Disney Hotel Lady

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the top tier hotel on Disneyland property. Let’s recap what all the Disneyland hotels have in common, as stated in my Disneyland Hotel post:

“Let me start off by saying – so that it’s no secret! – I absolutely ADORE the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian. Having only walked through the new Pixar Place Hotel so far, I am inclined to say I will adore that one as well. I will try to be as unbiased as I can. But just know up front, the Disneyland hotels are the bee’s knees to me! 😉

These hotels are not inexpensive. The Grand Californian is the most expensive hotel in the area. But the attention to detail and service provided in these hotels is top quality, as you may have expected from Disney.

Let’s start off discussing what all the Disneyland hotels have in common (pending my stay at Pixar Place) and then we’ll move on to the individual characteristics.

There’s an amazing pool(s), hot tub(s), gym, and restaurants. There’s laundry facilities, ice and vending machines, and gift shops.”

A unique feature of the Grand is the onsite spa, which I have not had the opportunity to visit since its reimagining. I have heard and seen nothing but good things, so I highly anticipate my next massage or pedicure there.

For services and pricing at the Tenaya Stone Spa, visit their website here: https://na.spatime.com/dlr92802/4802218/home

LOBBY

The Grand’s lobby is just a sight to behold and should be visited by everyone at least once in their life. The main entrance is sliding doors that are done in a stained-glass fashion. They are truly beautiful! But since the Grand is so popular, they are rarely closed. Thus, many people do not even know the true beauty they are passing through. If you are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of them, try to snap a picture of a truly rare event! (Or maybe sneak down at night 😉)

The lobby is very large with tons of seating. Most popular (yet secluded) are the craftsman wooden rocking chairs near the oversized fireplace. If you can find a seat there, you may not want to leave!

There are also small chairs around a TV constantly playing cartoons to entertain the kiddos while you check in, check out, or just enjoy the ambiance.

POOL

While everything else about the Grand is indeed grand in scale, the pool is not. Don’t get me wrong, there is a very large pool area here, complete with slides for the kids. I just happen to think the Disneyland Hotel pool is bigger (especially with the additional area added with the new Discovery tower.)

The best thing about the pool area, though, IMHO, is the Craftsman Bar. Situated on the East side of the pool area, Craftsman Bar is a delightful place to enjoy al fresco dining and cocktails – whether or not you are also enjoying the pool. This is also where the poolside service will come from if you prefer to order from your lounger.

RESTAURANTS

I’ve already mentioned the Craftsman Bar, but the lesser-known Craftsman Grill is also a nice place to pick up a quick meal. This is the quick service, or fast food, location on property. It can be hard to find, as it’s tucked away at the end of the path behind the Craftsman Bar.

Inside the lobby, you’ll find the Hearthstone Lounge. The focus here is the cocktails, therefore the food menu is on the smaller side. But they have an EXTENSIVE whiskey/scotch list. We tried a Japanese (of all things!) whiskey here the last time we dined. There’s also limited al fresco dining here, if the “fireside” feel of the inside is not your thing.

Napa Rose is the premier dining location at this hotel — probably all of the Disneyland Resort area. The food and drink here are absolutely a foodie’s dream. I do not claim to be a foodie, but some good friends might argue against that, haha. I’ve never ever had a bad meal here, nor bad service for that matter. I’ve never ever heard bad things about it from anyone else. Reservations are required and go fast. If you aren’t lucky enough to grab one, you can try eating in the lounge which does not require a reservation (but is also popular and can fill up quickly.)

Finally, Storytellers Cafe is the character meal. For breakfast and brunch, you can munch chilaquiles while Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, and Pluto greet you in their adventurers costumes. They do a little march around the restaurant every hour or so. Kids are encouraged to join if they like. Many argue this has the best food at a character meal, and I agree. Dinner is a buffet, but no characters.

GYM

The gym here is “grand” so let’s take a little pictorial tour.

ROOM

Some rooms face into California Adventure or Downtown Disney. This can be exciting or noisy, depending on your feeling. Either way, you usually choose these views as a category when booking so you can pursue or avoid them at the outset.

We had a standard view, but got a peak at Goofy’s Sky School from our window.

Here’s your tour of the room:

Tips

You do not have to be staying at the Grand to walk around and explore the lobby and gift shop or eat at any of the restaurants. If you are in the area and aren’t sure if you’d like to stay here, come by and have a look around.

Or if Storytellers Cafe or one of the other restaurants sound up your alley for your trip to Disneyland, you can make a reservation and come here just to eat.

You can use the pool on your check in or check out day. There is a shower in the restroom so you can freshen up and change. (See video below.)

You are entitled to the Early Entry amenity for Disney hotel guests on your check in and check out days. If you have a park ticket and reservation, taking advantage of that early time for hotel guests can be a great way to make the most of your ticket.

There are two entrances to California Adventure from this hotel. One is between Napa Rose and the Craftsman Bar; it enters DCA just outside of Grizzly River Run. In the morning, this entrance is limited to Disneyland Resort hotel guests. The other is on the South side of the property and enters DCA next to Goofy’s Sky School. This entrance/exit is exclusive to Disneyland Resort hotel guests.

Conclusion

As I said, I LOVE this hotel. I would never hesitate to recommend it. If this works with your budget or sounds like a nice splurge, come, stay, enjoy! You’ll be glad you did.

Don’t have a travel agent? Book here with mine! Self-serve on their website or contact them to get your personal agent.

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