Grand Californian Super Thread Updated 9/17/12

[longhorns2]

Checking in on Monday! We are staying club level--- from this thread I get that we go up to the 6th floor to check in? Don't stand in normal line, right?

We are arriving on the DLRExpress and will have a gaggle of very excited children! And mommies!

[franandaj]

Originally Posted by gmi3804

Are there any photos of the views from the east-facing DVC units? I had a south-facing (Paradise Pier) view last fall and it was wonderful. How does the east view compare? I have a 2BR reserved for September and would like to put in a request.

Are all the 2BRs dedicated, or are some lock-offs? There's no distinction on the DVC reservations site.

Check out the thread on the DVC boards with views from various room types. They have to make a distinction because there are a limited number of lock offs and dedicated. The studios are in high demand, so the lock offs go more quickly than the dedicated.

We are here now in a hotel room (on holding points) thoroughly enjoying the CL!

[coopersmom]

Calling on the Grand experts for advice. If you had to pick between a premium view and concierge level, which would you select, and why?

I really, really want a view, but my husband is still arguing that concierge is a better "value" (though both are over-priced, obviously) because of the free breakfast and place other than our room to hang out. He also says we can watch fireworks, etc. from the lounge.

I have never paid for a view at Disneyworld--and never got one either--and always kind of regretted it, so I feel like I really want it, but we can't afford both.

We are staying for a week in early October, if that matters. (Party of three: husband, 5-year-old and me.)

Advice?

[DLovinFam]

Just booked for 4 nights in February (23rd-27th) Theme park view. Our second stay at the Grand Californian, but my husband's first. So excited!

[gmi3804]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Check out the thread on the DVC boards with views from various room types. They have to make a distinction because there are a limited number of lock offs and dedicated. The studios are in high demand, so the lock offs go more quickly than the dedicated.

We are here now in a hotel room (on holding points) thoroughly enjoying the CL!

Thanks, Alison!

Originally Posted by coopersmom

Calling on the Grand experts for advice. If you had to pick between a premium view and concierge level, which would you select, and why?

I really, really want a view, but my husband is still arguing that concierge is a better "value" (though both are over-priced, obviously) because of the free breakfast and place other than our room to hang out. He also says we can watch fireworks, etc. from the lounge.

I have never paid for a view at Disneyworld--and never got one either--and always kind of regretted it, so I feel like I really want it, but we can't afford both.

We are staying for a week in early October, if that matters. (Party of three: husband, 5-year-old and me.)

Advice?

I don't think GCH's premium views are all that great. I certainly wouldn't want a DTD because of the incessant noise and music. The only place in the entire property which has interesting views are the Paradise Pier-facing units of the villas. Now those are WAY COOL. Otherwise, you're paying a lot extra to look at trees, or a pool, or a busy shopping center. More important to me is location to elevators, lobby, and convenience to the hotel exit to DTD. Who wants to walk through that maze after a long day walking at the parks?

[coopersmom]

Originally Posted by gmi3804

Thanks, Alison!



I don't think GCH's premium views are all that great. I certainly wouldn't want a DTD because of the incessant noise and music. The only place in the entire property which has interesting views are the Paradise Pier-facing units of the villas. Now those are WAY COOL. Otherwise, you're paying a lot extra to look at trees, or a pool, or a busy shopping center. More important to me is location to elevators, lobby, and convenience to the hotel exit to DTD. Who wants to walk through that maze after a long day walking at the parks?

Thanks. Any other opinions? I have this romantic notion of fireworks from our balcony and a glass of wine at end of day. Very happy family, postcard-like, I know. Am I just kidding myself?

[Nonsuch]

Originally Posted by longhorns2

...We are staying club level--- from this thread I get that we go up to the 6th floor to check in?

A concierge CM will usually greet guests at their car, but since you are arriving by bus this might not happen. Go directly to the 6th floor to check in.

[gmi3804]

Originally Posted by coopersmom

Thanks. Any other opinions? I have this romantic notion of fireworks from our balcony and a glass of wine at end of day. Very happy family, postcard-like, I know. Am I just kidding myself?

That's a nice romanticized notion, but I'd think you'll only be able to see the tops of any fireworks from even the best rooms. Still a high price to pay for a "maybe."

[sechelt]

Originally Posted by coopersmom

Thanks. Any other opinions? I have this romantic notion of fireworks from our balcony and a glass of wine at end of day. Very happy family, postcard-like, I know. Am I just kidding myself?

A new hotel wing was built the same time as the DVC villas, overlooking Paradise Pier. This view is pretty close to what the villas get and probably what you're wanting.

If CL is The Craftsman's Club then it's on the sixth floor in the center of the hotel. Not sure what kind of view it would have for fireworks.

Personally, I'd go for the PP view in the new wing. Sounds like something you've always wanted to do and I tend to agree that any fireworks views would be limited.

Perhaps try calling the front desk to get details on views and have a specific request attached to your reservation.

[KSDisneyDad]

Originally Posted by lmb80129

Do families of 5 always end up in a room with enough beds for everyone? I feel a little foolish asking the question but I thought I read that people ended up on the floor with sleeping bags. I couldn't tell if it was a joke or if people just choose the sleeping bags because they didn't like the bedding arrangement that they had. Thanks!

The lack of regular rooms for 5 is why we are choosing to stay elsewhere. It sounds like the only non-DVC rooms for 5 with older children are standard view rooms. Otherwise it's bunk beds and a trundle or worse yet, 2 queens and a sleeping bag!!

Our kids are too big for the bunk beds/trundle. Further, I simply cannot fathom being offered a sleeping bag as a choice when paying these prices so we will just stay elsewhere. I guess that's good for my wallet given that the GCH is the most expensive on-site choice.

[Nonsuch]

Originally Posted by gmi3804

I don't think GCH's premium views are all that great. I certainly wouldn't want a DTD because of the incessant noise and music. The only place in the entire property which has interesting views are the Paradise Pier-facing units of the villas. Now those are WAY COOL.

The Paradise Pier views from the villas are great, but other theme park views are also very nice. The new view types increase costs to the guest, but also increase the chances of actually getting the requested view.

[coopersmom]

Originally Posted by sechelt

A new hotel wing was built the same time as the DVC villas, overlooking Paradise Pier. This view is pretty close to what the villas get and probably what you're wanting.

If CL is The Craftsman's Club then it's on the sixth floor in the center of the hotel. Not sure what kind of view it would have for fireworks.

Personally, I'd go for the PP view in the new wing. Sounds like something you've always wanted to do and I tend to agree that any fireworks views would be limited.

Perhaps try calling the front desk to get details on views and have a specific request attached to your reservation.

Thank you. Since I've never actually even BEEN to the Grand ... What would that request be?

Our view category was "premium" ... Whatever that means. It was the step above, "resort/pool view."

[Nonsuch]

Originally Posted by coopersmom

...If you had to pick between a premium view and concierge level, which would you select, and why?

I would pick concierge. It adds an extra level of luxury to the entire visit.

Originally Posted by coopersmom

...He also says we can watch fireworks, etc. from the lounge.
...We are staying for a week in early October, if that matters. (Party of three: husband, 5-year-old and me.)

The schedules are not available, but generally fireworks are only Friday-Sunday. Tuesday and Friday are Halloween parties with special fireworks.
If you are visiting before October 12, check out Gay Days Anaheim for great room rates (which they are happy to share with everyone)

[coopersmom]

Originally Posted by Nonsuch

I would pick concierge. It adds an extra level of luxury to the entire visit.

Well, now you have me questioning ... again. The decision that will never be made.

Anyone have anything positive to say about theme park views at the Grand?

By the way, I was told, and I know they sometimes don't always know the right answers, but that "premium" view indicated views of Disney California Adventure, not Downtown Disney.

[sechelt]

Originally Posted by coopersmom

Thank you. Since I've never actually even BEEN to the Grand ... What would that request be?

Our view category was "premium" ... Whatever that means. It was the step above, "resort/pool view."

I'd ask for a Paradise Pier view in the new wing. You could also request a specific floor and room number. The hotel rooms in that wing end between 240 and 260, even numbers face PP. For example, fifth floor would be 5240. Keep in mind these are requests only and no guarantees so you may want to have more than one request on file, as a back up. And make sure you do this sooner rather than later.

Personally, I'd pay for the view before concierge. Tried CL at DLH once and didn't feel we got our money's worth. But that's just my opinion.