First time staying at GCH, anything I should know?

[maxmouse]

I grew up in San Diego and have been to Disneyland too many times to count. I now live in Texas and my wife and I visit everytime we are home visiting family. We usally use priceline for our room but this time I thought I would surprise my wife by staying at the GCH. My qusestions are what should I know for my first stay? My wife likes to do research so should I let her know or keep it a suprise? We are foodies so is there anything not to be missed? I know you will help me out.

 

[MinnieMom13]

What a "grand" thing to do for your wife! This is my favorite hotel. I also prefer to research minute details before a trip, so letting your wife know in advance is a chance for her to extend the magic.

As foodies, you should make reservations to Napa Rose. You can see the menu under the dining tab on this site, but it's more than just fancy food. Going to dinner here is an event. You should also consider Carthay Circle in DCA.

The one thing I'm glad we figured out on our last trip had to do with the elevators, in that our room was light years away from them. If this happens to you, look for the back staircases. We were right next to one that opened into a courtyard right next to the entrance to Downtown Disney. Saved us a decent bit of time and walking to DL.

It's such a beautiful hotel. Enjoy!

 

[Arizona Rita]

White Water Snacks is the best quick service "Snack Bar" around the park.
There are times I would rather eat there than any where else.

 

[HydroGuy]

I grew up in San Diego and have been to Disneyland too many times to count. I now live in Texas and my wife and I visit everytime we are home visiting family. We usally use priceline for our room but this time I thought I would surprise my wife by staying at the GCH. My qusestions are what should I know for my first stay? My wife likes to do research so should I let her know or keep it a suprise? We are foodies so is there anything not to be missed? I know you will help me out.

You do know GCH has a special entrance to DCA? If not, then that is something you will want to find.

 

[maxmouse]

Thanks for the info, I'm going to look into making reservation at the Chef's counter at Napa Rose. We have done the Chef's table at Victoria's and Alberts at WDW and it was one of the best dinning experiances ever. One of the nicest things about being older and numerous trips to DL is that we don't feel the need to have to see everything.

 

[Meriweather]

The architectural tour is a must for us, especially DH............sometimes he does it more than once a trip

have fun............we love that resort

 

[maxmouse]

The architectural tour is a must for us, especially DH............sometimes he does it more than once a trip

have fun............we love that resort

Can you please tell me more, it sounds very interesting?

 

[Hunnypaw]

White Water Snacks is the best quick service "Snack Bar" around the park.
There are times I would rather eat there than any where else.

concur! Great place to eat and quick to get your food!

 

[marcemc]

Some early mornings they offer a "power walk" through California Adventure. No filming or pictures allowed, but it's very cool to see the park before all the action starts.

Try the Nachos at Whitewater Snacks. They are really yummy.

 

[interstate70s]

If your room doesn't have a view of World of Color there is a veiwing deck you can access as a guest and watch from there. Your won't see the projections, but it's still lovely and uncrowded.

 

[indygirl99]

Some early mornings they offer a "power walk" through California Adventure. No filming or pictures allowed, but it's very cool to see the park before all the action starts.

Try the Nachos at Whitewater Snacks. They are really yummy.

The power walk has been moved from DCA because of the new hours. We did this several days in September. It now starts under the hat at DLH and walks behind DD and through the hotel property. Still a great experience and Sally is a wealth of information.

 

[dadofnicholas]

Have a great time at the GCH! My son and I enjoyed it very much. I really liked being "closer" to the parks to maximize our time - you've been to Disney several times before so probably less important to you. With a little one, it was also nice to have an afternoon nap back at the GCH. I'm not a foody but we eat very healthy at home so one of my favourite treats at Disney is the cream cheese filled pretzels - LOL! So wrong but so good! I also did an in-room celebration for my son so that is another option.

Have a wonderful time with your wife!

 

[BensDaddy]

If your room doesn't have a view of World of Color there is a veiwing deck you can access as a guest and watch from there. Your won't see the projections, but it's still lovely and uncrowded.

Now you have my attention... Do they play the soundtrack? Where is this deck located?

 

[interstate70s]

Now you have my attention... Do they play the soundtrack? Where is this deck located?

Its on the 6th floor, in the dvc wing. The music is definately loud and clear. Here is a link to the map.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36355632&postcount=450

It's labeled "Paradise Pier Viewing Deck" I think. There are several other decks throughout the hotel. Not neccerarily facing Paradise Pier, there was one near our room on the last trip, facing the pool on the 5th floor, opposite the front desk, which was empty the entire week we there and very pretty. I never saw another soul there. Sometimes these decks are closed for private parties. so just check with the front desk.

 

[maxmouse]

Thanks for all the information. I think I'm going to keep it a surprise for my wife.