A Grand Adventure: Our Dreamy Stay at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

We had the opportunity to stay for three nights at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort, a luxurious and enchanting destination in the heart of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This hotel offers an elegant blend of Craftsman-style architecture and modern amenities, providing guests with a unique and immersive experience. The hotel boasts spacious and beautifully decorated rooms and suites, multiple dining options including award-winning restaurants, and a variety of recreational facilities such as pools, a fitness center, and a spa.

Hotel

The lobby of the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort is a magnificent showcase of craftsmanship and elegance. As soon as you step into the grand lobby, you are greeted by stunning woodwork that pays homage to the Craftsman style. The intricate details and warm tones of the wood create an inviting and timeless atmosphere.

At the heart of the lobby is a grand fireplace, its flickering flames casting a cozy glow that enhances the welcoming ambiance. This impressive hearth is surrounded by comfortable seating, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure in the parks.

Adding to the charm of the lobby is a grand piano, often accompanied by live music that fills the space with delightful melodies. The soothing tunes create a serene environment, making it a perfect spot to unwind.  It is an auto playing piano, but often a person is playing it throughout the day.

We had the pleasure of checking in extremely early, around 10:00 am, and were pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the process. The check-in was remarkably quick, allowing us to start our vacation without any delays.

The staff at the Grand Californian were exceptionally friendly and helpful, making us feel valued and well-cared for from the moment we arrived. Their warm hospitality and attentive service set the tone for a memorable stay at this beautiful resort.

Rooms

The Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort offers a variety of room types to suit different needs and preferences, all featuring the elegant Craftsman style.

Room Categories:

Standard Rooms: Include Standard View and Deluxe Partial View rooms, offering views of the hotel grounds, neighboring areas, or partial park views.

View Rooms: Premium View and Pool View rooms with stunning views of Disney California Adventure Park or the resort's pool area.

Suites: 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, and 3-Bedroom Suites, providing additional space and comfort for families or larger groups.

Club-Level Rooms: Located on an exclusive level with access to the Craftsman Club, offering enhanced amenities and services.

Signature Suites: Luxurious Artesian, El Capitan, and Arcadia Suites, featuring spacious layouts and premium amenities.

Each room type ensures a comfortable and memorable stay with varying levels of luxury and views.  We stayed in the standard view rooms at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort. The rooms were fairly spacious, clean, and nicely decorated, maintaining the elegant Craftsman style seen throughout the hotel. The comfortable beds, modern amenities, and thoughtful details contributed to a pleasant stay.

However, considering the cost of approximately $700 per night, I did have higher expectations. While the rooms were certainly nice and comfortable, they did not quite match the level of luxury one might anticipate for that price point. Despite this, the overall experience, including the hotel's prime location and exceptional service, made our stay memorable.

Pools

The pools at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort are a highlight of the property, offering a relaxing and enjoyable retreat for guests. There are several pools to choose from, each with its unique features.

Redwood Pool

The main pool, known as the Redwood Pool, is a spacious and beautifully designed area with a 90-foot-long waterslide that twists around the stump of a giant redwood tree, adding an element of fun for both kids and adults.

Fountain Pool

Adjacent to the Redwood Pool is the Fountain Pool, a more tranquil and quieter spot perfect for lounging and taking a refreshing dip.

Mariposa Pool

The Mariposa Pool, located in a more secluded area, offers a peaceful atmosphere with comfortable lounge chairs and ample space to relax and soak up the sun.

Seating and Cabanas

Throughout the pool areas, guests will find plenty of comfortable seats and loungers, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the California sunshine. For those looking for an extra touch of luxury and privacy, the resort offers cabanas for rent. These cabanas come equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, a ceiling fan, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water, and dedicated service.

The pools at the Grand Californian are well-maintained and beautifully landscaped, creating an inviting and relaxing environment. Whether you're looking to splash around with the family or enjoy a quiet moment by the water, the pool areas provide an excellent escape within the resort.

Restaurants

The Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here's a brief overview of the different restaurants:

Napa Rose

An upscale restaurant known for its exquisite California cuisine, Napa Rose offers a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.  It is recommended that you make a reservation for most of the restaurants at the hotel. 

Storytellers Café

A family-friendly, buffet-style restaurant featuring American cuisine. It is also popular for its character dining experiences during breakfast and brunch, making it a hit with families.

GCH Craftsman Grill and GCH Craftsman Bar

A casual dining spot where we enjoyed a fantastic meal. An outdoor dining area with views of the pool, serving California-inspired cuisine along with a selection of craft beers and cocktails. The food was great, and the family particularly loved the Nachos. The portion size was impressive, with one order easily feeding a family of four.

Hearthstone Lounge

A cozy lounge offering a relaxed atmosphere with light bites and a variety of drinks. We also dined here, and the highlight was the Chorizo Poutine. Trust me, just order it – you won't be disappointed.

White Water Snacks

A quick-service spot perfect for grabbing a quick bite. It offers a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and salads for those on the go.

Each restaurant at the Grand Californian provides a unique dining experience, ensuring that guests have a variety of delicious options to enjoy during their stay.

Perks

Staying at the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel and Resort comes with numerous perks that enhance the overall Disney experience:

Prime Location

The Grand Californian is centrally located within the Disneyland Resort, offering direct access to Disney California Adventure Park and convenient proximity to Disneyland Park and Downtown Disney District. This allows guests to easily explore all the magic the parks have to offer without the hassle of long commutes.

Early Park Admission

Guests staying at the Grand Californian enjoy the benefit of early park admission with Extra Magic Hour. This exclusive perk allows you to enter either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park an hour before the general public, giving you a head start on popular attractions and experiences.

Exclusive Entrance

The hotel features a private entrance directly into Disney California Adventure Park. This exclusive access means you can quickly and easily enter the park, bypassing the main entrances and saving valuable time.

Luxurious Amenities

The Grand Californian boasts luxurious amenities, including multiple pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the Mandara Spa, where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and massages.

Viewing Areas for World of Color

One of the standout perks is the exclusive viewing area for the "World of Color" water show at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests can enjoy this spectacular nighttime show from a special viewing location reserved for hotel guests, offering a fantastic vantage point without the crowds. Here are a few videos I took of the show from this viewing area.

These perks make staying at the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel and Resort a truly magical and convenient experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonder and excitement of Disneyland Resort.

Summary

We enjoyed a three-night stay at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Resort, nestled in the heart of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This luxurious hotel blends Craftsman-style architecture with modern amenities, offering spacious rooms and suites, multiple dining options, and a range of recreational facilities including pools and a spa. The grand lobby impresses with its exquisite woodwork, cozy fireplace, and live piano music, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The resort's well-maintained pools, diverse dining venues like the GCH Craftsman Grill and Hearthstone Lounge, and exclusive perks such as early park admission and private entrances enhance the overall magic of staying at this Disneyland gem.