Last updated on April 18th, 2024 at 03:54 pm
Can’t decide between the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for your next Disney vacation?
The question of Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian is a tough call! They are considered the two best hotels at the Disneyland Resort, but when you put them head to head, which comes out on top?
Both resorts have many superb features, but there are pros and cons to each. Here is a guide to help you decide.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
For a truly immersive Disneyland vacation in Anaheim, California, you’ll want to stay on-property at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel are both phenomenal resorts, and it is not uncommon to struggle with a decision between the two.
I’ve stayed at both these hotels a number of times, including a recent weekend at the Disneyland Hotel’s brand-new tower – The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, which just opened in September 2023.
Here’s a quick overview of the two hotels to start:
The Disneyland Hotel is Disney’s original hotel and features mid-century modern décor (a throwback to its 1950s roots), several themed restaurants, two pools and water slides, easy access to Downtown Disney and the theme parks, and lots of Disney touches.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a newer resort (opened in 2001) with direct access into Downtown Disney and Disney California Adventure Park. It is more upscale and generally higher priced. The hotel’s architecture -particularly its impressive lobby – is in the Craftsman style and is designed to feel like you’re inside one of the great lodges in a National Park. It also has pools and a waterslide, and a luxurious full-service spa.
In addition to these two Disneyland Resort hotels, it must also be noted that there is a third Disney hotel. Pixar Place Hotel – formerly Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – is also on-property, but is widely acknowledged not to be in the same league as the other two, and I can say from experience that is true!
It is also a little bit further away. So we will focus on comparing the Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian in this article, as those truly are the best options for a great Disney vacation.
Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian: Which Is Better?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news – but the honest answer is, it depends! Everyone has different priorities and opinions on what makes a great hotel. But we will compare each major aspect of these hotels to help make your decision clearer.
I will say – if the hotels were priced exactly the same, I would always opt for Disney’s Grand Californian. But a closer look at the pros, cons, and features of each will help you decide if the difference in room rates justifies a stay at one over the other.
Which is better for adults?
With its upscale atmosphere, tasteful décor, variety of bars and lounges, and the full-service Tenaya Stone Spa, Disney’s Grand Californian wins for best Disneyland hotel for adults.
That’s not to say the Disneyland Hotel is not for adults. While it has a more whimsical atmosphere, there are definitely perks for adults to enjoy. In fact, one of my favorite spots in all of the Disneyland Resort is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Enjoy live music and a tropical cocktail amid glowing tiki torches at Trader Sam’s, or cozy up at the outdoor fireplace nearby.
If a refined, adults-only Disney getaway is what you’re looking for, I might even go out on a limb and suggest you check out the Westin Anaheim Resort, one of the best hotels walking distance to Disneyland. This new hotel is close to the theme parks and features five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar with amazing panoramic views of Disney’s fireworks.
Which is better for families?
If the Grand Californian is better for adults, then it only makes sense for the Disneyland Hotel to be the best Disneyland resort hotel for families.
While both are kid-friendly hotels, the Disneyland Hotel has a more vibrant atmosphere. The three main towers are named after different lands at Disneyland Park (Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier Tower) and feature whimsical touches like wallpaper in the public restrooms and lobby décor.
But the feature that really sets this hotel apart and makes the Disneyland Hotel worth the splurge is the pool.
The pool area at the Disneyland Hotel has two Monorail-themed slides that are replicas of the original Mark 1 Monorail trains that traveled between Disneyland Park and the Disneyland Hotel during the early 1960s. There is the 180-foot-long Monorail Red slide and 80-foot-long Monorail Yellow slide.
The 4-foot-deep, D-Ticket pool is a shady oasis next to the Monorail water play area. There also are outdoor Minnie and Mickey-themed hot tubs. The pool area alone make the Disneyland Hotel better for families, especially those with young kids.
By contrast, Disney’s Grand Californian has a more subdued pool area. While it does have a waterslide at its Redwood pool, overall, the setting is more serene and relaxing. Better for adults and older kids.
Location
When it comes to location, the Grand Californian is the clear winner.
While both the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian are within easy walking distance to the parks, the Grand Californian literally has a park entrance straight into Disney California Adventure. You can avoid having to wait in line at the main gate and enter directly into the Grizzly Peak area of the park.
Similarly, a different exit from the hotel will deliver you into the heart of the Downtown Disney District. As a bonus, it is right near the Starbucks!
The Disneyland Hotel is across a driveway from the west end of Downtown Disney, and then you will have to walk through it to get to the theme parks.
However, staying at the Disneyland Hotel puts you close to the Monorail station, which will zip you into Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park. This is a great perk, but note that lines can get long, especially first thing in the morning if you are trying to take advantage of early entry. In this case it is sometimes faster just to walk to the main entrance.
Guest Rooms
Standard guest rooms at both hotels are similar in size and amenities, so the better hotel comes down to your personal preference. The main difference in rooms at the Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian is the theme, style, and available views.
All rooms at the Grand Californian include a patio or balcony, while only The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (the new DVC tower) offer balconies. Standard rooms at the Disneyland hotel have floor to ceiling windows.
Disney’s Grand Californian Rooms
Hotel rooms at the Grand Californian are tastefully decorated in warm woods and neutral colors. They have a mural above the beds of a blossoming orange tree, with subtle details of Chip and Dale in the branches.
All of the rooms have been recently renovated with the latest technology and now feature a 55” flat-screen tv and USB connections.
Both hotels also offer Club level rooms if you want to upgrade.
Disneyland Hotel Rooms
Guest rooms at the Disneyland Hotel are both sophisticated and whimsical with more bright colors. The highlight here is the light-up headboards with the Sleeping Beauty Castle carved into them. The headboards feature fiber optics and music to create a skyline with fireworks. Just flip a switch and When You Wish Upon a Star plays while the headboard lights up!
The new Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer space beyond a regular room with two queen beds or one king bed. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel is a Disney Vacation Club property but can be booked by non-DVC members. Like all DVC resorts, you can select from more home-like accommodation including:
- Duo Studios with a mini-refrigerator
- Deluxe Studios with a kitchenette
- 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas featuring a kitchen, private bedrooms and a washer and dryer
Amenities & Perks
Just like staying at the on-property resorts at Walt Disney World, Disneyland resort hotels come with great perks and will immerse you in Disney magic. Some of the benefits of staying on-property include:
- Easy Access to Theme Parks – Hop on the monorail, walk through Downtown Disney, or access California Adventure Park through the guest entrance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
- Early Entry – Enter one of the theme parks 30 minutes before regular park opening
- In-room Celebrations – Room decorations and gifts
- Charge-to-Room – If you are staying at one of the Disney resort hotels, you can charge dining and shopping purchases directly to your room
- Dining Reservations – Preferred access to table-service restaurant dining reservations at your hotel
In addition, both of these Disney hotels offer the following amenities regardless of your room type:
- A mini-refrigerator and coffee maker in every room
- Room service
- Laundry facilities on-site
- Fitness center and fitness classes
- Themed pools
- Poolside cabanas and daybeds (for an additional cost)
- Recreational activities
- Exceptional Disney service
- Valet parking or self-parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Food & Drink
Putting aside the fact that Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel are both steps away from the myriad of restaurants inside Downtown Disney, each has a number of great places to eat, as well!
The winner in this category of Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian is definitely the Disneyland Hotel. While both hotels have amazing options, the Disneyland Hotel has a greater variety of choices from casual to upscale, while the Grand California tends to skew a little more fancy, and therefor a little more pricey.
My favorite place for a quick bite is Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel. Located right next to Trader Sam’s, this quick-service restaurant overlooks the pool and has a South Pacific vibe that will put you right into vacation mode. We often stop here for a Dole Whip even when we’re not staying at the hotel!
Here’s a breakdown of all the food and drink locations inside the Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian and a brief description of each.
Disney Grand Californian Dining
- Napa Rose – Upscale California fare in an elegant setting
- Storytellers Cafe – Mid-range dining with a great buffet and also character breakfast featuring Disney characters
- Hearthstone Lounge – Cozy cocktail lounge with a fireplace
- GCH Craftsman Grill – Great food in a Craftsman style ambiance
- GCH Craftsman Bar – Poolside drinks and appetizers
Disneyland Hotel Dining
- Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill – Quick-service food near the Monorail pool with a Polynesian twist
- Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – Bar inspired by the world-famous Jungle Cruise
- The Coffee House – A great option for quick morning coffee, bagels, fruit, and pastries.
- Goofy’s Kitchen – The best place for character dining at the Disneyland Resort, with expansive breakfast and dinner buffets with your favorite Disney characters
- Palm Breeze Bar – The newest place to go for lunch, dinner, or drinks at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Price & Value
While neither of these hotels fall nowhere near the budget category, generally speaking staying at the Disneyland Hotel will cost less than a room at the Grand Californian.
As an example, a standard room at the Disneyland Hotel on a weeknight in February 2024 starts at $450. The room rates for the same night at Disney’s Grand Californian start at $584.
If you’ve read my blog, it’s no secret that I am a big fan of Disney Good Neighbor Hotels located near the parks, many of which are walking distance or just a short shuttle ride away. This can shave literally hundreds of dollars off your Disneyland vacation without compromising the quality of your hotel.
However, if you are set on experiencing one of the on-property Disney hotels, it worth the premium price to be inside the Disney bubble and have access to all the perks of staying on-property.
With that said – only do it if you are planning to set aside time to enjoy the pools and other resort amenities. If you are just looking for a place to sleep at the end of the day after visiting the parks, you should save your money.
Final Thoughts: Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian
So what’s the verdict on which Disney resort hotel is better?
All things considered, my recommendation is the Disneyland Hotel. That might surprise you since I said at the beginning of this article that if the hotels were priced exactly the same, I would opt for Disney’s Grand Californian.
But the reality is – they are not priced the same; the slightly lower prices at the Disneyland Hotel make a big difference.
Though I absolutely love the Grand Californian’s exclusive entrance into California Adventure Park, I am also happy to take the Monorail into Disneyland along with other Disneyland hotel guests if it means saving a hundred bucks or more a night. Add to that the perfectly nice rooms, amazing pools and water slides, variety of dining options, and overall nostalgia of staying at this historic hotel, and the Disneyland Hotel is the clear winner in my book.
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