Hi there, Kracinda!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I am so looking forward to your stay at
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This is my favorite Disneyland Resort Hotel for so many reasons. When you enter the lobby you will be blown away by the towering, intricate woodwork. We love just sitting here listening to the piano player, relaxing by the fireplace, or having a cocktail as we appreciate the atmosphere. Also the proximity of this hotel to Disney California Adventure Park is priceless. It makes heading back to the room for breaks throughout the day so simple and quick. You can also dine at some amazing locations, our favorite being Napa Rose. Here you can have exquisite California cuisine in a beautiful setting. We have even taken our little one to dine in the lounge which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main dining room and does not require a reservation.
One of the many great perks of staying on property, as you mentioned, is Merchandise Delivery from the theme parks to your hotel. When you purchase items from retail locations in the parks, you can ask the Cast Member at the register to have your purchases delivered. Keep in mind that this is only available for purchases made in the parks with valid receipt, so unfortunately your masterpieces from the Animation Academy will not be able to be delivered in this manner. To keep your works of art safe, I advise renting a locker for the day in the parks to store your art if you are afraid of damaging it. Also, like I mentioned, Disney California Adventure Park is literally connected to your hotel, so you can also run up to your room to drop off your sketches in a matter of minutes.
I hope this helps, and I can't wait for you to have your magical vacation!
-Jennifer