The Pools of Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort boasts three beautiful unique resorts on site that all have wonderful pools. 

The pool at Pixar Place is the perfect place to sit back, relax and have a great time, especially if you are traveling with the younger crowd.

The rooftop pool is the smallest on property, but the theming is fantastic. Pulling elements from many of the Pixar movies we all love, the chairs and loungers are right on target without being over the top or tacky. We haven’t ever had trouble getting a seat even though the area is fairly small. There are lots of umbrellas for shade and also covered loungers. 

The pool deck boasts a terrific 186 ft waterslide that is fun for all ages and the best splash pad on property. The decking underfoot is soft and bouncy and doesn’t get hot in the sun.   If you are feeling a bit hungry there is also Small Bytes that offers up quick service salads, snacks and a few drinks.

The only drawback to this pool is the hot tub. It’s small and usually busy, filled with kids and adults. If you are looking for a relaxing soak, you may be out of luck.

This is my favorite resort pool for families with young children. It’s easy to keep an eye on the littles in the smaller pool area and it also offers the best splash pad on site. Everyone can have fun here. 

 Disneyland Hotel 

This resort usually has a price point between Pixar Place and the Grand Californian.  The retro Disney/ Polynesian vibe is fun and there is lots of greenery and winding sidewalks throughout the pool area. 

This resort has 2 Monorail themed waterslides and a small mini slide for the smaller, less adventurous swimmers in your group. There is also a cute Steamboat Willy themed splash pad and the palette-shaped pool at the Villas at the Disneyland Resort.

All three resorts offer complementary towels are available, cabanas and daybeds can also be rented. Kids’ entertainment is also offered, make sure to check the schedule when you check in.

While the slides and pools are great, the Disneyland Hotel really shines with its food and beverage offerings. The coffee shop has great hot and iced drinks- even allergy friendly options! But the star of the show is Trader Sams Enchanted Tiki Bar. You can get a reservation here when you book your dining at the parks, but it goes fast! Fortunately, you can usually get into the Tiki Bar without a reservation if you are patient. Additionally, you can get most of the same fare next door at the Tangaroa Terrace quick service window. There are many non-alcoholic and allergy friendly options here as well so don’t worry if you have dietary restrictions or prefer not to partake- there are lots of choices.

This resort is my go-to pick for families with teens or young adults. The pools are excellent and there is enough space that you can “be together apart”. The lifeguards are there as well to keep an eye on your teens when they get out of you sight for a bit. There are plenty of food options to feed those bottomless pits and Mom and Dad can still relax with a drink and be reminded of why they got together in the first place.

Tip- Ask about allergy options at Tangaroa Terrace. Sometimes they can modify dishes not listed on the allergy menu.   

The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

The Grand Californian is the newest of the three hotel resorts and was built in 2001. This resort has the highest price point of the three and has the most refined atmosphere and service. I often say with travel, you get what you pay for. From the moment you walk though the oversized doors into the rustic but refined lobby, you are instantly transported out of your day-to-day life. The service at this resort is second to none and it is beautifully appointed in every way. With the entrance directly into California Adventure, this is not a budget resort, but it can be worth every penny to stay here.

The pools here are gorgeous, continuing the outdoor Northern California theme. There are several pools and hot tubs creatively hidden among winding paths, but the real draw is the slide. The Redwood Pool has a slide that looks like an old growth Redwood tree stump. 

The Craftsman’s Grill and Bar offers quick service and a pool side bar with seemingly endless drink options including mocktails. If you are looking for something more substantial, the Hearthstone Lounge has more upscale options like Wagyu burgers and truffle fries although I would probably change out of my swimwear before ordering here. 

The Grand Californian has a beautifully themed pool deck and excellent food options and while I love this resort, I don’t think it’s a win for everyone. The price point is high and I try to match guests to the resort they would enjoy the most. People traveling with small children, while of course they are welcome here, often find the pools don’t have the same amenities and theming aimed at younger guests that you would find at the other resorts.  Dining options are also more upscale and tend to cater to a more refined palate.