There are only certain days when early entry is available, so don't pay for a Disney hotel just for that perk if your visit day doesn't have early entry for the park you want.
Unlike Walt Disney World, Disneyland has tons of non-Disney hotels very close to the front gates, in some cases closer than the Disney hotels. Something to consider if you are not dead set on full Disney immersion - you can get a lot more space for a lot less money.

We stayed at the Disneyland hotel. We had a family suite, which was essentially a small kitchenette, living area with pull-out sofa with a bathroom, and a master bedroom and bath. There was a balcony off the living area.

It's really expensive for what it is (our suite was about $800/night I think), but you are paying to get into the parks early -- totally worth it, IMO -- and to be close, which is great if you have a LO who needs to nap. I thought the room and the hotel was perfectly nice...I would equate it with a Westin, perhaps? And our room was very spacious, and with two adults and 3 kids, we didn't feel completely on top of each other.

The grounds are nice and the pool area is really fun, though in January that may not be as important.

If you want to do the Lightning McQueen ride and you are only going for a day, staying at a Disney property is kind of a must. Google "how to go to radiator springs racers" and you can read all about it. There's a great website you can check out and make plans of what rides to do and when, they have an associated app that gives you real-time line wait times. If you can go the park two days....I really would.

Anyone have positive or neg reviews about any of the three Disney hotels in Disneyland ( Disneyland hotel, grand Californian or Disney pier)? We are staying one night and visting the park for a day with a three year old in January...