Grand Cal, seriously $800 .....

[thenicefamily]

I am not exactly a frugal person, but I would never pay that kind of money on a hotel room. That's insanity. MAYBE if it was a very special, once in a lifetime occasion.

^^^THIS^^^ for us. Who amongst us hasn't missed, completely, celebrations this past 18-months? Some of them milestones - like a 60th birthday, 20th anniversary (that's just us). We've been to DL before, and we'll go again, on the "cheap" but for this one time, for us, it is well worth paying it to realize a long-held dream of getting off the Grizzly Run, drenched, and simply opening a gate and walking into our hotel. Probably seems insane to many but, well, it's my dream and I'm going to make it come true - full-on Disney style - in November!

 

[StormyCA]

A minor point, but there is full bell service. We used it in July.

This is what I was referring to (from DL website);

-Bell Services deliver luggage to rooms, but do not escort Guests

-Deliveries may only be made to occupied rooms


We usually have bell service escort us to our rooms w/luggage when we arrive and also carry our luggage down with us when we leave. We've also had them make deliveries when we're out (in the past, but not recently). I also just noticed that there's no room service!

 

[DLgal]

This is what I was referring to (from DL website);

-Bell Services deliver luggage to rooms, but do not escort Guests

-Deliveries may only be made to occupied rooms


We usually have bell service escort us to our rooms w/luggage when we arrive and also carry our luggage down with us when we leave. We've also had them make deliveries when we're out (in the past, but not recently). I also just noticed that there's no room service!

Oh, the escort thing isn't a big deal. They probably did away with that because they have a rule about cast members occupying the elevator at the same time as guests. When we stayed, our room was ready immediately at 11am, but we had handed off our bags when we pulled up in the car. Once we got to our room, we called Bell Services and had a knock at the door not more than 5 minutes later. When we left, we called them and they brought the bags down and took the next elevator after us and met us down in the lobby.

Also, there isn't room service BUT to make up for it you can mobile order from several full service restaurants at Downtown Disney and they deliver the food to the lobby. Its pretty neat, and honestly better than room service (more options). They even provide you with disposable plates, napkins and cutlery so you can eat either in your room or at the tables at Craftsman grill or outside the Hearthstone.

 

[PirateBrigade]

I'm guessing that those that have no qualms about paying rackrate to stay at GCH are probably not a part of disboard.

They’re definitely around, but it’s like butting into a conversation about how bad gas prices are, and then telling folks you drive a Tesla. Factually correct and on-topic, but probably the polite thing would be to nod and stay quiet.

 

[Disneyland1084]

Grand California is the best, so top dollar

I agree, though I like DL hotel's pool better.

 

[Kittyblue]

It is. People seem to love the Grand but I haven’t been able to tell why exactly it’s “worth” so much more. The rooms seem about the same size from pictures. The location is a little closer, but not all that much closer (not $250+ closer). You can make use of the restaurants and stuff even if not staying there…

Like if the Grand literally had a monorail stop in it/directly outside it and you could use that for Early Morning hours to get in the park, AND you were able to pull a boarding group for new/highly popular rides before the general public, and maybe if they gave 30 days earlier booking for Chefs Counter at Napa Rose… maybe then the Grand would be worth the extra price.

But as it stands, the DLH has beautiful grounds (even if you don’t swim, they look wonderful walking around), possibly better general views since the towers are taller (I’m not talking about $1000+ theme park view rooms at the Grand), Trader Sam’s, pretty good location (full bubble, no walking along a parking lot like PP)…

I could see Grand having certain rooms being more expensive by a decent amount (view rooms, etc) but I’m a little surprised the lowest rooms aren’t more like +$50/night over DLH instead of such a huge jump.

I feel the same. I've stayed at DL hotel a few times and GC once, and I really prefer the DLH. The things I enjoyed most about GC I can enjoy without staying there. One thing I love to do is stop in for a drink and appetizers while I take a mid-day break relaxing in the lobby. I don't stay onsite at all anymore, for the amount of time I'm in the room I stay across the street.

 

[DLgal]

They’re definitely around, but it’s like butting into a conversation about how bad gas prices are, and then telling folks you drive a Tesla. Factually correct and on-topic, but probably the polite thing would be to nod and stay quiet.

Huh?

 

[taniapacheco]

Everyone is different I guess but for Disney especially if it's mostly a trip where it's Disney everyday and I won't be in my room barely at all I don't see the value. A resort somewhere else were I might spend more time in my room probably would intrigue me more. Or one with my ground level deck on the water that appeals to me. I've had this convo with others before even if I won the lottery is it really necessary to have a room with a dining table and living room like huge living room. For me no I'm usually out and about when on vacation so I wouldn't see or use the room very much at all. I rather spend the money on excursions or events. Even if I had excess money I'd still like to spend it on things to do or people to bring rather than a room.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Keep in mind that a lot of guests staying at the GCH are not paying rack rate, so just because the hotel is full when prices are high doesn't mean it's full of full-fare guests. Convention rates are MUCH cheaper. We've stayed there once on our own paying whatever the going rate was at the time, but this time we planned our vacation to match a convention my husband was going to and the rate you get doing that is pretty unbelievable.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

We are VGC owners but have stayed on cash reservations as well since the hotel opened--occasionally paying rack rates. What gets me is not necessarily the cost, but at the service and amenities that you get for that price. They say "deluxe" but I've had nicer towels and toilet paper at the Best Western. For $800 a night, I expect plush, plentiful towels, nice toiletries, turn down service, chocolates (like the old days), two ply toilet paper, and most importantly ... maid service. I'm so tired of the covid maid service excuse. They pack the parks, restaurants, and rides shoulder to shoulder but I can't have a maid in my room for 45 minutes? Really? We just got back from a 4 night stay at the Villas, and I really feel like the service and standards have slipped more and more. They need to bring back the special touches, etc. Also had a really annoying and frustrating desk experience with a room change.

 

[dragonflymom]

They’re definitely around, but it’s like butting into a conversation about how bad gas prices are, and then telling folks you drive a Tesla. Factually correct and on-topic, but probably the polite thing would be to nod and stay quiet.

Love your analogy!

 

[Malcon10t]

We just got back from a 4 night stay at the Villas, and I really feel like the service and standards have slipped more and more. They need to bring back the special touches, etc. Also had a really annoying and frustrating desk experience with a room change.

Do the Villas normally get daily housekeeping? When we stayed DVC a couple years ago, we only got trash and towels on day 4 and a full cleaning after we had been there a week (we were there 10 days.)

 

[PirateBrigade]

Huh?

Coworker 1: These gas prices hurt,my commute is like double.

Coworker 2: Yeah, I can barely afford groceries as is, these gas prices keep going.

Coworker 5 on the other side of the room: I drive a Tesla and pay nothing for gas!

15 minutes later

:::sound of keys against paint in parking lot:::

 

[PirateBrigade]

Do the Villas normally get daily housekeeping? When we stayed DVC a couple years ago, we only got trash and towels on day 4 and a full cleaning after we had been there a week (we were there 10 days.)

no, there’s usually a tag indicating when towels are refreshed/trash taken, etc…day 4 sounds about right for trash/towels.

I usually decline all services, so I can’t comment on DVC pre vs post pandemic.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Do the Villas normally get daily housekeeping? When we stayed DVC a couple years ago, we only got trash and towels on day 4 and a full cleaning after we had been there a week (we were there 10 days.)

No but you used to be able to pay for service, which we did, and VGC didn’t even do the trash the day they were supposed to

edited to add... we were at wdw in March (BWV) and they at least did trash every day and towels on third (?).

 

[HIRyeDVC]

They’re definitely around, but it’s like butting into a conversation about how bad gas prices are, and then telling folks you drive a Tesla. Factually correct and on-topic, but probably the polite thing would be to nod and stay quiet.

Lol. I never said I drive a Tesla. Just merely pointing out that many people, $800 per night is still worth it. But I forgot that most people on this board love to complain about all things Disney but still fork over their money.

 

[DLgal]

Coworker 1: These gas prices hurt,my commute is like double.

Coworker 2: Yeah, I can barely afford groceries as is, these gas prices keep going.

Coworker 5 on the other side of the room: I drive a Tesla and pay nothing for gas!

15 minutes later

:::sound of keys against paint in parking lot:::

I'm not getting how this analogy relates to the OP, who specifically asked "WHO PAYS THAT?"

Some people DO pay it. There are plenty of people on the DIS who do. The whole site isn't a budget minded forum.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I'm not getting how this analogy relates to the OP, who specifically asked "WHO PAYS THAT?"

Some people DO pay it. There are plenty of people on the DIS who do. The whole site isn't a budget minded forum.

I know there's plenty of people willing to pay that price, I'm just not one of them, lol. However, on the morbid side of thinking, I'd pay that much for a standard room if I had some terminal illness and wanted to take one last Disney trip with my family.

 

[DizMe]

I guess the main issue I have with threads like this is that the tone often comes across as scornful of those who DO choose something considered extravagant, like GCH, and can make people feel defensive. I agree, it's a lot of money. I've been at both ends of the argument because my circumstances have changed over the years. Both camps are valid. It's a lot of money. It's probably Disney gouging us. There are nice places to stay that are less expensive and you could spend a whole lot of nights for the price of one GCH night. There are so many other things you could do with that money, and so on. But basically, all of us who vacation at Disney are doing something that the majority of humankind would never be able to afford. I guess it boils down to which degree of conspicuous consumption you support.

 

[wildekatza]

Just as an FYI I priced 3 nights hotel only for Dec 13-16. That came to $2348.19 including tax for a standard room. I then priced the same 3 nights with 1 4-day hopper and the price was $2770.64. That appears to make the hopper $422.45. If that's so, they they must be charging tax on the whole package, including the hopper. It would be cheaper to book room only and buy your own hoppers. In this case, I looked at buying 1 4-day hopper by itself from Disney and it's $395, so I don't really know how that math works in the above scenario. Where did the extra cost come from for a hopper included with the room?

Is that maybe because of when you are going? It could also be I am staying a full week and only have 3 day park hopper passes for 2 people. Monday -Friday stay at GCH. I priced it in July when I booked it both on Costco and on the dreams unlimited travel quotes and both came out exactly the same. The only difference was I would get a $240 Disney gift card to spend at the parks for whatever with my Costco room. I chose to use the dreams travel since I use their videos for a lot of my vacation planning-help the little guy out right now.

Am I wrong or do they not keep checking to make sure the package is as cheap as it can get when I book with the Dreams Unlmtd Travel? I thought that Jackie and them would occasionally mention that on the videos?