The hotel featuring exclusive access to Disneyland: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Envision a luxurious hotel with a welcoming fireplace in a spacious lobby, an exceptional spa, an upscale restaurant, private cabanas by two of three pools, and a concierge-level floor offering exclusive benefits. Now picture that hotel at Disneyland Resort — complete with special Disney features like a private theme park entrance, an on-site character buffet, and a lavish three-course princess breakfast — and you have Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

While the legendary Disneyland Hotel has been a staple since the 1950s, Disney's Grand Californian is a more recent addition to the Disneyland experience, bringing its own unique allure that’s worth discovering.

Opened in 2001, this property stands as the most luxurious of the three true Disneyland resort hotels. If you’re familiar with Disney's Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll likely find that this resort captures a similar vibe, as it was also designed by architect Peter Dominick to evoke the charm of a national park lodge.

With multiple hotel choices within walking distance to Disneyland, you might be questioning whether spending extra for a stay at Disney's Grand Californian is truly worthwhile. Luckily, TPG is here to provide guidance.

Here’s what it’s like to settle in at Disney's Grand Californian, the most luxurious (and often most expensive) option near Disneyland.

Reservations

All three Disneyland hotels — Disney's Grand Californian, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel (currently being transformed into the Pixar Place Hotel), and the Disneyland Hotel — are on the higher end of the price spectrum for park accommodations, but Disney's Grand Californian stands out as the most opulent of the trio. Therefore, be prepared to spend a significant amount whether you’re paying with cash or points.

Cash rates typically begin at around $700 to $800 per night for a standard room but can quickly exceed $1,000 when opting for accommodations with a special view (like Downtown Disney or the parks) or club access. While this may appear steep, it’s not entirely unusual. Even the nearby Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance hotel charges a minimum of $500 per night.

If these prices are hard to swallow, you can utilize fixed-value credit card points and miles from programs like Capital One and Bilt Rewards to cover a stay here. Alternatively, booking with discounted Disney gift cards is another option.

However, the most advantageous choice might be to rent Disney Vacation Club points. This can sometimes lead to savings of up to 50% off the retail price, depending on your selected dates.

Standard studios start at 17 DVC points per night, with points from services like David's Vacation Club Rentals generally costing between $21 and $23 per point. At this rate, staying at Disney's Grand Californian with DVC points would cost around $357 to $391 per night, often significantly cheaper than paying in cash. Additionally, you’ll avoid the $35 daily self-parking fee, although daily housekeeping won't be included.

Location

Nestled between Downtown Disney (the shopping and dining area that doesn’t require a park ticket) and Disney's California Adventure Park (home to Cars Land and the Avengers Campus) in Anaheim, California, Disney's Grand Californian is one of the most accessible accommodations at Disneyland. You can clear security and enter the heart of Disney's California Adventure Park from the hotel grounds within minutes.

To reach Disneyland's other major attraction, the original Disneyland Park, you can either stroll for five to seven minutes or hop on the monorail from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland within the park.

When heading to Disneyland Park, be aware that the line for security clearance from the hotel to Downtown Disney often appears lengthy in the mornings, which may require some time to navigate. However, it typically moves faster than you might think. During our recent visit, my family and I waited about 10 to 15 minutes each morning.

Check-in

As soon as you enter the lobby, you'll feel like you've been whisked away from the busy parks to a serene woodland retreat. Towering boulder pillars, sturdy wooden arches reaching the ceiling, and decor in earthy hues of green, blue, and brown create a cozy yet upscale atmosphere, offering a unique twist on the traditional Disneyland experience.

At the far end of the spacious lobby, you’ll find the reception desk, where welcoming cast members are ready to check in guests as they arrive.

While checking in or relaxing by the lobby fireplace, kids can enjoy cartoons in a small nook equipped with a TV and child-sized chairs and rockers.

The lobby transforms into an entertainment hub at night, so if you're arriving late (or simply want to enjoy the unique ambiance), make sure to relax by the piano, where a talented pianist performs a selection of Disney classics.

Room

True to its lodge-inspired theme, the rooms at Disney's Grand Californian are straightforward yet inviting, featuring incredibly comfortable beds that offer ample space underneath for luggage storage.

The walls feature artwork celebrating California's orange groves alongside beloved woodland Disney characters like Chip and Dale. Additionally, you'll find plenty of outlets near the beds, which isn't always a guarantee at Disney properties.

If you opt for a standard room with two queen-size beds but need a bit more sleeping space, you can rest assured that some rooms come equipped with sofa beds — known for being among the best and easiest to use in the industry. However, not all rooms have this configuration, so be sure to request one during the booking process. Rooms with sofa beds can accommodate up to five adults.

During my recent stay, we had four people in the room, but my youngest was thrilled to use the sofa bed, which showcased charming "Bambi"-themed artwork on the back when opened.

The bathroom features more delightful and functional touches, including a child-sized step stool adorned with its own version of a Hidden Mickey.

At the lengthy vanity with two sinks, we discovered a selection of popular Disney H2O+ bath products and fluffy white towels. Adjacent to the vanity was an open pocket door leading to a separate room with a toilet and a tiled walk-in shower.

On one wall, there was a set of wooden hooks holding two white bathrobes.

To my surprise, this room for five did not include a bathtub. However, some accommodations at this family-friendly hotel do feature combined shower-tub units, so if you have younger children, be sure to request a room with a tub, as it's not a guaranteed amenity.

Food and beverage

Disney's Grand Californian boasts a diverse range of dining options, from upscale sit-down restaurants to quality quick-service spots.

At the more casual end, you'll find GCH Craftsman Grill, which allows mobile ordering, is situated by the pool, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. There are options for both indoor and outdoor seating.

During our breakfast visit, we thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. Highlights included the $14 breakfast burrito packed with eggs, bacon, potato bites, salsa, queso fresco, cilantro, and more, all wrapped in a flour tortilla, and the $18 huevos rancheros flatbread. Although it was pricey and a bit messy, the flatbread was a delightful mix of fried eggs, chorizo, black bean spread, roasted salsa, avocado drizzle, cheese, and tortilla strips—large enough to share.

A notch above GCH Craftsman Grill is Storytellers Cafe, a buffet-style restaurant where characters roam the dining area, stopping by your table for friendly meet-and-greets while you enjoy breakfast or brunch.

While we didn't eat here during our recent visit, I caught a glimpse inside and saw the characters in adorable hiking outfits interacting with guests. On a previous trip, I found the buffet food surprisingly delicious and the service quite impressive. Prices range from $49 to $51 for adults and $29 for children, depending on whether you choose breakfast or brunch, and making reservations is strongly recommended to secure your preferred dining time.

For a special celebration or a more upscale meal, you can visit Napa Rose.

Napa Rose features a princess breakfast experience priced at $125 per person for guests aged 3 and older, along with a dinner service that, while more formal, remains family-friendly. It's a favorite among guests, and for good reason. Although it doesn't quite reach the luxury of places like Victoria & Albert's at Disney World, it's not the kind of spot you want to stumble into right after a hectic day at the parks.

Considering the recommended dress code for dinner includes "dress pants, well-maintained jeans, collared shirts, dress shorts, sweaters, blouses, dresses, and lifestyle shoes," I personally wouldn't take young children here, as it's a restaurant meant to be appreciated slowly. That's why I opted out during our latest visit to Disney's Grand Californian.

Nonetheless, on a previous occasion, I truly enjoyed the spring harvest salad and wood-fired pizzetta that were featured as starters at that time.

The main dish of Scottish salmon was also quite delightful, although it felt excessive given the generous portion sizes of the starters.

If you prefer to relax in your room rather than heading out to one of the on-site restaurants, you're in luck—Disney's Grand Californian provides room service. While it's not quite at the level of pre-pandemic Disney hotel standards, it's still a convenient option, especially for those days when you want a quick meal before or after visiting the parks.

One morning before heading to the parks, we indulged in Mickey waffles, pastries, bacon, a yogurt parfait, and even hot chocolate. Overall, the food was excellent (who can resist a warm Mickey waffle?), although we were taken aback by how long the line was to place our order.

We began calling as soon as room service opened at 6 a.m., but it took over 10 minutes to get through. This delay impacted our park plans, as our food didn’t arrive until 7:05 a.m. After quickly devouring our $100 breakfast, making it through security, and getting into Disneyland Park to enjoy the early entry benefit given to Disney resort guests, we only had about 10 minutes to explore before the park opened to the general public.

Even with the delays we faced when ordering and receiving our food, I'm still pleased that the hotel offers genuine room service, unlike many others that don’t. Just keep in mind that what seems like a convenient option may not always save you time. However, if you have a leisurely morning without plans to rush to the parks, indulging in those Mickey waffles and hot chocolate through room service is definitely a delightful treat to consider.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, Disney's Grand Californian offers plenty of activities to enjoy. A highlight of the property is its themed pool complex, which features a waterslide, lifeguards, available life jackets, and comfortable padded chaise lounges, some with umbrellas for extra shade.

All three pools are heated, but if they’re not warm enough for your liking, you can relax in the resort's hot tub.

Cabanas can be rented by the Mariposa and Fountain pools, but be aware that they come at a cost of several hundred dollars per day. If you opt for a cabana, you’ll enjoy amenities like a 32-inch TV, private lounge chairs with umbrellas, bottled water, and a fruit platter.

There are also a few wellness-focused amenities available.

At the Eureka Fitness Center, guests can work out on various machines, including treadmills and ellipticals, or enroll in fitness classes ranging from yoga to boot camp.

There’s also the Tenaya Stone Spa, where you can book appointments online. I thought about scheduling a last-minute treatment during my recent visit but couldn’t quite justify spending over $200, so I decided against it. Given how impressed I was with other aspects of the property, I imagine I would have enjoyed a spa service here, especially after a full day at the parks.

Service

Disney is renowned for its service, and here it was exceptional, surpassing even their already high standards. The cast members were not only very kind but also went out of their way to create some extra "magic" for us and other guests.

For instance, one of my children lost a tooth while we were at the parks. It was late by the time we returned to the resort, and since we were outside our usual tooth fairy's area, I worried there might be disappointment the next morning. I approached the front desk to ask about any local tooth fairies, and to my relief, the staff on duty that night knew just what to do. The next morning, a bit of magic from the fairy department appeared under the pillow.

It's experiences like this that bring my family and me back to Disney time and again.

Accessibility

Disney generally excels in providing wheelchair and other accessibility options, and Disney's Grand Californian is no exception.

Accessible pathways are available throughout the parking lot and Downtown Disney.

Additionally, several areas within the pools feature accessible lifts.

You can also book rooms specifically designed for wheelchair or hearing accessibility.

Overall Impression

Staying at Disney's Grand Californian offers an exceptional experience when visiting Disneyland. While it may not rival the luxury of The St. Regis New York or Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, it provides a premium option that enhances your typical theme park getaway, making it far more enjoyable.

Alongside fantastic on-site amenities and dining choices, you'll find yourself as close as possible to Disneyland's two theme parks. This proximity is a significant advantage, especially with a private entrance to Disney's California Adventure, allowing you quick access to favorite attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Soarin' Around the World. Plus, as a Disney resort hotel guest, you benefit from an extra 30 minutes inside the parks, greatly increasing your chances to ride more attractions without using Genie+.

Although the property’s refreshed look from 2017 is beginning to show some wear, the hotel remains a striking and cozy place to rest, complemented by generally excellent service.

The primary challenge of staying here is undoubtedly the cost, as room rates frequently approach or exceed $1,000 per night. It can be difficult to feel like you're getting your money's worth at Disney's Grand Californian if you spend the majority of your stay in the parks. If you're budget-conscious, consider limiting your stay to just two nights and enjoying at least half a day at the resort for each night booked. For the remainder of your trip, offset the cost by staying at a more affordable off-property hotel that preferably accepts points. This way, you can enjoy a quintessential Disneyland experience without breaking the bank.

Planning a family trip to Disneyland? Here are additional resources:

• 9 essential tips for families visiting Disneyland
• Skip the lines: 9 tips for minimizing wait times and maximizing fun at Disneyland
• 10 helpful tips for visiting Disneyland with toddlers and preschoolers
• Your ultimate guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland
• The best (and worst) food and drinks at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge