At the end of June, we decided on a somewhat spur of the moment trip to Southern California (starting July 6). We generally opt for using priceline to find a cheaper hotel that is a little farther... More

At the end of June, we decided on a somewhat spur of the moment trip to Southern California (starting July 6). We generally opt for using priceline to find a cheaper hotel that is a little farther away. This time, however, I wanted to stay somewhere closer...and nicer! It started with a nice reservationist named Ronald telling us of a pretty good deal on a standard room at the resort. When we arrived, however, we actually had Downtown Disney view rooms! Our room had a queen bed with a bunk bed that also had a trundle! Each room comes standard with an infant/toddler playpen. I was just ecstatic from the moment I walked into the hotel. Not that the registration process is too long, but that have a child's sitting area close by for the kids to sit in and watch Disney movies! I'm not big on keeping my boys out very late since we usually start our Disney days fairly early! Our rooms were so perfect for this! We headed back to our rooms, got ready for bed, and could then watch the fireworks from our balcony! There is a direct entrance to California Adventure from the Grand Californian, and only a very short walk to the entrance of Disneyland. The convenience was the best part for me. Not having to drag a tired family to a bus stop to wait an unknown amount of time for a hotel shuttle was fabulous! The staff was very courteous and attentive. Our oldest boys even participated in a hotel 'treasure hunt' one afternoon that ended with them both getting a huge Mickey Mouse cookie. Our accommodations were comfortable and ample. One thing to be aware of is the refrigerator. The for sale items inside are electronically monitored, so even if you take something out and then put it right back in, you'll get charged (though I've heard they're good about taking that charge off if you explain it to them!)
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Leave it to Disney to create this amazing hotel! The architecture is amazing, evoking the feeling of an authentic Craftsman structure. Every detail from the outdoor lights to the carpet has been... More

Leave it to Disney to create this amazing hotel! The architecture is amazing, evoking the feeling of an authentic Craftsman structure. Every detail from the outdoor lights to the carpet has been meticulously chosen to reflect this. The hotel bar is in a fantastic room with vaulted ceilings, and a wonderful place to unwind with a drink after a long day of playing.
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This glorious example of architecture is the jewel in the Disney crown. The rooms have such atmosphere and ambience that you really don't want to leave them. The lobby, which is the first thing you... More

This glorious example of architecture is the jewel in the Disney crown. The rooms have such atmosphere and ambience that you really don't want to leave them. The lobby, which is the first thing you see, is breathtaking, yet, makes you feel very much at home. The staff go way out of their way to cater to your every whim and fantasy. Do not miss the chance to stay here.
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While not having stayed at this opulent masterpiece of faux-everything, I have frequented its lobbies, lounges and resstaurants. If you don't have the bucks to stay here (and it does take a lot),... More

While not having stayed at this opulent masterpiece of faux-everything, I have frequented its lobbies, lounges and resstaurants. If you don't have the bucks to stay here (and it does take a lot), it's worth it just to walk through the lobby and have dinner at one of this hotels excellently overpriced dining establishments. Thhe theme of the hotel is a craftsman style luxury lodge, ,complete with massive fireplace and giant faux wood beams and faux-rock embellishments. The Napa Rose is a great fine-dining room but priced a bit above that category as everything is a la carte. It's worth it just to go see.
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