Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Paradise Pier has a rooftop pool, fitness center, Japanese restaurant–and is considerably smaller than its counterpart Disneyland Hotel. However, service is as slick as you'd expect from a Disney hotel.

If you'd rather not stay so close to Disneyland during your visit, it's worth looking into Disney's 32 'Good Neighbor' hotels, dotted throughout the Anaheim area. Prices and quality vary, but there are many reputable chains among the options. If you'd prefer a hotel with its own identity, consider the recently revived Candy Cane Inn (1747 S Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, 714-774-5284, www.candycaneinn.net), handily close to the parks.