How Does Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Look Now?

A few years ago we splurged for a room at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. And we did not think it was worth it. Our review back then said:

This hotel is the most expensive one of the three Disneyland Hotels. I paid close to $600 for this room, one of the most expensive hotels rooms I've ever paid for. There were plenty of good services and amenities at the hotel, but the room condition was barely three-star.

So we were relieved to hear that by the end of 2017, the hotel, which has that clutch inside access to Disney California Adventure, had been sprinkled with pixie dust.

KEEP READING FOR OUR SHORT AND SWEET REVIEW OF WHAT'S NEW AND WHAT'S NOT. PLUS MORE ROOM AND HOTEL PHOTOS ARE BELOW!

SPLURGING AGAIN

As part of our visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, we once again splurged for a room (a Courtyard View King) overlooking the pool and it was in much better condition than in 2016! But is it worth $500-$600 a night? That depends.

WHAT'S NEW

The hotel did away with bunk beds and instead put in a daybed and a twin sleeper chair in this specific room category. The king bed is giant and can sleep two adults and a small child, meaning a family of five (with small children) could easily sleep in this room. Plus, there's a nice-sized balcony and the bed is elevated for you to store all your junk.

There was no bathub in the bathroom but a rather larger shower and a proper water closet (meaning the toilet was separated by a sliding door.) The toiletries from H20 were upgraded too. OH and there are USB and power ports everywhere. Because Disney truly understands you need to charge devices and your backup power devices.

WHAT'S NOT

The furniture is still a bit shabby chic, although swapping out some of the carpet for wood floors was a nice touch. The lobby area was slightly upgraded too but most everything looks the same. The pool area, which has three different pools and a water slide, will be getting more specialty cabanas either later this summer or in the fall. Overall, the room is a huge improvement but it remains an expensive stay and there's no butler service and definitely not luxe linens.

THAT DISNEY TOUCH

The service from staffers remain top-notch and we were also please with how quickly the check-in line moved. And ordering room service with Mickey waffles is unbeatable. Having park access to Disney California Adventure and easy access to Downtown Disney (the entrance is right by Sephora) is also a highlight. And since we booked our stay through Walt Disney Travel (I'm a Disney Travel Agent), we received “I'm on Vacation!” buttons at check-in and a voucher to pick up a lanyard and a pin at the World of Disney. (See photo above.) That it was a Star Wars lanyard and collectible pin put my kids on an incredible high as we walked into the park!

THE BOTTOM LINE

This is a “grand” improvement but the resort remains an expensive stay. And to be honest, I prefer the decor of the Disneyland Hotel. If you're dying to try it out but not interested in paying over $500, consider booking during the winter season of January and February.

Need help booking or planning your Disney vacation? Let me know! I'm a Disney Travel Agent. Read more about what I do here.