Grand Californian Super Thread

[disneyfm4]

We will be staying at the GC in August while my husband attends a conference at the Anaheim Convention Center. We will have a rental car but would rather not pay the convention center parking fee each day ($12-15) since we will already be paying the $15 GC parking fee. Google maps says its only a half mile to walk from GC to the convention center but is that practical? In other words, are there sidewalks? I've tried zooming in on the satellite view and it seems as if there are sidewalks but it is difficult to tell for sure. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Yes! Had to make the walk myself just last week! Its not a short walk, but definitely doable. If one day you don't feel like walking, you could also just grab a cab. They are all over the place at the DLR and convention center right now. Cost $10 one way, but I was in a hurry to get back to the hotel and didn't feel like walking!

 

[XMom]

In regards to the news about the refrigerators:

The news post I read about this said that DVC rooms would not be affected - however, wondering if anyone knows if this includes Studio DVC rooms, since I know they have a smaller fridge (not full size). Just wondering how the fridge in the DVC studios compares to the ones in the non-DVC standard rooms. We'll be checking into a DVC studio at the Grand Californian in a little over a week.

Thanks for any input!

It seems to say that no DVC rooms will be affected because the fridges are bigger. I think they are a bit taller and have a freezer where the hotel room fridges do not have the freezer portion and are a bit shorter.

 

[bcla]

The one thing that bugged me when we took the tram from the Mickey and Friends garage was that I kept on hearing the message that the Grand Californian was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. I guess they do use wood-like shingles on the vertical exteriors and the logo is sort of craftsman style (reminds me of the Chez Panisse logo), but it seems far more like "National Park Service rustic" than arts and crafts - especially with the copious use of stone.

It reminds me a lot of grand lodging like the Ahwahnee Hotel, Timberline Lodge (similar style even if not necessarily in a national park), and Crater Lake Lodge. Being in the lobby reminded me a lot of being at the Ahwahnee as well as Old Faithful Inn.

 

[ArchOwl]

The one thing that bugged me when we took the tram from the Mickey and Friends garage was that I kept on hearing the message that the Grand Californian was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. I guess they do use wood-like shingles on the vertical exteriors and the logo is sort of craftsman style (reminds me of the Chez Panisse logo), but it seems far more like "National Park Service rustic" than arts and crafts - especially with the copious use of stone.

It reminds me a lot of grand lodging like the Ahwahnee Hotel, Timberline Lodge (similar style even if not necessarily in a national park), and Crater Lake Lodge. Being in the lobby reminded me a lot of being at the Ahwahnee as well as Old Faithful Inn.

While the Grand does share some elements of the National Park esthetic, it's main emphasis and its construction was definitely centered in the Arts and Crafts idea. Many modern Arts and Crafts artisans were involved in the project and much of the architectural detail is in the style of A and C. There are many attributes of the hotel that echo famous A and C architects and artists. One i remember off hand is the rose motif in Napa Rose that was modeled from a famous A and C artist. The reception hall is actually styled off a famous church in SF and the lobby is supposed to be a living room on a larger scale. Sometime you should take the tour offered by the hotel, they do a much better job of describing it.

 

[Mabel67]

Does anyone know the pool hours for a Wednesday and Thursday night midSeptember?

Also is there bar service by the pool during pool hours? Thanks!

 

[XMom]

Does anyone know the pool hours for a Wednesday and Thursday night midSeptember?

Also is there bar service by the pool during pool hours? Thanks!

I believe the posted hours are 10am to 10pm but I have seen people in the pool earlier than 10am. Also, depending on weather and such it may close anytime between 9-10pm.

Whitewater snacks is next to the pool for a quick snack but there is bar service with a menu from the pool area. They walk around during more peak times of day and will bring you your drink of choice.

Hope that helps!

 

[Mabel67]

I believe the posted hours are 10am to 10pm but I have seen people in the pool earlier than 10am. Also, depending on weather and such it may close anytime between 9-10pm.

Whitewater snacks is next to the pool for a quick snack but there is bar service with a menu from the pool area. They walk around during more peak times of day and will bring you your drink of choice.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much! This helps my planning a lot!

 

[jodi90]

Hello,

I just booked a stay at the Grand Californian for October. We have five in our party. Do the standard rooms have a sleeper sofa or a daybed? Do they have roll-a-way beds?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jodi

 

[whoever]

Hello,

I just booked a stay at the Grand Californian for October. We have five in our party. Do the standard rooms have a sleeper sofa or a daybed? Do they have roll-a-way beds?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jodi

Your best bet is a bunk room. Sleeps 5-6. 2 in the queen, one on each upper/lower bunk, 1 on the trundle, and 1 in a pack and play (infant).

 

[Nonsuch]

I just booked a stay at the Grand Californian for October. We have five in our party. Do the standard rooms have a sleeper sofa or a daybed? Do they have roll-a-way beds?

The most common configuration is 2 queen beds. The 5th guest receives a sleeping bag, there are no roll-a-way beds.

There are rooms with 2 queens and a daybed, but there are only 39. These are all standard view rooms located at the front of the hotel. Daybed rooms can be requested, but like all bed configurations there are no guarantees. Search this thread for "daybed" for more information.

 

[Alice_Girl]

Hi - I am trying to decide on a room request for a Premium View Room. This category is between Downtown Disney District View and Concierge Standard View on the Disneyland website.
Looking at the maps, I am most interested (I think) in the rooms numbered X260-X240 for the view of the park. Does anyone know if these room might fit that category?

Thank you!
Alice_Girl

 

[Nonsuch]

I am trying to decide on a room request for a Premium View Room. This category is between Downtown Disney District View and Concierge Standard View on the Disneyland website.

It is difficult to determine where the numerous view types are actually located.
"Premium Downtown Disney District View" is the most specific, and will be facing DTD on the upper floors. "Concierge Standard View" will most likely be near the lounge facing the courtyard.

...I am most interested (I think) in the rooms numbered X260-X240 for the view of the park.

These rooms are likely classified as "Theme Park View". Be aware that Goofy's Sky School is very close to these rooms. A limited view of WOC is possible, but the view is slightly better from the 6th floor patio (available to all GCH guests). These are not concierge rooms, but it might be possible request to have a "Concierge Standard View" assigned in this area.

"Concierge Theme Park View" will likely be in the wing above Napa Rose facing Grizzly Peak, or above Storytellers facing the pool (with the park in the distance).

 

[AZlady]

Just booked for mid September....trying to read all the threads, but I have a few questions.

Does the most basic (standard view) have a mini fridge. (I cant tell if the recall is part of this) (or if they have one AT all).
Are ice machine available? I usually bring an ice chest and need to keep food cold?
I did not put in and wing/room request...should I have? I will be arriving late in the evening on my arrival day.

Thanks!! Excited for my first stay!

 

[whoever]

Just booked for mid September....trying to read all the threads, but I have a few questions.

Does the most basic (standard view) have a mini fridge. (I cant tell if the recall is part of this) (or if they have one AT all).
Are ice machine available? I usually bring an ice chest and need to keep food cold?
I did not put in and wing/room request...should I have? I will be arriving late in the evening on my arrival day.

Thanks!! Excited for my first stay!

All rooms have a fridge. They are in the process of replacing them with different models though due to a recall and fire (at the hotel). I brought an ice chest nonetheless because all the stuff we needed cold wouldn't fit in a minifridge (like 2'x2' box.)

 

[Nonsuch]

Are ice machine available?

There are ice machines in several locations. Room keys are need to access, except in the VGC wing.

I did not put in and wing/room request...should I have?

The majority of standard view rooms are at the front of the hotel, so there is not much to request. I request a high floor, but that is just my personal preference.

 

[AZlady]

Thanks whoever & nonsuch!!

 

[twinspirit]

Huge thread, I tried reading back but couldnt find, so far, info about Pinnochios workshop. My hubby finally asking questions as we are getting a tad closer and in our booking time frame of 60 days. So, how much is the babysitting at Pinnochios workshop? Is it 13/hr per child plus $5 for dinner and minimum of 2 hrs? Google is kind of giving me various info on this...anyone with recent pricing available? We are wanting to hit the Chefs Table at NR

 

[Nonsuch]

...how much is the babysitting at Pinnochios workshop? Is it 13/hr per child plus $5 for dinner and minimum of 2 hrs?

Seems correct
This is the information, included with check in documents, from May 2013:

Pinocchio's Workshop is a licensed child activity center with computer games, toys, crafts activities and Disney DVDs. Meals available for an additional charge.
Children must be between ages of 5 - 12.
$13 per hour/per child.
2 hour minimum is required.
Please contact Guest Services for reservations.

 

[twinspirit]

Perfect! Thank you! Shall be a $600 evening me thinks between the child care and NR supper lol Eh well. Its a once in a lifetime trip...go big or go home??

 

[lucysmom]

We are coming for Christmas and we're thinking a courtyard view would be relaxing and peaceful. Does anyone have a picture of the view from a courtyard balcony?