The exterior refurbishment at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa continues to move around the property, and the latest phase has reached one of its recognizable features. For Disney Vacation Club members with a stay planned at the Disneyland Resort, here is a clear rundown of what is under construction, what remains open, and how the work is progressing across the hotel.
Work Shifts to the Redwood Pool Waterslide
The refurbishment has now moved to the Redwood Pool, with attention focused on the waterslide. The slide, which curves around a faux redwood tree, is wrapped in scaffolding and scrims while crews carry out the work.
The good news for guests is that the pool itself and the surrounding area remain open. If you are staying during this phase, you can still use the Redwood Pool, though the slide will be out of service until the work wraps up.
Scaffolding and Covered Windows at GCH Craftsman Grill
Over at GCH Craftsman Grill, scaffolding is still in place along the exterior of the restaurant. Since the previous update, crews have added a film over the windows that blocks the view of the construction site from inside.
The construction walls around the patio have also shifted closer to the building. That change has closed the lower level of patio seating, though the upper level and the bar remain open for guests who want to visit.
Scaffolding Comes Down on the East Side
There are signs of progress on the east side of the pool area. Crews have started removing scaffolding in that corner, which suggests part of the work there is nearing completion.
During the latest visit, workers were seen lowering the wooden planks that had served as platforms within the scaffolding structure. Taking down that framework is often a signal that one section of the project is moving toward its finish.
Active Work on the Feature Pool Deck
The Feature Pool, located next to GCH Craftsman Grill, closed in early September, and crews are now actively working on the pool deck. This area is clearly in a more involved stage of the refurbishment.
Recent observations showed workers tearing up sections of the pool deck tile. That work points to tile replacement, utility work, or both, so the Feature Pool is likely to stay closed for a while as this phase continues.
Scaffolding Coming Down on the West Side
The west side of the hotel offers another look at the project winding down in places. Only a small portion of scaffolding remains standing in that area.
The larger scaffolding structure that stood there in recent weeks appears to be coming down. As with the east side, this is a helpful indicator that certain portions of the exterior work are wrapping up even as others ramp up.
What This Means for Your Stay
For Disney Vacation Club members planning a visit, the key point is that the refurbishment is active but manageable. The Redwood Pool stays open even with its slide under wraps, and GCH Craftsman Grill continues to serve guests from its upper patio level and bar.
The main closure to keep in mind is the Feature Pool, which is out of commission during this stretch. Building a little flexibility into your pool plans is worth doing until that area reopens.
Conclusion
The exterior refurbishment at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is progressing on several fronts, with scaffolding coming down in some areas while fresh work begins in others. The Redwood Pool slide, the Feature Pool deck, and the spaces around GCH Craftsman Grill are the current focus, and most guest areas remain accessible throughout. Keeping an eye on future updates is a smart move as the project moves toward completion.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
