Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel puts you right in the heart of the Disneyland action, but with a luxury spa plus free food and drinks for club-level guests.
Signature Suites
The spacious signature suites are ideal for families and include access to Veranda—a lounge offering all-day food and drink service, all covered in the price.
Tenaya Stone Spa
If you need to unwind before or after a busy park day, the Tenaya Stone Spa is the perfect spot. Don’t miss the river stone massage, which can be set to classic Disney song covers if you ask.
Napa Rose
For upscale dining, Napa Rose serves California cuisine with wine pairings. It’s set to reopen in the fall with a completely refreshed interior and patio.
Pool Area
The Yosemite theme carries over to the pool area, where you’ll find floating exercise classes, a waterslide, and Jacuzzis—plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained.
A Rope Drop Adventure
Everything happened in a flash. The rope dropped, and the crowd surged forward—everyone seemed faster, taller, or more prepared than me. My husband, Alex, with his long legs and fierce determination to reach Cars Land first, was already ahead. Meanwhile, there I was, in the Mickey gear he’d picked for me, struggling to keep up without tripping over kids and nearly losing sight of him—if not for his Goofy-themed Hawaiian shirt.
I was still groggy and cold, the Southern California sun not yet high enough to warm Disneyland’s California Adventure park. But knowing I couldn’t be the reason we’d have to wait in line for Radiator Springs Racers (one of our favorite rides), I pushed myself to move faster.
We live less than an hour from Anaheim but usually only visit Disneyland twice a year. When we do, Alex treats it like an extreme, open-to-close challenge. Don’t get me wrong—I love the adventure, but growing up, I was used to slowly guiding my three younger sisters around the park. The term “rope drop” meant nothing to me until I met Alex. He, on the other hand, grew up flying from the UK to Orlando for two straight weeks of non-stop theme park action.
Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebrations—including ticket deals, new Main Street experiences, food, merchandise, and a historical tour—kick off May 16 and run through summer 2026.
All this to say, sometimes we treat ourselves to a sleepover at the Happiest Place on Earth. For me, it’s a relief knowing I can crash as soon as the park closes (because yes, we’re squeezing in one last ride on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before the gates shut). Or, I can duck back to the room to change shoes or grab a sweater. For Alex, it’s about immersion—early access and making the absolute most of our Disney time.
The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Our go-to Disneyland hotel is the Yosemite National Park-themed Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, packed with perks we both adore. A hot stone massage with Disney tunes in the background? Yes, please. A premium wine pairing with rack of lamb or filet mignon? Sign us up. Pools with a waterslide and floating fitness classes? We’ll happily lounge in the sun. But the best part is Veranda, the Ritz Carlton-style club-level lounge with all-day food, drinks, and indoor-outdoor seating. It’s so tempting, we even left the park early one night to enjoy wine with a VIP fireworks view. (Alex’s idea, I swear.)
The Rooms
The hotel has over 900 rooms, including 44 suites, all family-friendly. The largest suites sleep 10-13 adults, while the smallest standard rooms fit up to five. You can choose views of the park, pool, courtyard, or Downtown Disney. Our one-bedroom suite’s balcony overlooked Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! (formerly Tower of Terror). Wood and stone accents reinforce the national park vibe, with extra touches like stained-glass windows and fireplaces in some suites. (El Capitan is a favorite.) Club-level rooms include Veranda lounge access—more on that later.
Food & Drink
- Napa Rose: The hotel’s fine-dining spot, perfect for date nights or celebrations. Think seasonal California dishes like charred Pacific ahi tuna crudo, wild boar ragout, and maple leaf duck breast. A prix-fixe menu and wine pairings are available. Note: Napa Rose is closed for renovations until fall 2025.
- Storytellers Cafe: Famous for character breakfasts, but the buffet is open for all meals. Starting May 16, Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet adds character meet-and-greets with Donald, Daisy, Clarabelle, Goofy, or Pluto—plus prime rib, fried chicken, and s’mores bread pudding.
- Hearthstone Lounge: Cozy lodge vibes with a fireplace, short rib lasagna, and truffle mac and cheese.
- GCH Craftsman Bar: Poolside spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (with sports on TV). Try morning cocktails like Bloody Marys or the Grand Candied Orange Coffee with brandy and Kahlua.
- GCH Craftsman Grill: Grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches and burritos.
Activities & Experiences
- Pools: Three pools with a waterslide (winding around a faux redwood stump), floating fitness classes, and cabanas.
- Fitness: Eureka Fitness Center has gym equipment and yoga (Disney Ears Yoga, of course). Bootcamp classes run through California Adventure before opening.
- Events: Monthly Great Hall happenings, like May’s Star Wars music night. Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures (with royal activities and Mickey waffles) take place in the Trillium Room—photos with princesses encouraged!
The Spa
The Tenaya Stone Spa feels like a mountain retreat, though your masseuse might offer Disney music. Try the river stone massage or gemstone sparkle facial (with a diamond collagen mask). Afterward, relax in the lounge with tea, marveling that you’re at Disneyland—not a remote spa.
Accessibility
The hotel offers wheelchair- and hearing-accessible rooms (request when booking). Accessible paths lead to the lobby, parking, restaurants, and shops. TTY devices are available at check-in. ScooterBug rents wheelchairs/scooters—preorder for delivery to the hotel.
Location
Situated on Disneyland Resort grounds, the hotel provides easy access to both parks and Downtown Disney’s dining/shopping. It has its own California Adventure entrance (under construction through mid-May; guests can use an alternate gate). Self-parking costs
40/night;valetis
40/night;valetis70. Restaurant/spa visitors get 3-5 hours of free parking.
Maximizing Your Stay
Booking a Club Level room (extra cost) unlocks Veranda lounge access. On the website, Club Level adds ~$500/night (varies). All guests on the reservation get access, with occupancy ranging from 5-13. Veranda serves food/drinks from 6:30 AM–10 PM—breakfast, tea, appetizers, desserts, and alcohol included. (Imagine park meal costs over days, plus snacks and wine—it adds up!) Some rooms can add Club access at check-in, if available.
Hotel guests with park passes also get 30-minute early entry to either Disneyland or California Adventure (varies by day).
Rates start at $597/night.
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor/reporter who stayed there, and each hotel aligns with our core values.
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