We are trying to decide whether to stay at the Grand Californian or the Disneyland Hotel in mid-Jan with our 5 year-old daughter. Any assistance would be welcome.

If the extra $$ for the Grand Californian fits into your budget (it usually cost a bit more than the Disneyland Hotel) - definitely go for it. It is a place I would stay even if it were not anywhere near DL. Absolutely GORGEOUS public rooms, fine restaurants, large rooms, and you walk out of the hotel directly into California Adventure.

Either place is fine - but the Grand Californian is special.

I've never stayed at the Grand Californian, but did stay at Disneyland Hotel some time ago. I was not impressed with the accomodations nor the service. The only great thing about it is the convenience of having the monorail station in the hotel. If you have teenagers or other adults staying with you that want to come and go as they please between the hotel and park on a separate schedule, it's a nice convenience. If not, I'd go elsewhere. Grand Californian is a lot newer and sounds nice according to janis.

Grand Californian is definitely a lot nicer, I've stayed at both. Also, it has its own entrance to California Adventure, making it quite convenient. It may cost a lot more, but the only issue for me would be the cost of it vs. the Disneyland hotel.

When you call for reservations, ask if there's a special rate on your dates for season passholders. The discount is sometimes so good that it is worth having one member of your party purchase the season pass instead of the regular ticket...just so that you qualify for the discounted hotel rates.

No contest...Disney's Grand Californian is the best! Close to disneyland, very nice, has its own private entrance into the California Adventures park in case you decide to go there too...also Disney's GRand Californian is right near the "downtown Disney" shops and restaurants, and also near the monorail ride into Disneyland, a nice short cut into the park once you buy your ticket in case you want to return to your hotel for a rest and then go back to the Disneyland park...