The Grand Californian Resort and Spa has recently become my go-to hotel accommodations for any “big” Disneyland trips.  My perspective on this hotel, that I once felt was way outside of my price range (and really wondered whether or not it was worth it) has completely changed.  Today I’m sharing an overall hotel review along with why I now recommend the Grand Californian for all families traveling to Disneyland.   

First of all, let’s just address the major elephant in the room.  Staying at the Grand Californian is EXPENSIVE.  There, I’ve said it.  It just is.  Even with their best discounts, this hotel is on the level of a premium luxury hotel anywhere else in the world.  I am very aware that its price-point makes staying here unattainable for most families.  But for those who can, let me share why I think it’s worth the splurge. 

The Grand Californian was designed to feel like staying in an upscale ski lodge and it definitely lives up to that vibe.  I would describe the décor as “cozy”.  There’s just such a cozy, warm feeling when you walk into the lobby, and depending on what time of day you check-in, you may be serenaded by a pianist.  While you wait for your room, you can grab a drink from the nearby Hearthstone Lounge and bring it over to the giant fireplace in the lobby as you bask in the glow of the fire and relax into the cozy rocking chairs.  This feeling exists everywhere you go; from the hallways leading to your room to the pool outside.  

While I personally do not feel like the rooms are anything to write home about, they do offer a couple of key amenities that make for an exceptionally comfortable stay.  The beds are insanely comfortable (you’ll want to crawl in after a long day at the parks) and each comes with a balcony which is great for chilling and sipping on a coffee (or other beverage) as you wind down or gear up for your day ahead. 

The rooms, however, are not why you stay at the Grand Californian.  You stay at this resort for the hotel amenities.  Not only does this resort have a world class spa, but they also have the only premiere dining in all of the parks: Napa Rose.  Napa Rose is a fine dining restaurant with a menu designed by renowned chef Andrew Sutton.  There is an a la carte menu (don’t sleep on the “Smiling Tiger Salad”, you’ll thank me later) and a prix fixe menu called “The Vintner’s Table” which can come complete with a wine pairing.  

Napa Rose also hosts the only princess character dining experience in the parks, the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures.  This character dining experience is so over the top it had me questioning if it was really for kiddos or their parents.  The hotel also offers another character dining experience including Mickey, Minnie, with Chip and Dale at the Storytellers Café.  This is your more traditional character dining experience with a buffet (and a more affordable price tag).

Beyond that, the additional food options at Hearthstone Lounge and Craftsman Grill are top notch, making the food at the Grand Californian, as a whole, some of the best in all of Disneyland.  

Another reason why the Grand Californian has become my go-to hotel for Disneyland, is the direct access to Disney’s California Adventure theme park.  The hotel has its very own entrance into the park making it super easy to go back and forth if you need to drop a layer or two, or just need to rest your feet for a few. When you pair this with the 30 minutes of extra magic hours for Disney hotel guests, you really can’t beat the crowds in any better way. 

The Grand Californian also offers a private viewing deck for hotel guests to watch World of Color.  This has been such a huge benefit to me in the past, especially when I’m vacationing with little ones who have a very early bedtime. 

There are even more reasons to stay here including access to special tours and workout classes but you’ll need to check in to find out exactly what’s being offered during your stay.  

As you can tell, I am in LOVE with this hotel experience.  It may come at a high cost, but I think it’s one of the best options for visiting Disneyland.  If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, then it’s worth saving and doing it up at this hotel.  I hope you found this Grand Californian hotel review helpful and stay tuned for more reviews coming soon.