If you're planning a trip to Anaheim and wondering, are Disneyland hotels pet friendly?, you're not alone. As someone who’s traveled to Disneyland with both kids and a dog, I’ve had to navigate this firsthand.
Unfortunately, the short answer is: Disneyland Resort hotels are not pet friendly in the way many travelers might hope. There are very strict rules in place, and while there are some workarounds, they come with caveats.
That said, if you're bringing your furry companion along, there are options nearby that cater to pet owners. In this post, I’ll share my personal experience, some hard-earned tips, and how to plan around Disneyland's pet policy without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
Are Disneyland Hotels Pet Friendly? Here's What to Know First
Disneyland Resort itself includes three official hotels: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Pixar Place Hotel. None of these hotels allow pets in guest rooms, with the exception of registered service animals.
That includes emotional support animals—they're not considered service animals under Disneyland policy, which follows ADA guidelines. This can be disappointing for some travelers, but it’s something to be aware of before booking.
During a recent trip, I asked a Cast Member directly while staying at the Grand Californian. They confirmed there are no pet-friendly rooms available and recommended looking into nearby boarding or off-site hotels that allow pets.
You can always double-check current policies on Disneyland's official hotels page, but based on my own experience and the lack of recent changes, I wouldn't count on these policies loosening anytime soon.
Key Points:
- No pets allowed in Disneyland Resort hotel rooms (only registered service animals).
- Nearby hotels do offer pet-friendly accommodations—but policies and fees vary.
- Disneyland's on-site kennel is currently closed indefinitely, so boarding must be off-site.
Alternatives Near Disneyland for Pet Owners
If bringing your dog is non-negotiable, there are plenty of hotels near Disneyland that do allow pets. I’ve personally stayed at a few of them, and while they’re not Disney-branded, many are within easy walking distance or offer reliable shuttle service.
Expect to pay a pet fee ranging from $50 to $150 per stay, depending on the hotel. Some charge per night, while others charge a flat rate. Breed and weight restrictions also vary—most commonly, dogs under 50 pounds are allowed.
For newer or recently renovated properties, I recommend looking into the newest hotels near Disneyland. Many are built with modern travelers in mind and tend to be more transparent about pet policies on their websites.
Another great option is the Disneyland good neighbor hotels. These properties are Disney-approved and span everything from budget motels to full-service hotels. Not all are pet-friendly, but several offer pet accommodations with a one-time cleaning fee and require pets to be crated when left alone in the room.
Some examples:
- Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort Area – Pet fee is $100 per stay, and dogs up to 75 lbs are allowed.
- Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort – Allows pets under 40 lbs and charges a $75 cleaning fee. (You can read more in our Sheraton Park Hotel review).
Always call ahead or check the fine print online. Policies can change quickly, and you don’t want any surprises at check-in.
What to Know If You're Staying Off-Site With a Pet
Staying off-site opens up a lot more flexibility, but it also means thinking strategically about location, daily commuting, and pet comfort.
If you're planning to walk to Disneyland each day, then choosing one of the hotels within walking distance is the way to go. This makes it much easier to check on your pet mid-day, especially if you're taking advantage of Park Hopper tickets or taking a mid-afternoon break from the crowds.
We also prioritized staying at hotels with kitchens or kitchenettes, so we could prep simple meals and avoid the extra stress of eating out constantly while managing a pet. For that reason, I relied heavily on these two resources:
If you're on a budget, you can still find good pet-friendly options by checking out the cheap hotels walking distance from Disneyland. Just be aware that cheaper options might offer fewer pet-related amenities.
In general, expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $250 per night for a decent pet-friendly hotel near Disneyland. Peak holiday periods or weekends can push that price even higher.
What About Boarding or Daycare?
In the past, Disneyland offered on-site kennels for pets during park hours, but these have been closed since 2020 and there’s been no word about reopening. That leaves off-site options as your best bet.
When we visited, we used a doggy daycare about 10 minutes away in Garden Grove. It cost us $45 per day, and we made sure to schedule a meet-and-greet a day before so our dog could get used to the facility.
If you're considering boarding, here are some tips:
- Make sure the facility is climate-controlled and clean.
- Ask about outdoor access, walks, and how often pets are let out.
- Read reviews on Google or Yelp and look for recent photos.
- Confirm their vaccination requirements ahead of time.
You’ll also want to factor in transportation. If you’re not renting a car, it’s worth calling ahead to confirm if your rideshare driver will allow a non-service dog. We ran into a few issues and ended up taking a pet-friendly cab service instead.
Should You Bring Your Dog to Disneyland at All?
As much as I love traveling with my dog, after trying it once, I’d probably leave her at home for future Disneyland trips.
It added stress to the planning process, limited our hotel options, and meant cutting our park days short to head back to the room and check on her. If your goal is to maximize park time and minimize logistics, it may be worth looking into boarding your pet at home or with a trusted friend.
If you're planning to take advantage of perks like early entry access or want to stay somewhere that offers Disneyland hotel packages with tickets, staying in a Disney hotel makes everything much easier.
But if you’re set on bringing your pet, just know you’ll need to stay off-site and structure your days around their needs.
More Disneyland Hotel Planning Resources
Choosing the right hotel is already a big part of the trip planning puzzle. If you’re not traveling with a pet, you might still want to weigh your options.
For example, if you’re considering a deluxe stay, check out our Grand Californian Hotel review. Or if you’re comparing your options, this breakdown of the Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian can help.
Also, don’t miss these helpful reads:
- Are Disneyland hotels worth it?
- Best Disneyland hotels for adults
- Disneyland hotel cancellation policy
If you're looking to explore all hotel options near the park—with or without pets—this complete guide to Disneyland hotels is a great place to start.
