Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is addressing increased guest demand for its club-level services with the construction of a new two-story, members-only lounge. The expansion aims to better serve guests seeking the hotel’s exclusive offerings, according to hotel management.
Currently, guests who book club-level rooms gain access to the Veranda lounge, located on the fifth floor. This existing space provides an exclusive continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wine and cheese reception, along with a dedicated viewing balcony for fireworks. However, General Manager Nicholas Hockman noted that the Veranda's capacity was insufficient to meet the desires of all guests. "There was demand we couldn’t utilize," Hockman stated, underscoring the need for additional exclusive space.
Plans for the new club-level lounge were developed in 2022, with construction commencing in mid-2024. The new facility replaces an outdoor terrace on the fifth floor that was not consistently utilized by guests. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the two-story lounge will feature a main entrance on the fifth floor adorned with stained glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows will offer views of the surrounding property, including a glimpse into the Great Hall lobby below. Cathedral ceilings have been incorporated to allow for skylights, complemented by a curved staircase leading to a new mezzanine level.
Designed to match the resort's California Craftsman style, the new lounge will include custom-ordered pieces from local artists, such as stained glass and tile murals. Similar to the Veranda, it will offer seating for casual dining and additional amenities exclusive to club-level members. The completion of this project in 2026 will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Grand Californian Resort, the Downtown Disney District, and California Adventure park.
Beyond the new lounge, Disney is also undertaking phased renovations of the hotel’s guest rooms this year. "We’re constantly taking care of the asset," Hockman commented, referring to the ongoing improvements. The hotel, with 944 rooms, stands as Orange County’s fourth-largest and is unique among Disney’s U.S. properties for its direct theme park entrance, which recently updated its turnstiles with facial recognition technology scanners.
Hockman, who became general manager in 2022, has overseen significant enhancements across the property. He has revamped every restaurant and hospitality space during his tenure, with his most recent project being the renovation of Napa Rose, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. Napa Rose was the last original element of the Grand Californian to remain untouched since its opening 25 years prior.
The redesign of Napa Rose aimed to highlight California’s wine history. Renovations included expanding the chef’s counter seating near the kitchen, outfitting the patio with proper heating and lighting to enable outdoor dining, and displaying a collection of over 13,000 wine bottles within the dining room. These bottles, previously stored in a downstairs cellar and even partially at the Pixar Place Hotel across the street, were a key focus of the renovation. Napa Rose reopened in February.
The Disneyland submarket, according to CoStar analytics, is supported by a robust mix of leisure and group demand, stemming from the theme park business and the Anaheim Convention Center. This demand is met by a diverse array of luxury resorts, convention hotels, and family-oriented properties. As of August, the submarket's 12-month occupancy stood at 78.4%, marking a 3.1% increase year-over-year. The region’s 12-month average daily room rate grew by 4.6% to $250, and revenue per available room increased by 7.8% to $200.
Looking ahead, Hockman reflected on his experience, stating, "I’ve learned how to leverage storytelling and translate that into a hotel experience." He also expressed excitement about the future of the industry, noting, "Right now, we’re looking at how you continue to embrace technology without walking away from making experiences feel personalized and curated."