Disney's Grand Californian Hotel - An Honest Tour & Review

[@chrisgreen1904]

Don't waste your money by going there right now. I just got back and it wasn't a good experience at all. Alot of amenities are unavailable due to Covid-19. Understaffed although every and I mean every employee there does an amazing job. Completely overcrowded. Just to book a seat in one of the restaurants we had to reserve a month in advance. Spa is closed. Disney is doing a great job considering but it's the overcrowding of guests that really dampen the experience. Going to wait a couple more years then go again and i suggest you do the same.

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Hi Chris! Wow!!!! Thank you so much for your honest review. That makes me so sad to hear, but I’m not surprised. I’m not going back for a while myself when there are other decent hotel options for a third of the price or less!!! That’s rough that you had such a bad experience. Thanks again for sharing!

[@epit123]

aaaah, thanks for the advice man.. I'm going in september but I'm still hesitant about this hotel because of all the unavailability of things.. do you know if at least the direct access to DCA is open?

[@mapleflavoureddisney3201]

I have a feeling this will be the way of things for a while. We won't be going until pandemic life is in the review mirror and service is back to normal for sure!

[@annmarie6870]

I’m so surprised they were understaffed 7 months ago I’m sure a lot of people would love to work at Disneyland.

[@annmarie6870]

I was just hired to work there. 😱 Yikes I hope it’s not too understaffed that place is way too huge to clean lol!

[@desertpotter1003]

Love the Grand California hotel, my biggest complaint about all the Disney hotels is you have to pay for parking 😵‍💫. If you’re staying at their hotels it should be free!!

[@willrontani5894]

I have not stayed there because I can’t justify the price. I think it is a great option if you had mobility issues and are willing to pay a premium extra to cut your walking. Staying as a group also my cut the price down…. The thought of going on grizzly river rapids and heading straight to your room to change has extra appeal for me so it floats in the back of my brain as a bucket list stay. Also staying one night and then hotel hopping else where may also cut the price down if that is in your tolerance level…. You can easily shave a nights stay by staying on property and taking advantage of bell services. There actually are a ton of good deals elsewhere right now if you know where to look. I still think Storytellers is one of the best values for quality and portions of all dining on property. So I do have a lot of affection for this hotel.

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Hi Will! You are absolutely right about this place being great for people with mobility issues. Ben is in that boat, so staying here made it easy for us to get back to the hotel whenever he needed a break. I know we will come back once the prices come down but until then there really are so many decent options at a WAY lower price lol. And nothing beats being poolside, throwing on a cover up and doing a quick ride on GRR!!! I don’t like getting wet and being in the park all day so it’s the perfect way for me to ride it! 😂 thanks for the awesome comment!

[@chelseaoocandy]

I recommend bribing a disposable rain coat for wet rides 👍

[@honestlyben3205]

Such an amazing way to experience Disney. If you can afford it, it is absolutely worth it!

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Love you cutie 🥰

[@annmarie6870]

I’ve never stayed but the bar, wilderness area, and fire pits are absolutely wonderful. I have an interview with Disney tomorrow and if I’m able to I’m going to spend some time at the fire pits if they are still there. That was always my go to place for the best relaxation.

[@JenLefforge]

Darn you, Julia, now you have me questioning my reservation! But alas, DLH it will have to be this time. Such a great review!

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Thanks Jen! I wouldn’t question it right now…from the sounds of it, there are a lot of things not being offered still…and I LOVE me some DLH!!!!

[@willrontani5894]

Jen, DLH has intangibles that GCH doesn’t - having said that…. My biggest warning is The Grand Californian is a lot quieter and is geared for adults more. Been following you for some time too - I know you like a good on property value so I am on pins and needles to see your post about your stay. I am sad to see Stakehouse 55 go, because I think it lessens the experience. But the pool and Trader Sams/Tangaroa Terrace is a huge draw. Chef Goofy less so (Storytellers is way superior a character dining experience). Having said that there are drawbacks; the Disneyland Hotel is the stuff of dreams for generations of park goers for good reasons.

[@JenLefforge]

@@willrontani5894 I've stayed there three other times (the first was in 1978 if you can believe) and YES as CA native I have super high expectations! We've never stayed at the GCF and maybe someday but I just can't justify the price difference! And thank you for watching my stuff!! Greatly appreciated!

[@enevarez1471]

Welcome back!!

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Thank you!!!! It feels good 😊

[@hollyendicott-davies4587]

I was leaning towards Courtyard Marriot Theme Park Entrance for our future trip, but you’ve sorely tempted me to save up to stay here instead!!

[@annmarie6870]

My favorite hotel! I love the fire pits and scenery! So beautiful!

[@mapleflavoureddisney3201]

After camping and caring for a poorly dog, I am so happy to see this posted even if I am late! LOL After watching all your reviews of both the Disneyland Hotel and The Disney Grand Californian Hotel I tend to agree that the key is in the depth of Disney magic! Both hotels have a lot to offer, but I can see the magic is in the detail. As someone that could eat, sleep, and breathe Disney I would be over the moon to stay here! I was wondering though, can you walk through these hotels if you are not a hotel guest? I would love to see this in person, but our next trip is intended to be an RV road trip. It would be awesome to take my husband and two boys through the lobby and have a peek around after showing them your videos! You know how it is, you see it and then suddenly you are much more willing to fit it into your budget! 😉It sounds a little sneaky, but they will thank me for it! 🤣

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Ahoy Julia!!! Nice hotel! I love the atrium in the main lobby! Very dramatic!

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Ahoy me matey! This be a place where Ben & me needed to find some pirate treasure to stay here. Lol. Hope you are doing well!!!

[@TheRiverPirate13]

@@HonestHotelReviews Aye! I’m doing well Julia! I hope you and Ben are too! Sure miss you guys! I was wondering how Ben is doing now. As the plague fades away we Pirates are weighing anchor to sail the seven seas! Cruise in December this year and epic trips next year!

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Well I wish you safe travels my friend! Ben is doing okay, it will be a while before he’s able to travel again. Had a bit of a slide, but has been improving since February now. As always, he’s staying positive though!

[@TheRiverPirate13]

@@HonestHotelReviews Thanks! Please let Ben know he is still in my thoughts and prayers. One day we will all meet and saber a champagne bottle together! Lol!

[@jessicaalvarez8312]

We just went a week ago October 20 to the 22nd and we had a blast. First, I didn't like the fact that because of covid they don't clean your room every day and there's no room service neither. However, as we went to the splash mountain ride our boat was filled with water it wasn't working it seem cloug so we ended up soaking wet it was a ridiculous amount of water inside the boat that made it heavier so the splashes wore gigantic and we ended up super wet, this been said, the fact that we wore staying at this hotel made it very convenient for us to just go shower and get change and later on we went back to the park had dinner, watch a show and still go to the rides something that wouldn't happen if we would of stay in another hotel. So for this reason is worth the money also the costumer service was amazing.

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Hi Jessica! I appreciate your honest opinion and I totally agree, there’s a lot missing ever since they reopened, but the staff and location is hard to beat! Glad you were able to go back to change after getting drenched on Splash 💦

[@YaraMay20]

For someone who will stay on site for the first time what do you think is the best hotel? This one or the Disneyland Hotel? I like the rooms better at the Disneyland hotel and off course it’s history. But this hotel is so beautiful.

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Hi Eva! In general, I tend to recommend the Disneyland Hotel more often, especially right now when there are fewer perks being offered to hotel guests. It makes it hard to justify the price of the Grand Californian. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d definitely pick the GC but I think especially for your first time staying on site, the OG has the most Disney Nostalgia.

[@YaraMay20]

@@HonestHotelReviews thank you so much for the reply!

[@dogthewalker8071]

What is the name of this background music on Epidemic Sound?

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Here is a link to the updated experiences for the Disneyland Resort: disneyland.disney.go.com/en-ca/experience-updates/

[@keeranmnc1605]

Can you bring snacks etc. from outside, into the hotel?

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Yes you DEFINITELY can! And should lol. I saw many families bring food in to the pool area from other restaurants to feed their large families.

[@leatherman88ch]

I stayed there when I went to Disney was on third level all the way at the far end when we opened up our patio door you can see the ferris wheel and the goofy flight simulator which was really cool it was a long walk from the lobby to the room but still an awesome hotel and during checkout they let me check my bags so it gets been more time in downtown Disney and when I was ready I drove my car over and they loaded my bags in

[@ShelbyA2LA]

How much is parking ? How early can you get into the park ? Thank you.

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Have you stayed here? Do you think the Perks & Pizzaz are worth the price????

[@jakobhellyer2792]

Yes. It is so nice

[@HonestHotelReviews]

I know it’s expensive…but I really wish I was there right now 😂 💕

[@jakobhellyer2792]

@@HonestHotelReviews I miss it so much

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Me too 💔

[@crazyturk6936]

Prices aren't too shabby $17 for Avocado Toast >.> I mean I get it, it's Disney and it's par for the course, but I wouldn't call it not too shabby.

[@HonestHotelReviews]

You are absolutely right…but avocado toast is one of those things I don’t ever order anywhere because I always think it’s overpriced 🤣🤣🤣. There are some things that are priced alright and some things that are way too expensive. Thanks for the feedback 😊 now I’m going to make myself some delicious avocado toast for breakfast…at a cost of about $1 😜

[@365lofi4]

I clicked add to cart and saw it come out to 11k. Had a heart attack and switch hotels and checked out for 3.5k lol

[@HonestHotelReviews]

YIKES!!! That would have given me a heart attack too!!!

[@Craiggg12345]

I stayed at the GCH from August 10-12. I always wanted to stay at the GCH and my girlfriend loves Disneyland and the magic experience. We booked a theme park/pool view and requested a theme park view. I only chose a theme park view because Disney is currently offering 25% off their hotels. Also with the California three day park hopper deal, it only cost us $2200 for three park hopper tickets and a theme park view at GCH. Our room was on the third floor and our balcony view overlooked the lift hill of Goofy Sky School. I do wish we were on the fourth or fifth floor because our view of Pixar Pier was blocked by the tall trees. Overall, I stayed at the GCH for the experience and ledge feeling. Would I do it again? Absolutely but for cost reasons, I may book a court yard view next time. After being at the parks for three days, the short walk to the room was very enjoyable and one of the reasons I picked GCH over Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel.

[@carleymichellehildebrand6482]

Scrimped and saved for a year for this hotel and.....was sadly disappointed. Our room was super basic and wasn't a fan of having to "add on" services. (Srlsly, we're justifying paying "Club Level" prices for basic continental breakfast?) Being INSIDE the park is unreal. And the magic in the lobby is undeniable. Bask in the incredible ambience of the lobby....but I sincerely can't justify the price point. If you want to pay $700 a night for a Holiday Inn room with pixie dust ....go for it.

[@violetbengal8825]

My mom said we are going to there for my birthday and staying and I was so excited until I searched the price. Now I have never felt so guilty 🙃 I tell my mom no but she insists but times are tough and I feel guilty

[@velvetrose0]

I always feel like that to whenever me and my family go on big trips, I feel so guilty for now reason. I hope you had fun though!

[@violetbengal8825]

@@velvetrose0 fortunately I found an excuse to do something else! We got milkshakes instead which saves more money and isn't a sad birthday 😋

[@lauri-jeancarlson8476]

I never stayed at grand Californian hotel and spa yet lobby at the grand California is beautiful with fort Wilderness lounge at WDW

[@HonestHotelReviews]

I hear that a lot! I’ll have to convince Ben to go stay there with me so I can see the similarities for myself 😜💕

[@McWheeler93030]

Do any of the pools have a lift for the physically challenged?

[@HonestHotelReviews]

Hello! That’s a great question 💕 All the pools and hot tubs had a lift. The only thing that didn’t have access would be the water slide I believe. Hope this helps 😊

[@McWheeler93030]

@@HonestHotelReviews Yes it does. Thank you!

[@Drenn71]

We stayed there for 5 days, no room service or anything, very disappointing.

[@DavidGarciajrtx]

You should just get dvc