Grand Californian Super Thread

[atmail35]

We recently returned back from 3 nights the GCH and this thread has great info...we did a theme park view and it was lovely, but LOUD! I could hear people screaming at the park most of the evening until the park closed. Which was fine when the TV was on, but it was pretty loud. So just a warning!

I think our room was just above the walkway from GCH to CA on the 5th floor. We could see Space Mtn building, Soarin' building, Grizzly Rapids and the bear "statue", Top of TOT.

Or room had a small cube fridge (smaller than a dorm one), but it was perfect for some bottled water etc.

The first night I went back to the lobby to buy a bottle of water and it would have been closer to go in to CA and go to a cart there...LOL.

We got breakfast (coffee, pastries) at the lounge in the Lobby and they opened at 6AM.

Both of our meals (Goofy's Kitchen and SteakHouse 55) were at the DLH and the walk through DTD was fun and quick. This was our first time staying at DL and we normally are WDW folks, but I love how close everything is at DL! We will be back!

 

[DmaxHawk]

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?

Here are some shots from our balcony in which we stayed last March. Hope this helps

 

[twinspirit]

I just seen a pic on the internet...the monorail goes THROUGH the hotel?

Additional question...do you need a park pass entrance to ride the monorail...is this something we can do on our first half day with DTD and NOT use a park pass?

and last question...very sorry...but HOW would I upload a picture to here, from ipad or iphone for instance?

 

[atmail35]

I just seen a pic on the internet...the monorail goes THROUGH the hotel?

Additional question...do you need a park pass entrance to ride the monorail...is this something we can do on our first half day with DTD and NOT use a park pass?

and last question...very sorry...but HOW would I upload a picture to here, from ipad or iphone for instance?

You have to pass through bag check and have your ticket scanned to use the monorail at the DTD stop, otherwise anybody could disembark at DL.

 

[DmaxHawk]

I just seen a pic on the internet...the monorail goes THROUGH the hotel?

Additional question...do you need a park pass entrance to ride the monorail...is this something we can do on our first half day with DTD and NOT use a park pass?

and last question...very sorry...but HOW would I upload a picture to here, from ipad or iphone for instance?

Yes the monorail goes through the Grand Californian Hotel but it does not stop there.

Yes you do need a park entrance to ride the monorail as one of the stops is in Tomorrowland which is inside the park.

 

[Nonsuch]

I just seen a pic on the internet...the monorail goes THROUGH the hotel?
...do you need a park pass entrance to ride the monorail...is this something we can do on our first half day with DTD and NOT use a park pass?

The monorail passes through the GCH, but does not stop.
A Disneyland park ticket is needed to ride.

...but HOW would I upload a picture to here, from ipad or iphone for instance?

Actually a good question. Pictures cannot be uploaded directly to a post, they must be hosted elsewhere. Pictures can be uploaded to the photo galleries on DIS, then linked to a post -- it is easier to upload to an dedicated photo sharing site. It would be much better if DIS supported direct upload, since older threads often have dead links.

 

[twinspirit]

Yes the monorail goes through the Grand Californian Hotel but it does not stop there.

Yes you do need a park entrance to ride the monorail as one of the stops is in Tomorrowland which is inside the park.

Aww, what a shame it doesn't actually stop at the Grand :S But we will def find a few moments to ride it during one of our park days

 

[DmaxHawk]

Aww, what a shame it doesn't actually stop at the Grand :S But we will def find a few moments to ride it during one of our park days

Here is a video of the monorail ride from the Tomorrowland station to the Downtown Disney station I took a couple of years ago.

http://youtu.be/4GIWxltK22A

 

[twinspirit]

Very cool! ahhhrg still so far away and surreal lol 37 days.....

 

[lucysmom]

DMAXHAWK--Thank you very much for your post. Your pictures are just what we wanted to see!

 

[DLFan123]

Does anyone know if we need to make a reservation if we would like to eat in the Napa Rose Lounge? We're thinking of stopping in for dinner/apps and/or dessert one evening, and we just weren't sure what to expect in terms of crowds, if reservations are accepted or needed, and if the lounge is as popular as the restaurant. We've never been to either Napa Rose or the lounge. Any answers appreciated!

 

[kailuagirl]

A couple weeks ago someone posted about a "secret" balcony on one of the upper floors. I can't find it, can you please say where it is again.

Also, can you see. The DL fireworks from there or anywhere else t GCH?

Thanks!

 

[boscoj]

The balcony is in the DVC wing on the 6th floor...it was designed so that u could view the WOC from there. Unfortunately its not the best angle to see the show. As for the fireworks, I know the rooms facing DTD have a pretty decent view....

 

[whoever]

A couple weeks ago someone posted about a "secret" balcony on one of the upper floors. I can't find it, can you please say where it is again.

Also, can you see. The DL fireworks from there or anywhere else t GCH?

Thanks!

You can see some pics from the balcony on our 2011 trip here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3102762

It was right down the hall from our room and up one floor.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Does anyone know if the store in the GCH sells cookie dough? Odd question I know, but we will be in a 1 bed with an oven a couple nights and I love hot cookies!

 

[atmail35]

Does anyone know if the store in the GCH sells cookie dough? Odd question I know, but we will be in a 1 bed with an oven a couple nights and I love hot cookies!

HOnestly, I did not check when there but the gift shop doesn't have a ton of things, IMO.

Are you flying in? I would freeze a tube of cookie dough and just bring it with me It should stay frozen for a while.

 

[eemaxx]

Just checked into the GC yesterday (room 3109- standard view) and was pleased to find that the fridge had been replaced. As other previous posts have mentioned, it's not very cold but I pulled it out to get to the temp control. Turned it cooler and now we're in business! Also, took a walk this morning around the hotel and found the Paradise View Terrace on the 6th floor. We may try to catch a bit of World of Color from there although I've read it's not the best view. I'd still rather do that though than be in the middle of the crowd. To get there, head to the Grizzly Arcade, go into that building and go up to the 6th floor. Follow signs for Paradise View Terrace. Ate at Storyteller's Cafe this morning- pricey but fabulous! Had 7:00 am reservations (we're still on East coast time so that was easy- place was almost empty) and saw Chip, Dale, Meeko (raccoon from Pocahontas), Brother Bear and Little Bear (is that his name?) Picked up a few groceries from the nearby Target so we're set for breakfast (protein bars and PopTarts) and snacks for the rest of the week. Heading to Napa Rose for dinner and parks tomorrow.

 

[hjgaus]

Does anyone know if the store in the GCH sells cookie dough? Odd question I know, but we will be in a 1 bed with an oven a couple nights and I love hot cookies!

I just checked the VGC grocery list and no..... sorry! Although if you really want fresh baked cookies you could order some groceries from Vons or if you have a car hit up a local grocery store nearby! Enjoy the villas!!

 

[dadofnicholas]

Can't wait to return to GCH in late September! We stayed there last year and it was great. It's hard to compare it to our stay at PP (both standard rooms) because we enjoyed them both for different reasons. Both hotels are very nice IMO. PP room was more colourful and larger. GC is great in terms of proximity - every bit counts when you have little ones. I hear great things about Disneyland Hotel so want to try that one eventually. For now, we are super-excited to return to GCH!

 

[twinspirit]

Can't wait to return to GCH in late September! We stayed there last year and it was great. It's hard to compare it to our stay at PP (both standard rooms) because we enjoyed them both for different reasons. Both hotels are very nice IMO. PP room was more colourful and larger. GC is great in terms of proximity - every bit counts when you have little ones. I hear great things about Disneyland Hotel so want to try that one eventually. For now, we are super-excited to return to GCH!

:thumbsup: We are headed there for first stay in month as well!! Cant wait to be there!