Disney Grand Californian Hotel Review

This was my first stay at the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and it won’t be my last. I have to say it’s a pretty special place. The décor is comfortable and relaxing, very low key after a day in the park. Disney California Adventure theme park is right out your back door, no trams to take or long lines to wait in, which makes it really nice for kids (and parents) that need frequent breaks throughout the day. There is a large pool area that includes ADA lifts into all of the pools and jacuzzis. Because the Disney Grand Californian is a newer hotel, built in 2001, ADA and wheelchair accommodations were part of the equation from the beginning, nothing was retrofit. Disney’s California Adventure was built at the same time, with the same standards – all attractions and restaurants are wheelchair accessible.  There is a wonderful spa on site as well, spaces fill up quickly so be sure to reseverve a little time for yourself when you book your trip.

Tips for Staying at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel

Room selection tip.
The room I stayed in overlooked the pool area and was very quiet and relaxing.  I toured other rooms, including one that was alongside the theme park.  That room was louder, fine for most families, but maybe not the best choice for a special needs child with sensory issues.  There are one-bedroom suites, and standard rooms with a variety of configurations.  Think about what your family needs – quiet, a table instead of a desk, etc and ask about these specifically when you book your trip.

ADA rooms.
Because the Grand Californian was built with ADA standards, in general most rooms fit the minimum ADA requirements.  The biggest differences are the thresholds to the patio, hand rails in toilet and shower/tub area.  My non-ADA room was perfect for our needs, I just needed to ask for a shower bench from guest services to help me shower my daughter with special needs.

Bring some snacks and water from home.
The hotel has several great restaurants, lovely room service and a self-serve cafe so you will be well-fed, but it’s nice to have some snacks on hand that don’t cost a fortune, especially if you have any dietary restrictions.  There is a mini-fridge in all the rooms, bring some snacks and water from home and fill it up.  You can’t bring outside food in the park, but being so close to California Adventure means you can come back to the hotel for some down time and a snack to recharge for the rest of your day.

Food tip, again – Whitewater Snacks will save you some money.
You will want to do a character breakfast and some nice meals on your trip, but for quick meals at a lower cost hit Whitewater Snacks.  It’s off the beaten path, tucked back behind the pool snack bar.  Here’s a link to the menu at Whitewater Snacks.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Photo Tour

The beautiful lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian.  There are some quiet spaces for relaxing, as well as open conversational areas.

This is the play pool area with 2 slides and a handicap lift. There are 3 pools, 2 jacuzzis and one kiddie wading pool. All have lifts except for the wading pool.

A photo of my room at Disney

From the balcony off my room I could see the pool area, as well as the California Adventure ferris wheel and Paradise Pier roller coaster. I could hear some of the theme park, but just a little. It was a very relaxing retreat.

Disney Grand Californian Hotel ADA Room Photos

ADA sink area at the Disney Grand Californian hotel.

Zero entry ADA shower at the Disney Grand Californian.

ADA room – Disney Grand Californian Hotel

Patio threshold ADA room at the Disney Grand Californian hotel.

Video Tour of an ADA Room and Disney’s Grand Californian

Disclaimer:  I was  guest of Disneyland for coverage of the #DisneySide promotion, the DIsney Grand Californian Hotel reviews express my own opinion. Originally posted Nov 21, 2013, updated April 1, 2015.