1. The Concierge Level is King!
The Grand Beginnings breakfast service, which starts at 6:30 a.m. inside the Craftsman Club on the concierge Club Level, makes rousing your hangry troupe a tad easier. We gathered the children for a complete breakfast – a complimentary assortment of freshly baked pastries, fruit, toasted bagels with cream cheese, and, of course, hot coffee.
During our stay, the kids nibbled on scones and flakey croissants each morning. A helpful attendant working in the lounge served them slices of fresh melon, red strawberries and juicy cubes of pineapple as my husband and I looked on.
If breakfast isn’t your thing, throughout the day the lounge’s offerings change. Afternoon Tea was followed by scrumptious appetizers and wine during the Grand Hours. One evening, we escaped the crowds and retreated to the open-air veranda. The lounge’s private balcony overlooked pine trees with a picturesque view of the clear night’s sky. A perfect perch for the nighttime fireworks spectacular. That evening, my husband and I toasted to our Disneyland staycation with chilled beers while the kiddos sipped on cocoa brimming with whipped cream. Cheers!
2. Stay Plugged In.
Numerous outlets ensure that everyone – and all their devices – stay happily charged during your stay. We easily connected all our phones and our laptop to the big screen TV. So, anything our kids normally watched at home was available.
3. Embrace Independence.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa cultivates a space for kids to explore on their own. In the rooms, quaint wooden stools adorned with whimsical characters are situated near the sinks; situated perfectly for pint-sized guests to wash their hands and brush their teeth.
Another perk for the parents: Mandara Spa is located on the hotel’s ground floor. So, indulging in a 50-minute spa service can easily get squeezed into a busy day. One afternoon, as my husband played with the kids at the pool, I slipped away to enjoy a facial. Talk about a true vacation!