This Disneyland landmark is mostly beloved…but there are some folks who find it VASTLY overrated.
Maybe Disneyland isn’t “The Happiest Place on Earth” after all. The Disneyland Hotel is a hotspot for many Disney fans — young and old — as it’s packed with history and classic Disney charm. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel is on property and super close to both theme parks. However, though most guests enjoy their stay at this iconic hotel, there are some who won’t be booking another visit…
The Disneyland Hotel currently holds a 3.5 star rating on Yelp, and there are some pretty scathing reviews.
One late-2024 1-star review said, “Do not waste your time, money, or energy with Disney. The buffet here is absolutely disgusting. Hard as rock food that tastes like plastic. My 12-year-old said hers was better, and she wanted to leave 5 minutes into getting there.”
The review went on to call out service at the gift shop — stating that a Cast Member promised the reviewer’s daughter a sweater in her size off a mannequin when they came back the next morning…only to see it was already sold.
The reviewer also complained that the hotel staff woke people up early in the morning, and generally complained that “Disney really doesn’t care about people. Disneyland is an awful place to waste your money. Don’t go.”
While our experiences with Disneyland are largely pleasant, we can understand how one bad stay can totally sour a person on the resort and the company.
Another 1-star review in 2025 on Yelp said they left an envelope of $800 in cash under the mattress and forgot. When they called back, they were told to file a lost and found query — but they never got the money back, leading to accusations of dishonesty.
One 1-star review from late-2024 had qualms about the location, saying, “SAVE YOUR MONEY!! Not worth it one bit. Way too far from the parks. If you have ANY mobility issues, you are out of luck.” They ultimately recommended staying off-site. With that said, aside from the Grand Californian — which is joined to Disney California Adventure — you’re really not going to find a hotel that makes it easier to get into the parks.
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Why This Expensive Disney Hotel Keeps Getting 10/10 Stars
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Share your Disneyland Hotel review in the comments below!
It is pretty crazy that Goofy’s Kitchen (“the buffet” in your quotes) hasn’t been upgraded in decades. The dining room is a time capsule into the 90s. But other than that, the rest of the complaints are guest error. It’s a beautiful resort and well worth the money, especially if it’s your once in a lifetime splurge.
You left $800 in cash under the mattress then forgot about it?!?! How is this Disney’s fault?
We stayed at the Disneyland hotel for the first time. I thought it was clean. Love the amenities especially Trader Sam’s. I like that you are a short walk to the parks and have your own security entrance. Stuff was very friendly so I disagree with the above.