Some say “yes”, while others say “no way!”, and still others ask, “what the heck is a berm?” It’s all a matter of preference, but in my opinion, everyone should experience the Magic of staying “on property” at least once.
When Walt Disney designed Disneyland, he wanted everyone to leave all their cares at the gate, and enjoy family fun time. He did everything he could to make the outside world invisible from guests inside the Park. He, and the Imagineers, achieved this by adding the Disneyland Berm.
You may be asking, what the heck is the Disneyland ‘Berm?’. Well, basically, it’s the structures, tunnels, Main Street Train Platform and the tall trees surrounding Disneyland that give us the illusion that we are transported inside The Happiest Place on Earth – miles away from the ‘real world’. The physical things that keep the outside world from invading.
With that being said, there are three hotels on the Disneyland Resort property that are not technically inside the Berm, but still allow the illusion that they ARE inside the Most Magical Place On Earth. Currently, there are three Resort Hotels: The Original Disneyland Hotel; the fun, family themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (soon to be re-themed and re-named to Pixar Place Hotel); and the elegant Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Each of these hotels are unique in both price and atmosphere.
Staying ‘inside the Berm’ is an experience that comes with many perks. Here are my top five:
- Two (2) Exclusive entrances into Disney California Adventure for Disneyland Resort Hotel guest (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel). No need to search for a parking spot!
- Watch Disneyland Fireworks from the comfort of your room (select rooms)
- Cast Member interaction day and night (during Park hours)
- Feeling tired? A quick walk to your Disneyland Resort Hotel offers your the opportunity to relax and recharge, then quickly return to the FUN!
- Staying On Property allows you to get to the Park faster
All Good Neighbor Hotels are within close proximity to Disneyland (most within walking distance) and there is sure to be one to fit most budgets. When staying off property, select one that is preferably within walking distance to the Disneyland Resort. If walking isn’t an option, Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) is an affordable option and a very convenient mode of transportation.
If you’d like to book YOUR Disneyland Resort Vacation, why not contact me at joyce@mickeytoday.com for your personal no-charge quote?
So…To Stay Inside or Outside the Berm? We’ve stayed inside and outside the Berm many times, but my preference will always be to stay inside, at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. But, if staying outside the Berm was the only option for your budget, don’t hesitate to experience the Disneyland Resort without the perks of the Disneyland Resort Hotels.
What are your thoughts? Inside the Berm? Outside the Berm? Do you have a favorite hotel? I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.
