Disney's Grand California Resort & Spa

The adventure begins in the lobby, and one can instantly understand why AAA granted this hotel with the Four Diamond Award. With warm, earthy tones and accents of stone and wood, the American Craftsman design of Disney’s Grand California Resort & Spa is instantly appealing. Giant overstuffed chairs are abundant throughout, and ample seating surrounds the vast stone hearth - especially inviting during the nightly storyteller hour.

And storyteller hour is just the beginning. The resort has many special experiences (both free and fee-based) to please the whole family: outdoor Pilates (seasonal), an early morning power walk, hotel scavenger hunt, and special Build-A-Bear sessions are just a few of the unique activities available. Architectural design and/or California history buffs will want to make time to enjoy the free ‘Art of the Craft’ Tour.

Tip: Visit the Guest Services desk upon check-in. They can give you a schedule of all the special activities happening on-site during your stay.

More traditional luxuries are also abound: adults can relax and rejuvenate at Mandara Spa.  A waterslide, multiple pools and private cabana rentals can help everyone work on an awesome Southern California tan. Need a break from the kids? Children ages 5 - 12 can be entertained at Pinocchio’s Workshop, the on-site daycare center licensed and maintained by the State of California.  With all that free time, you can enjoy an elegant meal at the Napa Rose restaurant and lounge.

Tip: The Napa Rose at Grand Californian currently ranks #8 of all 272 restaurants in Anaheim, according to TripAdvisor.

Perhaps the best perk is a special entrance into the Disney California Adventure theme park. Beat the lines and escape the crowds as you enter just beyond Grizzly Rapids. Have a resort-issued FastPass? You can use it to get special seating at the World of Color light show!

Tip: Make a night of it! World of Color offers an array of dining packages, and even have a special viewing patio for guests to watch and dine.

After all that fun, guests will find standard rooms that are comfortably-sized for a maximum of 5 people. Kids and parents will love that every room has a DVD player, and a collection of movies available for checkout at the front desk. For guests who prefer a little more space - or a lot more luxury - Artisan Suites and Club-Level (concierge) rooms are available. Concierge guests have access to the Craftsman’s Club Lounge, where they enjoy amenities such as daily continental breakfast, hosted wine/cheese/dessert receptions nightly, and a special viewing area for the fireworks show (on select nights).

Tip: All guests have the option of adding Club Level service to their reservation.

From stunning architectural design to intricate artistic details, unique activities for guests young and old, and (of course) hidden Mickeys, Disney’s Grand California Resort and Spa makes sure that everyone experiences a bit of the Disney magic. To book your next vacation or for more information, contact your local travel agent or visit the Disneyland website.

Disney's Grand California Resort & Spa
1600 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802

Everyone experiences a bit of Disney magic!

Read More

Disney's Paradise Pier

Screening Room

Though Disney considers the Paradise Pier its value property, someone failed to alert the designers. Campy, beach-themed accents are around every turn, represented in creative ways that are definitively Disney. Though there are many accents that adults will find appealing, this hotel was created with the kids in mind. An arcade resides in between the parking lot and the registration desk. A kid-sized screening room plays Disney movies and TV shows. And Surf's Up! Breakfast at the PCH Grille is the only character experience in all the park where guests are guaranteed to see Mickey.

TIP: Make sure to bring an autograph book (available for purchase in any of the resort/park gift shops); Mickey and the gang will gladly sign them for you!

Guess who's coming to breakfast?

Adults can enjoy full bar service in a relaxed atmosphere at the Surfside Lounge, while the whole family can spend quality time at the hotel's rooftop pool with roller-coaster-themed waterslide.

Tip: Guests can view the fireworks show from the pool deck (check with Guest Services for time/availability).

Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds and Daybed Sofa

Disney's functional-whimsy carries into the guestrooms, too. Standard rooms range from 420 - 425 sqft, and can comfortably sleep up to 5 people. Pack-and-Play playards are also included in each room. For larger parties, or families wanting more space, there are Family and Signature Suites that can sleep up to 12 people. Want upgraded amenities and service? Club-level rooms are available. In addition to a spectacular view of either the Disney California Adventure theme park or the pool area, included is access to the Club Lounge for daily continental breakfast, hosted wine/cheese and dessert receptions nightly, snacks and beverages available all day, and family movies.

Tip: For an additional fee, guests in any room category can add Club-level service onto their reservation.

Nice view from Standard Room

Double Tip: Some standard rooms have a view of the new Cars Land. Young racers will love catching a peek of Radiator Springs!

Close-up of Cars Land, Opening June 15, 2012

Guests of all ages will enjoy staying at a Disney hotel while visiting the theme parks. By choosing the Paradise Pier Hotel, savvy guests can save money without sacrificing comfort or style. A value property, indeed.

To book your next stay or for more information, contact your local travel agent or visit the Disneyland website.

Disney Paradise Pier Hotel
1717 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802

Savvy guests can save money without sacrificing comfort or style!

Read More

Disneyland Hotel

Happy hosts greet you at the entrance

From the very moment the valet opens the door, you know that this is going to be something special. Bronze statues of Mickey and Minnie greet you at the entrance. Giant teacups outfitted with plush cushions beckon you to take a load off while you wait for your turn to check in. And the front desk staff welcomes you with a warm smile and quick processing of documents. Let the Disney vacation begin!

Situated at the apex of the Disneyland Resort (which encompasses 2 theme parks, 3 hotels - one with timeshare villas, and a shopping district), the newly remodeled Disneyland Hotel offers convenient pedestrian access to all that the resort has to offer.  We were extremely pleased with its close proximity to the monorail entrance into the Disneyland theme park - especially my toddler, who enjoyed the monorail trip as much as any ride in the park.

Plush pillows with a touch of whimsy

Disney is known for infusing elegant design with whimsical flair, and the newly remodeled Disneyland Hotel does not disappoint. Rooms are spacious: a standard room sleeps up to 5 guests comfortably, courtesy of 2 queen beds and a sofa sleeper. At 425 - 450 sq ft, it is the largest standard room of all 3 hotels at the resort. Beds are plush and cozy, with more than enough pillows to satisfy the whole gang.  For the youngest visitors, a Pack-and-play is included in each room (but bring your own bedding). Night owls will love the pen-sized nightlights attached to each bedside (especially helpful while writing this post!), while guests young and old will enjoy being lulled to sleep by the fantastic headboard. And in true Disney style, hidden Mickeys are abound!

Tip: For family fun, see how many hidden Mickeys you can find throughout the hotel!

For even more upscale luxury, the hotel offers a Concierge floor with lounge access. Lounge perks include continental breakfast, a hosted wine, cheese & dessert reception nightly and fruit/juice/bottled water available all day. And while you're doing all that snacking, the Concierge lounge provides a fantastic view of Downtown Disney, and is a great place to watch the fireworks show.

Tip: You can add lounge access to any room; just inquire with your travel agent at time of booking, or upgrade upon arrival.

The hotel boasts many dining options, including fine dining at Steakhouse 55 and character dining at Goofy’s Kitchen. See full list here.


The HippopotoMai-Tai is not to be missed!

For outdoor dining and cocktails with a Hawaiian flair, head over to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Conveniently located just steps from the pool and the Frontier Tower, this interactive lounge offers tasty casual food, nice music and outdoor heaters for those chilly SoCal evenings. Live music nightly on the patio, and though closing time is 2am, kids are welcome at Trader Sam’s until 8pm.

Tip: The HippopotoMai-Tai is not to be missed! (Don’t balk at the $15 price tag; I promise it is worth every penny!)

What is a Southern California vacation without enjoying the great weather?  The hotel offers 3 pools, 2 waterslides and 2 hot tubs at which to lounge in sun-worship or water play. Cabana rentals are available, as is food/drink service during specific hours.

Tip: Left your floaties at home? Don't worry. With life jackets available poolside, Disney has you covered!

Monorail Pool/View from Frontier Tower Room

With comfort, style and special accents to please visitors of all ages, the happiest place on earth just got a little bit happier. Contact your local travel agent for current promotions or visit the Disneyland website.

Disneyland Hotel
1150 Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802

The happiest place on Earth just got a little bit happier.

Read More