We just love Disneyland, every last one of us. We range in age from 1 to 59 and there is not a single person who doesn't LOVE this place. If you have the opportunity or chance, try to stay at one of the hotels on the property. We've tried all of
more +them and our favorite (majority) is the Grand Californian. It's just so convenient to be right on the property. If the kids get tired, Mom and Dad can take them to the room for a nap. Grandma and Grandpa can take a nap. This is the only place that I feel totally safe allowing my kids to wander off on their own. We love it.
We recommend trying to hit Disneyland when it's not so crowded - NO SUMMERS FOR US. Best time of year is January, February, September. Another thing, we always pay for the consierge service and we eat our breakfast, snack and dinner there. We then go out for lunch. Consierge service is a real bargain if you have a suite with up to 10 people in it. Then the consierge service is about $150 extra a day - that's $15 per person per day, unlimited snacks, pop, great evening treats. Well worth it.
Date of Stay: 02/06/2011
Children in Party: 1
Tots (0-2) Kids (3-6) Kids (7-9) Tweens (13+)
We've traveled to Disneyland several times and have stayed at both the Disney resorts and local hotels. Last year we decided to splurge and stay at the Grand Californian Hotel.
Location, location, location - we literally had to
more +only take 20 steps straight and then 50 steps to the left after leaving the elevator and we were in the parks! Forget something...no problem....run to the room and back in less than 10 minutes. Rain starts....no problem.....wait it out in the room. Grand kids need a nap....no problem...run them up to the room, and don't miss any of the action, sit on the balcony overlooking the park and people watch.
Disney trains the staff (cast members) like no other business around. They only hire perpetually happy smiling people! I don't believe they even know what the word NO is, you name it, they will do it for you.
Value for the money only received a 3 due to the fact that is is expensive compared to other hotels around. The room size and amenities are not equal to other hotels for the same price. but sometimes a splurge is worth it.
I only gave it a 3 for dining because the character breakfast has more 'animal' interactions than 'character' interactions.
Heard a few complaints from guests staying in the rooms overlooking Downtown Disney due to the music, people and general commotions occurring till late hours of the evening. If you are a night owl, request these rooms, but if you have tired cranky young ones, better stick to a pool view.
Date of Stay: 01/02/2010
Children in Party: 2
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
Our family of four doesn't get to escape on vacation much, since my husband works on commission. So when we finally got to sneak away for 3 days, we decided to pretend we didn't live in Southern California and take a mini vacation to Disneyland.
more +After doing some research, it looked like The Grand Californian was the place to stay and we were so glad to experience it!
The convenience of staying right in the Disneyland Resort and the fun of seeing characters walk right through the lobby made it a magical and most memorable stay. The thing I liked most is that you felt like you were in the middle of the mountains, in a luxury cabin.
We splurged on the character breakfast on our last morning and it was worth every dime. The Mickey shaped waffles and visits from characters at our table saved us time form waiting in character lines in the park.
We are already looking at the calendar to mark the next 3-days we can return!
Date of Stay: 05/15/2010
Children in Party: 1
We had a 'small' family reunion at Disneyland Resort, and 17 of us stayed at the Grand Californian. It couldn't have been nicer!
We had a variety of rooms, including rooms with a queen bed and bunks/trundle, two queens, and a king
more +bed. Several of our rooms were connecting, and every need we had for lodging was not only met but exceeded. We needed places for babies to sleep; there is a pack and play crib in each room. We needed a room that could accommodate a mobility scooter; no problem. We needed comfortable accommodations; the Grand Californian delivered some of the most comfortable beds we've experienced along with beautiful, serene rooms in a gorgeous, detailed, magnificent hotel that made us feel that we were a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of crowds in a theme park. But, access to both Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland parks could not be better or more convenient; there's a private entrance directly into California Adventure, and the access to Disneyland's main gates or the monorail station is extremely convenient.
I highly recommend this wonderful resort hotel!
Date of Stay: 06/01/2009
Tots (0-2) Kids (3-6) Tweens (10-12) Tweens (13+) Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Staff
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Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
