Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel Review

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Okay if you’ve been following along on my Disney posts, you’ve probably picked up my love of the Disneyland Grand Californian!

Christmastime is Magical

So what’s the big deal? Well, first of all it’s super fancy and nice. Especially at Christmastime when they have the carolers singing and dressed in 1930’s ish winter attire. All year-long there’s a grand piano that is played at various times of the day by a professional pianist. Oh and another Christmastime fav, the GINORMOUS GARGANTUAN gingerbread house!!!!! I can smell it now!

The Ambiance

It’s like a beautiful high-end ski lodge that you’d find in Aspen, Colorado. Beautiful wood and stone throughout. Fireplaces indoors and on the patio, to sit around and enjoy hot cocoa, conversation, or just relax and zone out mesmerized by the flames. While the adults are sitting by the fire, there’s an adorable little TV area with kid sized rocking chairs and a classic Disney cartoon going at all times.

Amenities

The amenities are amazing. Swimming pool, hot tub, exercise room, Mandara Spa, Storytellers Café, Napa Rose, White Water Snacks, Acorns Gifts & Goods, and more!

Not that I would, because I love Disneyland too much to miss out in the park, BUT you could literally JUST vacation at the hotel without leaving and it’d pretty much be Heavenly!

Location! Location! Location!

Our favorite thing about the hotel is not just how fancy and wonderful it is, but the key prime location. Location, location, location!

We’ve got 5 kids age 10 down to 8 months. If we need to get to our hotel room for any number of reasons it’s literally within about 15 minutes walking distance from almost anywhere in the park, to the actual hotel steps. Especially at times when my husband will stay with the older kids at the park and I head back by myself, I always feel safe and it’s not too far that I’m overwhelmed.

It’s right next to not only both Disneyland and California Adventure entrances, but Downtown Disney too! So if we aren’t planning on going to the park at any given time, there’s a ton to do at DD. Restaurants, gift shops, and more!

Magic Hour!

Now, you get this privilege at any of the Disney hotels BUT the actual entrance you access is literacy AT Grand Californian! Can we say Magic Hour?!? We swear by the Magic Hour! Basically you get to access the park before any non-Disney hotel-staying ticket holders. We always ride way more rides during Magic Hour, than the rest of the day combined! Totally worth it every time!

Peanut Free Turn Down Service

Okay and finally, onto the food allergy aspect. They used to put the pirate coin chocolates that said may-contain peanuts. Now they have Ghirardelli chocolates that they place during turn down service. My son that has a peanut allergy LOVES this!

Allergy Friendly Food Service and Restaurants

The room service and the on-site restaurants are all super allergy friendly! Checkout my reviews on Storytellers Café and White Water Snacks. If you have a special dietary need call room service in advance and they will talk to a chef that will whip up something safe for you! It’s nothing short of amazing!

As you can see, I really just don’t have enough good things to say about this place, and that folks, is why we stay here all. the. time! Even if you choose another hotel for your accommodations, you should totally try out their restaurants or even a quick pit stop at White Water Snacks!