10 Reasons the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel is Completely Worth It

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Staying safe in hotels with advanced COVID-19 procedures.

The Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel is the best choice for upgraded Disney magic during your Disney vacation.

Choosing a hotel to stay at while visiting the Disneyland Resort may seem like a chore, but really it’s no contest.

Sure, you can stay at a non-Disney resort for less money (a Good Neighbor Hotel), but a Disney hotel just adds a bit of extra ease and fun to your stay.

Here are our top reasons why Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will always be our hotel of choice.

" The window is open, so is that door- I didn't know they did that anymore..." The lyrics from Frozen's "For the First Time in Forever" ran through my head as I watched our toddler run down Disney's Grand Californian Hotel hallways in her Anna dress. Pure magic. Happiness. Excitement. Family togetherness. Our vacation had it all. The planning, the saving- all worth every minute and every penny. I metaphorically sat back and enjoyed the ride as I watched our plans unfold, soaking in every memory. Our girls' first trip to Disney was a huge success.

Top 10 Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel Perks

Here is why we believe Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel is completely worth your money (and makes a great Disney mom gift as a Disney Vacation upgrade).

We took our top 5 reasons, then added an additional 5 more!

1. Disneyland Grand California Hotel Location

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the absolute closest you can get to the Disney Parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure). In fact, there is an entrance to the California Adventure park from the Grand Californian Hotel.

You have your main entrance where you can drive up and unload, then park or use valet parking, but there are 2 other entrances. One entrance is attached to Downtown Disney, the other entrance is directly from California Adventure nearby Grizzly Run.

The Disneyland Hotel is also off of Main Street, but you need to walk to the end, crossing over the bridge above Disneyland Drive.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is on Disneyland property, but you need to take Disneyland Drive over by the Simba Parking Lot to get there. It’s not directly attached to the parks or to Downtown Disney.

Nap Time

Why worry about getting as close as possible? Well, you may not want to spend time walking, driving, or taking a taxi to a nearby hotel. Especially with little ones, strollers, car seats, and already walking over 10,000 steps a day in the park itself.

The proximity of the Grand Californian made it super easy and convenient to simply walk into the hotel for afternoon naps. Anyone else who wanted to stay and rest their feet could do so with the little ones, while the rest of us could hop right back out to ride the “big kid” rides.

This was a priceless perk as we went with a group of 21 people. Both sets of grandparents, aunt, cousin, our siblings, their significant others, and our nieces and nephews. The range of age and ability to walk around all day greatly varied.

The close proximity to the parks really deserves spot #1 on our top 5 list for why Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is the perfect choice for family vacations.

2. Grand Californian Lobby

Just walking into the lobby of the Grand Californian hotel fills you with a majestic wonder. The grand fireplace is so cozy, the architecture is stunning, and they even have little chairs in front of Mickey cartoons for the kids.

Honestly, even if we weren’t staying in the hotel, we would stop by to sit in the lobby for a while. Comfy chairs, relaxing atmosphere, and all decked out for the holidays. We were there around Halloween time so a large Oogie Boogie took up the center stage.

You can exit either side to get to the rooms or walk straight through to go towards the restaurants and pool area.

So next time your feet hurt from walking so much at Disneyland and you want a place to sit for a bit, walk into the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel and truly rest for a bit.

Bag Storage

Another note to keep in mind if you want to enjoy the park but do not want to leave your car full of luggage until check-in time, they can load up a luggage cart and store your bags in a secure location, then bring them up to your room after you check-in.

Same for check-out day- load up that luggage cart and store your bags while you enjoy one last day in the park.

Amazing and friendly service- you really do get the Disney Difference.

3. The Pool at the Grand Californian Hotel

This was so important to me, as I love summer and pool time. We scheduled our vacation when the Southern California weather would be warm but not too hot (and it was in the off-season).

Of course, the pools are heated year-round, so if you can’t go in late spring, summer, or early fall, then you will still be able to take advantage of this amenity.

The Grand Californian Hotel has 3 different pools. We found a lounge chair by the Redwood Pool with the water slides and set down our stuff. The chairs were so comfortable, I wish I could’ve spent all afternoon just laying there reading a book.

There are 2 water slides at the Redwood pool: one bigger one for bigger kids and adults, and one smaller one for the little kids where the water is 3 ft deep- perfect for a parent to catch their little one at the bottom. Also, if you don’t want to pack your munchkin’s swim floaties, Disney supplies life vests for the kids to use.

Right next to the Redwood pool is a kiddie pool just over 1 ft deep. Our baby munchkin was thrilled to splash around in the water while sitting on my lap.

There is also the quieter Fountain Pool with no water slides and the Mariposa Pool with a large hot tub right next to it.

Cabanas are available poolside for an additional cost.

I want to go back just so I can spend some more time poolside.

Pro Tip: Don’t want to “waste” park tickets in order to enjoy the pool? Plan your stay for longer than the park passes you have.

For example, if you are staying in the hotel for 4 nights, or 5 days, then get a 3-day park hopper ticket. This gives you 2 days where you can just enjoy what the hotel has to offer without feeling like you’re not “getting your money’s worth” by not going into the park.

Of course, if you’re like us and got a 5th Day free from purchasing a Get Away Today 4-Day park hopper ticket, and can’t spend more time in the hotel outside those 5 days, then I still recommend taking an hour or 2 for poolside relaxing and fun like we did.

You’ll freshen up in the hotel room then hit the ground running for more Disneyland rides and experiences.

4. Grand Californian Rooms with a View

The 3 Bedroom Suite

We split the 3 bedroom suite and an additional room. Not all of our party came every day, so some went back home or stayed at another off-site hotel.

3-Room Suite:

Room 1: King-size bed

Room 2: 2 Queen size beds, pack & play for baby

Room 3: 2 Queen size beds, pack & play for baby

Living Room: Queen-size sleeper sofa & pack & play for nap times

The 2 Bedroom Suite at the Grand Californian Hotel is the same as the 3 Bedroom Suite, just without access to room 3.

There are also some 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites that do not have the King-sized bed, so make sure you ask if you’re tall and need that extra height.

We brought our own pack & play crib, but also used the ones provided by the hotel so we could have a total of 3 cribs set up for the little ones to be set down in the living room area, or sleep in the rooms with their respective parents.

A little kitchenette section provided a sink, small counter, coffee maker, and a mini-fridge which we quickly filled up. We planned specific meals within the parks but also brought some food and snacks from home.

The decor and ambiance weren’t specific to Disney, but rather a Californian outdoor theme which was beautiful and relaxing.

The bathrooms did have a touch of Disney with the Mickey Mouse shape in the footstool and the signature Disney shampoo & body wash (it smells so good!).

Did I mention they left Ghirardelli chocolate squares on the pillows?

Fireworks from the Grand Californian Balcony

The 3 bedroom suite was simply amazing- and by amazing, I mean you walk out onto the balcony and there is Downtown Disney. There’s a beautiful view looking over the entrance to both parks, sitting right above the World of Disney store.

How cool is that to stay right above the World of Disney store looking out at the entrance to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure?

I can’t imagine a more magical Disney view- unless we can figure out how to stay in the Disney Castle…

Think the view isn’t as exciting at night? Think again!

While some of us were watching World of Color in California Adventure, others opted to relax in the room and were rewarded with a view of the Disneyland fireworks. The fireworks were partially obstructed, but you could definitely see enough to enjoy yourself without having to wait for a good spot or sit or stand in the park with the crowds.

5. The Concierge Lounge

OK, this is a splurge but so worth it! Imagine having essentially an unlimited buffet for breakfast lunch and dinner. Grab some snacks. Snag a drink. Sit and relax in the lounge or on the lounge balcony.

There are tables and chairs as well as tables and couches, with enough room for a double jogging stroller (Disneyland acceptable size) to fit right next to you.

They had an array of food options from Uncrustables to bagels and lox. The menu changed daily so no 2 days were exactly the same. Healthy sides to decadent sweets. Soda, water, and juice to beer, wine, and champagne. It was amazing!

I talked about bringing our own food and snacks to put in the mini-fridge…didn’t even need most of it after this convenient upgrade.

We could grab some breakfast, go off to Extra Magic Hour where we got into the park an hour before it opened, and hop back over later for lunch or a snack.

6. Magic Mornings*

*2022 Update: Some amenities are not currently available due to COVID-19 restrictions. Concierge Lounge is fully functional again, but Extra Magic Hour has returned as a 30-minute option, for either park, for all Disney Resort Hotel guests.

Magic Mornings is a huge perk to staying in the Grand Californian Hotel, but it is a perk for all 3 Disneyland Resort Hotels. Although it is a huge reason to book a Disney resort stay. We basically had the park to ourselves for the California Adventure Extra Magic Morning days.

Keep in mind some of the rides are not open during this additional Magic Morning half-hour. We could, however, head straight to Peter Pan’s Flight and other rides in Fantasyland, and then be among the first to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge once the park fully opened.

Previously Magic Mornings were just for 3-Day or more Park Hopper Passes, and Extra Magic Hour was for Disney Resort Hotel guests. Both options granted an extra hour in the parks but there were some differences.

I am leaving the previous setup here for comparison (and in hopes they extend Magic Mornings more in the future).

Magic Mornings (pre-2020): 3 Day+ Park Hopper Pass

• Disneyland: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Extra Magic Hour (pre-2020): Disney Resort Guest

• Disneyland: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Disney California Adventure: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Some guests are upset at only having an extra 30 minutes now instead of a full hour, but with a transition back to full staffing it was probably the best decision at the moment.

I understand having you now be able to pick either Disneyland or Disneyland California Adventure (as opposed to having each one assigned to certain days) is less confusing; HOWEVER, this makes it a little more difficult to successfully Rope Drop the popular rides.

Theoretically, Peter Pan would have been ridden already by the Magic Morning Crowd, making room for Rope Droppers to be first in line at park opening, but that does not seem to be the case so far.

7. Character Dining Options

One unique thing about the Grand Californian is that there are 2 different character dining options for all guests. 

Hang out with Mickey and friends at Storytellers Cafe, or go a bit fancier and dine with Disney princesses at the Napa Rose.

Both options are absolutely spectacular and great for any age. Your decision just depends on the type of character dining experience you want and your budget.

Storytellers Cafe Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Character Brunch is about $60* per adult and $35* per child ages 3 and up. It includes a buffet meal, and the characters come around to the tables. Take pictures, get autographs, and join in the family fun.

The Princess Adventure breakfast is around $125* per person for adults and kids ages 3 and up. 

start with appetizers then enjoy a breakfast buffet and order an omelet to your preference. Meet several princesses during the experience before enjoying your dessert tray. our girls each received a goody bag with a button, an autograph card, and a gemstone crown necklace.

You do not need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the restaurants or character meals, but it does add to the magic of your Disney vacation.

*Prices are subject to change, although we do try our best to keep blog posts up to date with current information.

8. Tenaya Stone Spa

Slow down and unwind at the Tenaya stone Spa. 

With several amenities to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Pick a Signature Service, massage, herbal body treatment, skin care treatment, foot treatment, salon services, or even fitness activities.

Tenaya Stone Spa even offers a Mother-to-Be Massage. If you’re worried about going to Disneyland in your second or third trimester, book a relaxing massage to help you relaxe.

I have been tempted to book the foot soak and massage myself. It just sounds so great after walking over 10,000 steps in one day.

You can even get a manicure, pedicure, and haircut with styling.

The fitness activities range from yoga to water aerobics to paddleboarding to boot-camp-style exercise. Most of the exercises are hosted at various locations within the Grand California Hotel & Spa.

I am definitely interested in the Adventure Boot Camp which is one of the few options that actually lets you exercise in California Adventure Park before it opens. There is also a Power Walking option through California Adventure Park.

9. Other Grand Californian Resort Amenities

As if everything mentioned wasn’t enough, you do have more restaurants a bar, a shop, and a gym to enjoy as well.

The Hearthstone Lounge boasts a rustic ambiance and is perfect for grabbing a cocktail or even breakfast in the morning before your say at the Disneyland parks.

If you’re looking for a quicker meal, then check out the GCH Craftsman Grill. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

GCH Craftmans Grill was also one of the places where I could request a hamburger with a dairy-free bun for my dad who is lactose intolerant. The chef came out from the kitchen to speak with me directly about our dietary needs and whipped up a plate for us himself.

Appetizers and drinks are available at the CGH Craftsman Bar within the pool area, Grand Californian room service is also an option, and Downtown Disney Dining is right in your “front yard” so to speak.

10. Extra Goodies: In Room Celebrations

*In Room Celebrations are not currently available due to COVID-19 restrictions.

**Items and packages are subject to change, there is no guarantee our exact packages will be available or continued.

First Visit

So this isn’t specific to the Grand Californian- you can have an in-room celebration* at any Disney resort, and even some select neighboring hotels.

You can arrange for a small gift or full-themed decorations to be set up in your room for a wonderful surprise gift & magical experience.

We opted for the First Time at Disney * bundles for our toddler girl and our nephew. They were both 2 years old and absolutely loved their packages:

• First Mickey Ears hats
• Autograph books & pens
• Personalized blankets
• Minnie Mouse/Mickey Mouse stuffed animals (respectively)

The packages also came with a series of “My 1st” signs such as “My First Disney Ride” “My First Disney Snooze” and even “My first Disney Parks Melt Down.”

Birthday

So my husband and my mother also surprised me with an in-room Birthday Package* without me knowing about it.

• Disneyland Autograph Frame
• Disney Birthday Ears hat
• Birthday Pin
• Mickey Mouse Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treat
• Disney Jelly Beans

And if I wasn’t spoiled enough my husband also got me a Minnie Mouse vase with a beautiful floral bouquet*! The vase is on my Disney shelf at home now- it works as its own decoration (yes, I have a Disney shelf, but who doesn’t?)!

Pro Tip: Buy Disney-themed items from Dollar Tree for a more Disneyland budget-savvy way to create your own welcome gifts.

We bought First Time Visit packages from Disney for the 2-year-olds, and then put together Dollar Tree Disney bags for the babies. 

If your Dollar Tree doesn’t have a lot of Disney-themed merchandise, check another local store. I drove to the next one over to get tons of Disney-themed options. We even put together activity bags of coloring books, crayons, and stickers for the older two for quiet time in the hotel (you can see that mess in the video, haha!).

Your Next Visit

I can go on and on about this Hotel including the restaurants, the spa, and more, but that would require another trip for me to try out more of the amenities (in the plans!). For those who can’t understand why 5 days at Disneyland is not enough time, this is why. There is so much to do and see and experience!

We did do Mickey’s Storyteller Cafe Character Meal – it was amazing! Can I say amazing enough times? Read about it here and watch the video below. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to eat at the restaurant or to book this Character Meal experience.

Alright, now that you’ve read all about the Grand Californian Hotel, are you dreaming up your next Disney Vacation? If so, let us know in the comments!

What park? Single day or multi-day? Which hotel?

If you aren’t sold on a Disney resort hotel, don’t worry- there are plenty of nearby options to choose from. We actually stayed at the Kings Inn Anaheim which was just around the corner, very affordable, and had a continental breakfast. This let us already be in the area to enjoy Disneyland and then check into the Grand Californian Hotel later that afternoon.

Why not just add another day at the Grand Californian? Well, as much as we splurged on this trip, there was a budget and point where we couldn’t really keep adding on to the bill.

Pro Tip: If cost is preventing you from staying in a Disney Resort, I highly recommend saving for 1 or 2 nights in the Disney Resort, then adding on nights at a nearby hotel to start out or finish off your vacation. Then you can enjoy a special Disney Difference stay while not going completely overboard on your vacation budget.

Any questions about planning your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out either by commenting below or emailing me (Katie) [familytravelfolio at gmail dot com]. I absolutely love talking about all things Disney and Disney vacations.

Already have amazing Disney stories to share? Head on over to our Travel Community on Facebook and post your photos for the group to enjoy and reminisce with you. We all value family and traveling, and that’s what the group is all about!

One Last Thing…

Did I mention how we got great discounts on our Disneyland tickets for our 5-day Disney vacation? Get Away Today is a qualified vendor of multi-day Disney Park Tickets and Vacation Packages – and vacation packages to other places!

They are so nice, easy to work with, and totally flexible with planning, reservations, and payment plans.

Check them out and start piecing together your Magical Disney Family Vacation today ( It never hurts just to look, right? ).

Happy Adventures,

Katie