Grand California

[Mr. & Mrs. Mouse]

I already have reservations for a timeshare for a week in Anehiem, but am thinking of "splurging" some points for a couple of days at Grand Ca.
Has anyone stayed there yet? Would you book the DisneyLand Hotel instead, or did you enjoy the Grand Ca?
Thanks,
Ed

 

[stopher1]

I already have reservations for a timeshare for a week in Anehiem, but am thinking of "splurging" some points for a couple of days at Grand Ca.
Has anyone stayed there yet? Would you book the DisneyLand Hotel instead, or did you enjoy the Grand Ca?
Thanks,
Ed

The Grand Californian is much better than the DL Hotel. Don't get me wrong, the DLH is nice, but you just can't beat being right there, basically inside DCA. The views of the park from the villas are great. The views of the pool on the other side of the wing provide nighttime views of DL's fireworks. From the rooms, to the lobby, to the amenities at the Grand, you won't be disappointed. It really is just about the best DVC there is.

I've stayed in all 3 of the DL owned resorts. Only the Grand is truly Disney designed and built. Both the DLH and the Paradise Pier hotel were built by others and aquired by Disney in the late '80s and early '90's. Sure they've been Disneyfied since they were purchased, but they just aren't quite the same. The major renovation of each tower at the DLH is certainly fixing that even more, but also means there's a lot of "under renovation" stuff going on at the Hotel. Plus the pool complex at the DLH will be closing soon for additional renovations. I'd definitely say go VGC if there's availability.

 

[wbl2745]

I've stayed at both the VGC and the DLH this year and if you can work it out, I'd definitely stay at the VGC. The DLH is really quite a walk from the parks. Although the monorail gets you most of the way there, getting to the monorail can be a hike unless you're in that end of the park.

The VGC is fantastic! If you're staying in the villas, even a studio, the rooms are much nicer than the DLH. I'll agree that the remodeled rooms at the DLH are more Disney than the old rooms, but the entire atmosphere of the VGC is wonderful. This is truly a fully themed Disney hotel in the standard of the best that WDW has to offer.

 

[rentayenta]

The GCV are amazing. The DLH and PPH pale in comparison.

 

[adminjedi]

I already have reservations for a timeshare for a week in Anehiem, but am thinking of "splurging" some points for a couple of days at Grand Ca.
Has anyone stayed there yet? Would you book the DisneyLand Hotel instead, or did you enjoy the Grand Ca?
Thanks,
Ed

STAY AT VGC.....YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
We stayed the week before July 4th and absolutely loved our 2brdm villa. The location is great, special access to the parks, the pool loungers are absolutely luxurious.

 

[mdsd8700]

Just came back from a 4 night stay in a 1 bedroom at VGC overlooking DCA, one word....amazing! We as other posters here have stayed at all 3 of the Disneyland on site hotels, even in a regular room at the Grand some years back, however the Villas made it so much better! The location is perfect, although the area is so small that other hotels are not that much more distance. The Disneyland Hotel has some cool pictures and old Disney memorabila, so that is always neat to see, but you can always walk over and take a look at that. If you have the opportunity to stay at the Villas go for it!

 

[MEGADAN]

We just came back from GCVs and loved it. I would stay there again the next time we return to Disneyland. The resort is right inside the park and it was 100 degrees so it was very convenient to go back to the room and take a dip in the pool before returning to the parks. We also loved being so close to Downtown Disney. Another great perk was the preferred seating at World of Color.
The only thing I didn't like was how many points I needed to stay there!

 

[4boys4us]

We have stayed at the Grand Californian 5 times....we love it. It is so much nicer than the DLH or PPH, they have more of a business/conference center feeling.

Whenever I am asked if it is really worth it to stay at the GC, I say that by all means it is worth every penny, but not necessary to have a great disney holiday!

But.....there is nothing like having a private entrance to your hotel straight out of the park.

 

[Jerry@dvcstore]

Can't wait to see it. You all make it sound so NICE.

 

[adminjedi]

I just realized I didn't use the right font on my last post....

STAY AT VGC - YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

 

[stopher1]

Can't wait to see it. You all make it sound so NICE.

It IS!!

The hotel itself was designed by the same architect as Wilderness Lodge and Jambo House at AKL. The theme however is Craftsman, of the Arts & Crafts movement of throughout California of the early 20th century. It's just gorgeous. From the large fireplace in the lobby, to the sweeping 6 story lobby, to the beautiful woodwork everywhere, the soft muted color scheme, the stained glass entry door by the Porte Cahchere, to the wedding lawn outside, and the beautiful pool complex... let alone the direct access entry to/from Downtown Disney on the north side, and the private entrance directly into DCA on the east side (literally just steps from both Soarin' and Grizzy River Run, and the Fastpass machines for World of Color, which you can get earlier than regular park guests when you stay at the resort). The fabulous Napa Rose restaurant, and the great Storyteller's Cafe. It really is a gorgeous resort.

 

[lulubelle]

The GCV are amazing. The DLH and PPH pale in comparison.

Bingo. She is exactly correct!

 

[Conniesaurus]

We just got back late Friday night from a 4 night stay at GCV. Loved it!!!!! We were in a studio (2510) and overlooked DCV. I would highly recommed staying there and do the WOC dining package. It is a must see.

 

[peloha86]

I already have reservations for a timeshare for a week in Anehiem, but am thinking of "splurging" some points for a couple of days at Grand Ca.
Has anyone stayed there yet? Would you book the DisneyLand Hotel instead, or did you enjoy the Grand Ca?
Thanks,
Ed

I would splurge esp. since you don't know when you're coming back out to the west coast.
The food is terrific and the LOUNGE CHAIRS!! OMG!!! Simply the best, and there is a cast member who comes around and asks if you would like to purchace drinks...the mango margarita was fabulous...
The food at Storytellers Cafe is pretty good, Napa Rose is pricey but good also, esp if you like wine. There are numerous rest. @ Downtown Disney, lots to see there...
And for the ultimate relaxation, the "Mandara Spa", wow, I just had a bamboo massage and it was the best.
Gotta do it, and it all comes without the humidity!!!
DO IT! You won't regret it...

 

[Quilter007]

We own @ VGC & have stayed in a studio there and 2 BR. After that we stayed @ Paradise Pier because we couldn't get in last minute @ VGC. I have to say that we'd do the Paradise Pier over a studio @ VGC. PPH just seemed to make a big fuss over us. However, we were just there for a long weekend. So for a 1br or larger, VGC is it. We also aren't big on the spa, or Napa Rose, but we did do the breakfast @ PPH which is the only character breakfast w/ Mickey. We've also stayed @ DL hotel & loved it.