Hi, Debbie!
I’m thrilled to hear that you’re planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort next year! I think you’re going to fall in love with the magic, wonder and history of Walt Disney’s original theme park here on the West Coast.
If you can, I definitely recommend staying at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa—that’s my home away from home and the only Disney Vacation Club property at The Happiest Place on Earth. Your whole family will appreciate the space and luxury the Villas offer, especially if you select a 1-Bedroom Villa. On busy mornings when everyone is getting ready for a day in the parks, having two full bathrooms definitely comes in handy (particularly with two pre-teen daughters). Plus, it’s the closest Disneyland Resort Hotel to the theme parks, putting you right in the middle of the magic!
Most of the Villas have a theme park view or pool view. I usually call Disney Vacation Club Member Services in advance to request a theme park view on a higher floor so we can enjoy the spectacular view of Disney California Adventure Park’s Paradise Bay. You may also be able to catch a glimpse of World of Color from your balcony in the evenings. View requests can’t be guaranteed, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Since this is your first visit, I recommend that you plan to stay for at least four full days to experience all the resort has to offer, including the Cars Land expansion and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park and the Disney Princess Fantasy Faire that opened this spring at Disneyland Park. “Mickey and the Magical Map,” an all-new show at Fantasyland Theatre, is also a must-see.
I hope this helps, Debbie. Please feel free to ask me more questions as you continue to plan your pixie-dusted vacation!
Wishing you magic,
Courtney