Grand Californian Hotel

[gmi3804]

Is there anything I should know about preferred views? Since we won't be spending much time in the room, it doesn't seem like the preferred view would be necessary. Are all the rooms the same size? Which WDW hotel's rooms would compare in size to these? I'm thinking Wilderness Lodge's rooms are comparable.

Thanks!

 

[Firefly777]

Unless you're on a strict budget, I think a Downtown Disney view would be good. It's fun to be in the middle of the action, so to speak. And from our experience, it's not that much more expensive than a standard view. If you are a really light sleeper, though, that might not be a good idea. A theme park view is really nice, but if you aren't going to be in your room much, then I don't think it's worth the expense.

 

[disneydenisel]

We just got back from the Grand Californian last weekend. We booked a standard view room and requested a theme park room if available, which we did get. We had a view of Soarin' and Grizzly, and there was music playing in DCA all night long, but it was muffled by the sliding glass doors, so it sounded like a bit of white noise. Our kids slept fine through it. It was nice to see the people running when it started to rain, and it was very close to the DCA entrance, which meant my husband could run down and get a fastpass for Soarin' and then come back to the room, and then go back down and be there within a couple of minutes. I think that the rooms are all basically the same size unless you get a suite, which is as big as two rooms.

 

[NeedsNEscape]

We stayed at the Grand Californian last August and it was very much like the Wilderness Lodge. We liked WL a little bit better, but then again its in Florida and we were CA. What is really great about the GC is that it is so close to DL and DCA, you have none of the commuting that is required in Florida. The rooms were very similar to WL, my kids slept in bunks just like at the WL. We had a view of DCA which is interesting at night because of all of the neon lights. However, we were hardly ever in the room. What is also great is the reception on our handheld
radios. DH and I ate a lovely dinner at the hotel, while our two sons (12 and 14) went on the rides at DCA. They only eat junk food and we fiind it tedious to 'fine dine' with them. On the other hand, they were always in touch by radio. (I felt a little embarassed about having them in the restaurant -- like having your cell phone on all the time. But I felt more secure being in touch with them.)

GC was very beautiful, but the distinction between Arts&Crafts decor and the WL NationalPark decor is very subtle to my untutored eye. You will have a great time!

Jeanne

 

[Twigs]

We stayed at the Grand Californian last July and loved it, it is a great hotel. We had a standard view room as we also didn't think we would be in the room that much so it wouldn't matter. We had a room on the 4th floor overlooking the courtyard, the monorail also passed thru there. With all the evergreen trees it was really peaceful to sit out on the balcony for breakfast or in the evening. The room was a nice size with two queen size beds and plenty of room for me, dh and 2 ds's. I would say it was slightly smaller than the rooms we have stayed in the Polynesian, as there was no day bed.

 

[minniecarousel]

What is a "resort view" at the GC?

 

[disneykins]

We just booked a theme park view at GC. Do these rooms all have a balcony? Can you see the workers at night? I always wanted to stay in the park at night and watch the magic being prepared. LOL.
Thanks

 

[Firefly777]

I'm pretty sure all of the rooms have a balcony except for a few inside the courtyard. So you should definitely have a balcony.