If you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa anytime soon, we’ve got some important news for you! One of the biggest perks of this luxury hotel — the exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure (DCA) — is temporarily closed starting today, and it could stay that way for up to two months.
For many guests, the Grand Californian’s private entrance is a game-changer, and its closure might shake up your park plans. Let’s dive into why this entrance is so special, why it’s closing, and what to do if you’re staying here during this time.
Why We LOVE Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
The Grand Californian Hotel is all about location, location, location — and that’s just one of the reasons it’s so popular. This hotel literally backs up to Disney California Adventure, offering a level of convenience you won’t find anywhere else at Disneyland Resort.
Here’s what makes the Grand Californian a fan favorite:
- Private Park Entrance: The hotel’s exclusive entrance to DCA lets guests bypass the main gates and enter near Grizzly Peak — super close to rides like Soarin’ Around the World and Grizzly River Run.
- Early Entry Access: Staying here gives you access to the parks 30 minutes early, which means you can hit those popular rides with shorter wait times.
- Top-Notch Dining: The hotel is home to some of Disneyland Resort’s best restaurants, like the upscale Napa Rose and the character-filled Storytellers Café.
- Relaxation and Luxury: Need a break from the parks? Unwind at the Tenaya Stone Spa or lounge by the gorgeous pools.
That private entrance has always been a huge advantage, cutting down on wait times and saving those precious steps. But for now, you’ll have to take a different route.
Why Is the Private Entrance Closed?
The exclusive DCA entrance is temporarily closing for a turnstile replacement project and some refurbishments. While Disney hasn’t given an exact reopening date, the work is expected to last for up to two months.
During this time, you’ll notice signage directing guests to use the main entrance of DCA through Downtown Disney.
How This Affects Your Park Day
Let’s be honest — one of the biggest reasons people stay at the Grand Californian is the super convenient park access. So this change definitely impacts your day, especially if you’re used to those quick hotel-to-park transitions.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Walk Through Downtown Disney: To get into DCA, you’ll take a longer route through Downtown Disney to reach the main entrance.
- Arrive Early: If you want to take advantage of Early Entry, plan to get to the main gates extra early — since more guests will be funneled through one entrance.
- Plan Midday Breaks Carefully: If you usually pop back to the hotel for a quick rest, budget extra time for that walk.
Is the Grand Californian Still Worth It?
Even with the exclusive entrance closed, the Grand Californian remains one of the best hotels at Disneyland Resort. You still get:
- Unmatched proximity to the parks
- Early Entry access
- Incredible dining and amenities
But if convenient park access is your top priority, you might want to consider this closure when booking.
We’ll keep you posted on when that entrance reopens, so stay tuned for more updates!
