For many Disney fans, staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the ultimate Disneyland Resort experience — and a big part of that is the private entrance directly into Disney California Adventure Park. But if you’re planning a stay in the coming weeks, you’ll want to take note: that entrance is temporarily closed starting today, and it’s expected to stay closed for up to two months.
Let’s break down what makes this hotel so special, why this closure is happening, and how it could impact your trip.
Why Disney’s Grand Californian Is So Popular
The Grand Californian Hotel is Disneyland Resort’s most luxurious hotel, known for its stunning Craftsman-style design, incredible amenities, and unbeatable location. But one of its biggest perks is the exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure (DCA).
This entrance is only available to Grand Californian guests, allowing them to skip the main gate and enter DCA right near Grizzly Peak. It’s a huge time-saver, especially if you want to hit popular attractions like:
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Grizzly River Run
- Radiator Springs Racers (just a short walk into Cars Land!)
Beyond the entrance, the Grand Californian offers a long list of benefits, like:
- Early Entry Access: Hotel guests can enter the parks 30 minutes early, giving them a head start on popular rides.
- World-Class Dining: From the elegant Napa Rose to the character-filled Storytellers Café, the food options are top-tier.
- Spa and Pool Access: The Tenaya Stone Spa and the hotel’s themed pools offer perfect relaxation after a day in the parks.
But with the private park entrance closed, some of the Grand Californian’s convenience takes a temporary hit.
Why Is the Private Entrance Closed?
The exclusive DCA entrance from the Grand Californian is shutting down for refurbishment, specifically to replace the turnstiles and update the entry system.
The closure starts today and is expected to last for up to two months, with no official reopening date announced yet.
While the work is necessary, the timing isn’t ideal for guests who booked the Grand Californian specifically for that direct park access.
How to Enter Disney California Adventure During the Closure
With the exclusive entrance out of commission, Grand Californian guests will need to use the main entrance to Disney California Adventure — which means:
- Walking through Downtown Disney to reach the main gates
- Going through standard security checks and ticket lines
- Potentially facing longer wait times, especially during Early Entry hours
This change adds time and effort to what’s usually a seamless experience, so it’s something to factor into your park plans.
What This Means for Your Stay
If you’re staying at the Grand Californian over the next couple of months, here’s how this closure could affect your trip:
- Longer Walks: The detour through Downtown Disney isn’t massive, but it’s definitely less convenient than the private entrance.
- Early Entry Strategy: With more guests using the main entrance, you’ll want to arrive extra early if you plan to take advantage of Early Entry.
- Midday Breaks: Popping back to the hotel for a quick rest or swim will now take more time, so plan accordingly.
Is the Grand Californian Still Worth It?
Even without the private entrance, the Grand Californian remains one of the best places to stay at Disneyland Resort. Its proximity to the parks, luxurious amenities, and early entry perks still make it a standout choice.
That said, if the direct park access is a big part of why you chose this hotel, you might want to wait until the entrance reopens — or at least be prepared for the inconvenience.
We’ll keep you posted on any updates to the reopening timeline, so stay tuned!
