Grand Californian - Disneyland

[TCincy]

I have booked a room for Dec. 28 - Jan 1 at the Grand Californian at the Disneyland resort.

Just curious if anyone has stayed there and what the "extras" are. How is the pool area? Are there other activities like at VWL or BCV?

I am also considering going with a concierge room but is it worth it? What are the added perks of this style room?

Finally, What goes on around the Disneyland resort for New Year's Eve?

Anyone know any links to sites with Disneyland highlights?

Thanks.
TCincy

"People may forget what you say or do but they will never forget how you made the feel" - Walt Disney

 

[JimC]

Here are some links:

http://www.mouseplanet.com/parkupdates/dlr/index.htm

http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyland.html

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dlr/index

http://www.screamscape.com/html/disneyland_resort.html

http://www.laughingplace.com/Disneyland.asp

http://www.intercotwest.com/

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/1877/

http://www.mouseinfo.com/disneylandresort/index.php

We have stayed at Grand Californian twice. Love the resort. We stayed in DCA view and DD view rooms. DD view gave us great fireworks viewing from our room. The theming of this room is on par with AKL and WL. We did not use the pool while we were there.

Have fun!

 

[ceejay13]

We have stayed at the GC 4 times since it has opened. It is my favorite hotel, hands down. This doesn't include the Florida DVC accomodations, of course. We absolutely love it. We have had a theme park view twice and a DD view twice. Both are great. Last December we had the DD view and it was so festive at the holidays. You could open up your patio door and hear all the Christmas music and see the holiday decorations and all the people running around. The theme park view is magical. Both times we overlooked Grizzly River Rapids. It is wonderful to feel like you are in the middle of a Disney theme park while sitting on your balconey. The pool area is nice but if the pool is your main objective, the DLH actually has a better themed pool, especially for kids. When we visit, it is just my DH and I so we love that the GC is quieter than the DLH. At the holidays, they have the huge tree like the WL, with Santa visiting and caroling in the evening. We sat in the lobby with a glass of wine just watching the holiday festivities one night and it was great. They do have tours of the hotel and it is gorgeous so you might find them interesting. The hotel has it's own entrance to DCA and to DD so you really are right in the middle of everything. One thing we also did last December was take a holiday tour of DL. It was well worth it. If you haven't heard, they decorate the Haunted Mansion from the Nightmare Before Christmas and it is truly incredible. The also do holiday decorations and music at It's a Small World. You get to bypass both ride lines on the tour. In addition, they take you to Minnie's Christmas show and serve hot chocolate and cookies while you watch the show and it ends up with special seats to watch the Christmas parade. We have not experienced concierge level. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have.

 

[jdkdorn]

I called yesterday and they said points are not out for 2004. Are you checking out Jan 1 or are points available as of today?

Please let me know because we want to book jan 16-24 and have been waiting and waiting and waiting..... I usually book my Disney trips a year in advance and this is killing me not having it booked

Thanks

Judy

 

[TCincy]

Currently have ressies checking out Jan 1. May extend to Jan 2 when point charts come available.

 

[sgtdilbert]

And you simply MUST visit the Napa Rose restaurant inside the hotel. Absolutely spectacular dining!

s.

 

[Jimbo]

As an alternative, luxurylink.com is auctioning off a three night stay at the Grand California. The package includes:

• 3 nights in a Premium View guestroom
• “Character” Breakfast for two on one day of your stay
• 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® tickets for two
• Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” guided tour of Disneyland® park
• Dinner for two on one evening of your choice at Napa Rose restaurant (excludes alcohol)
• One-hour massage for each guest
• Complimentary use of the Eureka Springs Health Club during your stay
• Complimentary Disneyland® Resort Hotel self-parking during your stay
• Two Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® signature lounging robes as mementos of your stay
• Taxes and Resort Fees

It's valid any time in the next 12 months, with some blackout dates (holidays, probably). The package is valued at $2,283, and the current high bid is $870. It doesn't close until tomorrow at 2:30 PST, though, and like most auctions the price jumps at the very end.

You can access the site at http://www.luxurylink.com, or go to directly to this package at
http://www.luxurylink.com/Auctions/Auction.phtml?id=28870

We bought a trip to Bermuda and one to Scotland at this site, and were totally satisfied with the luxurylink experience. In fact, I debated not posting this just because I don't need the competition!