Remodeled Rooms at the Grand Californian Hotel!
In May of 2017, we were able to stay in the first phase of newly remodeled rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort. This hotel hadn’t undergone a major renovation since the grand opening 16 years ago, and the entire hotel renovation was completed Dec. 6, 2017. Our first stay there was in 2012, and we were underwhelmed by the rooms, having just stayed at the Disneyland Hotel following their renovation. The guest rooms were looking very dated, lacking Disney theming, and not up to the high quality of the breathtaking lobby. The Grand Californian was able to get such high rates due to the prime location of being inside the park, but we favored the Disneyland Hotel with monorail entrance over it because of their magical themed posh rooms, large layout, and ceiling to floor picture windows. That has all changed for us now, and Grand Californian now rivals my #1 spot with the Disneyland Hotel. If you are having trouble deciding between those two resorts, I would recommend splurging on the Grand Californian at least once, especially if you are in the stroller stage with children. The entire hotel has been renovated, and is truly grand. The location inside the park is worth it alone, and the tranquil grounds inspired by Yosemite National Park are majestic. At Christmas, the lobby is the prettiest I’ve ever seen at a hotel.
They had just completed the first phase of renovated rooms when we stayed there, and the fresh smell of new carpet is the best! The updates are modern and luxurious, and more on par with the grand theming of the resort. The rooms have been transformed from floor to ceiling, with hardwood floors to soft luxurious carpet, new furniture, and beautiful lighting. While the craftsman decor remains, they have added more touches of Disney magic! My Mom stayed in a concierge suite which had not yet undergone the remodel, so we were able to compare the updates against the old rooms. All of her complaints while staying in the non remodeled guest room, were corrected in the renovation. Here I will share pictures from our stay in 2017 and contrast with the old guest room we stayed at in 2012. .
*new standard room with the beautiful mural of a blossoming orange tree, and Chip-n-Dale playing on the branches. All rooms have the latest technology, with built in USB chargers and multiple outlets now with bedside access.
*2012-Old standard room below. The bedskirts have been replaced in favor of clean white linens pictured above. Disney has been making that change at many of its hotels.
*BEFORE* The old rooms felt drab and boring.
*AFTER* Lighting changes have brightened the room considerably.
2017
This is the gorgeous new carpet design of the hallways. We also noted the carpet padding was so thick that it was like walking on a cloud.
*BEFORE* Bunk beds were perfect for large families
*AFTER* We are disappointed that bunk beds will no longer be offered after the renovation is complete, but they do offer rooms that sleep 5 with a darling daybed. What kid wouldn’t want to sleep in a cute bed featuring artwork of Bambi and other woodland creatures?
*BEFORE*
*AFTER* New TV center includes 55 inch smart TV, and plenty of outlets for charging phones.
2017- Unique countertops here were created using pieces of green glass from wine bottles.
(I don’t have pictures of the old bathroom so these will all be post renovation)
The bathrooms have also been completely transformed, with a swanky redesign.
One upgrade my mom appreciates is the magnified vanity mirror added to the bathrooms.
Isabelle loves the new robes 🙂
*AFTER*
The new larger showers are a great upgrade!
*AFTER*
Mirrored closet to hang coats and clothes
*AFTER* – Keurig coffee makers
New mini frig
New artwork
The three pools have all been redesigned with a variety of natural stones, hand laid by master masons.
2012-*BEFORE* Note the changes to stone work. The updates above are more natural and beautiful. 
*AFTER*
All new furniture throughout the hotel
When we were there in May, the water slide area was closed for it’s makeover. Here is a pic of 2012 below to contrast with the new stonework above.
For more details of the pool renovation, visit here.
Video tour of our room (not including the shower)
2017- The craftsman style headboards are made of quarter-sawn oak. 
Keep a look out for off season deals. We were offered this room at 40% off with a discount code in May, and also a concierge suite at that discount. I had never seen the rate that low before. Sign up to receive these special offers at Disney.com. Once you have stayed at a Disneyland property, these deals (sent by mail or e-mail), are offered at larger discounts than to the public.
Besides the luxurious rooms, stunning architecture, and hotel amenities, here are the other reasons I will pay extra to stay onsite:
*LOCATION– this hotel is located INSIDE California Adventure. I wish we had stayed here when our kids were little and needed frequent breaks or for those times they fell asleep. We’ve even had our 7 year old need to be carried back to their room. After getting wet on a ride, or changing temperatures, it’s wonderful to be so close to your room for anything you need.
*MAGIC MORNING– getting an extra hour early in the morning at Disneyland and California Adventure is fantastic. We literally walked right on Radiator Springs at Cars Land and had nobody behind us in line (off season). It’s also a great time to snap photos around the parks, when there is nobody around.
*SPECIAL ENTRANCE– you have a private entrance inside California Adventure with your hotel key.
*DISNEY BUBBLE– I like to keep the Disney theming of my vacation the whole time we are there, and when we have stayed offsite it’s not as magical. Not even close.
*DINING– You have access to award winning dining options, concierge, pool service, and character buffets right there at your hotel, along with Downtown Disney dining and shops.
*VIEWS- We were upgraded to a monorail view on our first stay, and it was really fun for the kids to watch from our balcony each time the monorail zipped by. They also have garden wooded views, Downtown Disney views, and the premium views of California Adventure Park!
*CHRISTMAS– The Christmas magic at this hotel is unmatched. Another perk is a very short line to meet Santa!
For reservations to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel click here.
