by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 9:40 AM ET, Tue October 17, 2023
Theres something special about being among the very first guests to experience a new hotel. And when the hotel opening in question is a Disneyland property, its a full-on extravaganza complete with appearances from a cast of beloved characters to help celebrate the occasion and a performance by Disney on Broadway singer Kissy Simmons.
But the true star of the show, of course, is the property itself. And in this case, it was the latest addition to Disneyland's collection of accommodations The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. A 12-story tower conveniently located just steps from Downtown Disney in Anaheim, this vibrant new property is a fashionably modern offering that's full of Disneys unique brand of magical and heartwarming charm.
From the inviting living-room like lobby to the color- and art-filled guest rooms, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are designed to be comfortable, while also immersing guests in the world of classic Disney stories at every turn. A celebration of the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, TravelPulse was invited to be among the first to experience the propertys recent grand opening. Heres a closer look.
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Guest Rooms
The 344 themed guest rooms at the Villas at Disneyland each showcase artwork based on a classic Disney film ranging from The Jungle Book to Sleeping Beauty, Fantasia, and The Princess and the Frog. That effort includes movie-themed paintings on guest room walls, vibrant mosaic-tiled bathroom art installations and even delicate, fanciful designs on bathroom mirrors.
One-bedroom villas at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are themed to The Princess and the Frog. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Disneyland Resort/ Christian Thompson)
Beyond artwork, color plays a major role throughout guest rooms and thats no mistake as color has long been a key part of Disneys storytelling. From the furniture to the rugs and cabinetry, rooms are awash in a range of playful hues that create a visual feast. Think: couches in jewel tones of purple, yellow, or orange, and rugs mirroring that palette.
A key point to know is that not all the rooms are actually villas. Accommodations are designed for families large and small and to that end, rooms range in size from studios to more spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and expansive three-bedroom villas.
Studios accommodate two to four guests and include kitchenettes, while the larger one- and two-bedroom villas sleep as many as five to nine guests respectively and feature full-size kitchens and living areas, as well as washers and dryers. Bathrooms in larger accommodations also include luxe soaking tubs and spa-like showers.?
Guest accommodation bathroom at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (Photo Credit: Mia Taylor)
The three-bedroom grand villas, which accommodate up to 12 people, are the most luxurious of the options and a sight to behold. On the first floor of this multi-story space, theres an expansive living room and private outdoor balcony overlooking the hotels pool area and beyond that, Downtown Disney. The living area also features floor to ceiling windows that fill the space with sunlight and provide non-stop views from both of the villa's two levels.
Multi-level villas sleep up to 12 guests, and offer a full-size kitchen with an island counter, a large dining room table, and a spacious living room. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Disneyland Resort/ Christian Thompson)
A spacious dining room and full-size kitchen are connected to the living area by a double-sided fireplace. Nearby, a spiral staircase leads to a second floor in the grand villa where there are themed bedrooms inspired by Frozen and Moana each with en suite bathrooms.?
Lobby
The lobby at The Villas at Disneyland is an equally inviting and visually vibrant space. The highlight is a massive, multi-colored, multi-scene mural created exclusively for the property by Disney animation artist Lorelay Bov.
The one-of-a-kind mural in the lobby of the Villas at Disneyland Hotel created by Disney Animation artist Lorelay Bov. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Disneyland Resort/ Christian Thompson)
An artist known for her visual development work on Walt Disney Animation Studios films such as The Princess and the Frog and Encanto, the mural is Bovs first installation for a Disney hotel.
The imagery in the mural combines characters and scenes from numerous classic Disney films including Snow White, Aladdin, Lion King, Raya and the Last Dragon, Frozen, Encanto, and Jungle Book.
The mural is a celebration of Disney animation films, Bov told TravelPulse. But also a celebration of the legacy and the creative process of Disneys animation storytelling.
The challenge was to create little vignettes from each film that were cohesive in the whole painting and make sure it didnt become overwhelming, Bov added.
And here's an inside tip for future guests (revealed by Bov when speaking with TravelPulse): There are several hidden Mickeys throughout the mural as well, for visitors to spot.
Pool?
Paying tribute to the earliest days of Disney, (when storytelling was not yet awash in color), the centerpiece of the pool space at The Villas at Disney is black and white Steamboat Willie installation thats surrounded by a splash pad with colorful fountains and fog effects.
Theres also a private pool available only for villa guests and bean bag toss games to keep guests of all ages entertained. Later this season, poolside snacks and drinks will be available from the soon-to-open Palm Breeze Bar.
The brand-new Palette Pool area at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel is a nod to an artists paint palette. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Disneyland Resort/ Christian Thompson)
Guests will also find a fitness center on the ground floor of the new property adjacent to the pool. And be sure to venture beyond the gate enclosing the private villa pool area, to spend some time enjoying the two massive water slides that are part of the Disneyland Hotel, which offer non-stop, kid-friendly fun.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel features 344 themed guest rooms, including villa-style accommodations. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Disneyland Resort/ Christian Thompson)
More Key Details
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are a vacation club property, but theyre also open to the public. That means non-members can book stays if rooms are available. Disney Vacation Club members however, get first dibs on rooms and since this is a new property, booking is likely to be somewhat challenging for non-members, at least for the immediate future.
The property is the brands 16th vacation club property and the first dedicated Disney Vacation Club offering at Disneyland Resort since the The Villas at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel & Spa opened in 2009.
Want to book a room? Heres where you can do so:
Disney Vacation Club Members can contact Member Services:?(800) 800-9800
Disneyland Resort Magic Key Holders can book by contacting?(714) 956-6425
The general public can book online at disneyland.com/VillasDisneylandHotel or by contacting (714) 956-6425
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