Out of all the resorts at Disneyland, the biggest, most extravagant and most expensive is the Grand California Hotel and Spa.
I’ve had the privilege of staying in this hotel one time. We splurged and stayed on the Club-Level Rooms, which I highly recommend if your wallet can handle it.
This resort sports the only dedicated Spa in any Disney Resort Hotel. The Mandara Spa offers it all. Skin Treatments, Massage Therapies, Manicures, Pedicures, teeth whitening exotic rubs, body wraps and more! You don’t need to be staying at Grand California Hotel and Spa to enjoy The Mandara Spa, just call and make your reservation.
When we stayed in the hotel on the Club-Level rooms, we were given such a different experience. I had never stayed in a concierge style level room before, or after. For starters we didn’t check in at the same place, we were met and escorted to the floor to check in. Seems kinda silly that this was a highlight, but it just was such a great experience. You truly feel that you are some kind of VIP… If only every trip I took made me feel this great! I suppose thats just one of the many reason for the extra cost.
Some of the amenities of staying on the Club-Level rooms:
- Priority check-in
- Cast Members available prior to and during your visit for reservations and vacation planning
- The exclusive Craftsman’s Club lounge featuring:
- Continental breakfast
- Breakfast bar
- Sodas and fresh fruit
- Tea Time
- Evening wine and cheese reception
- Nighttime Desserts
- DVD players and complimentary movies
- Firework viewing on select nights
- Computer and printer access
- Books, games and crafts
- Songs & Tales from the Hearth
One of the greatest times for my son was bedtime story time. He got into his jammies, grabbed a pillow and we headed down to the Craftsman’s Club. Once we arrived we found fresh baked cookies, milk and other refreshments. He grabbed a warm chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk, plopped down on the floor and waited with the other young visitors for a cast member to read them a good night story. It was a truly magical for all of us.
Additionally the Craftsman’s Club lounge had a balcony where we were able to watch the fireworks from Disneyland. They even piped the music in! Again, the level of detail was extraordinary.
There are so many more amenities to the Grand Californian beyond the Club-Level Rooms. Every Guest has access to the 3 pools, 4 restaurants, the Fireplace stories and songs. You also get a special entrance into California Adventure. Just head to the back of the hotel and through your own gate into the park.
Check out the Monorail Slide at the big pool!
Grand Californian has a great restaurant called StoryTeller’s Cafe. They have character breakfast and then some great offerings for lunch and dinner. Having breakfast in your hotel with the characters is always a winner for me. Much like Chef Mickey’s at Contemporary Resort in Disney World or Goofy’s Kitchen in Disneyland Hotel. Kids love eating with their favorite Disney friends.
Sometimes those friends even lend a hand:
That’s my son, who was 3 at the time enjoying his breakfast with some help from Chef Mickey! (Not taken at StoryTeller’s Cafe) I love this picture. Such a great moment for all of us.
In addition to StoryTeller’s Cafe, you could chose to drop your kids off at Pinocchio’s Workshop and then head over to Napa Rose for a romantic dinner for two. If you just want a quick bite stop by Hearthstone Lounge or Whitewater Snacks.
There again are so many things available to see and do just at Grand Californian Hotel and Spa that I couldn’t possible cover them all. Just know that you will not be disappointed in any of your trip.
One last thought of how great our personal trip was. On our last day as we waited to have to head to airport. The odd time where you don’t quite have enough time to go somewhere but have too much time to head to the airport. We were hanging out in the lobby, watching their tv’s and enjoying the massive lobby area when one of the cast members came over and invited our son to do etchings with the group. The grabbed carbon pencils and paper and did some etchings over some of the floor embellishments. It really helped to entertain him, and truly what parent doesn’t need a little help with entertaining their children when there is nothing much to do!
I sincerely hope everyone, who can, gets to enjoy a trip to Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Spa! Of course, I would be happy to help you find the right time and price for your budget and needs!
When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disneyland he can be found planning Disney Vacations. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the CouponingtoDisney Page.
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