TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

My recent stay at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel left me with mixed feelings. While it undoubtedly offers a luxurious and high-end Disney experience, a few drawbacks make it a less appealing choice for families, especially those with little ones. Let's start with the elephant in the room: the price. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is undeniably expensive, and it's crucial to weigh the cost against what you're getting in return. Unfortunately, I found that some aspects of the stay didn't quite live up to the premium price tag. One of the most significant disappointments was the pool area. Unlike the Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian's pool lacks the fun and child-friendly features that can keep little ones entertained for hours. For families traveling with kids, this is a noticeable drawback, as the pool often serves as a central hub for relaxation and play. Another issue I encountered was the comfort of the beds and pillows. The beds felt less comfortable than expected for a hotel of this caliber, and the pillows were surprisingly small, which left something to be desired in terms of a good night's sleep. What's more, it seems that the Grand Californian might have taken a hit in terms of service quality. It's not quite up to the same level as it used to be, and some guests may find themselves missing the exceptional Disney hospitality they've come to expect. Perhaps one of the most significant grievances was the valet service. Comparatively, it falls short of the efficient and seamless experience provided by the Disneyland Hotel. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're eager to begin your Disney adventures. Lastly, if you plan to spend time by the pool, I highly recommend reserving a cabana. Without one, securing a spot to place your personal items can be a real challenge, as lounge chairs tend to get claimed quickly, leaving little space for guests to relax comfortably. In conclusion, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel offers a luxurious Disney experience, but it may not be the best choice for families with young children due to its high price, lackluster pool area, less comfortable beds, and some service shortcomings. If you prioritize these aspects, you may find better value and comfort at other Disney Resort options.

I have always been skeptical about booking an on property Disney hotel after reading negative reviews. However I have to say I wish I would have ignored those reviews all these years and done it sooner! I’ll never book anywhere else again! Yes the hotel is very expensive, but for the convenience of being on the grounds and never having to leave the magic is priceless. To pop into your room for a nap or to drop off some shopping - so convenient! Our didn’t didn’t hesitate going back to to hotel on her own from Downtown Disney. The rooms were super clean and beds so very comfortable! This Momma loved the twice a day maid service as well! Pool was very nice. We ate at the pool lounge and weren’t terribly impressed with the food. Had breakfast at the Story Tellers Cafe and while insanely overpriced it was so much fun to see all of the characters and really helped feel the Disney Magic. The only downside is you get no preference on booking restaurant reservations when staying on property which is a bit disappointing. We booked your basic “cheap” forest room and have no regrets! We looked out to California Adventure and we’re so close to the entrance. Would not change a thing! If you can put it in your budget to splurge a little more on a hotel this is so worthwhile! It’s the only place we will stay when we come here going forward! Thanks for a magical 14th birthday weekend for my daughter.

HUGE Shout Out to Emma from the Front Desk or Operator. We were in crisis mode with a lost CPAP, late at night, and Emma went above and beyond to get it back to us. An absolute delight to work with, a stellar example of hospitality, and humanity. Definitely makes a delightful impression of SoCal and DGC.

This was our favourite hotel on our recent trip to America. Our room was clean and comfortable. Although we were positioned above the early entry point to Disneyland, and by the monorail line, we weren’t disturbed by any outside noise at all. We enjoyed our time at the hotel pool. We had no issues getting a pair of sun beds and the pool area is sunny all day, with a beautiful atmosphere. The cast members were always happy, friendly and helpful. We have no regrets in staying here. In fact, having early entry to the theme parks made our first visit to Disneyland so much better! Our most memorable moments at the hotel were the pianist playing Disney classics in the foyer and the best grilled cheese sandwich we have ever had, at Hearthstone Lounge.

Stayed here with friends last week for a quick, adult 1-day Disney trip. We got there early and our room wasn’t ready, so the friendly bell guys took our bags while we Disney’d and we got an email when the room was ready. We had a king room that was spacious and well appointed. The bed was SUPER comfy and we got a great night of sleep. The hotel staff is friendly and the service at the pool was efficient, with lots of pool chairs available. The real only complaint is that it’s virtually impossible to just go grab a drink. No sitting at the bar or popping in for an appetizer and a cocktail. You must make a reservation and the walk up line at the hotel restaurant was a block long, as was the wait list for a reservation. Problem is, it’s that way everywhere at Disney. I get that it’s a kid-focused park, but adults would like to do some adulting….so WHY is it so hard to get a dang cocktail? I feel like it’s a missed opportunity and a disservice to kidless adults. All that said, it’s a nice property and you don’t care about easily getting a bite to eat it a cocktail, you’ll love it.