Grand Californian Best View?

[JDirrim]

Disneyland Newbiwhere We are looking into booking at the Grand Californian, but have no idea what the best view is there. One would think that the "premium view" might be the best option, but after reading some reviews here and looking at pics its look like since some trees have grown theme park view might not be the best option...any advice? For those of you who like to have a view when you stay somewhere, can you offer any advice? I know this might be a long shot, but does anyone remember any rooms number specifically where they enjoyed a great view?

 

[whoever]

We've had nearly every view now. Have yet to have the one I REALLY want yet though.
2010, DTD view. We were over the world of Disney store.
2011, looking right on to Goofy's Sky School.
2013, Brisa Courtyard
2014, Pool Courtyard view
2014 part two.... Crossing my fingers for a woods view INTO DCA. That's the one I REALLY want. Basically across the hall from my earlier 2014 room.

 

[whoever]

Here are some pics you can judge the views on....

2010:

2011:

2013:

2014:

They were all no-cost views, standard views.

 

[DizMe]

I think whoever meant those rooms were booked as standard and they were upgraded, or it was before they added the new view designations. A standard room generally looks out on the parking lot or roofs, though it can include view rooms whose view is blocked by trees or buildings. I've had the parking and roof view rooms and the view was nothing like what's pictured. I've had standard, woods, courtyard, deluxe and premium views at GCH. I liked them all but didn't find any of the views worth a lot of extra expense, though I'd pay up from the bottom not to look out at parking because it isn't that much more. It used to be that the courtyard and woods views (where you look out on Brisa and the monorail or trees that block larger views) used to be standard, but they've added tiers to the system since then. If you're going at a busy time, don't count on an upgrade, but I really don't see premium as worth the extra cost. It just means you're on a higher floor, not necessarily that you have a better view now that the trees have grown.

What I WOULD do is try and get a specific location. If you go with standard or woods, request the wing next to the elevators or over the Napa Rose restaurant. That's my favorite as it's so easy to get around, esp. the Napa Rose wing as it has its own little elevator bank and lobby. The most important thing to me is to try to be near elevators!!