Today at Disney California Adventure: Grand Californian Hotel
The last couple days we did something extra-special and played "tourist" in our own backyard, staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
We've been in the lobby and two of the restaurants numerous times, but it was such a treat to actually spend the night! I've been to Orlando three times and had forgotten just how much fun it is to stay at a Disney resort, where the amenities are extra-nice and all the guests are in a happy and festive mood.
Everywhere you turn at the hotel there's something interesting to see, from inviting conversation corners...
...to the swimming pools...
...and I wished I could take some of the art home with me!
We had the good fortune to pay a visit to the Craftsman's Club on the concierge level...
...where complimentary treats are laid out for guests throughout the day.
The hotel has its own entrance to Disney California Adventure!
We spent Thursday afternoon and Friday morning in the park.
We had a fantastic experience watching the World of Color water show from the hotel's sixth floor Paradise View Terrace. Other than a few of the water projections, we could see and hear everything clearly. It was a real treat enjoying the show so easily.
Then we went to the other side of the hotel and watched Disneyland's Remember...Dreams Come True fireworks show from a balcony, complete with the accompanying music and narration piped in to the hotel.
This morning we were up bright and early for the Extra Magic Hour available to hotel guests. Just after 7:00 a.m. I took my very first ride on the Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! ride (formerly the Tower of Terror). What a way to start the day!
I must admit they did a better job with the ride theming than I expected, although I still strongly feel the building's new "look" completely clashes with Buena Vista Street. The audioanimatronic Rocket in the ride pre-show was particularly impressive.
After a couple more rides and breakfast, we headed to Downtown Disney to see CARS 3 (2017), which I'll be reviewing here in the near future. (Update: Here is the review!) Then it was time to head for home after a fantastic 24 hours!
There's lots more Disney ahead next weekend, with the fifth D23 Expo July 14th-16th. I'll have more about that here next week.
posted by Laura @ 9:54 PM
4 Comments:
I'm so jealous that you were able to stay at the Grand Californian. I'm tentatively planning a trip to Disneyland next year, which would be my 3rd but the first with our girls (8 and 4). I'm hoping we can swing the Disneyland Hotel, but the Grand Californian may be too much to pay. I have seen the lobby, and it's gorgeous!
The Disneyland Hotel would be great too! Love Goofy's Kitchen and Steakhouse 55, and your kids will love the Monorail pool slide. Hope you're able to make the trip!
Best wishes,
Laura
Wow, you have got me sold on that hotel. We wondered if it would be worth the splurge. Sounds like it has some great perks.
Hi KC! The ability to enjoy World of Color, especially, plus the entrance directly into DCA are really nice perks on top of the hotel's general beauty. Although the pools aren't as cute as the Disneyland Hotel's Monorail slide, they're attractive, and, as seen in the photo here, there's a slide for the kids! The Craftsman's Club is available if you pay extra for concierge level, FYI; that's the same level with viewing of WOC and the fireworks.
Best wishes,
Laura
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