Grand Californian - looking for tips, secrets, benefits that aren't published

[drmoore1976]

Hey there!! We recently made the decision to upgrade from a good neighbor hotel to the GCH for our stay August 13-19 and couldn't be more excited. This is probably our one trip to DLR for the foreseeable future so looking for any tips or hidden benefits to staying at GCH that we can take advantage of when we are there. Would love to hear about any areas with views of the nighttime fireworks or WoC ( i saw a video with a deck/patio area on an upper floor that looked cool, but can't find any info about it online). Also, would love to hear about tips for rope drop, early entry tips, and quick food options both at the hotel and downtown disney. Lastly, would love to hear if anyone has done the early park walk in California Adventure.

As for our experience so far booking ADR's, was able to get Oga's and Trader Sam's for the wife and 21yr old son, but not a ton of luck with other reservations. We are most excited about Lamplight and got a reservation there, but are planning on snacking/quick service via mobile order for the majority of the trip. Planning on adding Genie+ for the entire stay and take advantage of the 30 min early entry, hoping to get a good spot for RSR's and ROTR if possible on a few days.

 

[Nonsuch]

Grand Californian Super Thread​

Skim the most recent 50 pages

 

[Quiltsndisney]

Went end of April. Get a map and explore. It is huge and easy to get turned around. location was amazing.

 

[Quiltsndisney]

Went end of April. Get a map and explore. It is huge and easy to get turned around. location was amazing.

 

[evilmommie]

Grand Californian Super Thread​

Skim the most recent 50 pages

Yes!!!! Lot’s of great info in this Super Thread, OP! Happy reading.

 

[dieumeye]

A heads up regarding World of Color. If you want to experience the show, you’ll need to go to the viewing area in DCA.

There are “views” of WoC from GCH and Lamplight Lounge, but these are views only in the technical sense, not really good places to actually experience the show. Best for people who have seen WoC before.

 

[maleficent55]

I'm interested in the early morning park walk as well and can't find info on it through the Tenaya Spa. Hoping someone knows...

 

[evilmommie]

I'm interested in the early morning park walk as well and can't find info on it through the Tenaya Spa. Hoping someone knows...

You have to go into the Spa’s website to book the activities and see descriptions.
https://na.spatime.com/dlr92802/4802218/activity/19842577

I’ve done the walk with a friend. You have to boogie and keep up the pace. No dawdling! Some stretching as well. Fun to do…25 bucks.

 

[DLgal]

Hearthstone Lounge is a hidden gem. Great food and drinks and open late night!

Craftsman Bar and Craftsman Grill serve the same food. Save money by getting it at the Grill and saving the bar drinks for when you are poolside. The Grill is the quick service place for the hotel, but it closes at 10pm. Hearthstone serves almost the same menu, but is open until midnight.

There is another park exit/entrance to/from DCA now, over by the Corn Dog castle. It lets you out on the side of the GCH. It says it's only for Paradise Pier resorts guests, but that's not true. Any Disneyland resort room key will get you access.

When you are enjoying the pool, if you have hoppers and Genie+, grab a LL for Grizzly River Run and then go ride it in your swimsuits. No wet clothes worries. Of course, be prepared with proper shoes, shorts, swim shirts, etc. We just left our pool bag on a chair and headed out the park entrance by the pool. The ride is like 20 steps in. Such a fun memory.

Brunch at Storytellers Cafe is really good, supposedly. We were supposed to go Monday but had to cancel. Looking forward to trying again in a few weeks.

There are some alcoves on the second floor with some nice seating areas. You can sit up there and listen to the lobby piano player in the evenings.

The lighting in the rooms is dimmable. It might seem really harsh at first, but look for the little slider on the light switches.

 

[RoseColored97]

Hearthstone Lounge is a hidden gem. Great food and drinks and open late night!

Craftsman Bar and Craftsman Grill serve the same food. Save money by getting it at the Grill and saving the bar drinks for when you are poolside. The Grill is the quick service place for the hotel, but it closes at 10pm. Hearthstone serves almost the same menu, but is open until midnight.

There is another park exit/entrance to/from DCA now, over by the Corn Dog castle. It lets you out on the side of the GCH. It says it's only for Paradise Pier resorts guests, but that's not true. Any Disneyland resort room key will get you access.

When you are enjoying the pool, if you have hoppers and Genie+, grab a LL for Grizzly River Run and then go ride it in your swimsuits. No wet clothes worries. Of course, be prepared with proper shoes, shorts, swim shirts, etc. We just left our pool bag on a chair and headed out the park entrance by the pool. The ride is like 20 steps in. Such a fun memory.

Brunch at Storytellers Cafe is really good, supposedly. We were supposed to go Monday but had to cancel. Looking forward to trying again in a few weeks.

There are some alcoves on the second floor with some nice seating areas. You can sit up there and listen to the lobby piano player in the evenings.

The lighting in the rooms is dimmable. It might seem really harsh at first, but look for the little slider on the light switches.

Gosh, I was having doubts on whether staying at the Grand was worth it - we can afford it, but is it truly worth the $800 price tag. Your description of the perks of staying there totally draw me in.

 

[DLgal]

Gosh, I was having doubts on whether staying at the Grand was worth it - we can afford it, but is it truly worth the $800 price tag. Your description of the perks of staying there totally draw me in.

It is worth it JUST for the location alone. It will spoil you forever.

 

[Viper206]

There is a viewing deck on the 6th floor of the DVC tower overlooking DCA and you can watch WOC there as well. Just bring your room key. There are bathrooms up there as well.

I really enjoy the entire 3rd floor over looking the main lobby. Definitely take the time to explore around this area- lots of nooks and crannies.

There are also some cool winding stairs cases overlooking the lobby between the 5th and 6th floor.

 

[drmoore1976]

A heads up regarding World of Color. If you want to experience the show, you’ll need to go to the viewing area in DCA.

There are “views” of WoC from GCH and Lamplight Lounge, but these are views only in the technical sense, not really good places to actually experience the show. Best for people who have seen WoC before.

Appreciate that, I didn't know if the GCH view is enough to check the box, but I'll plan on a dining party or grab a virtual queue spot. Thx!

 

[drmoore1976]

Hearthstone Lounge is a hidden gem. Great food and drinks and open late night!

Craftsman Bar and Craftsman Grill serve the same food. Save money by getting it at the Grill and saving the bar drinks for when you are poolside. The Grill is the quick service place for the hotel, but it closes at 10pm. Hearthstone serves almost the same menu, but is open until midnight.

There is another park exit/entrance to/from DCA now, over by the Corn Dog castle. It lets you out on the side of the GCH. It says it's only for Paradise Pier resorts guests, but that's not true. Any Disneyland resort room key will get you access.

When you are enjoying the pool, if you have hoppers and Genie+, grab a LL for Grizzly River Run and then go ride it in your swimsuits. No wet clothes worries. Of course, be prepared with proper shoes, shorts, swim shirts, etc. We just left our pool bag on a chair and headed out the park entrance by the pool. The ride is like 20 steps in. Such a fun memory.

Brunch at Storytellers Cafe is really good, supposedly. We were supposed to go Monday but had to cancel. Looking forward to trying again in a few weeks.

There are some alcoves on the second floor with some nice seating areas. You can sit up there and listen to the lobby piano player in the evenings.

The lighting in the rooms is dimmable. It might seem really harsh at first, but look for the little slider on the light switches.

Really great stuff - ty! I really love hearing all of the later night options for food at the hotel, as I can imagine we are going to be staying pretty late each night at the parks and it will be nice to come home and still get something to eat. The tip to try Grizzly when at the pool sounds awesome!! I'm going to try to make that happen!

 

[evilmommie]

Hearthstone Lounge is a hidden gem. Great food and drinks and open late night!

Craftsman Bar and Craftsman Grill serve the same food. Save money by getting it at the Grill and saving the bar drinks for when you are poolside. The Grill is the quick service place for the hotel, but it closes at 10pm. Hearthstone serves almost the same menu, but is open until midnight.

There is another park exit/entrance to/from DCA now, over by the Corn Dog castle. It lets you out on the side of the GCH. It says it's only for Paradise Pier resorts guests, but that's not true. Any Disneyland resort room key will get you access.

When you are enjoying the pool, if you have hoppers and Genie+, grab a LL for Grizzly River Run and then go ride it in your swimsuits. No wet clothes worries. Of course, be prepared with proper shoes, shorts, swim shirts, etc. We just left our pool bag on a chair and headed out the park entrance by the pool. The ride is like 20 steps in. Such a fun memory.

Brunch at Storytellers Cafe is really good, supposedly. We were supposed to go Monday but had to cancel. Looking forward to trying again in a few weeks.

There are some alcoves on the second floor with some nice seating areas. You can sit up there and listen to the lobby piano player in the evenings.

The lighting in the rooms is dimmable. It might seem really harsh at first, but look for the little slider on the light switches.

Man. That should be in a travel brochure for GCH!

 

[DisneylandFan22]

I might have to use that Grizzly River Run tip. Lol

Does the hotel do anything for Halloween like for Christmas?

 

[fly girl]

Hearthstone Lounge is a hidden gem. Great food and drinks and open late night!


When you are enjoying the pool, if you have hoppers and Genie+, grab a LL for Grizzly River Run and then go ride it in your swimsuits. No wet clothes worries. Of course, be prepared with proper shoes, shorts, swim shirts, etc. We just left our pool bag on a chair and headed out the park entrance by the pool. The ride is like 20 steps in. Such a fun memory.

I miss Hearthstone Lounge club sandwich!! I LOVED THAT SANDWICH!!! That was always a staple on our trip. I really enjoy that lounge too!

Great tip about GRR. We always went right before our pool break, but during with swimwear on even better.

 

[DLgal]

I miss Hearthstone Lounge club sandwich!! I LOVED THAT SANDWICH!!! That was always a staple on our trip. I really enjoy that lounge too!

Great tip about GRR. We always went right before our pool break, but during with swimwear on even better.

I do miss the old menu. At this point all three onsite restaurants have almost the exact carbon copy menu. Thankfully the chicken quesadilla made the cut at Hearthstone (it's so good) and the desserts remain. There is also a carnitas quesadilla at Craftsman Grill now that I really want to try that you can only get there.

It is so funny to go through the DCA entrance in swim gear. Everyone knows what you are about to do. "Grizzly River Run time, huh?"

 

[brittlh]

I might have to use that Grizzly River Run tip. Lol

Does the hotel do anything for Halloween like for Christmas?

I thought I had a better picture, but they have a giant Oogie Boogie made of sweets and if I recall they had different Halloween treats you could buy.

 

[DLgal]

I thought I had a better picture, but they have a giant Oogie Boogie made of sweets and if I recall they had different Halloween treats you could buy.

So, in addition to this, they have started doing this for lots of events and celebrations. The "holiday cart" in the lobby is now a permanent fixture and they always have new food items that go with whatever the theme is. It's currently still rainbow themed for Pride month. They also had Star Wars themed foods in May, and prior to that, Easter, Valentines Day, Lunar New Year, and Christmas. It's a neat addition.