Family Trip to the Grand California Hotel

Earlier this month, our family took a mini-vacation to the Grand California Hotel, one of the new(ish) hotels located right at Disneyland. It was originally supposed to be part of Ian's 30th, but we found our schedule (and the hotel prices) better in November, so we delayed until then. We still told the hotel people we were celebrating, and they sweetly included a Happy Birthday button for Ian, as well as a great photo of Mickey. AND, because it was a slow time of the year, when I asked for a free upgrade, they upgraded us twice to a room with a king bed, a small balcony and a view of the pools! We were supposed to be overlooking the parking lot, so we considered this pretty special. =) Ian wasn't even embarrassed when I asked for the upgrade, either.

Anyway, we had an AMAZING time. The hotel was spectacular  and if you've ever been to Disneyland, then you know they pride themselves on their customer service. The hotel was no different and we are already scheming of ways to get back there.

The hotel is fashioned after a craftsman style California home, just on a very grand (see hotel name) scale. The lobby is truly the biggest I've ever seen. Here is Ruthie, standing in front of one (yes, one) of the fireplaces.

One of the benefits of the hotel is that you get early entrance into the park while you're staying there. On our first morning there, my mom graciously came to babysit so we could take advantage of this perk. Here is California Adventure, just a few minutes after we got in. As you can see, it was empty. We made straight for the new Cars Land, which had a ride we really wanted to try.

And here we are, in line at said ride. It was Radiator Spring Racers and it was super fun. Normally, that line is about 120 minutes, but in our early hour, we only waited about 15. We really enjoyed our adult time in the park - we also rode Hollywood Tower of Terror, Midway Mania and of course, Grizzy River Run. Because if you're staying at the hotel, you should do the water ride so you can go back to your room and change your clothes! (Plus, it was 95 that day.)

                                    
Here is Ian and Ruthie on the Golden Zephyr - a rocket ride that actually goes pretty fast. They require everyone to be in their own seat, but Ruthie did great. She loved being out at night, and we felt like we could stay out late, since our room was just a short walk out of the park. Don't you just love that cheerful Mickey in the background?!

Of course, Ruthie took several naps in our room. Here I am, reading to her, trying to calm her down. She was SUPER excited about being in a new place.

And here is Ian and Ruthie watching a new parade. Don't they look so much alike, enjoying the sights and sounds?

It was really a great time. My mom came a second time and meet us in the park and then took Ruthie out and back to her house, so we could enjoy a few more adult hours there. We got to ride all the big ones (that were open) - Space Mountain  Matterhorn, Big Thunder, plus a few of our favorites - Haunted Mansion, Mr. Toad's and more!

I don't have any pictures of it, but on the day it was 95, we also took Ruthie to the pools at the hotel. They have three beautiful pools, plus a big water-slide and a small one for kids. Ian and I tried out the big one and Ruthie went down (with help) the toddler one several times.

It couldn't have been more fun - thanks to my mom for giving of her time so generously and to the many gifts from siblings of Disney Dollars for Ian's birthday. We spent EVERY ONE OF THEM on delicious snacks - corn dogs, popcorn, Dole whip, churros, pretzel, frozen lemonade, ice cream...if they sold it, we bought it!

Two thumbs up from this Disneyland lovin' family!!