Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa- Full Review

I recently stayed at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa! This property has been on my bucket list for years and I was so excited to finally stay here on my Disneyland vacation. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is one of three Disneyland Resort Hotels. It’s the only Disneyland Resort property that has direct access from the hotel into Disney California Adventure Park! Plus, if you stay on property you have exclusive access to Early Entry at the Disneyland Resort Parks! That’s just one of the many things that makes Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel special. Make sure you read to the end to find out how to get the best rates on this amazing property!

I have a bunch of hotel reviews that might be helpful for you if you’re still trying to decide where you’d like to stay.

Location

You really can’t beat the location of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel! It’s the closest hotel on or off property at the Disneyland Resort. This property is steps away from Disney California Adventure Park and about a 5-minute walk to Disneyland Park.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is located about 25 minutes from the Santa Ana J. Wayne airport. It’s about 35 minutes from the Long Beach airport. I prefer to fly into one of these airports. It’s so convenient to rent a car or take an Uber or lift directly to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Or, you could rent a car if you prefer. You can fly into Los Angeles International airport, but it is much further away. Plan on it taking you about 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Rooms

There are lots of different room options to choose from at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. All of their rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in the craftsman style.

• 2 Queen Standard Room- 2 Queen beds. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 1 King Woods/Garden/Courtyard View- 1 King bed. View of the woods, garden, or courtyard. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 2 Queen Woods/Garden/Courtyard View- 2 Queen beds. View of the woods, garden, or courtyard. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 2 Queen Partial View- Theme Park or Downtown Disney View- 2 Queen beds. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 1 King Downtown Disney View- 1 King bed. View of Downtown Disney. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 2 Queen Downtown Disney View- 2 Queen beds. View of Downtown Disney. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 1 King Premium View- Pool- 1 King bed. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 2 Queen Premium View- Pool. 2 Queen beds. maximum occupancy: 5
• 1 King Club-Level- Standard(Concierge)- 1 King bed. View of gardens, Disneyland Drive or Downtown Disney. Access to the concierge lounge including complimentary continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 2 Queen Club-Level-Standard(Concierge)- 2 queen beds. View of gardens, Disneyland Drive or Downtown Disney. Access to the concierge lounge including complimentary continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day. Maximum occupancy: 5
• 2 Queen, Sofa Bed Artisan Suite 1 Bedroom. 2 queen beds, 1 sofa bed. Maximum occupancy: 6

Here’s what’s included with each guest room:

• Coffee Maker
• Refrigerator
• In-Room Internet Access(free wi-fi)
• Cable TV
• Pay Per View
• Video Game Room

Pool

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel has three gorgeous pools to choose from! There’s plenty of room to spread out and relax. The three pools(the Fountain pool, Redwood Pool, and Mariposa Pool) are all located in the same area, so it’s easy to pool hop. You’ll find two water slides that your kids will love! One is perfect for little ones and the other is more suited for big kids.

There’s also a hot tub for hotel guests to enjoy.

Each of the pools have lifeguards on duty and they also have life jackets in the pool area available if your young kids would like to use them.

The Mariposa and Fountain pools each offer nearby private poolside cabanas for rent. Cabana rentals include:

• 2 chaise lounge chairs
• Love seat
• Coffee table
• Sofa
• 32-inch LCD television with cable access
• Ceiling fan
• Safe
• Clock radio
• Telephone for internal Resort calls
• Mini refrigerator with 6 complimentary water bottles
• Complimentary fruit platter
• Towel service

Amenities

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel has some amazing amenities you’ll want to take advantage of!

Tenaya Stone Spa

Relax in this full-service spa! This beautiful facility is 6,000 square feet and inspired by the spirit of nature and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy a wide variety of body treatments, massages, and salon services.

Laundry Room

There are two laundry rooms to choose from. Both are open 24 hours a day. Please note that credit or debit cards are the only accepted payment method for the washers, dryers, and soap vending machines.

Guest Activities

Enjoy a variety of guest activities including exciting seasonal events. From pool parties to learning to draw Disney characters at the Hearthstone Lounge, there’s always something fun going on. Some activities may even have a surprise Disney Character appearance! Visit the guest services desk located in the hotel lobby for a complete schedule of current activities.

Fitness Center and Fitness Classes

If you’re interested in working out during your vacation, the Eureka Fitness Center is for you! There are treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals, stair climbers, weight machines, and free weights to choose from.

There are also some amazing fitness classes available! You can choose from yoga, strength, stretching, aqua, meditation, and aerobic classes. There’s even a power walking workout in Disney California Adventure Park before the park opens to the public!

Perks Of Staying On Property

There are so many great perks included when you stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel!

Theme Park Entrance

Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa can enjoy a private entrance into Disney California Adventure Park! It is so nice to walk right from the park directly into your hotel! If you like to take a break from the park during the day, you’ll love this quick access back to your room and the pools.

Early Entrance Into Theme Parks

Guests staying at any of the Disneyland Resort on-property hotels(Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) are able to enter Disneyland or California Adventure Park 30 minutes before the park officially opens each day! This is a great perk! I’ve got tons of helpful information about early entry at the Disneyland Resort here.

Next Day Package Delivery

If you are out enjoying the parks and see the perfect souvenir, you don’t have to haul it around with you all day! When you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel you can have your park purchases sent back to your hotel and you can pick them up later. Just ask the cast member in the shop when you’re making your purchase about next-day package delivery. Package delivery to hotels can take up to 24 hours.

Direct To Room Service

Direct-to-room service allows guests to use the online check-in service and the Disneyland app to simplify their arrival process. Just check in using the app and when your room is ready, the Disneyland app will tell you the room number and send you a digital key you can use to open your hotel room!

If you would like a physical room key, just check in with the front desk when you arrive and they’ll be happy to get you one.

Guest Services Desk

The cast members at the guest services desk are so helpful and friendly! If you have any questions, make sure you stop by. The Guest service desk is located in the main lobby and is open between 8 am and 9 pm. Here are some of the things they can assist you with:

• Dining and activities reservations
• Directions to locations at the Disneyland Resort and the surrounding areas
• Itinerary planning
• Lost children
• Maps and park information
• ECVs and wheelchairs
• Southern California tours, shopping, and dining info
• Transportation information and booking

Dining Options

There are so many delicious dining options to choose from when you are staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. I’m not sure how you’re going to choose!

Napa Rose

Enjoy California cuisine and rare regional wines inside the upscale, award-winning Napa Rose Restaurant. Advance reservations are recommended.

Storytellers Café

Storytellers Cafe is a hearty home-style buffet restaurant that offers character dining. You can read more about it here. Reservations are recommended.

Hearthstone Lounge

At Hearthstone Lounge you can enjoy cocktails, snacks, or continental breakfast in this rustic restaurant.

GCH Craftsman Grill

GCH Craftsman Grill is the perfect place for grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, or dinner items. Or, they have some delicious entrees if you have time to sit and relax for a little while.

GCH Craftsman Bar

Enjoy drinks and appetizers from this full bar located poolside.

Room Service

You can enjoy delicious food delivered right to your room! Menus and ordering instructions are provided in each room.

Downtown Disney District Restaurants

There are so many restaurants to choose from in the Downtown Disney District. They are just steps away from Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel! I love Tortilla Jo’s, Napoli, and a sweet treat from Salt and Straw. There are so many great options.

Parking

Valet parking and self-parking services are available to guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Self-parking is $35 per night, valet service is $50 per night and oversized vehicle parking is $40 per night.

Discount on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

I loved staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you’re looking for luxury, convenience, and Disney magic, this is the property for you! Staying right in the heart of the Disneyland Resort is an amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back! For the very best rate on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, book your room through Get Away Today. Or, you can call them at 1-855-GET-AWAY Tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the very best deals! If you book a package with tickets you can use my code MIX10 to save an additional $10.

Disneyland Planning Help

I’ve got bunches of information on planning a Disneyland trip that will be so helpful for you! Start with my complete guide to visiting Disneyland. It’s a step-by-step guide for planning your vacation that will be helpful. Check out my top 10 Disneyland tips and my guide to when to visit Disneyland to help you pick the best time for your vacation! I’ve also got a post on rope dropping at Disneyland that’s very helpful.

Make sure you check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! 

I have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer all of your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored just to you and your group!

I hope this post was helpful to you as you’re planning your Disneyland vacation. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is such a great place to stay. Every part of the property is gorgeous and there are beautiful Disney touches and details all around. Having your own entrance into Disney’s California Adventure Park is pretty special and Early Entry into the Disney theme park is one of the best things about staying at this property! I know you’ll love spending your Disney vacation at this incredible property!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram for more Disney tips and lots of Disney fun!