Disneyland is blowing out the candles on its 70th birthday starting May 16, 2025, and if you’re even thinking about booking a trip, don’t move another muscle until you hear about this hotel that’s walking distance from the park and shockingly affordable.
We stayed there. We timed the walk. And yeah — we’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Disney’s Going Full Legacy Mode
The 70th anniversary party is going to be a nonstop nostalgia trip meets entertainment overload, running into summer 2026. Disney’s promising all-new nighttime shows, old-school returns (Paint the Night is back!), and a pile of exclusive extras designed to make you book that trip yesterday.
You’ve got Jonas Brothers on the new theme song, Pixar parades, castle projections, surprise merch drops, and even new ride updates — including a Coco scene coming to it’s a small world. It’s like Disney’s doing everything but bringing Walt back to life.
The Hotel That’s Cheaper Than Your Park Snacks
The real scoop? Candlewood Suites Anaheim – Resort Area. No, it’s not one of the official Disney hotels. It’s smarter.
We’re talking full kitchen. Actual suites. And pricing that starts around $119 per night during the celebration. For Anaheim? That’s a steal. Most people are dropping double that just to sleep somewhere with a view of the parking garage.
And unlike a lot of budget spots, this place is clean, quiet, and doesn’t feel like a motel off the highway. It’s the kind of spot locals don’t want you to know about because it books fast once the secret’s out.
Inside the Room (Yes, There’s Popcorn)
The rooms are stacked with everything you’d want for a comfortable crash pad between park days. Think full-size fridge, stove, microwave, a desk space, and daily popcorn restocks (a weird perk, but it hits after fireworks). There’s a one-bedroom suite option, which is gold if you’re traveling with kids or just want some space to breathe.
Also on deck: a gym, outdoor pool, free laundry (huge if you’re staying more than a couple days), free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 lobby coffee.
Location Check: You’re Practically Sleeping on Main Street
If you’ve ever stayed in Anaheim, you know some hotels claim to be “Disney-close” but actually require a Sherpa and a Lyft. Not this one.
We clocked the walk at 15 minutes to Disneyland’s entrance. And if you’re not feeling it? Hop on the ART shuttle (Anaheim Resort Transportation) — it stops right by the hotel and drops you straight into the action.
Want receipts? Here’s how close Candlewood Suites is to major Anaheim hotspots:
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Disneyland Park: 1 mile
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Convention Center: 1.3 miles
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Honda Center: 2 miles
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Angel Stadium: 1.8 miles
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GardenWalk: 0.6 miles
The Disneyland 70th Lineup Is No Joke
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New Nighttime Show at DCA: World of Color – Happiness! is hosted by Joy and the Emotions from Inside Out, and features characters from Encanto, A Goofy Movie, Turning Red, and more.
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Fireworks + Castle Show: Wondrous Journeys is the animation tribute to end all animation tributes.
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Paint the Night Returns: Over a million LED lights, plus floats featuring Frozen, Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc.
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Pixar Day Parade: More than 25 Pixar characters in Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!
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New Cavalcade: Rare characters like Duffy and ShellieMay hit the street in The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade.
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“it’s a small world” Gets a Coco Scene: Miguel and Dante are joining the party — and it reopens May 9.
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Exclusive Merch Drops: From MagicBand+ to ears to limited-edition plushies — if you know, you know.
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Guided 70th Anniversary Tour: Two hours of park history, Walt’s vision, and the behind-the-scenes tea.
Look — the 70th is going to be huge. It’s a spectacle. A marathon. A merch-fueled emotional roller coaster. But whether you’re showing up for the throwbacks, the fireworks, or just to hear the Jonas Brothers sing over a water show, where you stay matters.
Candlewood Suites Anaheim gets you closer to the action, keeps your wallet in one piece, and delivers the kind of comfort you usually only get at double the price. We’re not telling you to book it.
But also… book it.
