Hi Megan!
Welcome to planDisney. My wife and I have had the pleasure of staying at
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel several times, and each visit truly feels like a warm hug wrapped in rustic elegance. With the parks just steps away, the convenience is hard to beat. It adds an extra layer of magic to the experience!
I recently spoke with a helpful Cast Member named Marssa at the Grand Californian, and she confirmed that you can add guests to your reservation at check-in, as long as the total number doesn’t exceed the room’s maximum occupancy. The check-in Cast Members use the guest count to ensure your room has the right sleeping arrangements, whether that’s multiple beds or the addition of a daybed. If your party size does go over the limit for a single room, you’d need to book an additional room to accommodate everyone comfortably.
While you’re staying at the Grand Californian, I want to highlight one of the best perks of being a Disneyland Resort Hotel guest:
Early Entry! Each day of your stay, you’ll be able to access one of the theme parks 30 minutes before it officially opens. Be sure to check the Disneyland website to see which park is offering Early Entry on your visit date. And as a reminder: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel has a private entrance to Disney California Adventure near Napa Rose. Arriving a little early at that entrance can help you make the most of your magical head start!
Here’s a Q-Tip: if your Early Entry day takes you to Disneyland, I highly recommend beginning your morning in
Fantasyland. Wait times for these charming classics are often shortest in those first 30 minutes, making it a perfect way to ease into the day. On one of our visits, my family managed to experience nearly every Fantasyland attraction (except Peter Pan’s Flight, which is always popular!) before the park officially opened. It set the tone for a truly enchanting day.
Megan, I hope this helps as you plan your visit! If any other questions come up along the way, we’re always here at planDisney and happy to help make your trip as magical as possible.
Wishing you a wonderful stay,
David