We have visited Disneyland / Disneyworld before but never stayed in Disney accommodation so thought we would give it a shot.

The valet service was excellent, our luggage and car were whisked away (buy guys wearing ridiculous pedal pusher trousers and silly caps). Check in was a real experience, dont miss it! We were seen by a lady called Linda - I dont recall ever remembering someone's name before. She was a real character and kept referring to herself in the third person and calling it "her" hotel. This is more than likely all Disney training. She was absolutely hilarious in a freaky kind of way, but we will always laugh about it and never forget it.

Our room was pretty much what we expected - a double with bunks and a roll out bed for our third child. It was robust and clean, well kitted out. Our view was of the Grizzly rapids ride. The best thing about it was the position - brilliant for popping in and out of the park, changing when you get wet and freshening up. You get the feeling that you are still in Disney when you are in the hotel and it is slightly strange, but it is what it is. If you stayed there and werent going to Disney it would feel terrible, but we are all there for the same reason.

The hall is quite amazing, high ceilings and a log fire in a chilly air conditioned atmosphere which us Brits found very amusing.

We had a Chip & Dale breakfast, we were a bit disappointed, there werent very many "critters" about, but my five year old was happy which I guess what it is all about. It would have been nice to see one of the big characters from Disney there - like Donald or Mickey.

An unforgettable experience, and we were glad to have tried it out.

You can't beat this location. A private entrance to California Adventure and next door to DowntownDisnney. But that's it.
You pay for a 5 star room and you get a 3 star room. Small, outdated, without enough number of lamps and the safe deposit box was the smallest I've ever seen.
Service is also average and not always efficient.
We didn't have a chance to try the hotel's restaurants. California Adventure closes at 10pm and the hotel's restaurants close at 10pm - so unless you have a fast food dinner at the park, room service will be your only option.
Breakfast starts at 7am but hotel guests early admition to Disneyland is also at 7am (and you should take advantage of early admition if you want to avoid huge waiting lines in the best attractions).

While the Disneyland Hotel is definitely more "Disney-ish", you just can't beat the close location of the Grand Californian! The lobby is really lovely and check-in was a snap. We received the type of room we requested (theme park view) and while our room was quite a ways away from the main lobby, it was quite close to the California Adventure entrance, pools and to the hotel restaurants. We had a queen bed and a bunk bed with a pull-out trundle bed in our room. I had expected to find our room to be very small because of reviews that I had read on-line, but really it was quite comfortable. The only complaint I would make is that the amount of drawer space was lacking for five people. The pools were crowded but there was always some space to spread out our stuff and the towels were always plentiful. The life-guards were very attentive to safe pool behavior. One day , my husband got Fast Passes for the Grizzly River Rapids ride in California Adventure for later in the afternoon. He took the kids to the pool and when it was time for the Fast Passes, he just walked them the five minute walk over to the ride, rode Grizzly River Rapids and then headed back to the pool----a really nice feature about the hotel---proximity!

Being pass holders , we do receive a discount, just not enough to make it worth the price of staying here. Though after booking a room @ the org. Disneyland Hotel, we received a call a few days later. We were give a upgrade to the Grand.
We had stayed her (childless) in the past. And this was our daughter's (4yr old) first stay @ a Disney Hotel. She was amazed by it's size & beauty. She loved the giant fireplace. And as always enjoyed the Story Tellers Breakfast. Though she thought it was odd that it wasn't more "Mickey-ish". This is true I have heard other kids state the same.
As far as the rooms go, I was impressed to see they now have large plasma tvs.The robes are wonderful, you will want to purchase one in the gift shop.The turn down service is wonderful. Front desk is very thoughtful. When realizing it was my husband's Birthday we had ballons, candy, bday badge , w/ in moments of checking in.
Food, Story Tellers Cafe, can add up quickly for large family. But the food is wonderful. Chip & Dale are so friendly.For snacks 7 quick bites, we love the White Water Cafe, it's hidden toward the pool area. Prices are affordable & food is tasty.
Would I pay the usual $300 & up to stay here, on my budget, not really. As a upgrade or gift, you beat.I think most kid's would be just as happy @ the other two properties.