Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel isn’t just about sleeping closer to the parks—it’s about unlocking a whole set of very real perks

Whether you’re trying to beat the crowds, snag those hard-to-get dining reservations, or just want the easiest park day ever, Disneyland’s hotel guests are getting some solid benefits in 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about what you’re getting if you stay on property.
Early Theme Park Entry
This is the perk that changes your day. Disneyland hotel guests can enter both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes before everyone else. And yes, it’s every single day of your stay.

That means you’re already heading toward Space Mountain or Radiator Springs Racers while everyone else is still in line at the gates. It’s the best chance you’ll get to experience headliners before the wait times explode—and if you’re strategic about it, you can knock out two or three big attractions before the park even officially opens.
Charge-to-Room in the App
Okay, this one’s not as flashy, but it’s one of those underrated perks that makes your day feel smooth. When you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you can use the Disneyland app to charge food, drinks, and merch to your room.

That includes stuff from inside the parks and at your hotel and select spots in Downtown Disney. So if you’re grabbing a churro, picking up a spirit jersey, or impulse-buying a lightsaber—you don’t have to pull out your wallet. Just tap and charge it to the room. It’s all connected, and you’ll see everything on your hotel folio.
Preferred Access to Hotel Dining Reservations
Trying to get a table at Goofy’s Kitchen or Napa Rose and keep striking out? This is where being a hotel guest seriously helps.

Disneyland Resort hotel guests get preferred access to a limited number of reservations at select table-service restaurants—but only during their stay. That means even if reservations are slim, there’s a better chance you’ll get a table just because you’re staying on property.

Is it a guarantee? No. But your odds are significantly better than if you’re staying off-site, especially at the most popular hotel restaurants. So if dining is a big part of your trip (looking at you, brunch people), this perk is a game-changer.
Private Park Entrance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
This perk is a total win for convenience—and two Disneyland Resort hotels have it. First up: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa gives guests exclusive access into Disney California Adventure Park through a private entrance connected to the hotel lobby. You skip the crowds, walk straight from your room into the park, and you’re off to the races before most guests have even cleared security.

Also, Pixar Place Hotel also offers its own special entrance into Disney California Adventure. It’s located right across from the hotel, near the entrance to the Paradise Pier bridge. It’s not directly in the hotel like the Grand Californian’s, but it’s still a dedicated access point just for hotel guests.

Whether you’re trying to rope drop or just avoid the main gate chaos mid-day, having your own way in and out of the park is a serious bonus.
If convenience, early access, and extra flexibility are at the top of your vacation wishlist, these perks are no joke. Sure, the price tag for staying on property is higher—but these benefits can be the difference between a smooth park day and a stressful one.
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
Stay tuned right here at AllEars for all the latest Disneyland coverage!
Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Will you be going to Disneyland in 2026? Let us know in the comments!
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