Howard Johnson Anaheim Water Playground

Last updated on November 1st, 2025 at 05:55 pm

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground is the official name of what many of us call HoJo. or Howard Johnson Anaheim.

From here you can walk to Disneyland, enjoy firework views, two outdoor pools with Castaway Cove—a pirate themed water play area. I’ve stayed at Howard Johnson Water Playground almost too many times to count. It’s a solid choice coming in at the top of selections on Harbor Blvd.

This article was originally published in 2018 but is updated on a regular basis. 

Quick Info

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground is a moderately priced hotel, about a 10- 15 minute walk to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure’s main gates. That might seem longer than you’d like to walk but Disneyland stays within view the whole time making the walk short and sweet.

Howard Johnson Anaheim is located at 1380 South Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim, California. 

• HoJo Disneyland check-in time: 4:00 pm, with optional upgrades for early check-in when available (for a fee)
• Howard Johnson Disneyland check-out time: 12: 00 pm
• On site water playground, Castaway Cove

The walk is seriously so quick, and I stopped inside the Cove on Harbor to show you all the quick grocery store snacks and meals they have. You also hear me mention the proximity to the freeway, but rest assured—you will get a good night sleep here at Howard Johnson. The windows are super thick and keep the noise outside where it belongs.

Location

I’ve stayed in nearly 30 Disneyland area hotels, and prefer being right on Harbor Blvd. Howard Johnson is the farthest north I suggest when looking at Harbor Blvd. hotels. Anything past HoJo, you’ll have to cross the freeway overpass when walking and I don’t feel the safest making that walk. 

Howard Johnson Anaheim is located at 1380 South Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim, California. When checking in you’ll also get your wristbands for the water playground to wear during your time at the pool or water playground.

The nearest airpot is John Wayne Airport (SNA) or Long Beach (LBG) is also an option, both about 30 minutes or less, depending on traffic. 

Read more about the nearest Disneyland airports here. In addition to the close proximity to Disneyland, other popular points of interest include The Anaheim Convention Center, The Honda Center, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Knott’s Berry Farm and more.

Is this hotel walkable? 

Yes, Howard Johnson Anaheim is about a 10 minute walk to Disneyland Resort.

Here’s the best ways to get to Disneyland from Howard Johnson:

1. Walk. It’s about a 10 minute walk to Disneyland. Head right out of your hotel and go south on Harbor Blvd. 
2. Uber it! If you have someone with mobility issues, you might consider paying a few dollars for an Uber. It’ll likely take you longer than walking, but could be worth delaying any discomfort. 

Book Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground here for your next Disneyland vacation.

Guest Rooms

I love that the rooms at Howard Johnson are housed in several different main buildings. This means your hotel room door isn’t exposed to the world like many neighboring hotels. You’ll need a key to access the building itself and your hotel room. I definitely enjoy that extra layer of security.

The rooms in Building 1 and 2 are both updated and renovated spaces. Howard Johnson Anaheim has plans to refresh all the buildings onsite over the next several years.

I absolutely love staying in Building 1 or 2 at Howard Johnson. The color scheme, fresh bedding, Disney wall art and plenty of extra seating make the rooms feel even more spacious. I especially liked that the room had a desk and chair, a small shelf for electronics, two stools/seats and a booth type of bench with a table.

When you’re traveling with kids, you know how handy all that extra seating can be! Rooms also come with a patio or step-out balcony, mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, large closet and double vanity bathroom just to name a few of the upgraded amenities.

If you’re still considering other hotels, I suggest these which are similar pricing, location and amenities:

• Fairfield Inn Anaheim just a couple properties closer to Disneyland Resort.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites just behind Harbor Blvd.

Water Playground & Pools

All this time I’ve been gushing over Howard Johnson Water Playground, so I’ve got to tell you about the water park!

Castaway Cove is what earned this hotel a spot on our top water park hotels near Disneyland Resort list. When you check in, be sure to get a wristband for each person in your party. You’ll need those there wristbands to access them pirate oasis, ya hear matey?

This water playground is best for toddlers and elementary age children. Even beyond the splash zone and pool area, you’ll have an excellent view of Matterhorn, the Monorail and Disney fireworks from the property.

You’ll find the pirate theme throughout the hotel with pirate hats for kids at check in, a piece of pirate treasure to enjoy at the front desk and other adorable pirate nods around the hotel. They also have a separate garden pool if you prefer a regular swimming and sunbathing experience. 

When you book with Get Away Today with tickets you’ll also get a package discount (use promo code DLPlan10). Now the only question is, when will you be staying at Howard Johnson Water Playground—I know I’ll be back for sure!