Grand Californian Resort ?

[CoachBagFanatic]

We are DisneyWorld vacationers and we have stayed at the GF as well as the YC both CL. So we are looking into booking a trip to Disneyland and not too sure if we are hooked on the GC. We looked at the pictures and we are truly not impressed. Now it could just be the pictures. We were looking into the Parlor Suite One Bedroom but not sure if it is Theme Park view and CL. If anyone has stayed in this suite or close to it, could you please let us know. Also what did you think about the GC or do you have another resort onsite that you might recommend more than the GC. Thanks for your time.

 

[Princess_Couture]

Actually I have stayed in the Parlor Suite and it was nice. Very clean and the service was amazing. Would I stay there again... Yup for sure. Would I recommend it? Definitely. Would it be my first choice if I had to stay somewhere in DL? If I had loads of money and could afford to stay anywhere I wanted at any given time, then yes I would stay here for sure. But I either like staying off site and save money to do other things or I usually stay at the Disneyland Hotel. It maybe a little older but for me the service there is still just as good, and it gives me more of a magical Disney feel that I want to experience throughout the entire trip.

But then again I am also not a woodsy outdoor camping kinda person and the log cabin decor of the GC lobby is just OK. But if that is your cup of tea then I highly recommend it. Then again its only one minor detail of the hotel that isnt really necessary and crucial. Its just a place to sleep and shower.

 

[Sherry E]

I have not stayed in that suite, but I have stayed at the GCH two times: once during the holidays in 2001 and once during the holidays in 2007. The 2001 room had a great view of Downtown Disney and the fireworks in DL. In 2007 we were in just a Standard room by the elevator. While I think both rooms were nice, they were not that much snazzier than the rooms in the other two DLR hotels. It is really more the overall hotel itself that is elegant and upscale. The lobby is huge and dimly lit. There are cozy couches and chairs around the lobby and there is also a nice fireplace/hearth area to relax in wth a beverage in hand. The lobby also has dark wood, high ceilings and a piano player. Overall, to me, I have always said it resembles a sort of elegant but rustic mountain chalet....which may be exactly what some folks like and what others don't care for. I personally like the convenient location of it, as it is such a short walk to the DCA entrance. But if money is of great concern to you, you don't need to stay at the GCH to enjoy its ambience. You can stay at one of the other hotels and just 'visit' the GCH or eat at one of its restaurants (GCH hosts the upscale Napa Rose restaurant, which is rated highly among critics, and Storytellers Cafe has a nice woodsy, comfy feeling to it, along with good food). You don't even need to stay at the GCH to use the exclusive entrance to DCA. You can stay at DLH or PPH and still use that entrance.

Bottom line is, I would definitely stay there again if funds allowed - especially around Christmas, because the GCH is a hotel that really lends itself to the seasonal feeling and decorations, and because we got a lot more accomplished in the parks when we stayed at the GCH due to its close proximity. However, when I cannot afford to stay there I have no problem staying at another Disney hotel. It IS a lot of money for you to risk spending if you are not certain you will like it!

 

[nunzia]

The Grand is my all time favorite hotel. I think the location plus the decor tips it for me. One thing I have noticed in recent years..the park view is not that great IMO. When it first opened in 2001 we had a fabulous park view..now, with the foilage and trees the view is partially blocked. On our last trip we mainly saw the top of Tower of Terror (which did look pretty cool at night). I personally like the Downtown Disney view better..and note that Park View now includes Pool View, which they kept telling me was considered a higher upgrade than Park View

 

[pixiewings71]

I love the GCH, it's my favorite! But money is always a factor for us so we've only been able to splurge once. I've never stayed in the Parlor Suite but our family loved our stay there. In fact when DBF and I were there not too long ago we went and just sat in the lobby because it's so gorgeous and we love it.

 

[Sherry E]

I love the GCH, it's my favorite! But money is always a factor for us so we've only been able to splurge once. I've never stayed in the Parlor Suite but our family loved our stay there. In fact when DBF and I were there not too long ago we went and just sat in the lobby because it's so gorgeous and we love it.

That's what we did too, Kerri! It's funny because we didn't feel the need to go and sit in the lounge of our own hotel but we just gravitated to the GCH lobby, both in October when we were meeting another friend for lunch, and in December, of course, for the holiday ambience. (Well, in December, I was practically living in the GCH lobby because I was stalking the Carolers and Santa, and trying to stake out a good spot by the huge Christmas tree!) It's just a nice place to go and relax (other than your own hotel ) and have a nice chat or a drink and people watch while listening to the piano player.

 

[pixiewings71]

That's what we did too, Kerri! It's funny because we didn't feel the need to go and sit in the lounge of our own hotel but we just gravitated to the GCH lobby, both in October when we were meeting another friend for lunch, and in December, of course, for the holiday ambience. (Well, in December, I was practically living in the GCH lobby because I was stalking the Carolers and Santa, and trying to stake out a good spot by the huge Christmas tree!) It's just a nice place to go and relax (other than your own hotel ) and have a nice chat or a drink and people watch while listenign to the piano player.

Exactly and it's so relaxing!!! We just grabbed a couch in the main area and sat. I don't know what it is but I just love the lobby of the GCH.

 

[Sherry E]

Exactly and it's so relaxing!!! We just grabbed a couch in the main area and sat. I don't know what it is but I just love the lobby of the GCH.

Every time I go into the GCH lobby from now on and plop myself down on one of the couches or chairs, I am going to look around and wonder how many of the other people sitting near me are actually guests of the GCH or are wandering over from other hotels like you and I do!! Why do I have a hunch that if we took a poll of the people sitting around the hearth and by the piano, we would discover that most of them were staying at other hotels? Thank the heavens GCH doesn't charge a fee to just sit and relax and people watch there! We'd all be in trouble!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Thank you to all of you for your honest opinions. I knew I could count on the DIS. We are not rustic type people either so I was just wondering how the GCH was. We do however love to lounge out in the lobby at the WL in Disneyworld. Sitting by the ginormous fireplace is so relaxing. Now on to convince DH and DS about the 5 hr plane ride. Thanks again.

 

[mlggator]

I have stayed there quite a few times now. Every time I get ready to book another vacation to Disneyland, I keep telling myself that I will stay at the Disneyland Hotel to save some money, but I don't. I always end up rebooking at the GC. I just love this hotel.

I really like the pool. Not nearly as crowded as the one at DLH. I enjoy hanging out there in the afternoons, getting pool side drink service and watching the kids swim (and I can watch them easily from my chair because it is not as crowded).

I also love the proximity to DTD and the parks, especially the private entrance to CA.

I really love this hotel. I think you will too, even if you don't like the themeing.

DLH is nice, but I remember being annoyed by the walk when I was tired and either just wanted to get to the parks or back to the hotel after a long day.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I hope I don't sound like I'm being too nitpicky about this but I just had to clarify what the theme of the GC actually is. It's not actually supposed to be a log cabin or woodsy feel, it's done in an Arts and Crafts style which was a style of houses, furniture, decor, you name it, back in the early 1900s. They used a lot of wood so that's probably why it feels, well, woodsy. There is a great example of this style at the Gamble House in Pasadena (they give tours and it's really interesting). Anyway, I just felt it needed to let the OP know what the theme was since it's not supposed to be like camping. If I had the money to stay there, I would. It's a beautiful hotel.

 

[pixiewings71]

Every time I go into the GCH lobby from now on and plop myself down on one of the couches or chairs, I am going to look around and wonder how many of the other people sitting near me are actually guests of the GCH or are wandering over from other hotels like you and I do!! Why do I have a hunch that if we took a poll of the people sitting around the hearth and by the piano, we would discover that most of them were staying at other hotels? Thank the heavens GCH doesn't charge a fee to just sit and relax and people watch there! We'd all be in trouble!

LOL Sherry, I did wonder that when we were sitting there. How funny...you're probably right, most of the people hanging out probably aren't guests. If they were wouldn't they be in their rooms?

OP, GCH is not rustic in the sense that you're in a cabin in the woods. It is rustic in the style it's built but when you enter your room it won't feel rustic at all. Enjoy your stay!

 

[LavenderPeach]

LOL Sherry, I did wonder that when we were sitting there. How funny...you're probably right, most of the people hanging out probably aren't guests. If they were wouldn't they be in their rooms?

OP, GCH is not rustic in the sense that you're in a cabin in the woods. It is rustic in the style it's built but when you enter your room it won't feel rustic at all. Enjoy your stay!

Yes, DH and I hang out in the lobby too! We're too cheap to pay for a room but we like to enjoy the lobby for free. Back before we had DS, we would also go sit by the outdoor fireplace and there would be very few people around.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

OP, GCH is not rustic in the sense that you're in a cabin in the woods. It is rustic in the style it's built but when you enter your room it won't feel rustic at all. Enjoy your stay!

Thank you pixiewings71. That's good to know. I am definitely not an outdoorsy person at all. My BIL and SIL go camping all the time and have been trying to get us to go for the longest time. Nope, not going to happen it's not for me unless it's in one of those million dollar mobile homes. I know, that's not camping but for me that would be as close as I would get.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I hope I don't sound like I'm being too nitpicky about this but I just had to clarify what the theme of the GC actually is. It's not actually supposed to be a log cabin or woodsy feel, it's done in an Arts and Crafts style which was a style of houses, furniture, decor, you name it, back in the early 1900s. They used a lot of wood so that's probably why it feels, well, woodsy. There is a great example of this style at the Gamble House in Pasadena (they give tours and it's really interesting). Anyway, I just felt it needed to let the OP know what the theme was since it's not supposed to be like camping. If I had the money to stay there, I would. It's a beautiful hotel.

Oh ok, I can handle Arts and Crafts style. Like I said the pictures did not appeal to me at first but the more information that I get the more it sounds really nice. Thanks LavenderPeach!!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I have stayed there quite a few times now. Every time I get ready to book another vacation to Disneyland, I keep telling myself that I will stay at the Disneyland Hotel to save some money, but I don't. I always end up rebooking at the GC. I just love this hotel.

I really like the pool. Not nearly as crowded as the one at DLH. I enjoy hanging out there in the afternoons, getting pool side drink service and watching the kids swim (and I can watch them easily from my chair because it is not as crowded).

I also love the proximity to DTD and the parks, especially the private entrance to CA.

I really love this hotel. I think you will too, even if you don't like the themeing.

DLH is nice, but I remember being annoyed by the walk when I was tired and either just wanted to get to the parks or back to the hotel after a long day.

This sounds like us when we go to book our Disneyworld vacations. Plan on somewhere else but we always end up back at our two favorite hotels.

We love the DTD in Florida so the close promimity is a definite plus.

Glad to hear that the pool is not that crowded.

I am really getting super excited. I am still trying to convince the guys about the 5hr plane ride.

Thanks!!

 

[Sherry E]

Just think... chandeliers, dark wood, mood lighting, soft piano music, fireplace, extremely high ceiling, curling up on the cozy sofas....the 'rustic' part of it will make sense once you get there and see it, but you will see how it is elegant in an almost 'chalet' type of way. It's not a log cabin with an outhouse or anything!! I just didn't think the actual rooms were spectacular, but if you can swing getting a room with the DTD/fireworks view, that is worth it!

 

[Bunless]

DH and I are both fans of GC.
I am NOT an outdoors person. My idea of the great outdoors is sitting in a nice lodge or rental and looking out onto the great outdoors. While inside, it's comfortable and sophisciated and artful.
Luckily, that's exactly what the GC is.

Other reasons we like the GC
--the bedding and bed (much, much better than the other Disney hotels).
--the fluffy robes for lounging about or going to the pool
--the service (maybe it's just our particular brand of luck, but stood out to us as compared to PP and DLH)
--the common areas (comfortable and private, even if they're not private)
--the shear artfulness of it all (take the free arts and craft tour if you can, you'll have a whole new appreciation of the place. The research and care that when into the hotel reminds me of what all went into Everest)
--the GOOD 24 hour room service
--both the lounges are sophisciated
--the proximity to the parks (BIG BIG plus)

I know that some of those reasons you can appreciate by hanging out there, but to us, it's not the same unless you stay there.

 

[toocherie]

I think that if you're used to staying at the hotels you've mentioned you've stayed at during your WDW trips that you will be disappointed if you stay anywhere but the GCH. The other hotels--in my opinion--just don't have the level of Disney detail (not necessarily Mickey, but overall theming) that GCH has.

 

[Canyon girl]

I would say that with the age of ds, he may actually enjoy DLH. There really isn't a hotel at WDW to compare it to. DLH is just steeped in the magic of DLR. In Sept. 2007, we stayed in DLH. In Oct. 2008, we stayed in GCH. This trip (in 3 days!!!!!!), we are going back to DLH. It's not about the cost of the GCH because there are some really great rates out there right now. It is about being in the Disney spirit 24/7. So, I guess that I would say to ask ds.
My kids prefer DLH.