Greetings, Ann, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like you're planning a visit to the
Grand Californian Hotel. The lobby is all decked out for the holidays right now, and it's beautiful. Before the fun of exploring or dining, you'll need to park your car. Let's talk about it!
Ann, it's true that Guests visiting certain restaurants or amenities at Disney Resort hotels can
receive validation for a set amount of complimentary parking time. However, the
GCH Craftsman Grill does not currently offer this. The list of locations is subject to change, but there are two restaurants at the Grand Californian Hotel that currently validate parking: Storytellers Cafe for three hours and Napa Rose for five hours.
Tenaya Stone Spa also offers a five-hour validation with a minimum purchase.
Outside of visiting these locations, you may want to park at the
Downtown Disney District, which offers validations after the first hour with either a minimum purchase or dining at a table-service restaurant. You can also choose to park in one of the theme park lots – there is a walkway and a tram from the parking structures to the Downtown Disney District area.
Ann, I just went to
Storytellers Cafe with my family for Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast and highly recommend it. This is a dinner option through January 6, 2026, and reservations are highly recommended. Mickey and his friends take turns visiting Guests' tables, dressed in outfits that nod to the popular Christmas story – seeing Goofy as Jacob Marley was a highlight for me! And of course, taking multiple trips to the buffet to fill up on delicious foods and desserts was great, too. You can even end the meal with a mug of hot chocolate.
If you find yourself at the Downtown Disney District in the evening, head to the
Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn to watch "snow" fall between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. It's so fun seeing it "snow" here in Orange County. Another fun thing at the Downtown Disney District is
Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail. There are a few locations where you can purchase the map and stickers. Think of it as a scavenger hunt that comes with a cute holiday keepsake. My kids loved this activity.
Ann, I hope you have a happy holiday season! If you think of any other questions, please reach out. We're always glad to help here at planDisney!
Your pal,
Kriss