Grand Californian Concierge Level Question

[coopersmom]

We've stayed concierge level at Disney World, and I wasn't overly impressed, but my husband is interested in doing the upgrade for convenience sake if we can get a decent (relative term) rate, but I have a few questions, I hope someone can help me with before we make the leap. (NOTE: I tried asking these in the Grand Superthread but no one responded. Forgive me if it's bad protocol to ask again here. Not trying to break rules, just perhaps reach a different audience that could help.)

What room types (meaning bed configurations) are available in the theme park view concierge rooms? Are they all on the same floor or near the lounge, or is it possible that we will end up a long hike away. Just trying to weigh the value (a very relative term, I know) of the upgrade from regular theme park view room to concierge.

My son was hoping for a bunk bed room, but I don't want to request that if that would put us farther away, or with a worse view.

By the way, what are the "worst" views you could end up with a standard concierge room, if we end up going that way? (Though I am SOOO loathe to give up my view.)

Also, what is the best (i.e. most likely to be successful; and I know it is just a request) way to put in a room request? Is it via the general reservations line, or calling the hotel directly?

Oh and, also wanted to ask what the lounge hours are? Is there 24-hour availability for soda and water?

And, lastly (for now anyway), do they do package delivery direct to your room, like they do for concierge-level guests at DisneyWorld?

 

[Capt Silly]

What room types (meaning bed configurations) are available in the theme park view concierge rooms? Are they all on the same floor or near the lounge, or is it possible that we will end up a long hike away. Just trying to weigh the value (a very relative term, I know) of the upgrade from regular theme park view room to concierge.

My son was hoping for a bunk bed room, but I don't want to request that if that would put us farther away, or with a worse view.

By the way, what are the "worst" views you could end up with a standard concierge room, if we end up going that way? (Though I am SOOO loathe to give up my view.)

They have bunk bed rooms with a park view, although not all of them have bunk beds. When we stayed there we requested one but it wasn't available when we arrived, so they moved us to a courtyard view with bunk beds (we could have gotten 2 queens with a park view). This is the standard view (i.e. worst) you can get with the concierge, and it looks out over a beautiful and quiet courtyard which has the Monorail running though it.

All the rooms and lounge are on the sixth (top) floor, so it is always close.

Also, what is the best (i.e. most likely to be successful; and I know it is just a request) way to put in a room request? Is it via the general reservations line, or calling the hotel directly?

I don't know the best way, but I would make the reservation and then call the hotel directly. The concierge staff is wonderful, and will do what they can to fulfill your request. I think we made our request when they call us a week before our trip to see if we had any special requests.

Oh and, also wanted to ask what the lounge hours are? Is there 24-hour availability for soda and water?

They are not open 24 hours, but they are open early enough to supply yourself before going to the parks, and late enough to watch the fireworks from the balcony. I don't recall the exact hours.

And, lastly (for now anyway), do they do package delivery direct to your room, like they do for concierge-level guests at DisneyWorld?

I don't know about to your room, but they will deliver it to the hotel.

Lastly, I would like to add that we thing concierge is worth the extra cost. The staff (especially at the GC) is wonderful. We were greeted with welcome packages for both our kids, even though we arrived at 8 in the morning. The rooms are exceptional, and the lounge can't be beat. My wife is even trying to convince me to go just to stay in the hotel and not go to the parks.

 

[longhorns2]

We had 2 theme park view rooms (opposite ends of the hotel however) with bunk beds. My sisters view was phenomenal! Both were about the same distance from the lounge- not super close, but nothing huge as far as walking was concerned. I have no idea how many bunk bed rooms they have, but we got 2 of them and both had nice views.

 

[mrswh]

There are a number of standard view concierge rooms on the front of the hotel, overlooking the valet area. It's definitely a downgrade from the theme park view, that's for sure!

IMO, the best way to get your preferred room is to make your room request with WDTC (assuming you book with them) and then ALSO call the hotel directly to make sure your request is in your reservation. (It doesn't always transfer over, I have found.) On the day of your check-in, call the GCH pre-registration line (call first thing in the morning, like 7:00 a.m.) - the # is 714-300-7210. They will assign your room if it's not already assigned, and you can reiterate your requests at that point. This has worked for us the past few times we have stayed.

As far as concierge goes, we love it, but think it's worth no more than about $125 a night for the four of us. It seems like lately they want $200+, but we just can't justify it.

I don't think there is 24 hr availability for drinks - if I recall the lounge is open from 6am to midnight or something like that. But you can take things to go, so if you're going to need a drink in the middle of the night, just take some back to your room and put them in your fridge.

 

[hootey]

One of my fellow employees at the office swears by the concierge level at the Grand. I have not tried it myself but, he goes on and on about it. Concierge at the DLH is nice, the wife loves it. The wife likes it when the budget allows....

 

[viaggiamo]

We are wondering if it's worth the upgrade as well...

What exactly do you have access to in the concierge room?

C