens not doubles), twin-size bunk beds and a banquette area convenient for eating in or working on a laptop. The large bathroom features two showers which are connected by a wash area with two sinks. As such, a standard room can sleep up to six guests, making the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance an affordable option for larger families - no need for a suite or two rooms. Or, if you’re a smaller-sized travel party (like our party of three), you’ll enjoy the extra room to spread out, and everyone gets his/her own bed! Other room perks include a large foyer and closet, free WiFi, microwave, mini-fridge and 49-inch smart TV with access to Netflix.
The standard guest room at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance comes with two queen beds…
and twin-size bunk beds.
The banquette area comes in handy for eating in the hotel room, Netflix watching and doing work, if you must while on vacation.
If your budget allows for an upgrade, you definitely want to book a room with a view. We had a “Waterpark View” which overlooked the hotel’s water play area (more on that below) and gave us a stunning view of Space Mountain in Disneyland Park. Many rooms feature a balcony, but it’s more like a standing area as it is narrow, compact and not furnished. If you’re lucky, you might get assigned a room where you can stand on your balcony to watch the nighttime fireworks!
A room with a view at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance
The Courtyard by Marriott Themepark Entrance offers a resort, rather than just a hotel, experience in regard to the ample amenities. Its on-site eatery, The Bistro, offers tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner options, serves Starbucks to keep moms and dads caffeniated, and features a nice selection of beer and wine options to keep moms and dads sane. I may have ordered the Mediterrean Bowl on two consecutive nights; it was fresh, healthy and delicious! While you wait for your custom dinner order, check out the outdoor terrace, sit by the fire pit and relax after a long day at the parks. If you’re into quick eats, The Market offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, beverages and sundries. Right outside of the hotel entrance, you’ll find a Mimi’s Cafe serving French and American cuisine. En route to and from Disneyland, you can also choose from IHOP, Panera Bread and McDonald’s.
The Bistro at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance
Enjoying a kid-friendly nightcap at the outdoor terrace located outside of The Bistro
Located on the second floor, you’ll find the star of the hotel’s amenities, Surfside Waterpark. The area features two pools - one of which is for smaller children and has a zero-depth type entry, two big-kid slides (must be at least 40 inches to ride), smaller water slides with a drench bucket and fountain play, and a hot tub. Open daily, year-round from 10 am to 9 pm, splishing, splashing and sliding at Surfside Waterpark is a perfect way to spend your non-park day. Because Disneyland is so close to the hotel, it also makes for a great mid-day break. Hit the parks in the morning, grab lunch on the way back to the hotel, enjoy the water park, then head back to the parks in the evening.
Water play area for tots and little kids at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance’s Surfside Waterpark
Allot time to enjoy Surfside Park - either on your non-park day or as a mid-day break.
If your room doesn’t come with a view, you’ll want to grab a chair on the pool deck because you’ll get a spectacular view of the Disneyland fireworks show. No fighting the crowds for a spot, and no mass exodus to leave the park after the show. Be sure to check the Disneyland app for show times.
Watch Disneyland Park’s fireworks from the pool deck at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance.
Also on floor two, you’ll find a 1,110 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness center with free weights and cardio machines like treadmills, bikes and ellipticals - in case you didn’t walk enough at the parks!
Needless to say, we had an incredible experience at the Courtyard by Marriott Themepark Entrance, and do not hesitate recommending it to Disneyland Resort visitors. In addition to the great location, awesome amenities and spacious rooms, the staff provided top-notch service throughout our stay - from the front desk attendant who graciously provided the hotel’s inventory of newspapers so that we could expedite the drying of our soaked tennis shoes (try to avoid the first three seats on Splash Mountain 😉) to The Bistro servers who may have filled my wine glass beyond the eight ounces I ordered. Not to mention, the hotel entrance and lobby was delightfully decorated to coincide with Disneyland Resort’s Halloween celebrations, which added a special touch.
If you’re thinking about a Disneyland Resort trip, contact a Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner to book a hotel + ticket package today!
Special touches like seasonal decor elevate the Courtyard by Marriott Themepark Entrance to the top of the Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel list.