Grand California Hotel and Spa Lobby

Grand Califonia Hotel and Spa Room

Grand Califonia Hotel and Spa Pools

Storytellers Cafe Mickey

Words cannot describe, nor can any picture do justice the sheer enormity of the majestic lobby entrance to Disney’s Grand Californian hotel. “Wow” announced the little traveller upon walking into the foyer, looking up at the timber beams, exposed jousts and boulder lined, hearthstone fireplace. “Is this where Mickey lives?” she enquires, after patiently waiting to meet him, after weeks of plan making, leading up to the 13-hour flight to Los Angeles.

There are subtle touches of Disney magic dotted throughout the hotel, but unlike other areas in the park not everything has mouse ears. Rather, this (AAA four-diamond) hotel and spa tastefully captures the romantic yet rustic Arts & Crafts movement of early 20th Century California. A movement driven by the brother architects Charles and Henry Greene and their ultimate bungalow design. The hotel is adorned with paintings, lamps, sculptures and incidental furniture evoking memories of arroyo craftsmen, the mission pioneers and the Plein Air School of painters.

The little traveller is delighted with the Disney film favorites screening in the lobby and immediately joins other little companions in miniature rocking chairs while the guest services seats us to check in to the hotel and provide maps, information and special complimentary “fast passes” for queue jumping wait times on popular rides in the Disney theme parks. Another of the many unique benefits of staying in the Grand Californian Hotel, that also has direct connecting access to Disney’s most recent additions of Downtown Disney (food and entertainment precinct) and the Californian Adventure Park, a stand-alone attraction in the resort.

At this point the little traveller is invited to join in for tales or songs by the hearth, alternating nightly, and located in the lobby by the fireplace the session run at 5:30pm for pre-dinner and 7:30 pm as a bedtime prelude. This is one of the many activity groups for little guests that include trivia challenges, cartoon drawing lessons, build-a-bear sessions and Pinocchio’s Workshop (designed for children five-12 years between 5pm and 12pm). There are also many activities for the elders including early morning power walks and “Art of the Craft” tours highlighting the significance of the hotels design and accouterments.

Our room, of the 948 in this deluxe property, contains tall beds like high-top muffins and pillows as soft as marshmallows. The little traveller is delighted by the hidden Bambi’s featured on the shower curtains, whilst we enjoy the massage bar soaps and rotating showerheads. Not to mention the heavy curtains that turn day to night that allow us a chance to catch up from the cross pacific journey.

After our recovery nap we awake to a friendly visit by a hotel cast member personally welcoming the little traveller to the hotel with Mickey Mouse Balloons, autographed photo of the Disney characters and autograph book, along with Disneyland badge denoting her first visit. Like everything that Disney lends it hands to, it is the thoughtful, smaller, personal touches that are the real magic of your stay.

The 24-hour in-room dining offers crowd pleasing chicken quesadillas along with the usual fare. The award winning Napa Rose restaurant offers a fine dining option. However the most convenient restaurant for those with families on the move is the White Water Snack Bar with healthy or indulgent snacks to go. This is situated right near to the entrance to the Californian Adventure Park and makes for a quick snack option for both Mickey’s and Minnie’s alike.

The most unique dining experience, however, can be found at the Storytellers Café. Be sure to book for the lively woodland character breakfast hosted by Disney favorites Chip n Dale, where the little traveller commenced the day with a full breakfast buffet surrounded by cuddly characters that lead games, dances, posed for photos and signed autographs. The experience was a delight and was finished off with Mickey shaped waffles that had everyone smiling.

After a day of park hopping or if you have a more leisurely schedule be sure to enjoy the amazing outdoor swimming facilities. The Grand Californian houses three heated pools, one of which reserved for the little traveller and her companions. Each pool is under the careful watch of a designated lifeguard and we were delighted to find complimentary miniature life jackets and sunscreen freely available to concerned parents. This area also boasts two whirlpools, waterslides and hundreds of banana chairs from where poolside drinks and snacks may be ordered.