Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is one of three properties located at the Disneyland Resort. This location is the closest hotel to both parks! And includes direct access into Disney California Adventure Park. I’ve stayed at all three properties the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel.
One of the benefits included when staying at any of these properties is Early Entry. This is access into one of the parks 30 minutes every morning before regular day guests. I’ve done Early Entry from all three hotels so I can give you helpful tips to make the most out of your morning. For me the biggest benefit of staying at the Grand Californian is the convenience of being back to your room so quickly after you leave the park. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about staying at this gorgeous Disney property! Find out the benefits of staying at the other Disney properties – Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel.
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About the rooms
The rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian are on point with added touches everywhere to make your stay feel more upscale. From the robes and slippers in your closet to the awesome rain shower head! Most of the rooms have 2 queen beds or one king bed. Rooms with 2 queen beds have a small couch or a sofa sleeper for a 5th guest.
If you have five in your group you can request a room with the sofa sleeper as shown below.
I love the bright beautiful bathrooms with the separate door to the shower and toilet area. Look for the hidden Mickey in the wallpaper in the bathroom! You can request a tub/shower combo if you have littles to bathe as shown below.
I booked our discounted room through Get Away Today, more details found at the end of this article. If you have a large group you can book a 2 or 3 bedroom suite. We did this last trip and it slept 12 people. The large gathering area was great to hang out in.
And we had a room with Downtown Disney views. These larger rooms are a special booking. Call 855-GET-AWAY for pricing and tell them Magical Tour Guide sent you for the best rates.
Early Entry perks for guests at the Grand Californian
When you stay at the Grand Californian every morning you have access into the parks 30 minutes before other park guests. We took advantage of this perk every day when we stayed. I have a complete article about how to make the most out of Early Entry. There are two ways to get into the park for Early Entry see options in photo below. Option A opens at 7:00 a.m. and option B opens around 7:20-7:25 a.m.
Make sure you have a reservation for the correct park on the correct day as follows…Disneyland on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Disney California Adventure on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No matter which day there is only one entrance I recommend using for Early Entry. Even though there is a private entrance for hotel guests into Disney California Adventure (option B above), I only suggest using the Downtown Disney security because it opens the earliest. This is the security check point (option A).
To make the most out of your time, leave your room at 6:30 a.m. and line up at security option A above. The security line will start moving at 7:00 a.m. Head through Downtown Disney to line up in front of the gates. There is no separate line for Early Entry hotel guests, just get in the shortest line. Around 7:25 a.m. they will let you in the assigned park. Look for Early Entry signs and then follow all my Early Entry tips. I also made a video documenting everything you need to know about Early Entry when staying at the Grand Californian.
Proximity to Disneyland
Disney’s Grand Californian hotel is the closest to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You can walk to the parks through Downtown Disney. But there is another entrance/exit into Disney California Adventure that’s so convenient with direct access (see photo below).
It’s located near the Grizzly River Run attraction. This entrance is for hotel guests only early in the morning, but the rest of the day anyone can use the entrance/exit into Disney California Adventure. You can also walk to the Monorail and take it directly into Tomorrowland at Disneyland if you have a park ticket. Read more about the Monorail.
Breakfast
There are a few options on site where you can eat breakfast. GCH Craftsman Grill is a quick service location kind of near the pools. This location offers quick options with bagels, pastries, fruit, yogurt etc. plus some hot items to order. Located nearby is the sit down version GCH Craftsman Bar where you order breakfast with amazing views of the pool. Lastly there is a character breakfast option near the lobby, Storyteller’s Cafe. This is a huge breakfast buffet with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale and Pluto.
Other dining locations
In addition you can dine at Hearthstone Lounge, open for lunch and dinner. Napa Rose is a fine dining dinner option at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. And Storyteller’s Cafe is open in the evening for dinner but it’s not a character dining in the evening. One of the best treats you’ll eat is located at the GCH Craftsman Grill. I love the peanut butter blondie.
As I mentioned they serve breakfast plus lunch and dinner at this quick service. Mobile order is available as well. If you’d like a relaxing sit down location by the pool check out GCH Craftsman Bar. The food here is really good. And all of these locations are available to anyone not just hotel guests!
Parking
There is parking on property including self or valet parking options. Parking fees apply.
Pools
The pool area is gorgeous, nestled in between the buildings and trees. There are 3 large pools, 2 hot tubs, a shallow kids pool, large water slide and baby water slide. There’s lots of lounge chairs for a nice relaxing day poolside. You can also order food and drinks while lounging around the pool. Don’t miss the pool, it’s heated year round!
Exclusive World of Color viewing
Guests staying at the Grand Californian have access to a private viewing area of World of Color from the 6th floor. Ask in the lobby how to get there. You must use your room key for this view from Paradise View Terrace. It’s available anytime to go and overlook Disney California Adventure. During the World of Color show the music is pumped in and you can see the show from high above.
More amenities
If you’re looking for specifc, Disney’s Grand Californian, merchandise they have it inside the gift shop located in the lobby. They also sell other Disney merchandise, clothing, plushes, pins etc. The beautiful lobby is a great place to hang out, listen to the live piano player, rock in a chair by the fire or let the kids watch cartoons.
Also the lobby often has seasonal displays and a treat cart with seasonal items. My favorite time to see the lobby is during Christmas time. The lobby has a huge tree, a giant gingerbread house and Santa meets with guests. It’s just so magical no matter what time of year you visit the Grand Californian.
Hold your luggage at Bell Services
On check in or check out day the hotel will hold your luggage. Just drop it off at bell services. They will hold it all day for you. This is great when you’re checking in if your room isn’t ready yet. Just drop your bags and head into the parks if you have a ticket. Or check out dining and shopping options a few steps away in Downtown Disney. Then on your check out day this is great as well. They will hold your bags so you can enjoy one last day in the parks.
Hotel deals and pricing
My travel partner over at Get Away Today has discounted rates for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Disney often offers specials like up to 20% and 30% off room rates during certain times of the year. Check here for pricing and availability. If you’re booking a vacation package (tickets + hotel) use promo code DTG10 for an additional $10 off your vacation. If you don’t see availability on your travel dates call 855-GET-AWAY for more rooms in their inventory. Make sure to tell them Magical Tour Guide sent you for the best prices. I personally have used Get Away Today to book my Disney vacations for over 15 years. Book with confidence, I 100% guarantee!
Come check out the Disneyland Hotel
Chek out the Pixar Place Hotel
First trip to Disneyland advice and helpful tips for planning!
