The Disneyland Resort theme parks are still unable to reopen at the moment, but Downtown Disney is soon set to expand into Buena Visa Street in Disney’s California Adventure Park and the Disney Backlot Premiere Store (technically located within California Adventure) also recently reopened.

But, now we’ve got even BIGGER news! If you’re hoping to visit Disneyland Resort at some point in the future for some shopping and dining and want to stay at one of its resort hotels — you will soon be able to! 

For the past several months, during the park closures, Disneyland has been continuously canceling reservations at its resort hotels. Most recently, all reservations through mid-November were canceled. But, things are about to change! The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be reopening December 6th!

During this initial opening phase, only the Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Californian will be open. The rest of the Grand Californian will remain closed. Disney has specifically noted that they are “responsibly and thoughtfully implementing new health and safety measures” as they reopen this hotel, and that their gradual approach “considers the guidance of government and local health authorities.” Some of the measures Disney will be taking include the adoption of:

• Various health and safety precautions, like physical distancing, face coverings, and increased hand sanitizer stations;
• Updated cleaning and disinfecting procedures, with a special emphasis on common areas like lobbies, elevators, and restrooms. Each room will also receive increased cleaning before guests’ arrival; and
• New policies and practices for their Cast Members at work including health screenings and workplace safety procedures.

The Disney Vacation Club website itself also now specifies that the Villas at the Grand Californian will reopen in December.

During its initial reopening period, Disney has noted that most dining, amenities, actives, and services at the Grand Californian will be modified, limited in capacity, or unavailable based on its health and safety requirements.

This is truly HUGE news for Disneyland fans and those hoping to visit the resort soon! Now, you can shop and eat at Downtown Disney District — including the Backlot Store and soon Buena Vista Street — AND stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel! It’s not a full park opening, or even the opening of the whole hotel, but it’s a giant step for fans wanting to experience a little bit of the magic again.

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more Disneyland news, and let you know what we see!

Click here to read more about the new menu and alfresco dining that will be available in Buena Vista Street!

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Have you ever stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel? Let us know in the comments!

The post BREAKING! Grand Californian Hotel Will Open at Disneyland Resort in December! first appeared on the disney food blog.