Finding a place to crash near the House of Mouse is basically an Olympic sport at this point. You’ve got the high-end Disney properties that cost a mortgage payment, and then you’ve got the budget spots that feel, well, a little too "budget." The Days Inn Anaheim Near Disneyland—specifically the one on Castelar Street—occupies that weird middle ground. It's a spot people book when they realize they’ve spent their entire life savings on Genie+ and churros.
Let's be real. Nobody stays here for the thread count. You stay here because you want to be close enough to see the fireworks but far enough away that you can afford dinner.
The Location Reality Check
Location is the only reason this hotel is constantly packed. If it were five miles further down Harbor Boulevard, it wouldn’t get half the look-ins it does. It is tucked just behind the Pixar Pier area of California Adventure. In fact, if you’re on the upper floors, you can often see the peak of the Incredicoaster or the Guardians of the Galaxy tower peaking over the trees.
The walk is the big question. Most people claim it’s a 10-minute walk. It isn't. Not really. Unless you’re power-walking like you're trying to beat the rope drop crowd, you’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes to get through the security gates at the Downtown Disney entrance. Honestly, after twelve hours of walking the parks, that extra 0.8 miles feels like a marathon. But compared to the $35-plus you'd pay for parking at the Mickey & Friends structure, it’s a trade-off many families are willing to make.
Why the Days Inn Anaheim Near Disneyland Stays Busy
It’s all about the "good neighbor" status. Disney has this partnership program where they vet local hotels. This Days Inn sits on that list. It means they meet a certain baseline of quality that won't leave you feeling like you're in a horror movie.
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The rooms are exactly what you expect from a Days Inn. They’re standard. You get a bed, a TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. That fridge is the MVP of your trip. Pro tip: stop at the Target on Harbor and Chapman before you check in. Load that fridge with water and snacks. You'll save $100 in three days just by not buying $6 Dasani bottles inside the park.
The pool is small. Kids love it because it’s water and it’s California. Adults usually just use it as a place to soak their feet after 20,000 steps. Don’t expect a resort experience here. It’s a rectangular pool in a parking lot, but it’s clean.
What People Get Wrong About Budget Stays in Anaheim
A common misconception is that "budget" means "dirty." In the Disneyland Resort area, competition is so fierce that a hotel with a bad cleanliness rating will die within a season. The Days Inn on Castelar stays afloat because the housekeeping is actually pretty rigorous.
There’s also this weird myth that you have to take the ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) bus. You don't. While the bus stops nearby, the wait times can be frustrating. Sometimes you'll wait 20 minutes for a bus to take you on a five-minute drive. You’re almost always better off walking through the Mickey & Friends parking structure and hopping on the tram if your feet are truly killing you. Or just walk through Downtown Disney.
Parking at the hotel itself is another quirk. It’s tight. If you’re driving a massive suburban or a dually truck, God help you. The spaces are narrow, and they do charge for parking—which is a trend across almost all Anaheim hotels now. Always check the current daily rate before you arrive so you don't get hit with a "surprise" $20-$30 per night fee.
The Logistics of a Disney Budget Trip
Staying at the Days Inn Anaheim Near Disneyland means you’re making a tactical choice. You’re choosing proximity and price over luxury.
Let's talk about the breakfast. It's "grab and go" or light continental. We’re talking muffins, juice, maybe some cereal. It’s not a buffet. If you want eggs and bacon, there’s an IHOP and a Denny’s within walking distance, but they are notoriously crowded. Your best bet is to eat a quick muffin at the hotel and get to the gates early.
Managing Expectations
- Noise levels: You are in a high-density tourist zone. You will hear sirens. You will hear excited kids in the hallway at 7:00 AM. You will hear the fireworks at 9:30 PM. If you’re a light sleeper, bring a white noise machine or use an app on your phone.
- Check-in times: This hotel is usually at 100% capacity. Don't expect to get into your room at noon. They are strict about that 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM check-in because they are flipping rooms as fast as humanly possible.
- The "Vibe": It’s a crash pad. It’s where you sleep, shower, and recharge your phone. It isn't a "hang out at the hotel" kind of place.
The staff here have seen it all. They deal with exhausted parents and over-stimulated toddlers all day. If you’re cool with them, they’re usually pretty helpful with things like extra towels or directions.
Comparisons to Nearby Options
You might look at the Motel 6 or the Super 8 nearby. They are often $10-$20 cheaper. But the Days Inn on Castelar usually wins out on the "walkability" factor to the Downtown Disney side, which is a much more pleasant entrance than the main Harbor Boulevard gate. The Harbor entrance is a bottleneck of tour buses and Uber drop-offs. Entering through Downtown Disney feels like you’re actually starting your vacation a little earlier.
Practical Next Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided this is the spot for your trip, there are a few things you should do immediately to make sure it doesn't turn into a headache.
First, confirm your parking. If you have more than one car, call them. Most of these Anaheim hotels only allow one car per room because the lots are so small. If you show up with two, you might end up paying for off-site parking blocks away.
Second, request a room away from the stairs. The foot traffic in the mornings is loud. People are dragging strollers and rolling suitcases down those walkways starting at 6:30 AM. A room toward the back of the property or away from the main stairwells will give you an extra 30 minutes of peace.
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Third, check the "Good Neighbor" ticket deals. Sometimes the hotel has access to slightly discounted multi-day passes or can help with shuttle info if you decide the walk is too much.
Lastly, embrace the simplicity. You're there for the mouse. You're there for the memories. The hotel is just the place where you dream about what ride you’re hitting first tomorrow morning. Pack some earplugs, grab some extra water, and enjoy being within striking distance of the park without having to sell a kidney to pay for the room.
The reality is that Days Inn Anaheim Near Disneyland is a functional, reliable tool for a specific type of traveler. It’s for the family that wants to maximize their time in the parks and minimize their time worrying about the bill. It isn't fancy, but it gets the job done.
Before you head out, make sure you've downloaded the Disneyland app and linked your tickets. The hotel's Wi-Fi is generally decent enough to handle the downloads, but doing it before you arrive is always the smarter play. Map out your walk to the Downtown Disney security checkpoint on Google Maps before you leave your room for the first time so you don't take the long way around. Once you find the shortcut through the parking structure area, you'll be golden.