As a frequent Walt Disney World visitor, I always struggle with selecting a resort when I’m going to Disneyland. I always start by looking at Disney’s Paradise Pier or Disneyland Hotel, I’ve even looked at offsite options too, but the Grand Californian always seems to be screaming my name. While I have yet to try the others, I’m comfortable sharing why I think you should stay at Disney’s Grand Californian.
My top 5 reasons you should stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
1. The Rooms
These rooms are a fair size, plenty big for 4 adults to share if needed. On my recent trip there were 3 of us and we had lots of room. There was even plenty of space for 3 women to have all their toiletries at the vanity!
The vanity area – we had no problem storing all of our stuff!
The beds are queens and we couldn’t even use all the drawer space we had. Your luggage can be stored under the bed – leaving space for other things (like shoes and purchases) in the hall. The decor and artwork was fun, and not over the top, there was a classy elegance with Disney inspiration.
Room under the bed to store your luggage!
And the sofa bed? How CUTE is it?
The sofa bed was so cute – and could sleep an adult in a pinch if they weren’t too tall.
2. The Arrival
There is something about pulling up to this resort, walking through that big entrance and seeing that magnificent lobby, the grandeur of it all is breathtaking. Lots of seating to relax in the lobby and you can get food and drinks there too!
The piano music was a great touch in the lobby
If you’re there in the evenings and the piano player is there, you’re in for a treat! With those ceilings and open space, the acoustics are amazing!
3. The Amenities
Granted, I have not swam in the pool or taken advantage of the gym (who DOES that on vacation??) – but the amenities are great for those who want them! The pool, the gym, the spa (why have I not done that?) Valet parking and the laundry rooms are all there to make your stay more magical. WiFi is available throughout the hotel, I never had an issue connecting.
The carpet in the hall – it’s so FUN! Can you spot the characters?
4. California Adventure Park Special Entrance
A special entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park is a nice touch. As a Walt Disney World guest, you can’t get anywhere NEAR that close to a park from your resort. Even with the Beach Club or Bay Lake Tower – it’s still quite a walk to a park. With this entrance – you are 30 steps from security to the inside of the park. It’s amazing and unbelievably convenient.
This is the security entrance and the hotel – taken from INSIDE of California Adventure Park
5. Location, location, location
Aside from the entrance to California Adventure Park, you are right IN Downtown Disney. All of that shopping and food is right at your doorstep! We walked out one night for cupcakes at Sprinkles and another night for a pretzel to take back to the room, the pretzel was still hot!
Shopping was a bit TOO easy at Downtown Disney!
It was a 15-20 minute (or so) walk to Walgreens to grab a few cases of water and a $7 Lyft ride back. It was a leisurely walk and we saw all the other offsite properties that we had looked at staying at.
The walk to Walgreens, all these palm trees – you KNOW you’re on vacation then!
The walk through Downtown Disney to the park entrances is quick, you’re really right there. If you wanted to pop back to your room for an hour to rest, you could do it so easily! Where else can you walk to a castle and back to your room without breaking a sweat? You could just walk in to get a churro and back to the pool if you wanted!
It’s all about location!
There you have it – my top 5 reasons for staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Have you stayed here?
Check out my room tour here