Disneyland Hotel vs. Newport Bay Club: Which Hotel Should You Book?
“One day you’ll awaken to love’s first kiss. Till then, Sleeping Beauty, sleep on.”
Sleeping at the Disneyland Hotel is a dream for many Disney fans. After all, there's something special about waking up right next to Disneyland Park, walking through the iconic pink hotel, and being just steps away from Main Street, U.S.A.
But while the Disneyland Hotel may be the most famous hotel at Disneyland Paris, it's far from the only option. Hotels like Newport Bay Club offer a very different experience, and depending on what you're looking for, that might not be a bad thing.
Having stayed at both hotels, I quickly realized that the decision isn't as simple as choosing the most expensive room. While the Disneyland Hotel wins when it comes to location and overall luxury, Newport Bay Club has its own advantages, from its quieter atmosphere to its resort-like setting on the shores of Lake Disney.
So which hotel should you book for your next Disneyland Paris trip?
Let's take a closer look at how the two hotels compare and help you decide which one is right for you.
In this Guide:
Already decided on the Disneyland Hotel? Here's my comparison guide to whether Castle Club is worth the splurge.
The Quick Answer
The Disneyland Hotel and Newport Bay Club offer two very different experiences. In my opinion, the biggest difference comes down to atmosphere. The Disneyland Hotel puts you right in the middle of everything, while Newport Bay Club feels more like a separate resort where you can retreat after a busy day in the parks. One isn't necessarily better than the other — it depends on the type of stay you're looking for.
Choose Disneyland Hotel if:
You want to stay as close to the parks as possible.
You don't mind paying extra for the convenience of being right at the entrance.
Staying at Disneyland Paris' flagship hotel is part of the appeal for you.
You prefer larger rooms.
Choose Newport Bay Club if:
You'd rather put the savings towards dining, shopping, or Premier Access.
You don't mind a 15–20 minute walk to the parks.
You prefer a quieter atmosphere after a busy day in the parks.
A larger pool area and outdoor pool are important to you.
You enjoy a more obvious and playful hotel theme.
Still not sure which hotel is right for you? Let's compare them side by side.
Location & Walking Distance to the Parks
When it comes to location, the Disneyland Hotel has a clear advantage. Sitting right at the entrance of Disneyland Park, it doesn't get much closer than this. If being able to walk from your hotel room to Main Street, U.S.A. in just a few minutes is important to you, this is hard to beat.
That said, location isn't quite as straightforward as it might seem. While the Disneyland Hotel puts you right in the middle of everything, Newport Bay Club offers a completely different experience. Located on the shores of Lake Disney, it feels quieter and more removed from the crowds.
In my experience, this ended up being one of the biggest differences between the two hotels. While I absolutely loved staying at the Disneyland Hotel, both in a regular room and in a Castle Club room, there were moments when I appreciated Newport Bay Club's calmer atmosphere. Even from a standard room at the Disneyland Hotel, you can often hear music from the parks throughout the day.
Of course, staying this close to the parks also comes with a few trade-offs. During my stay in a Castle Club room, I quickly discovered that sleeping with the balcony doors open wasn't really an option. While the fireworks and nighttime shows had finished, the parks don't completely go to sleep. Cleaning crews and maintenance teams work overnight to get everything ready for the next day.
To be clear, this wasn't an issue when the doors were closed. The rooms are very well insulated and I never had any problems sleeping. But if you're someone who likes to sleep with the windows open or prefers complete silence at night, it's worth keeping in mind that staying right next to Disneyland Park comes with a little more background activity than Newport Bay Club.
As for Newport Bay Club, the walk isn't nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. I timed it at around 17 minutes from the parks to the hotel, although that's without children. The route takes you through Disney Village, meaning you can stop for a drink, grab a snack, or do a little shopping along the way. It never feels like a long walk through the middle of nowhere.
The one thing that is slightly less convenient is security. When staying at Newport Bay Club, you'll need to pass through security each time you head towards the parks. At the Disneyland Hotel, you're already inside the secure resort area, meaning you can walk in and out without having to go through security again. It's a small difference, but one that's worth mentioning if you plan on returning to your room several times throughout the day.
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each location.
The Disneyland Hotel
Pros:
Located directly at the entrance of Disneyland Park.
Easy to return to your room if you need to change clothes, drop off purchases, or wait out bad weather.
No need to go through security every time you leave and return to the hotel.
It's easy to stay immersed in the Disney magic without ever feeling like you've left the park.
Cons:
You'll hear more of the parks throughout the day, including music.
Feels busier because you're right in the center of the resort.
Newport Bay Club
Pros:
Quieter location away from the busiest areas of Disneyland Paris.
Returning to the hotel after a busy park day feels calmer and more relaxed.
Still within walking distance of both parks.
Cons:
Around a 17-minute walk to the parks.
You'll need to go through security each time you enter the resort area.
Less convenient if you want to quickly return to your room during the day.
My take
From my perspective, the biggest difference between the two hotels is that they create very different rhythms for your day. At the Disneyland Hotel, you never really leave the Disney atmosphere. You wake up overlooking the parks, hear the music throughout the day, and can be on Main Street within minutes. Newport Bay Club, on the other hand, gives you a little more separation. After a busy day in the parks, it feels like you're retreating to a resort rather than staying in the middle of the action. Neither is necessarily better — it just depends on the type of experience you're looking for.
Atmosphere & Theming
While location is probably the biggest practical difference between the two hotels, atmosphere and theming are where things become much more subjective. The Disneyland Hotel and Newport Bay Club couldn't feel more different. One leans into fairy-tale elegance with grand chandeliers, marble floors, and subtle Disney touches, while the other embraces its nautical theme from the moment you walk through the door.
The theming was one of the main reasons I chose Newport Bay Club over Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel for this particular trip. As much as I like the modern style of the Marvel hotel, there was something about Newport Bay Club's classic nautical theme that appealed to me more. I loved spotting all the little details throughout the hotel, from the model ships and sailing knots to the artwork featuring Mickey, Donald, and Steamboat Willie. It felt playful, nostalgic, and exactly what I wanted from a Disney hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel
Pros:
Feels grand from the moment you walk through the doors.
Bright, elegant, and luxurious throughout.
The recent renovation makes everything feel fresh and polished.
Since access is now limited to hotel guests and restaurant reservations, the lobby feels noticeably calmer and less crowded than it did in the past.
Cons:
The Disney theming is fairly subtle.
There are fewer obvious Disney references throughout the hotel.
Feels more like a luxury hotel inspired by Disney royalty than a traditional themed Disney hotel.
Newport Bay Club
Pros:
Strong and consistent nautical theme throughout the hotel.
The theme is immediately recognizable and carried through the rooms, restaurants, and public spaces.
Lots of fun Disney details featuring Mickey, Donald, Steamboat Willie, ships, sailing knots, and maritime artwork.
The lakeside location complements the theme perfectly.
Feels playful and nostalgic in a way that's very classic Disney.
Cons:
Some areas can feel a little dated.
Doesn't have the same sense of luxury or grandeur as the Disneyland Hotel.
My take
This was probably the hardest category for me because the two hotels do very different things. The Disneyland Hotel feels more luxurious, grander, and undeniably more impressive when you first walk in. At the same time, I found Newport Bay Club's theming more memorable. The nautical theme runs through almost every corner of the hotel and gives it a very clear identity.
Personally, I loved the boats, maritime details, and classic Disney touches throughout the property. The theme feels playful, nostalgic, and very Disney. That said, there were moments when it also felt a little dated, especially when compared to the recently renovated Disneyland Hotel.
For me, the Disneyland Hotel wins on atmosphere, while Newport Bay Club wins on theming.
The Rooms
Unlike the location and theming categories, I found the rooms surprisingly similar in some areas. During my stays at the Disneyland Hotel, I stayed in both a regular room and a Castle Club room. While the Castle Club rooms come with the obvious advantage of a castle view, the rooms themselves are very similar in terms of layout and amenities.
One thing I immediately noticed was the size. The Disneyland Hotel rooms feel spacious, with plenty of room to move around, even when configured with two twin beds. As someone who often travels with my partner, I actually appreciated having separate beds without feeling cramped.
When it comes to amenities, both hotels offer pretty much everything you'd expect. Both rooms include a coffee machine, mini fridge, complimentary water, and similar in-room essentials. The biggest difference is the bathroom. Since the Disneyland Hotel was recently renovated, everything feels fresh and modern. The layout is fairly similar to Newport Bay Club, with a shower and bathtub combination, but the Disneyland Hotel separates the toilet from the main bathroom.
At Newport Bay Club, the bathrooms were the one area that felt noticeably older. Even in the Compass Club room I stayed in, they looked a little dated compared to the Disneyland Hotel. It wasn't a problem by any means, and everything was clean and worked perfectly well, but it's one of the few places where the age of the refurbishment becomes noticeable.
The theming inside the rooms is also very different. The Disneyland Hotel continues its elegant royal theme, while Newport Bay Club fully embraces its nautical identity. When you enter your room at Newport Bay Club, even the television welcomes you with Steamboat Willie sailing across the screen while seagulls fly overhead. Combined with the maritime artwork, sailing details, and subtle sound effects, it genuinely feels like you've checked into a seaside resort rather than a hotel just outside Paris.
As for comfort, I didn't notice a huge difference between the two hotels. The beds were comfortable in both, and despite their size, neither hotel felt particularly difficult to navigate. Just keep in mind that both properties are large, so depending on your room location, reaching your room can take a few minutes.
The Disneyland Hotel
Pros:
Larger and more spacious rooms.
Recently renovated interiors and bathrooms.
Separate toilet
Elegant design that feels fresh and more luxurious.
Cons
Less obvious Disney theming in the rooms.
Rooms can feel a little basic considering the price point.
The design is elegant but lacks some of the character and coziness found at Newport Bay Club.
Newport Bay Club
Pros:
Strong nautical theme carried through to the rooms.
Fun Disney details and references throughout.
Cozy atmosphere with lots of character.
The room design creates a relaxing resort feel.
Cons:
Rooms are smaller than those at the Disneyland Hotel.
Bathrooms feel more dated.
Rooms don't feel as fresh as those at the Disneyland Hotel.
My take
The biggest difference for me was the sense of space. The Disneyland Hotel rooms felt noticeably larger, while Newport Bay Club's rooms felt a little more compact. That wasn't a problem for me personally, as I was travelling as a couple, but I did find myself wondering how the room would feel with a family of four. Since the rooms are designed to accommodate two adults and two children, I think things could start to feel a little cramped once everyone's luggage, souvenirs, and park purchases are spread around the room.
Combined with the newer bathrooms and recent refurbishment, the Disneyland Hotel definitely has the edge in this category. Newport Bay Club makes up for some of that with its stronger room theming, but that’s about it.
Breakfast & Dining
Before we get started, a quick disclaimer: I only had breakfast at Newport Bay Club, so I can't personally comment on the hotel's restaurants. At the Disneyland Hotel, I dined at both La Table de Lumière and La Forêt Secrète, so I was able to experience not only the breakfast offering but also some of the hotel's more upscale dining options.
Not in the mood for a fancy restaurant but still want a glass of bubbly to celebrate? Here's where to find champagne (and collectible champagne flutes) across Disneyland Paris.
When it comes to breakfast, I found the experience surprisingly similar at both hotels. The food quality was good across the board, there was plenty of choice, and I never felt like I was missing out by staying at one hotel over the other.
Both breakfast buffets offer everything you'd expect, from pastries, cereals, fruit, and hot breakfast items to coffee, tea, juices, and Disney-themed treats. Whether you're a picky eater or someone who likes to sample a bit of everything, you'll have no trouble filling your plate.
The biggest difference for me came down to the atmosphere rather than the food itself. Newport Bay Club's breakfast restaurant felt noticeably darker, which is very much in line with the hotel's nautical theme. The Disneyland Hotel, on the other hand, felt brighter and more elegant. Neither approach is necessarily better, but they create very different starts to the day.
If you'd like a deeper dive into those restaurants, you can read my full Disneyland Paris fine dining comparison here:
Disneyland Hotel
Pros:
Bright and elegant breakfast setting.
Breakfast selection is extensive and high quality.
Home to two of Disneyland Paris' most upscale dining experiences.
More dining variety overall.
Cons:
Breakfast itself isn't dramatically different from Newport Bay Club.
Restaurant reservations can be difficult to secure.
Newport Bay Club
Pros:
Large breakfast buffet with plenty of choices.
Good food quality and variety.
The nautical atmosphere ties in nicely with the rest of the hotel.
Breakfast experience feels relaxed and efficient.
Cons:
The breakfast restaurant can feel a little dark.
Fewer dining options compared to the Disneyland Hotel.
My take
When it comes to breakfast alone, I don't think there's enough of a difference to choose one hotel over the other. Both offered plenty of choice and good-quality food. The Disneyland Hotel pulls ahead because of its restaurant offering, but if you're simply looking for a good breakfast before heading into the parks, I don't think Newport Bay Club guests are missing out.
Castle Club vs. Compass Club
Club-level rooms are the highest room category available at both hotels. At the Disneyland Hotel, this means Castle Club, while at Newport Bay Club it's called Compass Club.
Both offer a very similar concept. You'll have access to a dedicated check-in area, breakfast in a separate lounge, luggage assistance, exclusive room keys, and afternoon tea. In both hotels, the experience feels noticeably calmer and more exclusive than staying in a standard room category.
The dedicated reception area is also a bigger perk than it might sound. During busy periods, the main reception desks can get quite crowded, while club-level guests are checked in separately. It saves time, feels more relaxed, and makes arriving at the hotel much smoother. Your luggage is also taken care of for you. On arrival, it will be brought directly to your room, and on departure day, you can leave it in your room for collection rather than dragging your suitcases back through the hotel yourself.
For me, the real standout feature of Castle Club wasn't actually the lounge or the breakfast — it was the location. At the Disneyland Hotel, Castle Club rooms overlook Disneyland Park and Sleeping Beauty Castle. At Newport Bay Club, Compass Club rooms overlook Lake Disney and the surrounding resort area.
If you're staying in Castle Club, you'll have access to a private elevator that takes you directly to the park entrance. It might sound like a small detail, but after a long day in the parks, skipping the walk through the hotel and heading straight to your room is surprisingly convenient.
There’s just one small thing where the two experiences differ. While both hotels offer breakfast in a dedicated lounge and afternoon tea during the day, Castle Club includes visits from Disney Princesses, something you won't find at Newport Bay Club. Whether that's a major perk or not will depend entirely on who you're travelling with.
Disneyland Hotel — Castle Club
Pros
Views of Sleeping Beauty Castle and Disneyland Park.
Castle Club elevator with direct access to the park entrance.
Breakfast with Disney Princesses.
Cons
Considerably more expensive than Compass Club.
Newport Bay Club — Compass Club
Pros
Views of Lake Disney.
Many of the same benefits as Castle Club for a lower price.
Cons
No special Compass Club perks other than the “regular” Club level perks.
My take
Both club-level experiences share many of the same benefits, including a separate reception area, luggage service, breakfast in a dedicated lounge, and afternoon tea. The biggest differences come down to the views.
For me, Castle Club has the edge. The castle views are hard to beat, and I ended up using the Castle Club elevator far more than I expected. If waking up to views of Sleeping Beauty Castle isn't high on your priority list, Compass Club offers many of the same benefits at a lower price point.
Pools & Facilities
When it comes to pools and wellness facilities, Newport Bay Club has a clear advantage. While the Disneyland Hotel undoubtedly feels more luxurious overall, I found myself preferring Newport Bay Club's facilities for one simple reason: there's a lot more to enjoy.
The biggest difference is the pool itself. Newport Bay Club's pool is significantly larger and includes an outdoor section, something the Disneyland Hotel doesn't offer. There's also a shared sauna and hammam area, which means couples can use the facilities together rather than having to split up.
One detail I particularly liked was that the nautical theme continues into the pool area. There's a large ship in the middle of the pool that you can walk onto, complete with a life-sized chessboard. It adds a bit of personality to the space and reinforces the feeling that you're staying at a themed Disney resort rather than a standard hotel. Small touches like these make the pool area feel playful and help carry the hotel's theme beyond the lobby and guest rooms.
The Disneyland Hotel's pool, on the other hand, feels newer and more polished. The space is beautiful and fits the hotel's overall aesthetic perfectly, but I found it much smaller than Newport Bay Club's. During my visit, the water also felt noticeably colder than I expected.
That said, the Disneyland Hotel's facilities do feel more luxurious. Newport Bay Club's pool area occasionally reminded me of a public swimming pool, whereas the Disneyland Hotel feels more refined and upscale. Whether that's important to you will depend on what you're looking for. Personally, I'd take Newport Bay Club's larger pool, outdoor area, and shared wellness facilities over the more polished surroundings of the Disneyland Hotel.
Disneyland Hotel
Pros
Newer and more modern facilities.
The pool area feels more luxurious and upscale.
Beautiful design that matches the rest of the hotel.
Cons
Smaller pool.
No outdoor pool.
Sauna and hammam are located in the changing rooms and separated by gender.
The pool water is quite cold.
Newport Bay Club
Pros
Much larger pool.
Outdoor pool.
Shared sauna and hammam area.
Fun nautical theming extends into the pool area.
Ship feature with a life-sized chessboard.
Cons
Facilities feel more dated.
Pool area can feel a little more like a public swimming pool than a luxury hotel spa.
My Take
This is one category where Newport Bay Club comes out ahead for me. While the Disneyland Hotel's facilities feel newer and more luxurious, Newport Bay Club simply offers more. The larger pool, outdoor area, and shared sauna and hammam made it a much more enjoyable place to spend an afternoon. If the pool is an important part of your hotel stay, I'd choose Newport Bay Club without hesitation.
The Price & Value for Money
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: price.
While the Disneyland Hotel is Disneyland Paris' flagship hotel, it's also one of the most expensive places you can stay at the resort. Newport Bay Club isn't exactly cheap either, but the difference between the two can vary dramatically depending on the season, room category, and whether you're travelling during school holidays.
For reference, we paid €1,027 for one night in a Compass Club room at Newport Bay Club, including two days of park tickets for two adults. It's worth mentioning that we visited just two weeks after World of Frozen opened, which likely pushed prices higher than usual. Standard rooms at Newport Bay Club are often much cheaper and can regularly be found in the €500–€600 range for a similar stay.
For our Superior Room at the Disneyland Hotel, we paid €1,200 for one night, also including two days of park tickets. Our Castle Club stay came in at €2,250 for one night.
When it comes to value for money, I don't think there's a clear winner. Instead, I think the more interesting question is whether you'd rather stay in a Compass Club room at Newport Bay Club or a standard room at the Disneyland Hotel.
On our dates, the difference between the two was surprisingly small. We paid just over €1,000 for Compass Club and around €1,200 for a standard room at the Disneyland Hotel. Once you're already spending that kind of money, I think it's worth taking a close look at what you're actually getting for the extra cost.
Disneyland Hotel
Pros
Unbeatable location right at the park entrance.
Larger rooms and newer bathrooms.
More luxurious atmosphere throughout the hotel.
Cons
Smaller pool area with no outdoor pool.
Disney theming is more subtle throughout the hotel.
The hotel can feel busier because you're right in the middle of the resort.
Newport Bay Club
Pros
Often significantly cheaper than the Disneyland Hotel.
Larger pool area, including an outdoor pool.
Stronger and more obvious theming throughout the hotel.
Compass Club can cost a similar amount to a standard Disneyland Hotel room while including additional perks such as better views, lounge access, and afternoon tea.
Cons
Longer walk to the parks.
Smaller rooms and older bathrooms.
Doesn't have the same prestige or convenience as the Disneyland Hotel.
The Verdict: Which Option is Best For You?
After staying at both hotels, I don't think there's a universal winner. Instead, I think the right choice depends on the type of Disneyland Paris trip you're planning.
If you're travelling with young children, the Disneyland Hotel's location becomes a much bigger advantage. Being able to walk back to your room within minutes for a nap, a change of clothes, or a mid-afternoon break is incredibly convenient.
While I didn't use the shuttle buses myself, I did come across plenty of TikTok videos and comments from guests showing hundreds of people trying to get back to their hotels at the same time after the fireworks. Some described buses arriving already full, while others talked about people pushing to get on the last bus of the night. Whether that's something you'll encounter depends on when you visit, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're travelling with tired children and don't want to walk back to the hotel.
On the other hand, I get overstimulated quite easily, which is my own little cross to bear as someone who loves Disney. After a full day of rides, music, crowds, and parades, I found myself genuinely enjoying the walk back to Newport Bay Club. There was something nice about stepping away from the chaos for a little while, getting some fresh air around Lake Disney, and returning to a hotel that felt separate from the parks rather than an extension of them.
Don't get me wrong, I loved being able to hear the park music from the Disneyland Hotel and being completely surrounded by the Disney atmosphere. Standing on the balcony overlooking Sleeping Beauty Castle while the park music played in the background is still one of my favorite Disneyland Paris memories.
At the same time, Newport Bay Club felt noticeably quieter. Once you return to the hotel, you're no longer in the middle of the crowds, music, and constant activity that comes with staying right next to the parks. For me, that was a bigger advantage than I expected. It gave me the chance to recharge before heading back into the parks the next morning.
If you've always dreamed of staying in the pink hotel at the entrance of Disneyland Park, I'd choose the Disneyland Hotel. But if you're staying for several nights and like the idea of having a little more breathing room after a day in the parks, Newport Bay Club is a fantastic choice as well.
After staying at both, I can honestly say there's no wrong answer. They simply offer two very different ways to experience Disneyland Paris.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
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