Grand Californian Options!

[MagicallyEmilyLouise]

What would you choose and why - Downtown Disney View (non club) or Standard View Club Level?

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd go club level. Honestly the view of DTD isn't a big deal.

 

[catloaves]

I think for most people price is a pretty important consideration so it's hard to answer without knowing the rates for each, but if for some reason the prices are equal or similar: Standard View Club Level.

DTD rooms are further from the elevators and the view can be really hit or miss depending on where you're placed; you could find yourself looking at the top of a building with vents and pipes in sight. They can be fun if you luck out with a 6th floor view during the holidays — we've been there in December and could watch the "snowfall" in the evenings — but most of the time they're not worth the walk or the price, IMO.

With Standard View Club Level, you're guaranteed a higher floor (5th or 6th), since the room assigners will try to minimize your walk to the lounge. You also have a wider range of possible locations so room requests can potentially place you closer to great locations in the building (close to the lobby elevators or DCA entrance elevators). And, of course, you get to stay Club Level, which again, if the price is the same, is a way bigger benefit than looking into DTD.

GCH is one of those resorts where the public spaces and park proximity are what make it special — the views from the rooms are all more or less good enough. (Our go-to is usually the Woods-Courtyard view, which is peaceful and immersive and just one level up from Standard.) If you want a view of DTD, I'd actually recommend the Premium Downtown Disney View rooms or Club Level Premium View rooms at the Disneyland Hotel — they're not as close, but you can see down all of DTD and both parks.

 

[cruisehopeful]

What would you choose and why - Downtown Disney View (non club) or Standard View Club Level?

They both sound great! For downtown Disney view - would you spend time on the balcony watching the action? If not, it's likely not worth the price.

One thing I appreciate about Club level is that no matter how busy it is everywhere, I know I have a place to get food without a long wait and all quiet space to eat.

 

[DizMe]

One other consideration is that I've heard people complain that it can be noisy with a DTD view. I've never had that view so no personal experience. It probably wouldn't matter if you're a night owl and aren't in your room when DTD starts shutting down.

 

[Pluto468]

I'd definitely do club level with a standard view. Club level is so convenient and I think more important than the view. Plus I think the DTD rooms can be loud.

 

[twodogs]

We have done CL and had a suite that faced DTD and World of Disney. It was somewhat loud, so I would go with Standard view with CL if pricing is the same! We are not in the room that much, so we always choose Woods/Courtyard view now so save some $$ for other things. But you can really get a lot out of CL at GCH! Have fun!

 

[wallawallakids]

Club level for sure over DTD. Not a fan of those rooms anyway.

 

[DizMe]

I'd be more interested in food, beer, wine, and coffee than any view

 

[BayouQueen]

In most cases I'd pick the club level, but lately DD and have been taking her young kids to the parks and we have to make it an early night for the toddler. We book DTD view so the kids can go to sleep and then DD and I can sit on the balcony with wine and feel like we're still part of the party. We've been able to get a glimpse of the fireworks on a couple of occasions. (You can't count on that!)

So yeah...mostly agree that club level would be better, but it depends on circumstances.

 

[jimmymc]

Standard club level if the prices are anywhere close. View is not a big concern for me at Grand Cal.

 

[MagicallyEmilyLouise]

Thanks everyone - we chose club level standard view and we check in on Thursday!!!!

 

[irlandaise]

Thanks everyone - we chose club level standard view and we check in on Thursday!!!!

Have a wonderful time!!