On behalf of all of us, please accept my heartfelt welcome to planDisney, Ashley!
Your question really spoke to me because I also have kiddos around the same ages as those in your travel group, and I frequently arrange our plans with Little Ones in mind! For the record, I want to start by saying that you really can't go wrong with a choice between Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel. They are both truly unique hotel properties with so much to offer families with young children. I'll be happy to share a few insights as you make the decision that feels right for you.
Location: For me, nothing beats the proximity of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with a dedicated entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. We use this entrance to head back to our hotel room if anyone in our group needs a mid-day rest, and with young children in our family, that happens a lot! On the other hand, the short walk from the Disneyland Hotel to the theme park esplanade goes through the Downtown Disney District and it is a delightful way to start the day! You can also opt to board the Disneyland Monorail at the nearby Downtown Disney District Station and skip the Main Entrance altogether! Simply scan your admission tickets at the station, board the next available monorail train, and take the direct route to the Tomorrowland Station in Disneyland Park!
Amenities: Both hotel properties have wonderful pools and water recreation options, but I have to mention the Monorail water slides at the Disneyland Hotel, which are a big hit with my two kids! You can also take advantage of next-day package delivery as a Guest of any of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort, which will allow you to make purchases at select merchandise locations and request that they be delivered to your hotel the next day. It's a wonderful way to avoid carrying around bags of souvenirs, especially when your hands are already full traveling with three Little Ones!
Dining: You'll find kid-approved character dining at Storyteller's Café for breakfast or brunch, and my favorite quick-service dining location, the GCH Craftsman Grill, both located at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Over at Disneyland Hotel, your family might love the character dining at Goofy's Kitchen, especially since it will feature Halloween-themed dining for brunch and dinner between September 21 and October 31 this year!
Theming: When traveling with a Club of Mouseketeers, I think adults need a bit of peace and quiet too! For this reason, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has my favorite hotel environment with its craftsman elegance and rich, warm, inviting lobby. The Disneyland Hotel honors the nostalgia of classic Disneyland with historical items on display throughout the hotel's three towers, Adventure, Frontier, and Fantasy - each representing the original lands of Disneyland Park. One final Disneyland Hotel tip: make sure you press the button near the headboard for a magical surprise, complete with lights & sound!
Ashley, there really is magic in store for you, no matter where you choose to stay, but I hope this offers some helpful perspective as you make your choice. In the meanwhile, please feel welcome to call on any of us here at planDisney if we can help with any other questions that come up.
Wishing you unforgettable magic,
Tishra