People tell you having kids will change your life in ways you can’t expect. As a formerly childless millennial who now has a nearly two year old in tow at all times, I can confirm that very unexpected changes came into our lives since reproducing, and one of those is the sudden limits imposed on you when you try to book a vacation.

There’s so much to consider as a new parent. Does the hotel provide a pack-n-play? Will I be able to sleep if our daughter is in the same room as us all night? Will our daughter be able to sleep knowing we’re just a couple feet away? Is there nearby access to macaroni and cheese of some kind? And most importantly, how’s the pool?

We were happy to rediscover first-hand this summer that our longtime partner, the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel (HoJo for short), checks all those boxes.

But friends, we need to talk about the pools…

A Splash of Magic

The idea of going to Disneyland with our kid is super appealing, and the idea of not having to drive home afterward is even better. After spending a whole day soaking up the Disney magic, playing and relaxing in a pool, especially after the past year and half, is simply divine. But have you seen some of the pools at the Disneyland Resort area hotels?

Disney’s super expensive hotels have big open pools, but surprisingly very little that’s aimed at kids. My two year old can’t swim laps, but she loves water. Parents, meet your post-Disneyland hangover savior: Hojo’s Castaway Cove.

Castaway Cove

Castaway Cove has a shallow wading pool for the itty bitties, but the real focus here is on fun. Splash pad water features abound with fun and surprising ways to get soaked, all centered around a big pirate ship. There’s a big, curvy water slide that’s suitable for bigger kids as well as littles on laps. There are also smaller slides perfect for little pirates getting their sea legs. Every few minutes, the gigantic 200 gallon bucket at the pinnacle of it all tips over, deluging the thrilled tykes below with a refreshing tsunami.

Our very own little mermaid happily skipped her nap to spend two whole hours in Castaway Cove. She was on cloud nine hopping between the wading pool, slides with mommy and daddy, the water guns, and the spitting turtle.

And if your kids are big enough to play on their own, you can even plop down in the spacious hot tub whilst “supervising” them! If a traditional pool is more your style, the secluded Garden Pool offers a traditional aquatic experience for all ages.

Currently, as part of HoJo’s enhanced safety policies, visits to Castaway Cove and the Garden Pool are currently accessible by reservation only. Your family will get two hours in a limited capacity group to enjoy everything each pool has to offer, and you can book one or both each day. Your reservation includes loungers or shaded tables, removing any undue stress from finding a place to plop the stuff. Plus limited capacity means more space for your family to play. We were a bit apprehensive about having to schedule pool time, but we found it so relaxing to be able to just show up with reserved loungers and no competition for water space.

Whether you’re planning a staycation just to get out of the house, or need a place to recuperate after a long day visiting the Mouse, there’s no place in Anaheim like Castaway Cove, and the only way to play is by staying at the HoJo — Make sure to snag our exclusive code for savings off your booking!

See it for Yourself!

HOJO Anaheim is open and accepting reservations now!

Don’t forget, save 15% when you use our exclusive MouseInfo Special Rate (use 1000023840 Corporate Code at check out) when booking direct!