Hotel Review: The Grand Californian Hotel
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Resort and Spa is the Disneyland Resort’s fanciest hotel you can stay in. Due to the hefty price tag that is associated with ‘staying at the Grand’, it often becomes a bucket list stay. Where nearly every Disney fan hopes to stay at least once in their lifetime.
I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel with friends for a celebratory trip to Disneyland.
This post will be a complete review and experience of staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Resort and Spa! Hoping to give insight to what staying at the Grad would be like.
Full disclosure, this is not a sponsored post. My friends and I paid for this hotel stay ourselves, with no discounts or compensations. All views and critiques are my own.
What To Expect Staying at Disney’s Grand Californian
For some, like myself, it might be a little intimidating to stay at such a fancy hotel. Figuring this was the most elegant hotel I had ever stayed at, I was definitely nervous (yet also excited), to experience it all.
Let’s dive right in to what you can expect when you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian!
This hotel is just an all around absolutely stunning hotel. It is themed after California’s iconic redwoods. Now, from the outside, this Redwood theming almost gives it a non-Disney feel.
There is nothing about the street view from the hotel that hints that it is a Disney hotel.
For some, like myself, it might be a little intimidating to stay at such a fancy hotel. Figuring this was the most elegant hotel I had ever stayed at, I was definitely nervous (yet also excited), to experience it all.
Let’s dive right in to what you can expect when you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian!
This hotel is just an all around absolutely stunning hotel. It is themed after California’s iconic redwoods. Now, from the outside, this Redwood theming almost gives it a non-Disney feel.
There is nothing about the street view from the hotel that hints that it is a Disney hotel.
Grand Californian Hotel: Location
Let’s be honest, the top thing that Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is known for is its ideal location and proximity to the Disney parks.
One of the main reasons why you would stay at any Disneyland Resort hotel is because of their location to the parks!
Sure, the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier are close to the parks, but they are still across the street from Downtown Disney, and the Disney parks.
They don’t get you as close as Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. You cannot beat this location! The hotel has its own private entrance to Downtown Disney, and Disney’s California Adventure Park!
And it is those exclusive entrances that make you feel like you are a VIP, with VIP access to the parks!
You get your own security where the lines typically move a lot quicker, meaning that you are able to get into the parks a lot sooner to maximize your time.
In Downtown Disney, you get dropped off right between Sephora and The Dress Shop, which puts you closer to the left hand side gates to enter Disneyland (usually the shorter lines). For Disney’s California Adventure park, your entrance is right across from Grizzly River Run. Putting you close to Soarin’ Around the World, as well as fairly close to Pixar Pier.
Why is this so important? Well, it definitely gives you the upper hand, when it comes to getting to the parks in the morning.
Disney’s Grand Californian: Cost
Now let’s break down the cost of staying at Disneyland’s most luxurious hotels.
Like with most other hotels, the price does fluctuate depending on the time of year, and the day of the week that you stay.
Now despite all of this, it is also important to remember that Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is the most expensive out of all three Disneyland Resort Hotels.
If you are looking to stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, you can expect to pay between $500 – $700/night for their standard room.
Now if this is over your budget or more than what you are willing to pay, then know that Disney does offer discounts to stay at their hotels when you stay during their promotional times.
Most of the promotions are around 20% off when you book and stay during the set dates of the promotion.
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Grand Californian Review: Parking
Regardless of how you are getting to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, you are going to need to know where to park your car, or get dropped off by an Uber.
At the front of the hotel, (facing Harbor Blvd), there is the drop-off zone, the valet parking, and someone to give you directions if you wish to self-park.
To get to this loading zone, you must enter the hotel gates, and confirm your reservation, by providing the last name on the reservation and showing your ID. After you have all been confirmed, then you are able to pull into their giant vestibule where you get cast members to help you unload your luggage. This is where valet takes your car, or where you can turn around to get to the self-parking lot to park your car.
Self-Parking Option
When you utilize their self-park parking, you will receive a green tag to place into your front windshield for the self-park parking lot.
The tag had Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel logo, the name of your party, and the dates of your stay.
This allows only Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel guests that have a valid reservation
Then you pull up to the vestibule where there are cast members to help with luggage if you need it. This is also the place to get the valet parking).
The actual self-park parking lot is across the street, next to Paradise Pier, and behind the Disneyland Resort. It really isn’t that far away from the hotel, even though it is across the street.
The self-park lot is almost like a street that also connects to the other Disneyland Resort Hotel’s parking lots making the whole lot separated by which hotel you are staying at.
The lot for The Grand Californian Hotel is the first one closest to the street. It honestly isn’t that far away from the hotel and is probably one of the closest parking lots to the hotel, that I’ve stayed at.
Self-parking does cost $35/ per night*, per vehicle. This typically is a separate cost that isn’t included in the cost of the hotel.
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Valet Parking Option
The valet parking is similar to self-parking. You pull into the front gates of The Grand Californian Hotel, get your tag, and pull up to the vestibule. There you tell them that you are there for valet parking, and they ask if you need any help with your bags.
When you tell them that you are there for valet, they will then park your car for you in their designated valet parking area. I am pretty sure that this area is really close to the hotel. Spots may be limited, so it is important to plan ahead.
The cost of valet is $55/ per night*, per vehicle. Again this is a separate cost that isn’t included in the cost of the stay.
To ensure that you get valet, I would recommend checking in early through the Disneyland App. This can help the hotel prepare for your stay prior to your arrival. If you need help with the Disneyland App, check out this post here. And more on early check-in through the app a bit later.
Grand Californian Hotel Review: Rooms
The Grand Californian Hotel has a variety of different hotel rooms to choose from depending on your needs. As well as accessible rooms for all of their room types. It is important to notice, that sometimes the main difference between some of the rooms is solely the view that you get with the balcony.
Most of their rooms have 2 queen size beds, along with a daybed/sofa couch. Additionally, you can add cribs, and roll-a-way beds available upon request. This makes the rooms customizable to fit the needs of your family or group.
There are also bedroom suites, which vary in size between one, two, and even three-bedroom. This is a great option to select if you are traveling in a larger group size. For booking a room of this size, it might be difficult to get a estimate of cost on the website, and it might require calling directly for cost and booking.
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If you are a member or thinking about becoming a member of Disney’s Vacation Club, there are specific suites and villas for Vacation Club members. In fact, there is a special hotel ‘wing’ for DVC members. There is an office for more information on Disney’s Vacation Club next to the Eureka Fitness Center.
If you would like more specific details about Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Rooms, check out; Disneyland Resort Hotels.
What To Expect at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
If you have never walked on the grounds of Disney’s Californian Grand Hotel, then the whole experience might be a little bit overwhelming! I know it definitleyw as for me the first time I visited.
In a nutshell, you can expect superior service from cast members and Disney details in every corner.
The Hotel Lobby
The lobby is the first thing that you walk into when you enter the hotel. Personally, I think that you can tell a lot about a hotel based upon their lobby. Typically hotels try to put their best foot forward, as it is the first impression of the hotel.
It is an understatement to say that it takes your breath away when you first walk in. I’ve been to quite a few different hotels throughout my travels. None quite compare to this one, with the exception of maybe Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, at Walt Disney World.
For starters the size is just incredible. Even when it is filled with people, there seems to be so much room. Additionally, the decor throughout is just insane. I am pretty sure that I spend at least an hour in the lobby, and still found something new that I didn’t see before!
Reception Desk
Now you might be thinking the Reception Desk is just for checking in and checking out, but the reception desk at The Grand Californian Hotel is different.
At the reception desk, they can also help you make an itinerary for your stay, help with dining reservations, help with maps and park information, and so much more!
Additionally, they can help with any wheelchair services that might be needed during your stay (stay tuned for a Disability Access Service post coming soon).
It is safe to say that the cast members at the reception desk do it all at this hotel. And of course, all of the cast members are happy to help with anything you need. Disney’s cast member customer service has yet to be beat!
Piano Music of Disney Songs
The lobby has a piano that is playing Disney music which just helps add to the whole ambiance. During the morning, the piano either plays by itself, or they are just playing piano music through a sound system. But I could have sworn that I saw the keys moving on their own one morning on my way to the parks!
Typically during the late afternoon and evenings, there is a pianist that plays the music live which is such an enjoyable touch. There really is something about live music, especially piano that makes the whole scene of the lobby feel like home. It is truly designed for everyone to enjoy.
Fully Themed Experience
To say that The Grand Californian Hotel is themed is a giant understatement! The lobby is by far incredible, and that beauty and detail carry throughout every inch of the resort. It is said that the hotel is designed after Californian craftsman history.
Despite having a design throughout that is dedicated to Californian craftsman style, there are many subtle Disney touches. There are hidden mickey’s throughout the whole hotel, as well as other characters.
Because there is a forestry theme with the Californian Craftsman style, you can find chip and dale hanging out in the trees on the walls or in the wallpaper.
Cozy Fireplaces
There are little nooks within the lobby where there is a crackling fireplace, creating a beautiful area with plenty of lounge space to relax and enjoy the fire.
These little nooks are close to the live pianist that plays during the afternoon and evenings. Truly, the lobby completely encompasses you in a relaxing Disney environment to enjoy.
Eureka Fitness center
A good hotel wouldn’t be complete without a fitness center. The Eureka Fitness Center at The Grand Californian Hotel truly was one of a kind.
Whether you are into yoga, pilates, treadmill running, etc., there is a large variety of equipment to use. Not to mention a decent selection of free weights, as well as foam rollers, and yoga mats, creating an environment that works for anyone.
Additionally, they do offer instructor-led fitness classes, however they were unavailable during my stay. These instructor-let fitness classes aren’t just limited to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel guests. Guests at any Disneyland Resort Hotel can book and utilize the classes that they offer.
If you’re interested in more information about the fitness classes offered, check out; Disneyland Fitness Classes.
Multiple Pools
This hotel has 3 pools to choose from, in addition to a smaller pool specifically for small children.
The Fountain Pool, which is located near the GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill. The Redwood pool, which has a waterslide for all ages to enjoy. As well as the Mariposa pool.
Additionally, there are cabanas that you can rent for the day to have your own area to enjoy the water.
My group and I really looked forward to checking them out during our stay, but unfortunately due to the thunderstorm that came through, we were unable to go out and enjoy them as they closed due to safety.
Room Key Through Disneyland App
One of the nice things about staying at the Grand Californian Hotel is that with the Disneyland App, you can use it to unlock your doors.
This is available to guests whether they utilize the early check-in through the app or not. However, your hotel reservation will need to be linked to your Disney account through the app. It is super easy to link the hotel reservation to the app, you can check out my blog on the Disneyland app, or you can talk to a cast member when you arrive.
This feature is really nice, as it means you won’t have to worry about loosing the hotel key card. The room key through the mobile app is also how you access early access through the parks.
On-Site Restaurants
The on-resort restaurants are incredible! I seriously always analyze how close restaurants are when I am trying to find a hotel to stay at. When a hotel has a restaurant on-site, I am in heaven. Thankfully, staying at The Grand Californian Hotel, there were four restaurants on-resort!
All of their restaurants are located just a quick walk just outside the lobby, giving guests a variety of choices when it comes to food.
Keep scrolling for the full breakdown of the four different restaurants. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to eat at all of the restaurants during my trip, but I was able to eat at 1 out of the 4. Honestly, I wish that I had more time so that I could try them all because the food was just incredible!
Perks of On-Resort
There are a few perks that come to stay on-resort at Disney. This goes for both Disneyland and Disney World. I personally would always recommend staying on-resort as it makes things just that much easier.
One perk of staying on-resort is proximity to parks. Specifically, here at The Grand Californian Hotel, there are special hotel guest access points directly to Downtown Disney and Disney’s California Adventure.
For some fun hotel trivia, check out this video by Provost Park Pass. The video goes over some of the cool things that you can find at The Grand Californian Hotel.
Grand Californian Hotel: Restaurants
One of the nice things about staying at The Grand Californian Hotel is the variety of restaurants to choose from that are all located on-site. This makes finding a place to eat during the stay much easier.
There are 4 different restaurants to choose from, and each one brings something a little different to the table.
All of the restaurants are really close regardless of where you stay at the hotel. Our hotel was by the front on the fourth floor, we could see the vestibule from our balcony. It took us less than 5 minutes to go from our room to the GCH Grill for our dining reservation.
What is really nice about the restaurants is that anyone can make a reservation there! This is a great way to enjoy some of that Disney magic without needing valid park tickets. Additionally, it can be an affordable option to do character dining without splurging on taking a trip to the parks.
When it comes to planning to eat at any of their restaurants in The Grand Californian, it is important to try and make a reservation. It helps secure a table, less waiting. Reservations can be made online, up to 60 days prior to the desired date.
Additionally, there is a bar located to the back right of the lobby, called Hearthstone Lounge. This is a perfect spot to get a drink, grab a snack, and relax near the fireplace in the lobby.
Storyteller’s Cafe
This cafe is specially designed for Character dining, and where you can enjoy breakfast with Mickey Mouse and his pals. All while enjoying a buffet-style menu for either breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
The cost typically ranges between $35-$60/person for any time of day. Which does include a 3-hr complimentary parking validation, whether you utilize self-park or valet parking. For a look at the menu and what’s included, you can check out their site here.
GCH Grill
This restaurant opens up at 6:45 am and closes at 10 pm. This is one of the only restaurants at The Grand Californian that doesn’t need a dining reservation.
They serve lots of different options for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. As well as other portable to-go options for lunch, snacks, and dinner.
Additionally, a cast member informed me that they have the same/similar menu to The Grand Californian Hotel Bar. The two are close to each other, but the bar is poolside.
GCH Bar
Right along with the side of one of their three pools; the GCH Bar has a full bar and a full menu. Catering more towards adults, with specialty drinks along with classics.
Originally, my group had a dinner reservation here, but unfortunately due to weather (thanks to a random thunderstorm), it got canceled. However, as stated previously the GCH Grill has the same food menu, so we were able to try what we would have tried had the reservation stayed.
Napa Rose
The Grand Californian’s Award-Winning restaurant, combining a high-class feel with the magic of Disney. Offering a variety of offerings for dinner on their menu, while also offering specialty Thanksgiving style dinners during the holiday season.
At Napa Rose is also where you can can experience Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure. The cost for this Disney Princess breakfast starts at $125 a person. However it does include a 3-course breakfast, as well as a few Disney Princess to come and greet you at your table.
I have heard nothing but good things about eating here, and their menu looks delicious. Personally, I haven’t yet tried out this one, but hopefully will be able to one day.
Reservations do book up for this place fast, so be sure to make those dining reservations up to 60 days before.
Disneyland App at Grand Californian Hotel
The Disneyland App is extremely user-friendly and can be very helpful before, during, and after the trip. For more information specifically on the various things, the app has to offer, read about my breakdown here. But for now, here is how it helps when staying at The Grand Californian Hotel.
The Disneyland App allows you to check into your hotel 5 days prior to your check-in date. Through the online check-in, you are able to tell them roughly what time you will arrive, and what type of parking you will be using.
When you utilize the early check-in feature, you can use the app to unlock the hotel door! This means when you arrive you can go straight to the room, no need to go to the reservations desk.
By selecting the early check-in feature through the app, you give the hotel a rough time frame of when you plan on checking in/arriving at the hotel. Just before the time, you select, they will send you a text when your room is ready, along with your room number allowing you to go directly to the room.
However, if you do wish to have physical keys, then you can get some at the reservation desk. You just need to show the ID with the name attached to the reservation and tell them how many keys you would like. It’s that simple.
Grand Californian Hotel FAQ:
Staying at a hotel like Disney’s Grand Californian is bound to come with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
If you have any further questions or would like a specific question answered, don’t hesitate to reach out via email at; red@redthetraveler.com.
Does Disney Grand Californian have free breakfast?
No, this hotel doesn’t offer a free breakfast. Nor any type of breakfast add on to your hotel stay. However, they do have many portable or on-the-go options for breakfast you can purchase at the GCH Grill.
Additionally, there is room service available upon request for a fee.
Is Grand Californian DVC open?
Yes, the Vacation Club Villas reopened at The Grand Californian Hotel on May 2, 2021. Meaning that they reopened only a few days after the parks had their reopening.
At the time, the hotel was only open to California Residents but has since been reopened to the rest of the guests, as pandemic limitations have changed.
Do all rooms at the Grand Californian have balconies?
Yes, all of the rooms at The Grand Californian Hotel have private balconies. The only way that they differ is in their view. There are perks to having different views, obviously noise level is one thing to consider.
Surprisingly, our room faced the front entrance where people drive up, and our noise level was quiet. In fact one night we kept our balcony open all night because the weather was so nice!
Can Disneyland hotel guests use the Grand Californian entrance?
Yes, if you are staying at any Disneyland Resort Hotel you can utilize the entrance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
There is a lot of chatter on the internet about whether you can do this, and I can confirm that you can use this entrance if you have a valid hotel stay at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels.
When I was staying there, I am pretty sure I heard a guest talk to the security at the front gate, and because they showed proof that they were staying at Paradise Pier, the guard let them through.
Additionally I have stayed at Paradise Pier Hotel and have been allowed to use the entrance.
Is the pool at Grand Californian heated?
The pools at The Grand Californian Hotel are open all year round and are heated for guests’ enjoyment. They can also be enjoyed from 9 am to 9 pm on most days. During busy times, they can have varying hours, like from 8 am to 12 am (midnight).
Be sure to check with a working cast member at the hotel to see what the hotel hours are during your stay so you can enjoy the pools.
It is important to note that the pools will close early for weather, if the safety of the guests is in question.
The Wrap-Up: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Review
Staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It truly gives you the opportunity to be as close to staying in the parks as it gets. Staying here allows you to eat, breathe, and sleep in the Disney magic during the whole stay.
There are a lot of perks that are offered through staying, which just make the experience that much more enjoyable. In fact, I wrote a post on 15 Reasons To Stay At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, check it out for more amazing reasons to stay at this amazing resort and spa.
I don’t know if I will be able to stay at The Grand Californian Hotel again, but I am truly grateful for the experience that I had there. The cast members were so kind and helpful, the service was top notice. Plus let’s face it, any trip to Disneyland is a magical one.
Staying at the Grand Californian Hotel is something that should be experienced at least once. There isn’t too much more that I can say about it because it is truly an incredible feeling and experience that you get when you stay there.
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Personal Final Thoughts:
Staying at The Grand Californian Hotel really was a treat! The whole experience was incredible and I would do it again in a heartbeat! There is something magical about the Disney experience that you can’t find at the other hotels. If I could, I would always stay at this hotel for all my future Disneyland adventures.
This Disney resort should be experienced at least once in your lifetime. There isn’t much more that I can say about the resort itself. It is an incredible fully immersive experience that is something that can’t be replicated anywhere else. It definitely is worth every penny to stay here!
*The cost of the parking has increased as of October 25, 2021. The prices in this post should be accurate, but you can read more about the price increases from this blog here.
