Tag Archives: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Disneyland Resort Hotel

Disneyland Resort vacation goes way beyond the theme parks. A stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel is as much a part of the experience as a ride on Space Mountain! Between Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, theDisneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, there are many options for staying in the magic. But why choose a Disneyland Resort hotel for your vacation? Here are the top ten reasons to stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel!

1. More time to play: All Disneyland Resort hotel guests enjoy admission to select attractions, stores, entertainment and dining locations in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure parks for one full hour before the parks open to the general public on select days!

2. A warm welcome: Everyone knows that a stay in a Disneyland Resort hotel begins with a warm “Welcome!” from the cast members at the front desk. At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, more than 50 of these cast members have learned to say “welcome” in 10 different languages to make all guests feel at home.

3. Surf’s Up!

Disneyland Resort Hotel

Did you know that the PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is the only dining location at the Disneyland Resort where you can enjoy a meal with Mickey Mouse? The Surf’s Up! Mickey and Friends Breakfast is an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast experience, and seeing Mickey Mouse himself dressed in his beachy best is a perfect way to start surfing your way through a fantastic day at the Disneyland Resort.

4. Closer to the magic

Disneyland Resort Hotel

Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel puts you just steps away from all there is to do at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks and the Downtown Disney District. Plus, you’re surrounded by all the special Disney details that make the Disneyland Resort such a magical place to be – you never have to leave the Happiest Place on Earth until it’s time to go home!

5. Get shipwrecked at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

Disneyland Resort Hotel


Thirsty travelers over 21 years of age can order a Shipwreck on the Rocks or Krakatoa Punch at this tropical oasis at the Disneyland Hotel. But be careful, because the tiki gods might just create a fearsome lightning storm (complete with thunder and a sinking ship in a bottle) or cause a volcano eruption.

6. Kids have a getaway of their own

Disneyland Resort Hotel

Pinocchio’s Workshop offers supervised play and themed activities each evening for children (ages 5 – 12) of hotel guests, providing parents an opportunity to have their own adventures. This fun-filled child activity center is located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa but is open to guests staying at any of the three hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

7. A ‘Signature’ experience

Disneyland Resort Hotel

While every guest room at a Disneyland Resort hotel includes special Disney touches, the six themed Signature Suites at the Disneyland Hotel fully immerse guests in the magic of Disneyland. From the replica of Davy Jones’ Dead Man’s Chest in the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite to a twinkling Tinker Bell turning on the lights of theSleeping Beauty Castle model in the Fairy Tale Suite, it would take much longer than one night to see all the details in these extraordinary suites.

8. Something special for fitness fanatics

While a walk in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks is a great way to stay in shape during a vacation, a power walk before a park opens to the public is a special treat. The early-morning Get Up and Go Power Walk through Disney California Adventure Park and Fitness Fusion class at the outdoor fireplace at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are open to guests at all three hotels.

9. See more with a tour: The Happiest Hotel on Earth tour at the Disneyland Hotel teaches guests about the history and heritage of the hotel, while the Art of the Craft tour at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa shows the influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement on the hotel. These tours are complimentary and available on select days to all guests, including those not staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, though reservations are encouraged.

10. Time for a bedtime story: Everyone loves a good story — and there’s nothing quite like having your own personal storyteller at bedtime. Guests cuddle up with blankets and gather in the rocking chairs around the stone fireplace in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to hear Tales from the Hearth. It’s a great way for the whole family to wind down after a day at the parks. But if you miss it, no fear: just turn to the designated channel on your TV at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels to hear Disney’s Princess Story Time. What better way to have sweet dreams?

Which one is your favorite Disneyland Resort Hotel?

New Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Disneyland This Spring

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

It’s an amazing fairytale come true! Soon you will be able to experience an unforgettable, magical morning with some of your favorite princesses. The all-new Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is a unique, one-of-a-kind occasion where families can share special moments with some Disney Princesses while enjoying an exquisite, three-course breakfast at the award-winning Napa Rose restaurant.* The morning also includes enchanting activities, intimate story time, a private portrait location and premium keepsakes.

Reservations are now available for this breakfast dining experience coming this spring to Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa!

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The occasion takes place in the elegant surroundings of Napa Rose restaurant, where guests are welcomed into a charming new storytelling environment and served sparkling beverages, including champagne for adults. During the sumptuous breakfast event, Disney Princesses such as Belle, Tiana, Ariel, Jasmine and others arrive to greet and make memories with families.

The morning adventure continues on the patio, inspiring a whole new world of possibilities, where girls and boys let their imaginations soar as they delight in storytelling inspired by confident, kind and courageous Disney Princesses who dream big and celebrate who they are.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Princesses will share the moments they felt empowered to be their true selves. Mulan may encourage children to strike a pose to discover their own inner warrior, while Rapunzel may share how she felt when she found the courage to explore the world outside her tower, showing little ones how to spin joyfully and shout, “Best day ever!” Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures will encourage youngsters to discover their own strengths and talents, and start each morning with a “can-do” attitude to never stop believing that anything is possible.

The morning concludes with a fond farewell photo opportunity and special treasures to remember this inspirational day. For more information, including reservations for the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, visit the Disneyland Resort website.

While visiting the Disneyland Resort, there are many wonderful ways to encounter some favorite princesses in the theme parks:**

  • Fantasy Faire: In Fantasyland, meet Disney Princesses, enjoy charming live performances, browse magical mementos and revel in pure fairytale enchantment.
  • Storytelling at Royal Theatre: Behold beloved Disney fairytales live on stage, with fun twists, located in Fantasyland.
  • “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion”: This dazzling theatrical interpretation of the smash-hit animated feature tells the emotional and heartwarming adventures of royal sisters Anna and Elsa—a one-hour Broadway-style show, live on stage in Hollywood Land!
  • Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome: Drift into a wondrous wintry moment as you meet the splendid sisters from “Frozen” in Hollywood Land.

The Disney Princesses look forward to seeing you soon!

*Dining experience and elements subject to restrictions and change without notice. Specific characters are not guaranteed. Restaurant seating is subject to availability and reservations are recommended.

**Separate theme park admission required.

New Menu at White Water Snacks at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Put away those paddles and get out your forks and knives – White Water Snacks has reopened and is serving up fresh new bites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, this white water rapids-inspired eatery serves up everything from Mickey waffles and buttermilk biscuits to Angus cheeseburgers and artisanal pizzas. In addition, the quick-service restaurant now offers mobile ordering through the Disneyland app, allowing you to maximize your time by ordering and paying ahead to skip the line!

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Start your morning off with a selection of classic breakfast dishes, such as the American Breakfast with eggs and bacon (or sausage!) or a warm Breakfast Burrito filled with scrambled eggs, tater bites, bacon, and cheese. The Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich is another option thats swam upstream to join the menu along with a few vegetarian options like Roasted Vegetable and Three-Cheese Quiches, Avocado Toast, and Egg White Scramble with spinach, asparagus, avocado, and roasted tomato. And for the kids? They’ll love the Breakfast Plate with turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, and tater bites.

If you’re looking for a sweet start to your morning, you can indulge in a delectable breakfast pastry or a warm Belgian waffle topped with strawberries and chantilly cream. Buttermilk Biscuit French Toast also joins the menu with banana brûlée, toffee sauce, and bacon dust – YUM.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

For lunch and dinner, we’ve got new eats including a couple hearty bowls! The Poke Bowl comes with your choice of salmon, tuna, or tofu marinated in poke sauce and either steamed white rice or shredded lettuce red onions, pickled cucumber, edamame, avocado, green onion, and furikake. Then there’s the Rice Bowl with your choice of grilled beef, chicken, or tofu over steamed white rice and served with a vegetable egg roll, pickled cucumber, and a hard-boiled egg.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

If you’re looking for an on-the-go bite, you’ll love these handcrafted sandwiches. Try the Mortadella Sandwich with provolone cheese and cornichons on a pretzel roll, the Prosciutto, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich with burrata cheese on a French roll, or the Chicken Salad Curry Sandwich on a butter croissant. You can also chow down on a skewer – choose from Shawarma Chicken, Bulgogi Beef, or Mediterranean Vegetables.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Artisanal pizzas are on the menu and come straight out of the pizza oven. Try the Margherita Pizza or the Pepperoni Pizza as well as unique pies like the Forest Mushroom Pizza with vegetarian sausage or the Charcuterie Pizza with pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, and fennel sausage.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Other unique offerings include the Cali-Grilled Angus Cheeseburger with grilled asparagus-celery salad, spiced hollandaise, swiss cheese, and artichoke aïoli, Sustainable Fish Tacos with yuzu citrus slaw, and Chicken-Fried Brisket and Waffle with bbq sauce, pimento cheese spread, and housemade pickles.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Kids can enjoy some yummy chicken breast or mini corn dog nuggets as well as a Parmesan-crusted Grilled Cheese and a PBJ & N Sandwich with peanut butter, jelly, and chocolate-hazelnut spread. All of these are served with either french fries or house-made chips.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

For dessert, sip on a classic Root Beer Float with vanilla ice cream and Chantilly cream, or try the seasonal crostata.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

White Water Snacks is open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the full menu by visiting the Disneyland Resort website, and be sure to come on out and try one of these new dishes for yourself! No white water rafts or paddles required!

Special Pixar Decorated Room and Ticket Package at Disneyland Resort Hotels

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

When Pixar Fest kicks off on April 13, you’ll experience beloved stories from Pixar at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. The celebration can also extend to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort with a special Pixar decorated room and ticket package.

This special Pixar Decorated Room and Ticket Package includes an enhanced in-room and in-park experience with the included purchase of 2-Day or more theme park tickets! In your hotel room, our team can create a colorful Pixar-filled welcome, complete with a door banner, themed blanket and balloons, as well as a limited-edition Pixar Fest print all to take back home to remember the magic. This premium package also includes reserved viewing** for the highly popular “Paint the Night” parade in Disney California Adventure park!

With so many unique offerings, the Pixar Decorated Room and Ticket Package is very limited in quantity. The package is available for guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for two nights or more, most Sunday through Thursday nights between April 15 and June 14, 2018. All interested guests can book now through June 13, 2018 with a personal vacation advisor by calling (866) 858-1865 or booking through a travel agent.

We also have a special booking offer available this spring. Guests can save up to 20 percent on select rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel, and 10 percent on select rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, on most Sunday through Thursday nights between April 15 and June 14, 2018.* Book now through May 31, 2018.

*Not valid for stays at Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel and travel must be completed by 6/15/18. Requires the purchase of a 2, 3, 4 or 5 day Disneyland Resort Theme Park ticket for each registered guest (ages 3 and older) in the reservation. Each ticket in the reservation must be the same type and number of days. The Disneyland Resort Theme Park Tickets expire 13 days after first use or 6/15/18, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Package elements included in this offer are subject to change, and Disney reserves the right to make substitutions. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is extremely limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Offer applied once per reservation and is not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Offer not valid on consecutive reservations; consecutive reservations using the same name will be treated as one reservation. Package elements may not be redeemed for cash. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Walt Disney Travel Company CST# 1022229-50.

** Paint the Night Reserved Viewing ticket valid for one (1) admission to a reserved viewing parade area on one Sunday through Thursday night during the dates of the package stay. No cash value; will not be replaced if lost or damaged and may not be transferred for a commercial purpose. Disney reserves the right to make substitutions. Parade may not operate daily and is subject to changes or cancellation without liability to Disney. Ticket expires seven (7) days from date of hotel check-in or issuance of the ticket, or 6/15/2016, whichever occurs first. Separate admission to applicable theme park required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Details on Three New Pools at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Details on Three New Pools at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort is currently undergoing an exciting hotel-wide renovation—the most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening. Guests have already been enjoying some of the updates—with many new guest rooms already available and the redesigned pool area now open for summer fun! Let’s take a look at some of the details found at the refreshed pool deck at each of the three pools at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Each of the three pool areas were designed with a variety of natural stones and brick to not only create a warm and welcoming environment, but also define three distinct pool settings. In keeping with the Arts and Crafts style of the hotel, the stone work was hand-laid by master stone masons.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Redwood Pool, with its irregular shape, features earthy, organic-feeling materials, including rustic brown flagstone and multicolored brick bands and slide accents. Situated just behind the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park, the 90-foot-long waterslide curves around a giant Redwood tree stump!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Golden flagstone is used throughout the Fountain Pool. The new urn-shaped fountain serves as the pool area’s centerpiece. The original turtle fountain can now been seen nestled in the garden as a fun addition to the Craftsman-inspired landscape.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The quiet Mariposa Pool features serene bluestone laid in an ashlar (or rectangular) pattern which creates a sleek look. For guests who would like to stretch out and relax, private cabanas line the edge and are available for half-day or full-day rentals.

Which one of the pools at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa would you like to enjoy?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.