Features of Disney Grand Californian?

We plan to stay at the Disney Grand Californian next week. Reviews have been quite mixed, but the hotel is very pretty, and we found a good deal, so we%26#39;ll try it. I%26#39;d love some feedback about it. We are annual passholders, and try to minimize our costs when going to Disneyland so we can go often, but are going to splurge this time.

Questions:

Is there any access by the monorail?

Is there early entrance to Disneyland?

Are there rooms with sofa beds?

Can we park in the valet parking early, before checking in, since we%26#39;ll be at the park before check-in time?

Any particular time or place where you have found good prices?

Any other suggestions for a great experience?

Thanks!

Features of Disney Grand Californian?

I%26#39;ve stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, but not the Grand Californian, so I can%26#39;t answer most of your questions. I can say at the Disneyland Hotel we arrived early in the morning, valet parked, and dropped off our luggage before going into the park. That way we didn%26#39;t have to use the parking garage and drive over to the hotel later.

Features of Disney Grand Californian?

From the GC it is quicker to walk to the main gate than use the monorail. Early entry days are Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat and resort guests can go any of those days. Not all the park is open during EE. If you have kids, try to get a bunk bed room.

I saw one of the rooms with a friend who was staying there. The room was very basic and she was disappointed because she paid so much. So, I would just say, if you remember you are paying for the location - you will be quite satisfied. You simply walk out through the lobby and past the great restaurant (do eat here - it is fantastic) Napa Rose, and you enter right into California Adventure. Imagine, walking right into the park! Fabulous!

It is a very short walk from your hotel through Downtown Disney (another plus - you are right on Downtown Disney) to Disneyland itself. It is a great location. The lobby is gorgeous and the restaurants great.

My friend valet parked and was not checked in yet so you should not have a problem with this.

My suggestion: When going to Disneyland, at the beginning of Downtown Disney is a lovely restaurant called La Brea Bakery. It is actually a famous bakery in Los Angeles. Go into the bakery area like a cafeteria and select a rustic apple tart and get a cappuccino and eat in their outdoor area with all the birds and watch all the early morning Disney people rushing by to the gates. It is great entertainment and a perfect breakfast. That is my favorite tip to people.

clavdia-

Answers to your questions...

Is there any access by the monorail?

*You DONT NEED access to the monorail at this hotel-youre already close to EVERYTHING. The entrance courtyard to both theme parks is minutes away, plus you can take advantage of the special entrance near the pool.

Is there early entrance to Disneyland?

*Not for the moment, check back for promotions. Take the special entrance near the pool in the morning, then race through DCA for FASTPASSES to the best rides!!!

Are there rooms with sofa beds?

*Daybeds...the King beds usually have those.

Can we park in the valet parking early, before checking in, since we%26#39;ll be at the park before check-in time?

*Valet runs about $14 a day...why not just self park across the street?

Any particular time or place where you have found good prices?

Any other suggestions for a great experience?

*Have fun!

Thanks!

I stayed at the Grand Californian in a suite- we splurged for a bachelorette- and the rooms are very nice. There are bunk bed rooms which are perfect for kids. If you are staying there ask about access to the ';Craftsmen%26#39;s club'; - I am not sure if that was what it is called, but it has goodies to snack on and wine for the parental units- oh it%26#39;s free in there. Take time to sit in the bar off the lobby - it is the best part of the hotel. Napa Rose is great, but it will put you back about 60-70 per person at least. For another alternative try the storytellers cafe at the hotel. They have a great buffet and it will be nicer on your wallet than Napa Rose. Granvilles at the Disneyland hotel is great for steaks, and Yamabuki at the Paradise pier is great for japanese including sushi.

My suggestion on dining is eat at lunchtime a larger meal, and snack in the evening. Lunch menus are easier to find deals on and someplaces serve enough to share.