Vacation in the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland

If you are heading to Disneyland in California, a stay at the Grand Californian Hotel is so special! Let me tell you why!

The Grand Californian Hotel is the prettiest of the Disney-owned hotels in California, in my opinion. It has the feel of a grand national park lodge, with lots of craftsman-style touches. Resort amenities include many on-site dining options, pools, a spa, laundry facilities, and its own direct entrance to California Adventure.

One of the perks to staying at a Disney-owned hotel at Disneyland is early park entrance. Staying at the Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, or Paradise Pier (soon to be re-imagined as a Pixar themed hotel!) will all allow you early entrance. Right now, this is a 7:30am entrance and general park admittance is 8:00am.

All the Disney-owned hotels are close to the two parks, Disneyland and California Adventure, although I consider the Grand Californian the closest of the three hotels. This means it’s very easy to come back to the hotel during the day: to rest, nap, change clothes, eat a meal, anything!

I also like that the Grand Californian offers character dining right at the hotel. (You do NOT need to be a hotel guest to make a reservation, though!) But it was very nice to wake up, come downstairs, and pop right into a breakfast (we did book in advance) with Mickey, Minnie, Chip, and Dale at Storyteller’s Cafe. Super convenient and easy!

I also love the Grand Californian’s high level of service. They accept deliveries for you – including the stroller I rented and the groceries I had delivered – and held them for me until I was ready to pick them up.

If you want even more convenience, you can book a room on the Club/Concierge Floor and gain access to the Club! They provide lots of drinks, snacks, and bites in the Club level, free to Club-level guests. Very cool!