Grand Californian About This Page:

[JKB]

A few months ago I asked for help with a hotel near DL. We will be taking first trip to DL in September and have decided to stay at the Grand Californian. Can anyone give me tips about staying here. Best way to get to the MK, things to see and do, etc. Thanks in advance!

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

You will love staying at the Grand Californian! The grounds are compact, but the hotel offers great dining choices, luxury, impressive lobby, great places to relax and has a definate calming effect.
You exit the hotel directly into California Adventure or exit into Downtown Disney and the Magic Kingdom is a short walk (maybe 5 minutes to bag check) from there.

[kelkan]

As you are already on the propery, you can walk to DL. DCA and Downtown Disney are downstairs for you..... they are that close together Not sure how long you are staying but I think you will be able to see everything in both parks if you are there at least 3 days

If you need more specifics, let me know.....

[jimmymac]

Right next to the pool is the entrance to DCA. MK is less than 5 minutes away. Grand Californian is the nicest of all the Disney hotels imho. Have a great stay. If you can manage a meal at Blue Bayou, do it. You can watch the boats on the wy to Pirates of the Caribbean- very cool.

[DopeyGirl]

As others have said, there are only really 2 ways to get to the parks . . . there is an entrance into DCA right across from the main pool and there is an exit a bit off the lobby into Downtown Disney where you go to walk down to Disneyland park.

Depending on your time constraints, definitely be sure to at least hit the rides at DL park that are unique to DLR. Try and get a reservation for Blue Bayou (I prefer lunch time) . . . it's a good meal in a lovely atmosphere. Blue Bayou Lunch Menu - Disneyland

There are lots of good tips and such for things to do, see and eat in the DL: Touring forum as well as the DL: Feasting and DL: Making More Magic forums.

[HeatherD]

At the GC, there are a few good restaurants, as well:
Storytellers - offers buffet or menu, character breakfast, rustic atmosphere.
Napa Rose - Samantha Brown's fave (Travel Channel), very upscale but very good.
Even their food court (more like a cafeteria) has good food.

In the parks, I always make sure to tell people about 2 things (you'll see me refer to them in a LOT of posts) - Wine Country Trattoria - sit down service at counter service prices (Italian food) right on the Electric Parade route; and the sourdough bread company, which offers soups and salads in bread bowls (Their Sonoma Chicken Salad is good, as is the Clam Chowder. The chili is veggie.)

While Blue Bayou is a mainstay at DL and we went there everytime when I was a child, I think it's a bit overrated. But that's IMO and others have found it a wonderful experience. It is a nice atmosphere, though....

Walking out of the hotel into DCA is wonderful! You enter at the Grizzly River Rapids, where it's very "Northern California" in theme. So it's almost seamless....

[JKB]

Thanks to everyone for the advise!