DISNEY HOTEL CHEYENNE VS SANTA FE
Cheyenne Vs Santa Fe: Battle of the Budget Hotels!
Updated 20th July 2025
Ah, the classic Battle of the Budget Hotels at Disneyland Paris. Cowboys Vs Cars… only one rides away with the trophy (or at least a shiny point on our scorecard). If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris and trying to compare Disney Hotel Cheyenne and Disney Hotel Santa Fe, you’re not alone. These two are the most affordable on-site Disney hotels — and they get compared a lot. They’re both within walking distance of the parks, both full of Disney theming, and both offer that sweet spot of staying in the magic (and all the hotel perks like Extra Magic Time) without blowing your budget.
But that’s where the similarities end.
Cheyenne feels like you’ve stepped into a wild west town, where Woody and Jessie could walk past you at any moment. Meanwhile, Santa Fe is all about Route 66, neon lights, and Cars vibes, straight out of Radiator Springs. We’re talking traffic cones, mini volcanoes, and a whole lot of Lightning McQueen.
We’ve stayed at both (totalling over 15 stays!), and we’ve got opinions. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or just fancy a Disney break on a budget, we’re diving into everything you need to know — from room size and air con to saloon bars and pony rides.
Still wondering which is better, Cheyenne or Santa Fe? You’re in the right place. Let the battle of the budget hotels at Disneyland Paris begin.
Saddle up or rev your engines — it’s time to compare!
Cheyenne vs Santa Fe: Quick Overview
If you’re skimming for the essentials, here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide between Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe at Disneyland Paris.
- Theme: Cheyenne brings the Wild West to life with its charming cowboy village vibe, while Santa Fe throws you right into the heart of Route 66 and the world of Cars.
- Rooms: Cheyenne’s rooms feel bigger and more comfortable, plus they have air conditioning, perfect for summer. Santa Fe’s rooms only have small heaters, which work well in winter but can get stuffy when it’s hot.
- Facilities: Cheyenne offers a childrens playground, pony rides, red saloon bar to unwind after a park day and a buffet that many guests rave about. Santa Fe has the world’s smallest volcano and Tex-Mex restaurant, ideal if you’re into that Southwest flavour..
- Character Meet & Greets: Santa Fe wins if you want to see classic Disney characters in unique Route 66 outfits. Cheyenne offers Jessie and Woody in their signature looks.
- Accessibility: Both hotels provide accessible rooms, but Cheyenne doesn’t have lifts, something to keep in mind if stairs aren’t your thing.
We’ve stayed at both hotels, and after comparing everything from rooms and theming to food, characters, and those all-important extras, here’s how it shook out:
Final Score: HOTEL CHEYENNE WINS!
Hotel Cheyenne: 6 | Hotel Santa Fe: 3
If you’re after stronger theming, more comfort, and a few fun perks (hello, pony rides and air con), Hotel Cheyenne is our clear winner.
Hotel Santa Fe still offers great value, especially if you’re on a tighter budget or have Cars-mad kids — but for overall experience, Cheyenne takes the crown.
Scroll on for the full breakdown — or keep this in your back pocket for your next Disney adventure!
Comparing Character Meets
If meeting Disney characters is a must for you and the kids, both hotels offer some lovely chances — but they do have their own unique vibes.
At Hotel Santa Fe, you’ll find classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy all dressed up in their cool Route 66 outfits. It’s a bit like stepping into a retro road trip, which makes meeting these characters even more fun and special.
Over at Hotel Cheyenne, Jessie and Woody are the stars of the show. They stick to their classic outfits, which fits perfectly with the hotel’s theme. It’s a smaller character line-up, but if you’re a Toy Story fan, it’s like a mini cowboy showdown right there in the lobby.
Character meets: Who wins?
Santa Fe wins for characters, its broader character variety in unique outfits is something extra special compared to the Cheyenne meet and greets, as you can meet them every day in the Studios.
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 0 | Hotel Santa Fe: 1
Theme – Wild West or Route 66?
When it comes to choosing between Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe, the theming is a big deal — especially if you’re travelling with kids or just love a good Disney vibe.
Disney Hotel Santa Fe: Life in the Fast Lane
Santa Fe is a bright, fun homage to the American Southwest with a twist — it’s deeply inspired by the Cars movies. Think neon signs, desert landscapes, and Route 66 charm at every turn. If your little ones (or you!) are big fans of Lightning McQueen and Mater, this hotel is like stepping right into Radiator Springs. The playful, colourful décor and car-themed details really bring the magic to life.
Disney Hotel Cheyenne: Step Into the Wild West
Cheyenne, on the other hand, throws you into a Wild West village, complete with wooden façades, cowboy motifs, and that warm, rustic charm that makes you feel like you’ve wandered onto a movie set. It’s perfect if you love the idea of a frontier adventure. Theming here isn’t just about looks — it’s about atmosphere. Walking through the hotel feels like a mini trip to the Old West, which makes it a favourite for anyone who appreciates immersive storytelling. Plus, there’s a laundry service tucked inside one of the stores — because even cowboys need clean socks.
Theme: Who wins?
If you want full-on immersive storytelling and a cosy Wild West vibe, Hotel Cheyenne takes this round. But if you’re a Cars fan or love bright, playful settings, Santa Fe will rev your engine. For us, the Wild West feels a bit more magical — so Cheyenne scores a point here!
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 1 | Hotel Santa Fe: 1
Compare Rooms and Facilities
When you’re spending time in a hotel, comfort is key. After all, a great day at Disneyland Paris deserves a cosy night to recharge. Let’s dive into how Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe compare when it comes to rooms and facilities.
Which Rooms Are Bigger or Better?
Both hotels offer standard rooms and some near the main facilities, like reception, which can be handy if you want quick access to the lobby or restaurants. From our experience, Cheyenne’s rooms feel a bit more spacious and comfortable. It’s not a huge difference, but noticeable enough when you’re unpacking suitcases or just stretching out after a long day.
Santa Fe’s rooms are more compact, which might be fine for shorter stays or if you’re not spending much time in the room anyway. But if you like a little extra space to relax or if you’re travelling with kids, Cheyenne gets the nod here.
Air Con, Bathrooms and Beds: What to Expect
Now, this is a big one — especially if you visit in the summer. Cheyenne rooms come with air conditioning, which is a blessing when the temperatures rise. Santa Fe doesn’t have air con; instead, the rooms have small heaters, great for chilly winters but not so much when it’s warm. In summer, Santa Fe rooms can get quite stuffy.
Both hotels have clean, functional bathrooms with all the essentials, and the beds are comfy enough to guarantee a good night’s sleep after a busy park day. Nothing fancy, but just right for a budget stay.
Accessibility and Layout Tips
If you need accessible rooms, both hotels have them available, so no worries there. One thing to note — Cheyenne doesn’t have lifts because it’s more of a low-rise, Wild West style village layout. Santa Fe has lifts, which could matter if stairs aren’t your thing or you have heavy luggage.
Rooms: Who wins?
Cheyenne scores again, thanks to slightly larger rooms and the much-appreciated air conditioning. Santa Fe isn’t far behind, but the lack of air con and smaller rooms tip the scales here.
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 2 | Hotel Santa Fe: 1
Food, Coffee, Bars and Lounges
After a day full of rides, parades, and maybe a few too many churros, food and relaxation become top priorities. Both Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe offer some solid options to keep you fuelled and happy. Let’s break down what’s on offer.
Chuck Wagon Café vs La Cantina Buffet
If you love a bit of themed dining, Chuck Wagon Café at Hotel Cheyenne is a real winner. Imagine sitting in a wagon, soaking up the Wild West vibes while enjoying a hearty meal. It’s cosy, fun, and gives you a real sense of the hotel’s unique theme.
Hotel Santa Fe’s La Cantina Buffet leans into the Route 66, desert-road theme. The food here is Tex-Mex inspired and just as tasty — think fajitas, tacos, and other classic favourites. It’s a close call between the two, but if you’re after atmosphere, Chuck Wagon Café has the edge. If you want a quick, casual buffet with familiar flavours, La Cantina is solid.
Red Garter Saloon or Rio Grande Bar?
For those evenings when you want to unwind with a drink, Cheyenne’s Red Garter Saloon is a real treat. This western-themed bar offers a relaxed spot to hang out with friends and swap stories from your day in the parks. You can even perch on saddles at the bar — talk about taking “saddle up” to a whole new level! It has that classic saloon charm that fits perfectly with the hotel’s wild west vibe.
Santa Fe’s Rio Grande Bar, on the other hand, isn’t a proper bar like you might expect. It’s really just a section of the restaurant with a bar counter, separated by half-height walls. It’s cosy and low-key, more of a quiet corner to sip a drink before bed than a lively bar scene.
Both spots serve a good range of drinks, but if you’re after a more themed, atmospheric place to relax, Cheyenne’s Red Garter Saloon definitely takes the crown.
Starbucks and In-Room Drinks: What You Get
Food & Drink: Who Wins?
Both hotels offer fantastic buffet options. But for the full Wild West experience — saddles and all — Cheyenne’s Red Garter Saloon is our clear favourite. Score one for Cheyenne!
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 3 | Hotel Santa Fe: 1
Location & Getting to the Parks
Walking vs Shuttle: What’s Easier?
Both Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe are close enough that walking is definitely doable. The walk is a nice little warm-up (or cool-down) along the river, with some charming views to enjoy. If you’re feeling a bit tired, there are shuttle buses available, but honestly, we prefer the fresh air and the chance to soak in the atmosphere before diving back into the fun.
Is One Hotel Closer to the parks?
Cheyenne edges it slightly here. The walk to the parks feels a touch shorter and more scenic, which means you’re saving a few precious minutes — always handy when you’re racing for those early rides or trying to catch a parade. Santa Fe isn’t far behind, though, and you won’t feel like you’re trekking miles from the magic.
Location: Who wins?
Both hotels are pretty evenly matched when it comes to location and getting around, so they each get a point. But if those extra few steps and views matter, we’d tip the hat to Cheyenne for being just a little closer to the action. Score stays close!
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 4 | Hotel Santa Fe: 2
Hotel Facilities and EXTRAS!
Beyond just a place to sleep, both Cheyenne and Santa Fe sprinkle in a little extra magic throughout the year — especially for younger guests (and the young at heart).
Hotel Cheyenne: Cowboys, Forts & Festive Cheer
Cheyenne really leans into its Wild West theming with some lovely little seasonal touches and fun extras. For starters, there’s the Children’s Corner in the lobby — a cosy space where little ones can chill out (under the watchful eye of a grown-up) while you take a breather or figure out the day’s ride strategy.
Outside, you’ve got the Fort Apache play area, a rustic playground that keeps kids busy exploring while grown-ups grab a coffee or just enjoy five minutes off their feet. It’s not just a playground — it feels like part of the adventure.
And here’s the big one: in the warmer months, pony rides are available right outside the hotel. Seeing kids light up as they saddle up for a trot around is one of those “aww” moments you don’t forget. There’s a small charge and it’s weather dependent, but it’s a brilliant way to start or end a day of Disney.
During the festive season, both hotels get a touch of Christmas magic — mainly in the lobby areas — with decorations and a bit of extra sparkle that makes returning “home” after a wintry park day feel all the more magical.
Hotel Santa Fe: Mini Volcanoes and Motor Fun
Santa Fe keeps things playful too. In La Cantina restaurant, there’s a Kids’ Corner where little racers can let off some steam while you’re finishing up your meal. It’s a nice touch, and themed to keep that Cars energy going strong.
And while it’s not an “activity” exactly, we’ve got to mention the world’s smallest volcano out front — a quirky little landmark that ties into the New Mexico theme. It’s the kind of thing that makes Santa Fe stand out just enough to feel special, even if you’re only there for a short stay.
Factilities and Extras: Who wins?
Cheyenne definitely takes the lead here with a wider range of fun seasonal activities — from pony rides to outdoor adventures. Santa Fe keeps things light and fun with themed corners and that miniature volcano, but Cheyenne brings more of that extra sprinkle of magic.
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 5 | Hotel Santa Fe: 2
Which One’s Cheaper?
Let’s be honest — budgeting for a Disneyland Paris trip can feel like playing Tetris with your bank account. Both Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe fall into the “on-site but wallet-friendly” category, but there are still a few price differences and tricks to know before you book.
Price Comparison Tips
In general, Hotel Santa Fe is the cheaper of the two — usually by around £20–£50 per night, depending on the season. It’s often marketed as the most budget-friendly Disney hotel, which makes it a great choice if you’re looking to stay on-property without stretching your wallet too far.
That said, Cheyenne isn’t far behind in price, and many guests (including us!) feel the small extra cost is totally worth it for the added theming, better facilities, and air-conditioned rooms. In some case the price difference is less than a few pounds a night!
If the prices are close, Cheyenne is often the better value overall — especially in summer when that lack of air con at Santa Fe can make a big difference.
Prices can also vary based on how close your room is to reception or the amenities. Both Santa Fe and Cheyenne offer rooms near facilities that are slightly closer to the main building or rooms by the river for a higher price, so keep an eye on room types when booking.
How to Get the Best Deal
Now for the fun part — saving money. Here are a few of our go-to tips for finding the best price:
- Book as early as possible – Disney’s uses a price availability pricing model, so as rooms book up, the price goes up!
- Keep an eye out for flash sales and seasonal deals, sign up to our free newsletter and we’ll keep you up to date!
- Consider travelling in low or mid-season – prices can drop dramatically outside of school holidays.
- Packages are usually better value than separate bookings, especially if you’re buying park tickets too.
Who wins?
Santa Fe takes this one for being the cheaper option on paper — and it’s a solid pick if budget is your top priority. But if you’re comparing value, Cheyenne can be the smarter spend for what you get in return. Still, price-wise alone Santa Fe wins here.
Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 5 | Hotel Santa Fe: 3
So, Which Hotel Should You Choose?
After staying at both Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe in 2025, we’ve got a pretty good feel for what each one brings to the table. Both are solid budget-friendly options with that extra sprinkle of Disney magic — but they each shine in different ways depending on what kind of trip you’re planning.
Best for Families with Young Kids
Best for Couples or Adults
For couples, both hotels are totally doable, and you won’t feel out of place at either. But there are some small details that might help tip the balance.
Cheyenne feels more comfortable overall — the rooms are slightly more spacious, and that all-important air con makes a huge difference in summer. Plus, having the Red Garter Saloon means you’ve got somewhere to grab a drink in the evening without leaving the hotel. It’s got more of a relaxed, grown-up vibe, even with the cowboy theming.
Santa Fe is quieter at night and has simpler styling, which some adults might prefer — but for us, Cheyenne just edges it.
Our pick for couples? Cheyenne — comfort, atmosphere, and a bar saddle seat. What more could you want?
Our Final Thoughts and Favourite Pick
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either hotel — they both offer great value, fun theming, and the convenience of being on-site at Disneyland Paris.
But if we had to choose? Hotel Cheyenne is our favourite.
The theming is stronger, the rooms feel more spacious and comfortable (hello, air con), and the little extras — like the saloon bar, pony rides, and fort-style play areas — just make it feel like more than “just a hotel.” It’s part of the Disney story.
So if the prices are similar, and you’re wondering which hotel will give you the best overall experience? Tip your hat to Cheyenne — it’s got that rootin’ tootin’ edge that keeps us coming back.
Final Score:
Hotel Cheyenne: 6 | Hotel Santa Fe: 3
