Unlike Walt Disney World’s seemingly never-ending parcels of land in Central Florida, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim California is more land locked in the SoCal region. While this may make it more difficult for Disney, it comes with big advantages for you as a visitor. One of those advantages is the plethora of options to stay on a visit, like the newly refurbished Hilton Anaheim.
Located within a 1 mile walk of the Disneyland Esplanade (the central area between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park), the Hilton Anaheim is within walking, bussing and viewing distance of the Happiest place on Earth. And, for those ultimate level Disney fan, it is also connected to the Anaheim Convention Center, the home of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly known as the D23 Expo).
UPDATE: Disney has since announced dates for the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event for 2026. Grab your hotel rooms now, the dates are August 14-16, 2026.
Pricing comparison
This isn’t an advertisement. I am not afraid to tell you that Disneyland Resort has amazing hotels as well. But since I am being honest, the pricing is also something to speak on, especially since Disneyland Resort just got rid of some hotel perks.
The advantage of Disneyland’s placement in Anaheim is choices made for all budgets. While Disneyland Resort is a premium product, they too understand the need for guests to have more affordable days. While staying park-side at The Grand Californian has some obvious perks (separate park entry being one of them), the pricing difference between other options is quite noticeable.
The slideshow of images above all show the pricing for the the most affordable rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Hilton Anaheim and Pixar Place Hotel, all for the same days of October 6-9. The price difference is apparent and it is large. That is money that could be spent on Lightning Lanes to skip the waits, nicer meals or even a VIP Tour of the park. I encourage you do your own research, check other dates and see that I didn’t just pick a “good week” for Hilton Anaheim. There is a noticeable price difference between these premium accommodations.
Anaheim’s tourism district is getting a big upgrade
The Hilton Anaheim isn’t the only thing getting an upgrade. Disneyland Resort itself is working with the city of Anaheim to make every aspect of the park better. Easier transport, safer walkways and a new Disneyland entrance look. Sidewalks and bridges are always considered when it comes to “the magic of Disney,” but in a very walkable area like this, it matters.
Updates to Hilton Anaheim
The Hilton Anaheim team states, “As the first impression for arriving guests, the transformed lobby now serves as a vibrant, contemporary hub designed to welcome and inspire. Expanded seating, open communal spaces, and thoughtfully curated design elements create an oasis of calm and comfort…The transformed lobby and Poppy’s Lounge are part of the second wave of Hilton Anaheim’s full-property renovation, an ambitious project launched in 2024 to reimagine all guest-facing spaces across the hotel. Several major updates have already been completed, including the modernized meeting rooms, refreshed second through fourth floors, expansive second-floor ballrooms, and scenic Lanai and Sunset Deck—each thoughtfully redesigned to blend functionality with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.”
The Hilton Anaheim is the largest hotel in Orange County, California (not to be confused with Orange County, Florida, where Walt Disney World resides, what a coincidence). This hotel has over 1,500 rooms from options ranging from Standard King rooms to Two Queen Bed Theme Park Studio Suites and up to the Premier and Presidential Suite.
For that post convention or theme park day meal, the recently renovated Poppy’s Lounge has lunch, dinner and happy hour. There are also grab-and-go meals and a Starbucks (needed for those early-morning park days), plus Poppy’s restaurant which debuts in September. For the pool-side vacationers, a new pool bar & grill called Saltflower is also opening soon.
The final touches of renovation at Hilton Anaheim
While the multi-year renovation is finishing up, as of writing this article it is not 100% complete. I reached out to Hilton Anaheim who states that a grand re-opening celebration is poised for October. Until then, select areas may still have some work ongoing. But, for those planning a trip, by the time you found this article and book the trip, the work is probably finished.
For those looking for a Disneyland trip without a Disneyland stay, there is a current Disney Good Neighbor deal being offered by Hilton Anaheim. While it is about a year away, Disney super-fans will want to take advantage of early booking for when the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event dates are announced for 2026. If you haven’t been before, it is as exciting as it is busy.
THAT’S A WRAP on the Disney Experiences Showcase! Mickey Mouse just came out dancing to Try Everything from Zootopia.
JOSH D’AMARO DELIVERED!!!!! pic.twitter.com/gptsNVDsS3
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) August 11, 2024
