If your kids are Cartoon Network fans or fans of fun in general, the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, PA, will be a dream come true!
This brightly colored, motel-style hotel is packed with energy, making it perfect for kids aged 2 to 12.
From the moment you pull into the parking lot, the excitement begins:
- Giant two-story Cartoon Network characters Finn and Jake to greet you at the entrance.
- Vibrant, colorful motel-style doors create an energetic vibe before you even step out of the car.
We’ll dive into the pros and cons, but from a kid’s perspective, the Cartoon Network Hotel place is pure magic.
Highlights Kids Will Love:
- Themed rooms featuring favorite Cartoon Network characters
- Seasonal outdoor pool with a water slide and a Powerpuff Girls sprinkler splash pad
- Indoor pool for colder days
- Daily activities and character visits
- Toon Room and Ben 10 Omnicade
Jake from the Cartoon Network show Adventure Time visiting the lobby.
A Hotel Made for Kids:
The fun starts as soon as you enter the vibrant lobby, where you’ll find:
- Bearista Café
- Ben 10 Omnicade
- Cartoon Kitchen
- Cartoon Network Store
- Toon Room Kids’ Play Area: daily crafts, character meet-and-greets, nonstop cartoons, and nightly movies
Bonus Perks as Guests of Cartoon Network Hotel:
Want to know one of our favorite perks of staying at the Cartoon Network Hotel?
It’s just a short walk across the parking lot to Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park, so no need to stress over parking fees or finding a spot. As a hotel guest, you’ll also get VIP access to make your day at the park even more fun.
Where is the Cartoon Network Hotel?
Location: 2285 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602
The Cartoon Network Hotel is located in Lancaster, PA, directly next door to Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park.
It’s conveniently situated across the street from Tanger Outlets Shopping Center, a variety of family dining options, and just a 15-minute drive to the center of downtown Lancaster.
The colorful entrance of the Cartoon Network Hotel draws you in from the parking lot.
What is the Cartoon Network Hotel Like?
Stepping into the Cartoon Network Hotel feels like entering a live cartoon!
The lobby is bursting with color and characters from Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, The Amazing World of Gumball, and more, creating an infectious energy that your kids will absolutely adore.
Instant Kid Appeal:
- Vibrant lobby full of their favorite cartoon characters
- Feels like being transported into their favorite animated worlds
But let’s be honest—while the hotel’s vibe is all about fun, the rooms might not win over more particular guests.
Some areas feel a bit worn and could use sprucing up, with cleanliness not always up to par.
Tips to Enjoying Your Stay:
- See it through your kids’ eyes—they’ll be having so much fun, the hotel’s flaws won’t even register.
- The themed Dream Suites are especially exciting for kids, turning the stay into a magical experience they won’t forget.
In the end, it’s all about the fun, and the Cartoon Network Hotel brings it in spades!
The Toon Room sits just off the lobby and is the hub of daily activities.
If the Cartoon Network Hotel excites you, wait until you see what else Lancaster offers!
Explore our list of the Top Thrilling Things to do in the Lancaster Area for an unforgettable trip.
Room Options at the Cartoon Network Hotel
With its two-story motel-style layout, the Cartoon Network Hotel has been delighting families since it was reimagined as the first-ever Cartoon Network Hotel in 2020.
Eye-Catching Rooms:
- 165 character-themed rooms with brightly colored doors designed to excite kids from the moment they arrive.
Two Room Location Options:
Parking lot side:
- Convenient self-parking
- Quick access to your room
Pool side:
- A bit noisier during the day but easy access to activities
- Quiet hours starting at 10 PM for a peaceful night’s sleep
Cartoon Network-themed room with two double beds and a dose of childhood fun.
You’ll find a range of themed room options tailored to different family sizes and needs:
- King Room: Ideal for couples or small families.
- Rooms with two double beds: A great fit for families who need a bit more space.
- Queen Room with bunk beds: Sure to thrill the kids!
For Larger Families:
- Ben 10 and Adventure Time Dream Suites: Two connected rooms that can sleep up to eight people.
- Many rooms can be connected for even more space, perfect for larger groups.
Guest Room Conditions:
While kids will love the playful and fun decor, adults might notice some areas that could use a bit more maintenance. The rooms show signs of wear from frequent use, and a deeper clean might be appreciated.
However, if you’re here for the kids and to see their faces light up, the joyful atmosphere of these themed rooms will likely make up for any shortcomings.
Dining at the Cartoon Network Hotel
When it comes to dining, the Cartoon Network Hotel could use some improvement, especially considering Lancaster’s reputation for great family-friendly dining.
During our stay, the Cartoon Kitchen—the hotel’s full-service restaurant—was closed for dinner, which, to be honest, was a bit of a relief after our less-than-stellar breakfast experience.
Plenty of seating and daily cartoons are offered in the Cartoon Kitchen.
Cartoon Kitchen Breakfast: 7:30-11am*
- Character breakfast buffet: $15 per adult, $7 per child
- Menu: Classic hot breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and hash browns
While the breakfast was decent, with so many great local dining options nearby, we didn’t feel the need to return for another meal.
That said, Cartoon Kitchen can be a convenient choice if you’re in a hurry—like we were on our VIP day at Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park.
Grab and Go Options for Parents:
- Bearista Café: Located off the main lobby, this small coffee shop is perfect for a quick caffeine fix. While the selection is limited, it’s great for grabbing coffee, using the free Wi-Fi, and sneaking in some email time.
Poolside Concessions:
- At the seasonal outdoor pool, the concessions offered:
- Chips, pretzels, and soda
- A few alcoholic beverages for adults
The vending machines around the property offer some basic options for a late-night snack.
Wondering where to eat?… Lancaster is full of family-friendly dining, but these Restaurants with Play Areas and Games really step it up a notch…
Fun and Activities at the Cartoon Network Hotel
The Cartoon Network Hotel was clearly designed with kids in mind, and that’s evident in the wide range of recreational activities and the daily schedule posted in the lobby.
Ben 10 Omnicade is open for fun 24 hours a day.
Inside the Cartoon Network Hotel:
The colorful two-story lobby is packed with kid-friendly features, including:
- Toon Room Kids’ Play Area
- Ben 10 Omnicade
- Bearista Café
- Cartoon Kitchen
- Cartoon Network Store
The Toon Room is the high-energy hub just off the main lobby, where kids can participate in daily crafts like bracelet making, learn to draw their favorite characters and enjoy nonstop cartoons on the big screen.
This is also where characters first make their rounds around the hotel, and nightly movies are screened at 8 pm.
The Ben 10 Omnicade is a small arcade packed with claw machines, video games, and skill games.
While your kids might blow through their arcade credits quickly, the arcade feels a bit more rewarding than most, with plenty of prizes to win.
The machines are restocked daily, and there’s even an automatic prize dispenser instead of a traditional prize counter.
Powerpuff Girls Splash Pad with Indoor Pool Building at the back of the Cartoon Network Hotel property.
Outdoor Fun:
- Seasonal outdoor pool with zero-entry access and a waterslide
- Powerpuff Girls Splash Pad
- Separate building with an indoor pool and hot tub (note: children under 16 cannot use the outdoor hot tub)
The Cartoon Network Hotel’s inner area features a grassy courtyard with lawn games, fire pits, and seating areas, perfect for outdoor family time.
If you want to be part of the action, consider requesting a poolside room for easy access.
Pro Tip– Pack some roasting sticks and s’mores supplies to enjoy roasting marshmallows under the stars at the outdoor fire pits.
Outdoor pool area with waterslide at the Cartoon Network Hotel.
A Few Things to Know:
- During our August stay, the waterslide and splash pad were not open, and the indoor pool was closed for refurbishment.
- I recommend calling ahead to confirm what’s open before your visit.
- The indoor pool is in a separate building, so if you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to bundle up for the walk.
It looks like a lot of fun when everything is up and running, so double-check what is open before booking!
The Toon Room is the center of the action at the Cartoon Network Hotel.
Example Schedule of Daily Activities*
(subject to change)
8:30-9:30 AM: Character Dining in the Cartoon Kitchen
Character Meet and Greets: 11 AM, 3 PM, and 5 PM (varies daily)
Powerpuff Girls Bingo: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Cartoon Network Trivia: Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Pajama Dance Party: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Movie Night in the Toon Room: Daily at 8 PM
Free Art Activities: Daily from 12-6 PM
Fire Pits: Daily from 7-10 PM
Omnicade: Open 24 hours
Outdoor Pool: Open seasonally from 10 AM-9 PM
Stay and Play Packages at Cartoon Network Hotel
A range of family-friendly rides await at Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park.
VIP Access to Dutch Wonderland
One of the best perks of staying at the Cartoon Network Hotel is the VIP access to Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park.
You can book a Stay and Play package directly through the hotel’s website, but we found an even better deal on Booking.com and purchased our discounted theme park tickets at the hotel’s front desk when we arrived.
Ticket Savings:
- Standard Dutch Wonderland tickets range from $40 to $60 online.
- As a guest of the Cartoon Network Hotel, you get a special rate of $39.99 per ticket.
- While saving on tickets is great, the real VIP perks are even better!
VIP Perks:
Sneak Preview of Dutch Wonderland (3-6 pm the day before your visit):
- Fewer crowds, making it easy to explore the park.
- Catch a diving show or enjoy a few rides before the main event!
Exclusive Early Access (30 minutes before the park opens):
- Only guests of the Cartoon Network Hotel and Old Mill Stream Campground get in early.
- The park is practically empty during this time. We rode Merlin’s Mayhem rollercoaster three times in 30 minutes!
Convenient Access:
- The park is just a 5-minute walk across the parking lot from the hotel.
- No need to worry about paying for parking or finding a spot.
Additional VIP Benefits:
- Priority bag check and entry line for quicker access if you arrive after opening.
- 25% off food, beverages, and retail store purchases.
These extra perks make staying at the Cartoon Network Hotel and the Stay and Play Package an incredible deal, perfect for maximizing your time at Dutch Wonderland!
Dutch Wonderland is a top family attraction in Lancaster, PA.
Cartoon Network Hotel's Nearby Attractions
Some of our favorite Lancaster Attractions to Visit:
Dutch Wonderland 5 minute walk
DJ’s Taste of the 50’s 6 minutes away
Magic and Wonder Dinner Theater 10 minutes away
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania 10 minutes away
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm 11 minutes away
Strasburg Railroad 11 minutes away
Lancaster Science Factory 11 minutes away
Tiny Town 11 minutes away
Hands-On House Children’s Museum 16 minutes away
Lancaster Central Market 17 minutes away
Turkey Hill Experience 22 minutes away
Lancaster is FULL of family-friendly attractions. Want even more? Check out our list of the most Thrilling Things to do in Lancaster for Families.
Looking to explore more of what Pennsylvania has to offer? Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns, just 40 minutes from the Cartoon Network Hotel, is a must-see attraction. It’s a great way to add some adventure to your stay!
Discover more about this and other incredible underground destinations in our article on the Best Caves to Explore in Pennsylvania.
Tips for Planning Your Stay at the Cartoon Network Hotel
Score the Best Deal: Book your room directly through the Cartoon Network Hotel’s website or on Booking.com to get the best rates. We found a fantastic deal for under $150 per night on Booking.com, so it’s worth comparing prices.
Bring Extra Towels: Although the hotel provides towels in the pool area and your room, we found it helpful to have a few extra pool towels on hand for the walk back to the room.
Pack Some Hooks: With only one hook and a few hangers available for wet clothes in the room, bringing along a few command hooks can make it easier to hang up swimsuits and towels after pool time.
Consider Your Own Pillows: If you’re picky about pillows, you might want to bring your own. The hotel’s pillows weren’t our favorite, and having our own would have made for a more comfortable sleep.
Make Use of the Mini-Fridge: Each room has a small mini-fridge, which is great for storing snacks for the kids. It’s a convenient way to keep everyone happy between meals.
Put on Your Rose-Colored Glasses: This is not a five-star hotel. The staff is friendly, and the kids will have a blast, but try not to get hung up on the hotel’s upkeep.
For families with kids who are Cartoon Network fans, the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, PA, offers a stay filled with excitement and memorable moments.
From the colorful lobby to the engaging daily activities, this hotel is designed to captivate young minds.
Sure, the rooms could use a little TLC, and the dining might not be anything to rave about, but the unbeatable location and the pure joy on your kids’ faces as they meet their favorite characters and enjoy VIP perks at Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park make it all worth it.
With so many nearby attractions, like the Strasburg Railroad and Lancaster Central Market, your trip will be packed with fun.
Ready to dive into the world of Cartoon Network? Book your stay today and create magical memories your family will cherish forever!
