Surf's Up at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel!

Grab your boards and swim trunks because we’re about to surf on over to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel located at Disneyland in Anaheim California!  As one of the three Disneyland Hotels, this 15 story resort is themed to the seaside retreats of the famous California piers.  Upon entering the lobby, you are welcomed by a statue of Goofy with his surfboard in tow, ready to hit the waves while the surrounding walls are dressed with paintings and murals of the California boardwalks of days past. 

Queen Bed in a Standard Guest Room

Paradise Pier Hotel is the least expensive of the three Disneyland Hotels and can be a great choice for guests looking to stay in the magic.  Whimsical swirls and bubbles in the carpet direct guests to their rooms, which are decorated with a fun beach theme.  Beach ball pillows make themselves at home on the beds, while pier-style lighting hangs above.  Celestial suns are found on the entertainment center while my personal favorite touch, a lifeguard Mickey lamp sits on top. The hotel offers several room types for guests to choose from.  Standard Guest Rooms can sleep up to five (four adults). They offer quite a bit of room to spread out in their 364 square feet of space.  Rooms can have either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds, many accompanied by a sleeper sofa which folds out for an additional sleeping option.  One and two bedroom suites are available for families who need more space.  



Early morning look at Disney's California Adventure Park
from our 9th floor Theme Park View Room.

Want to splurge a little?  Upgrade to a Theme Park View room for a picturesque view of Disney’s California Adventure.  I had the pleasure of staying in a Theme Park View Room on the 9^th floor.  Waking up every morning to the silhouette of the Tower of Terror and Mickey’s Fun Wheel in the rising sun left me feeling a little spoiled.  But it was glancing out the window every night and seeing all of Paradise Pier lit up and being able to watch World of Color from our room that really did it for me.  I felt as if I had my own private showing, especially because the music to World of Color was synched with a channel on the television in our room. Theme Park View rooms are a great way to make your stay a little extra magical.  Want to pamper yourself a bit more?  Concierge rooms are available with both Standard and Theme Park Views located on the 14^th and 15^th floors.  Cabana and Poolside concierge rooms are located on the 3^rd floor.  The concierge lounge is located on the 2^nd floor of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and is open from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, with a Wine & Cheese Reception from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

We’ve discussed room types, now let’s move on to the next most important part of your stay – your dining!  The Surfside Lounge is a small quick service dining option located to the right side of the lobby at Paradise Pier Hotel.  Light breakfast items such as pastries, muffins, croissant sandwiches and bagels are available in the morning, while lunch serves up salads, sandwiches and a classic burger.  Hanging by the pool? Slurpin’ USA (open seasonally) offers snacks, sandwiches, hot dogs, and cool refreshments for guests spending time by the resort pool.  Room service is also available to guests staying at Paradise Pier Hotel.  

Having fun with Stitch at the PCH Grill's
Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends

One of the most popular dining experiences at any Disney resort is character dining.  Here at Paradise Pier Hotel, guests can head down to the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) Grill for the Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends.  Here you can hang ten with Mickey, Stitch and pals while feasting on yummy breakfast items like sausage, bacon, Mickey waffles and potato dishes.  There is also an omelet station and a parfait station, too.  While characters aren’t around later in the day, guests can dine on burgers, personal pizzas, salads such as the PCH Cobb, New York Steak and pasta.  Or try the Santa Monica Fresh Catch of the Day which offers seasonal fish and sides.  The PCH Grill offers a kids menu including items such as macaroni and cheese, pizza and meatball sandwiches. Dessert brings red velvet cake, cheesecake, carrot cake and even a whopping 10 scoop sundae “The Whole PCH Grill and the Kitchen Sink”.  How’s that for a sweet ending?

Paradise Pier Hotel (Back, Right) overlooking
Paradise Pier at Disney's California Adventure Park

Paradise Pier Hotel is located within walking distance of both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks, Downtown Disney and both Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Guests staying at a Paradise Pier Hotel can take advantage of the special entrance into Disney’s California Adventure, only available to guests staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel.  They can even get in to the park 30 minutes earlier. Valid room ID is required for entry. 


For those who feel like relaxing at the hotel and taking a break from the parks, check out the rooftop pool located on the third floor of Paradise Pier.  Here you will find the California Streamin’ water slide, which happens to resemble the old wooden coasters on the pier.  At night, get a great view of the Disneyland fireworks from the rooftop pool.  The music is also synched and piped in so guests can feel completely immersed in the magic.  Some other fun things to check out are the Paradise Theater located on the main floor.  Little Adirondack chairs set in rows make for perfect seating to view Disney movies on a television set in a sandcastle.  For the gamer in your group, head on down to Flounder’s Fun & Games Arcade.  There is also a fitness center for those who may want to get in a good workout at Mickey’s Beach Workout Room.

Paradise Pier Hotel is a great option for those who want to stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, but on a smaller budget.  Not to mention all of the fun it offers, and for groups small and large. So what are you waiting for?  Put on that sunscreen, grab your swimsuit and ride the wave over to Paradise Pier Hotel!

Jessica