Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

We stayed here for nearly a week in July 2025. The proximity to the parks and separate access to DCA are very handy, especially with young kids. Wish room was slightly larger, but overall an excellent stay.

We recently stayed at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for 4 nights, and while there were certainly some positives, a few disappointing aspects kept this from being the five-star experience we expected for the extravagant price point they are charging families. On the plus side, the cast-members were consistently friendly, welcoming and eager to help. Their warm attitude added a lot to the overall atmosphere of the hotel. The location is incredibly convenient, being able to walk directly to the parks and back to our room for midday breaks in hot summer days was a big plus, especially with kids. HOWEVER, the condition of our room left much to be desired. For a room that costs over $1,000 a night, we expected a much higher standard of cleanliness and upkeep. The carpet was visibly soiled and frayed in multiple areas. The main overhead light (the one integrated into the crown molding) didn’t work at all, so we had to rely solely on the small bedside lamps for lighting. One of the bed duvets was completely torn down on one side, which was quite surprising given the hotel’s luxury branding. The Keurig machine was also unreliable, failing to work four out of five times we tried it. The bathroom stool had clusters of hair stuck to it, which raised immediate hygiene concerns. Overall, while the service and location were excellent, the room condition was far below what anyone should accept at this price point. Disney can—and should—do better to meet the expectations of guests paying these premium rates.

This is just a wonderful warm resort, and the best jumping off point for a Disney vacation. Of course all folks need to decide abt price point - you’re paying at, near or even above true five star properties and there are plenty of very good four star options for less in the immediate area. I do think the hotel lobby in particular can feel as busy as an airport lounge, but you’re paying in part for a unique experience. Tip: I think most guests will prefer to be closer to that lobby (it’s a walk getting around the place) so do ask abt room location (we had a pool view room, I was taking my elderly father on holiday and while we didn’t get my first choice view of pool and DCA they did place us near enough to the lobby and I was happy). It’s a true resort: even squished a little between DCA and Downton Disney, the pool area and restaurants maintain the feel of a resort. The staff is to a person friendly. They go out of their way to be so. And I was most surprised by the room. They are not new, but I actually disagree with the claim they are too plain. I suppose it’s a matter of your taste. I liked the new rooms at the Grand Floridian in WDW, but these room are warm and full of wood. Smaller than some deluxe rooms at WDW, still very well laid out. The sofa was a little dated sure, but everything (everything - and I care abt this) felt clean, and the beds were terrific. We also had a larger balcony just bc we were at the end of the section so that was a joy for coffee in the morning. My biggest complaint would be again the crowds at times (and maybe when Napa Rose is back up that will make it less hectic), but I would spend on this location again. You don’t have to stay here to have an amazing Disney trip, and it’s less the location itself (which is incredible - I was able to let my dad nap every day, run to both parks and come back to get him to go back), than the special feeling of this place. I have stayed at her sister resorts — wilderness lodge and animal kingdom lodge — but this is probably my favorite. It’s just a special place. I actually take a little issue with the it’s not the Ritz/Four Seasons crowd. Of course it’s not! You’re staring at Disney. It’s a family resort, and it’s causal. But I have stayed at many of those properties around the world and this one is equally special in its own way, as a warm family resort. At times the crowds bothered me some, maybe there is something they can do abt the lobby crowds, but most of the time I just loved this property. I liked the rooms more than I thought, and the theming and the staff were better than I expected. It’s a special hotel experience and I would 10000% go back. If you’re a fan of Disney resorts, this is a great one and maybe the best one actually. Second tip: if you have a park hopper after 11am you really can easily cut through DCA to Disneyland via the dedicated entrance. You turn left as you come out and you are near the front gate in no time. Last tip: ride the rapids ride on the way out to hotel, you’re gonna get wet.

Beautiful hotel with excellent service and amenities connected to Disney’s California Adventure theme park and Downtown Disney. 10 min walk to Disneyland park. Gives you access to Early entry.

We recently visited Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for our daughter’s wedding—a momentous and deeply meaningful occasion for our family. While the hotel’s Craftsman-style architecture and prime location within the resort are undeniably impressive, the level of service we received did not reflect the standard one would expect from a property of this caliber, especially during such a significant life event. To begin, my wife and I were unable to check a small day bag at the bell desk—despite the fact that we were on property to host our daughter’s wedding and had spa appointments scheduled that afternoon. The bag contained a change of clothes for us to transition between the rehearsal, our spa visit, and the rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, because we were not overnight guests, our request was declined. This inflexible policy, applied without regard to the context or nature of our visit, felt both impersonal and unnecessarily rigid. More disappointing, however, was the quality of service provided by the cast members assigned to the wedding itself. Those overseeing the ceremony and reception did not display the level of engagement, enthusiasm, or attentiveness we had hoped for. What should have been a joyful and seamless celebration often felt transactional and, at times, indifferent—far from the “Disney magic” that is so often promised. While the Grand Californian offers a stunning setting, the execution and service fell short—particularly given the importance of the event and the significant investment involved. We are grateful for the memories made with family and friends, but the hotel’s lack of flexibility and underwhelming support left us disappointed on what should have been an extraordinary day.