Grand Californian Hotel Craftsman Bar and Grill ~ Brand New

[Elias1901]

Did the price of nachos jump from $12 to $21?? Or is this some mega portion of deluxe quality that's being newly added?

 

[gerilyne]

Did the price of nachos jump from $12 to $21?? Or is this some mega portion of deluxe quality that's being newly added?

I think the nachos at White Water Snacks (aka the Craftsman Grill) are still $12 and the ones served at the Craftsman bar are $21. The bar ones look different than the ones I have seen at White Water.

 

[poptart90]

The bar looks beautiful. We watched through all the “soft” openings this week. Many internal events, etc. Only thing my DH pointed out was that it’s in the sun almost all day with no shade available. They have a portico, but not much else. For a tall Norwegian-type dude, that’s the kiss of death... however, then he matches his beard
Even for me, I’d prefer a little respite from the rays to enjoy a schmancy-cocktail.

 

[DLgal]

We stayed at GCH July 4-7 and really enjoyed the bar. The Cucumber Spritz and Prickly Pear Rose were fantastic cocktails. I had several of the Cucumber ones...probably 7 or 8. The nachos are very different than the ones served inside. They are about twice the size and have much more meat, plus pico de gallo, green onions, peppers, and 2 different cheeses. They are definitely enough for 2. The poolside food is the same stuff that comes out of Whitewater snacks, which hasn't changed at all. All the same stuff is available. The bar menu is more extensive than the poolside menu, both drinks and food items. The bar has a few extra cocktails and a more extensive wine and beer list. At night on Saturday, there was live music. The pool area has gotten vigilant about issuing wristbands to resort guests and policing frequently to make sure people have wristbands if they are seated on loungers or tables poolside. There was a heavy presence of managers around the pool deck.

We did find some inconsistencies with the drinks, though. Like I said, I ordered the same drink several times. It came out in a different style cup almost every time. The garnishes were sometimes absent, sometimes sliced cucumbers, sometimes a ribbon. One time, the drink came about an inch below the rim of the glass, and was much smaller than previous ones. The bartenders are still on a learning curve here (technically it is in soft open until July 11). One time, my husband ordered my drink at the bar and one bartender has to ask another how to make the drink. Even still, I really enjoyed the elevated drink offerings that are different from the "standard Disney cocktail menu" that you find at so many bars around the resort. It was nice to have some variety.

I will definitely be back to try more food items and enjoy the atmosphere!

 

[fly girl]

We stayed at GCH July 4-7 and really enjoyed the bar. The Cucumber Spritz and Prickly Pear Rose were fantastic cocktails. I had several of the Cucumber ones...probably 7 or 8. The nachos are very different than the ones served inside. They are about twice the size and have much more meat, plus pico de gallo, green onions, peppers, and 2 different cheeses. They are definitely enough for 2. The poolside food is the same stuff that comes out of Whitewater snacks, which hasn't changed at all. All the same stuff is available. The bar menu is more extensive than the poolside menu, both drinks and food items. The bar has a few extra cocktails and a more extensive wine and beer list. At night on Saturday, there was live music. The pool area has gotten vigilant about issuing wristbands to resort guests and policing frequently to make sure people have wristbands if they are seated on loungers or tables poolside. There was a heavy presence of managers around the pool deck.

We did find some inconsistencies with the drinks, though. Like I said, I ordered the same drink several times. It came out in a different style cup almost every time. The garnishes were sometimes absent, sometimes sliced cucumbers, sometimes a ribbon. One time, the drink came about an inch below the rim of the glass, and was much smaller than previous ones. The bartenders are still on a learning curve here (technically it is in soft open until July 11). One time, my husband ordered my drink at the bar and one bartender has to ask another how to make the drink. Even still, I really enjoyed the elevated drink offerings that are different from the "standard Disney cocktail menu" that you find at so many bars around the resort. It was nice to have some variety.

I will definitely be back to try more food items and enjoy the atmosphere!

On a separate note, I hope your boys loved the GCH pool!

 

[StarlitNight05]

We stayed at GCH July 4-7 and really enjoyed the bar. The Cucumber Spritz and Prickly Pear Rose were fantastic cocktails. I had several of the Cucumber ones...probably 7 or 8. The nachos are very different than the ones served inside. They are about twice the size and have much more meat, plus pico de gallo, green onions, peppers, and 2 different cheeses. They are definitely enough for 2. The poolside food is the same stuff that comes out of Whitewater snacks, which hasn't changed at all. All the same stuff is available. The bar menu is more extensive than the poolside menu, both drinks and food items. The bar has a few extra cocktails and a more extensive wine and beer list. At night on Saturday, there was live music. The pool area has gotten vigilant about issuing wristbands to resort guests and policing frequently to make sure people have wristbands if they are seated on loungers or tables poolside. There was a heavy presence of managers around the pool deck.

We did find some inconsistencies with the drinks, though. Like I said, I ordered the same drink several times. It came out in a different style cup almost every time. The garnishes were sometimes absent, sometimes sliced cucumbers, sometimes a ribbon. One time, the drink came about an inch below the rim of the glass, and was much smaller than previous ones. The bartenders are still on a learning curve here (technically it is in soft open until July 11). One time, my husband ordered my drink at the bar and one bartender has to ask another how to make the drink. Even still, I really enjoyed the elevated drink offerings that are different from the "standard Disney cocktail menu" that you find at so many bars around the resort. It was nice to have some variety.

I will definitely be back to try more food items and enjoy the atmosphere!

Thanks for the detailed review. I LOVE cucumber so I'll probably be testing out a few of those drinks when we go for Halloween.

 

[DLgal]

On a separate note, I hope your boys loved the GCH pool!

OMG, they practically had it all to themselves and they fully enjoyed the slide and the resort as a whole. Was definitely a blessing in disguise that the DLH slide was closed and we moved. We spent a lot of time enjoying the hotel and had a fantastic family experience.

 

[Castillo Mom]

OMG, they practically had it all to themselves and they fully enjoyed the slide and the resort as a whole. Was definitely a blessing in disguise that the DLH slide was closed and we moved. We spent a lot of time enjoying the hotel and had a fantastic family experience.

Thank you so much for the review! Looking forward to staying at the Grand in two weeks and trying as many drinks on the Craftsman Bar menu as I can.

 

[KPeterso]

Glad to hear they are policing the pool. We are staying at VGC next week (7/17-7/19) and I would not be happy if people from the bar/grill were coming over and using the pool. And I rarely if ever go to the pool so it should not matter to me. Must be a principle thing that I am paying for it and visitors to the bar/grill are not.

 

[longboard55]

First off, we loved it, big upgrade to the pool area. But yes it was a soft opening and it was obvious a lot of people did not have a clue on what they were doing. They kept losing food orders. I ordered a Mai Tai and I think it took 5 minutes for him to make it. I am sure they will get it eventually.

Fun part was watching all the dads sneaking over for a quick beer.

 

[Elias1901]

I think the nachos at White Water Snacks (aka the Craftsman Grill) are still $12 and the ones served at the Craftsman bar are $21. The bar ones look different than the ones I have seen at White Water.

Ah. Thanks for the clarification on the nachos.

So... this Craftsman addition is also absorbing White Water Snacks? Is that just in title (to make one large cohesive area) or are they changing the interior of the pre-existing White Water Snacks location?? If it is already open, how come on the DLR website, you can still search up White Water Snacks as its own independent thing if the name should've been officially changed to Craftsman?

 

[wowsmom]

Ah. Thanks for the clarification on the nachos.

So... this Craftsman addition is also absorbing White Water Snacks? Is that just in title (to make one large cohesive area) or are they changing the interior of the pre-existing White Water Snacks location?? If it is already open, how come on the DLR website, you can still search up White Water Snacks as its own independent thing if the name should've been officially changed to Craftsman?

I doubt they would be changing the interior at White Water Snacks, since they just did it last year.

 

[Elias1901]

I doubt they would be changing the interior at White Water Snacks, since they just did it last year.

Ah, that would make sense. I wish I could get some photos of the area in relation to White Water Snacks... is this new Craftsman addition just pretty much right outside of the old WWS location? Or is this something you have to actually go searching for or have pool access to get into??

 

[wowsmom]

Ah, that would make sense. I wish I could get some photos of the area in relation to White Water Snacks... is this new Craftsman addition just pretty much right outside of the old WWS location? Or is this something you have to actually go searching for or have pool access to get into??

Basically, as you walk towards White Water, past the entrance to DCA, it's on the right - across from the soon-to-be-gone spa and bathrooms. I haven't been since it opened so can't post pics. I'm just basing it on where the fencing has been for the past year (I think it's been that long? Maybe not?)

 

[Nikefutbolero]

I dislike how the pool area is open to non hotel guests. How can one voice their displeasure about that to Disney?

 

[poptart90]

I doubt they would be changing the interior at White Water Snacks, since they just did it last year.

So as of yesterday, White Water was "closed for refurbishment"...thankfully it was our last day, but it was a bummer considering they just completed the "new" remodel. No word from them on when they would reopen. And no info about what was changing from the CMs outside White Water. Maybe someone there now will get more info?

 

[Castillo Mom]

So as of yesterday, White Water was "closed for refurbishment"...thankfully it was our last day, but it was a bummer considering they just completed the "new" remodel. No word from them on when they would reopen. And no info about what was changing from the CMs outside White Water. Maybe someone there now will get more info?

Hmm, since it was closed for several months for refurbishment and only recently reopened, it seems that perhaps only minor changes would need to be made to coincide with the name change to Craftsman Grill.

 

[gerilyne]

So as of yesterday, White Water was "closed for refurbishment"...thankfully it was our last day, but it was a bummer considering they just completed the "new" remodel. No word from them on when they would reopen. And no info about what was changing from the CMs outside White Water. Maybe someone there now will get more info?

I thought I saw Gothic Rosie say there were only closing in order to change the name to Craftsman Grill but the menu inside would stay the same.

 

[Minniesgal]

I like the idea of somewhere to go eat spontaneously where you don't need reservations

 

[DLgal]

I dislike how the pool area is open to non hotel guests. How can one voice their displeasure about that to Disney?

It's really not. There are plenty of CMs and managers watching. People are seated at tables if they are just going to the bar. If the tables are full, they don't let non resort guests spill over into the pool chairs/tables, they have to wait for an open table. They have added a manned iron gate to the pathway that leads to WWS/Craftsman Bar and greet everyone walking through and ask where they are headed. There is really only a small area that is open to the pool deck for pool guests to access the bar for drinks, but they built a plexiglass wall separating the bar area from the pool deck. They are also redirecting resort guests to the other pool gates to enter, if they look like they are heading to the pool. They also moved the wristband desks to right next to the 2 gates that lead to the pool and they pounce on you as soon as you walk in asking to see a room key so they can issue wristbands. In addition, lifeguards were actively looking for wristbands on pool guests and asking for room keys on people who didn't have them. We also saw a family from DLH try and enter the pool area and be denied. They aren't messing around.