Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Have stayed here several times with my family and have found it increasingly difficult over the years to justify the expense of staying here. One of the few remaining factors that led us to stay here again was the soon to be discontinued early entry into the park. Disney’s decision is incredibly disappointing. The rides all three morning during early entry time into the park had lines and the crowds to enter were long so Disney’s assertion that few used the privilege seem somewhat suspect. Additionally early entry also gave guests of the hotel a leg up on packing rides in before the crowds took off. The new policy of providing one lighting lane for your entire stay is like a slap to the face. The standard hotel rooms are incredibly small and well worn, our housekeeping team was great though. Since our last stay they changed the fans in the bathroom to ones that run constantly, so if you can imagine a sound just below a refrigerator running, but running continuously during your stay it is rather annoying, especially at that price point. The hotel is also incredibly busy, from the many restaurants, people coming to view the lobby and guests from other hotels cutting through the lobby, it is loud and unappealing to linger long on the lobby area. It will get worse once the Pixar pier hotel entrance to California adventure is closed and everyone is rerouted through the hotel, and not to mention the long lines to get through security in the morning. Staff interactions were also mixed, several seem rather disinterested to be there, given the chaos in the lobby I don’t blame them, others were great, just wasn’t the immersive Disney bubble experience we felt when we first started staying there. Security guards into the park were also very much more short with guests, they have a lot on their plate, but short tempered employees seemed more prevalent this go around. There still are some good things, it’s the closest hotel so pretty easy to step out and take a break or change clothes if you get drenched on grizzly mountain and at least during our stay, they opened the security lines into downtown Disney well before the main gates so hotel guests were able to get to the front of the gates at Disneyland or California Adventure without much worry, but that privilege isn’t guaranteed. To get to the front of the line for security for when they opened at 6:45 during our stay we had to get there anywhere from 45 to 30 minutes in advance. But not sure these few perks really justify the cost. Overall an underwhelming experience, especially compared to the great stays we’ve had during equally busy periods of time. Without the early entry perk we may switch back to the Marriott with the water park across the street, bigger rooms and about half the price and it’s about the same distance away as the Disneyland Hotel.

Our stay at the Grand Californian was truly magical from the moment we walked in. The hotel is stunning — warm wood, beautiful details everywhere, and everything feels clean, cozy, and welcoming. It’s one of those places where you instantly relax. The rooms were spotless and felt like a peaceful escape after busy park days. One of the biggest perks for our family was having a private entrance straight into California Adventure. It made such a difference with kids. When they hit that “I’m done” moment in the afternoon, we could slip right back to the room for naps without trekking across the whole resort. That alone made the stay worth it. We also loved the pool area. There are options for every age — relaxing spaces for adults, fun areas for the kids, and plenty of room to unwind. It’s perfect for a mid-day break or a full “rest day” without ever leaving the hotel. The spa is beautiful too — calming, clean, and the perfect treat if you can sneak away for a little mom time. Overall, the Grand Californian feels luxurious but incredibly family-friendly. The atmosphere, convenience, and comfort made our trip smoother, happier, and so much easier with kids. We would absolutely stay here again.

Honestly the most disappointing hotel stay of the year. We travel a lot and have stayed at many off property hotels, everyone had told us about Grand Californian so we thought we should try it. What a complete joke of a hotel. Noise so bad it shook the headboards of our beds for almost 8 straight hours… front desk solution? Try ear plugs. We went to storybook cafe for character dining, waited over 75 mins and hadn’t seen half the characters, were told “too bad it can take up to 90 mins” (btw by the time we got our check and left it was past 90 mins and they still hadn’t show up. The hotel is super packed with people in every nook and cranny, it’s less a tranquil retreat as it is an extension of the park chaos. Do yourself a favor, save $300+ a night and stay across the way at the Westin. It’s a nicer property, with nicer amenities and less than 10 mins extra walk.

I want to give my complete unsponsored opinion about my stay and experience. Keeping in mind, this stay had been a bucket list item for me ever since the hotel opened. The Good: Convenience. Truthfully its about the only true benefit. Sure the lobby is beautiful, and the staff are A++. But just about everything falls flat when paying 600+ a night on a weeknight. The convenience of being able to walk straight in and out of Disney California Adventure is a HUGE benefit for families. The bad: The rooms are in desperate need for a renovation. If I'm paying 600+ a night the fixtures in the shower should be clean of grime and scaling and not have the water shoot in 50 different directions. While the bedding and entertainment are nice the bathroom and mini fridge need help. The mini fridge hardly keeps items cold so don't plan on keeping that can of beer or bottle of wine cold for a treat after a long day in the park. The "What the heck": Pricing. I get it, you're at Disney and they have you in a chokehold but come on. 14 bucks for a bottle of beer? I live 30 mins from New York City and have never seen that expensive of a bottle. Also, $70 per person for a breakfast buffet? Just because there are some characters walking around that is completely insane. Positive suggestions: reevaluate the menu and food options. This extends into Disneyland as well. Most kids have basic taste buds. Pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggs/grilled chicken, cheese pizza, etc. Sometimes as parents we don't want to fight another battle and just want a basic selection to choose from to get our kids some quick food. Also, what would it cost to have a bottle or two of complimentary water in the rooms. Most competitors do. Its a small gesture. Show a little value. Also, find a way to add a monorail stop. This would only add to the convenience level and drive more people to stay at this property. After a long 10+ hour marathon in the park it would be incredible to just hitch a ride to get back to the hotel.

This is outright one of Disney’s best resorts. Located next to Disney California Adventure, it’s a quant yet expansive resort with a large pool area, several dining options (Hearthstone Lounge, GCH Craftsman Grill, Storytellers Cafe, and Napa Rose) on top of room service, a three-pool pool area, fitness center, and spa. It also features access into Downtown Disney with Disneyland Park just a short walk away. Tips - Takeout is available at Hearthstone Lounge (bar drinks) and Craftsman Grill, which also features quick servicing dining. - You can many times join the walk-up list for GCH Craftsman Grill (table service), otherwise try to secure a reservation for other locations - Lounging in the lobby is a great rest option from the parks, which features a dessert and coffee bar (with some adult beverages)