Grand Californian construction?

[hnthomps]

I'm sure this is old news to everyone here, but am looking for advice. We are stopping by for a quick 2 night trip in March after a week in the area. Got the following from our TA today:

"Please note from January 2017 through fall 2017, it is possible that you may see and hear construction as improvements are made to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. To minimize any disruptions, activities that may create noise will not start earlier than 9 a.m. daily. All construction dates are subject to change:

·Room refurbishments will occur from January 2017 through fall 2017.

·The pools and poolside cabanas will be closed for refurbishment from January 2017 to spring 2017. The pools and waterslides at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will be available for your enjoyment, and poolside cabanas at Disneyland Hotel will be available for reservations.

·The Great Hall lobby will be refurbished and access will be limited beginning June 2017 through early August 2017. Some Guest rooms will not be available during this time."

Should we look into switching? We are traveling with small children, so minimizing the walk to the parks was a big plus, as was the early entry given our limited time. Any thoughts?

 

[Darkbeer1]

IMHO, the GCH is overpriced without any construction issues.

If a Disney owned Hotel is important to you, I would look to switch to the Disneyland Hotel.

If not, I would look at the non-Disney Hotels, I like the newer Hotels that opened recently, such as the Courtyard and Holiday Inn Express on Manchester, or at the corner of Harbor and Katella,the Residence Inn Maingate, Springhill Suites and Hyatt House.

 

[ParkHopper1]

So if you want that magical uninterrupted experience...the construction and closure of the pools may be a deal breaker for some.

I stay several times a year at the Grand and the construction does not phase me one bit, but I do not use the pools and proximity is why I stay there.

I stayed at the DLH for the first time last month and thought it was amazing...and do recommend that for family stays, but it did not have the same proximity benefits of the Grand. When at the Grand, we would typically pop back into the room for a quick break, use the bathroom, get a change of clothes and drop the sunglasses in the evening, etc, throughout the day. At the DLH however, it was more plan to be out for the day. There was one point where we intended to go back to the room but did not...where we would have without hesitation at the Grand.

So all depends on what is priority in your stay. For some it is a total Disney immersion and the DHL is a great choice...but if proximity is a high value and you can look past a few covered scaffolds, it is still worth the stay IMO.

 

[Nonsuch]

I'm sure this is old news to everyone here, but am looking for advice. We are stopping by for a quick 2 night trip in March after a week in the area...

I'll also visit GCH in mid-March, taking advantage of the Mini Gay Days rates
This coincides with 50th anniversary of Pirates, so there should be some special events.

GCH is likely to be a mess during this visit, but it is my favorite hotel -- and I'm curious to monitor the progress of the renovation.

...Should we look into switching? We are traveling with small children, so minimizing the walk to the parks was a big plus, as was the early entry given our limited time. Any thoughts?

Although I'm a fan of GCH, you should likely switch to DLH.

A few comments on the GCH renovation:

• Work is currently suspended for the peak holiday season, and will resume in January.
• VGC renovation is complete (and looks great).
  
• There is a significant shift toward lighter colors.
• Rooms with 2 Queen beds will also have a Daybed
• More King beds
• No Bunk beds