Dear Kelly,
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is so much fun!
My boys love it there because of the Flounder's Fun 'n' Games Arcade!
We also love having lunch at
Disney's PCH Grill!
While Disney's Grand Californian Hotel entrance to the California Adventure Park is generally reserved for guests of the Grand Californian, you can certainly use it too as long as you've enjoyed a meal at the Grand Californian and have a receipt to show.
As you know, the Grand Californian has several great dining locations, including
Napa Rose,
Storyteller's Café and
White Water Snacks. Dining at any of these locations will be a worthwhile experience and allow you to access California Adventure through the hotel's Park entrance.
I will, say, however, that sometimes it's more convenient to simply walk over to the Park's main entrance since the hotel tends to get crowded and every person must walk through a single metal detector.
Also, you can catch the Monorail across from the Starbucks next to the LEGO Store at the Downtown Disney District.
I hope this helps!
Feel free to return to the Disney Parks Moms Panel if you have any additional questions!
-Anabel M.