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The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the perfect Holiday getaway!

Disclosure: Hosted. Opinions are always our own.

The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is all dressed up for the holidays! The Grand Californian is of course the perfect place to stay when you are planning a trip to Disneyland, but even more so during the holidays.  We recently enjoyed the Festival of Holidays and spent an evening at The Grand Californian. We are delighted to share the highlights of why a stay at The Grand Californian is extra special during the holiday season.

gingerbread grand californian

The Grand Gingerbread is a holiday tradition that is a delight to the senses. This homemade gingerbread house weighs more than 500 pounds and is designed as a replica of the hotel.  The entire lobby smells like gingerbread from the moment you walk through the doors! If you are lucky you will be able to watch baker elves constructing the gingerbread house.

christmas tree grand californian

A gigantic Christmas tree stands in the center of a beautifully decorated lobby.  The Grand Californian always feels like you are visiting a luxurious lodge in the mountains, but during the holidays it is all the more cozy.

entertainment grand californian

Seasonal live entertainment makes relaxing in the lobby feel even more inviting.

From the moment you drive up to the entrance you are greeted with festive decor!

entrance grand californianA stay at a Disneyland Resort property is a splurge, but the benefits to your Disney vacation that are unmatched.  Guests cannot be closer to Disneyland Park at any other hotel or even Resort property. Guests of the Grand Californian (or any Disney Resort Property) can take advantage of “Magic Hour” which allows guests to get into one park an hour earlier than general admission.  With crowds being higher during the holiday season, being able to take advantage of “Magic Hour” helps you get more play time and even grab a fast pass for a popular ride before anyone else has even come into the gates.   Guests can also enjoy exclusive activities and entertainment in the hotel itself.  Movies by the pool, cookies in the lobby, and maybe seeing a Disney Character passing through are all benefits you simply cannot get anywhere else. With special Disney touches from the lobby, to the rooms, and even the pools, it keeps your vacation magical from start to finish.

christmas tree at the grand

One last benefit to staying at The Grand Californian…. swimming in December!  While the air may be brisk some days, life guards are still out and the pool is open. Don’t miss out on the heated pools, water slides, and Jacuzzi!

pool grand californian

We missed the pool the last time we stayed at The Grand Californian and so many people do.  We are always so excited to spend as much time as possible in the parks that we don’t carve out time for the pool.  We knew we had to check it out this time and we are so glad we did!

grand californian pool time

Ready to dive in!  They were the only kids in the pool at 10 am and they were in heaven!

Grand Californian Water SlideOne large twisty water slide and a little one for the less adventurous our kids had a blast.  Several life guards attentively watch swimmers and life vests are provided at no additional cost.

little slide

Disneyland is such a fun and exciting time, but it is so nice to have luxurious cabanas to unwind.

cabanas at Grand Californian

A special thank you to The Disneyland Resort for the special memories!  See ya real soon!

grand californian roomIf you are hoping to visit the Disneyland Resort this holiday season, make sure to check out more information about The Grand Californian Hotel on their website! If a trip to Disneyland isn’t in your plans this year, make sure to pin this post for later as you plan your dream Disney vacation for you next year…. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/237846424050515241/

Until Next Time ~ Kate
Categories:  Disney Travel, Travel
  1. It truly is my dream to stay here over the holidays one of these years! Teach me your ways 😉

  2. Kristene Hanson says:

    This hotel looks amazing. We stayed at the DIsney hotel but did walk through the grand. Was in October though. The holidays look magical there!

  3. Joyce says:

    Don’t think we will chance to go this year but definitely will keep this in mind for next!

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