Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

The hotel tours are free for guests, and the staff were helpful, courteous, and knew their stuff. I also liked the live music in the lobby, the beautiful architecture, and the gift shop, which had everything from Disney gear to Ben Gay. The pools are lovely, with a slide pool for kids. Booking directly through Disney came with discounts at some shops and restaurants, plus a premium lanyard and pin while supplies lasted. The food was fresh, and room service was quicker than at other places I've stayed. Try the spaghetti. I loved it. There are park views from the tucked-away terraces, and the rooms were clean with free turndown service. The location is the big draw: it's inside California Adventure, so getting back to your room for a break or a change of clothes is easy. A few downsides: there isn't a parking structure right beside the hotel, so you'll have a walk if you skip valet. We didn't have water bottles in the room, so bring a larger one to fill for morning coffee. Non-guests can use the main lobby, and it gets crowded. Some days we couldn't find a seat by the fireplace or on the leather couches to listen to the piano. It's pricey, but you get what you pay for. The restaurant we wanted to try was under construction, so call ahead.

The hotel has roomy hallways, accessible features, balconies with nice lobby views, and a parking garage. From here, it's easy to get to the parks or Downtown Disney, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. We had a wonderful stay. Service was lovely: housekeeping did a great job and left the kids a Christmas note and stickers, poolside servers were courteous and helpful, and the front desk responded quickly. They also offered turndown service. It's a luxury Craftsman-style hotel right by the park. There's a spa on site, and during the holidays there were carol singers and a huge Christmas tree in the lobby.

The on-site dining was a highlight for us, from Hearthstone Lounge to Storytellers Cafe and Napa Rose. My oldest, who collects pins, was thrilled to find GCH-specific Chip and Dale pins in the gift shop. We were upgraded to a pool view at check-in, and the cast member helping us was wonderful. She decorated a birthday pin for my oldest and told us stories from her many years at the hotel. I wish I could remember her name. My kids also loved the little rocking chairs in front of the TV showing Mickey cartoons. It was a great stay, and the convenience is hard to beat. The only bummer was that early entry has been discontinued. Hopefully it comes back.

We splurged on the Grand Californian for a special anniversary, after staying at all three Disneyland properties over the years. I came away disappointed. The rooms didn't feel unique or special, and there wasn't any special Disney theming. There is a lovely pool, a few places to eat, and a spa, but this may suit a conference better than a Disney vacation. The price didn't feel justified to me. Disney now gives one Lightning Lane pass per stay, and early park entry is gone. We've stayed at the Grand Floridian at Disney World several times, and I'd recommend staying there when you're in Orlando.