First impressions of our room have to be left to my four-year-old. It was like Christmas morning at 9 pm on a Thursday evening. Excitement bubbled over every new thing he saw. ‘Look, Mumma, there is Buzz Lightyear on the lampshade’. ‘Look, Mumma, I have a Toy Story toothbrush’. Look Mumma, Toy Story cups’. He ran and pointed to a new thing every 10 seconds with wide eyes and squeals. It was my turn, though, when I peeked through the curtains to a view of a brightly lit, particularly pink princess castle in clear view outside our window. We quickly tried to settle our boys, tucking them into their very own Buzz Lightyear themed bed. Tomorrow was a big day, and also a long one as we would be heading to Disneyland very early. I was more excited about this than my boys, and as they dozed off I continued gazing out the window at the castle, and every little girl’s dream of fairytales and make-believe.  
 
One of the perks for staying at a Disney hotel us the earlier entry than other ’normal’ delegates. The boys had a very late night the evening before so getting up early was a little tenuous but the adrenaline and excitement soon challenged their lack of sleep. We raced downstairs to find a bus packed with people about to set off. To be fair, we could have walked to the theme Park, it wasn’t that far away, but we knew we would be on our feet most of the day so a short bus ride it was. We were dropped to a side entrance where we had to show our hotel pass, assuring our entrance before the others who had already eagerly lined up at the main entrance. Ten minutes later and we were in, previously planning which ride we would aim for first we headed towards one of the most popular, which already had a small line. Although we only had an extra 30 minutes before the main gates opened experiencing moments of freedom to jump on a ride or two before the crazy long lines began was well worth it. We were able to spend the rest of the day relaxed, wandering from ride to ride rather than rushing as we had ticked off our favoured rides at the beginning of the day.

When it was dark (and we were absolutely exhausted) we walked to the bus and took the 3-minute journey to our hotel. This was another time I was truly thankful to stay at the Toy Story Hotel. After a long day on our feet and in the hot sun we were able to be back in our hotel room within 10 minutes. It was worth every penny.  
 
The next day we were all, understandably, shattered from the day before. We decided to spend the morning at the hotel, beginning with, one of my secret pleasures in life, the breakfast buffet. The Toy Story Disneyland hotel buffet is definitely not the cheapest I have come across, so I was expecting something special. Ladies waited by the coffee machines to fulfil your, specially designed, coffee, and several chefs and waiters serve you from behind each station of food patiently. There were various options starting with a Chinese and Asian selection of dumplings, noodles, steamed fish and vegetables. Then there were the more western-style foods including every style of eggs, bacon, sausages and pancakes, also including a cold food selection of cereals, fruit and parfait.  
 

The buffet is not without it a nod towards Disney though, as, of course, you would expect. Mickey-shaped waffles and Minnie shaped pancakes are a hit with my boys, especially with the array of toppings on offer. Another great difference I found between this buffet and others I have enjoyed is it’s opening hours which are from 6-11am. I find many buffet breakfasts are only open until 9 or 9.30, and although the little ones like to eat around 7 if we all have had a rare sleep-in (esp due to jetlag) it is great not having to get up early for breakfast. 

It wasn’t until later that we discovered the ‘Play Room’ which is geared towards under 10- year-olds. They have a different activity every hour which you can find the details for on a weekly print out they give you. There are also various toy stations for your little ones to explore. We loved this and returned several times throughout our stay. My boys came back with various Disney creations they had made. They were also sugared up by the lollipop they were given at the end of their playtime, which I would usually protest about on a normal day, but, we are at Disneyland, anything goes! I have never experienced anything like the Play Room in other hotels. It is a genius idea and made the hotel memorable and unique.

In the weekends and some weekdays, the hotel does a character lunch. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but it is completely over the top as you can imagine. The lunch itself is pretty extravagant and just about anything is on offer. You also get to meet your favourite Disney characters and perhaps get their autograph and a photo. This may sound daft to some, but by the look on the children’s faces, it was, for many, the best day of their life so far. There is also an array of fun games set up outside. It is, once again not cheap. But terribly exciting for children, and from observations of others, many adults too.  

Tucking my children into bed at night as they grinned from ear to ear is a moment I will never forget. Arriving at Disneyland before the madness began was a highlight, as was eating Mickey-themed waffles piled high with cream and berries. If you are a couple wanting a luxurious hotel I would hold the reigns on this one. But if you are a family wanting a little fun while staying almost on the doorstep of Disneyland then I would highly recommend staying at an official Disneyland Hotel. I want to go back!