A Stay at Disney’s Grand Californian

“Find what brings you JOY and GO THERE!”

We have been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel as media with Disney on the Disney Cruise Line, have stayed at a few different places at Disney World and even Disney Aulani, but this was our first time being hosted at a Disneyland hotel, so we were pretty excited!;) I have been blogging for six years, but opportunities like this we never take for granted.

The moment you step into Disney’s Grand Californian you are in awe of the beauty. From the stunning stained glass doors, to the high vaulted ceilings, to the flower arrangements, every detail is so thought out. Here are some of the highlights of our stay…

Lobby – This is hands down my favorite lobby at any Disneyland resort. It is so large and spacious, the high vaulted ceilings with bungalow style beams and lighting are incredible. The huge fireplace with rockers make the perfect place to sit and relax while listening to live piano music. During the holidays they put up an enormous Christmas tree and gingerbread house that our kids love going to see. In years past (before covid) they have even had Santa and carolers singing at different times of the day. It is just magical!

Rooms – There is something to be said about a simple and clean space, with ample room for large families. With two queen beds and a pull out couch, there is a possibility of 5-6 people sleeping in a single room. I always love when there is a vanity separate from the toilet and shower, plus the shower nozzle was adjustable for shorter kiddos and there was a stool at the sink too. My husband loved that they had a coffee bar area with fridge, plus a patio to enjoy the nice weather (each room has a different view, ours overlooked Downtown Disney).

Pool Area – There are three large pools, one spa, one baby pool, one large slide and one small slide. This is the perfect place to hang out after a busy morning in the parks, or a rest day between park days! Our kids loved the slide and I just loved watching them from my lounge chair.

Restaurants – There are plenty of places to eat at the hotel, from fine dining to casual to-go places. We have actually eaten at all of them over the years and have never been disappointed. If you are looking for a special date night, I highly recommend Napa Rose, the menu usually changes with the seasons and the wine list is pretty extensive. Story Tellers is great for a character breakfast and the food is really tasty. Craftsman grill has a bar area at the pool, a sit down patio or a quick to-go service.

• Napa Rose (princess breakfast or dinner)
• Craftsman Bar & Grill (casual dining)
• Story Tellers Cafe (character buffet for breakfast, buffet for dinner)
• Hearthstone Lounge (cocktails, snacks or continental breakfast)

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Easy Access to Parks and Downtown Disney – The only Disneyland hotel that has a direct entrance into a park, California Adventure. You can go through a quick security and check in line and then be inside the park. You also have easy access to Downtown Disney to eat and shop.

Tenaya Stone Spa – Opening September 16th, 2021 after a complete renovation. I actually went to the spa here for my Bachelorette party the day before we got married, so I can’t wait to go back to check out all the changes!! Currently spa reservations are only for hotel guests.