Hi there, Dave!
Welcome to planDisney and thanks for coming to us with your question! I'm so happy for you to be staying at
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa! It's a wonderfully elegant resort that features Craftsman-style architecture and an awe-inspiring grand lobby. I know that you are going to have a fabulous time there!
You may make a reservation at
Carthay Circle Restaurant just as any Park Guest is able. I'm afraid being a Guest at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa does not grant special access to Carthay Circle Restaurant. You will still need a valid theme park ticket and reservation to enter Disney California Adventure to dine there. Dining reservations will become available 60 days in advance, so be sure to check early on that day because these slots fill up quickly! I've dined at Carthay Circle on a number of occasions and the cuisine is excellent!
If reservations are unavailable, you may check
Mobile Walk-up Availability throughout the day of your visit. I've had some luck with this method. Alternately, the
Carthay Circle Lounge - Alfresco Dining offers a more casual experience but the cuisine is just as good! I've had much better luck with Walk-Up Availability at the Lounge.
You'll be visiting Disneyland Park close to its 68th birthday! Walt Disney welcomed Guests to his Park beginning on July 17, 1955, so be sure to wish it a Happy Birthday while you are there! July is considered peak season, so consider picking up
Genie+ to avoid the standby queues. And while at your Resort, be sure to visit the
GCH Craftsman Grill, which I think is a hidden gem! They have some delicious grab 'n' go snacks there!
Well, Dave, I hope this was helpful for you and that you have a wonderful and magical visit to the Disneyland Resort! If there is anything else planDisney can help you with, please feel free to write to
me or any of my pals on the panel! We'd love to help!
Have a Magical Day!
-Al