Grand Californian Super Thread

[KCmike]

 

[Liat]

We are getting so excited. This will be our first visit to the Grand Californian. My mother has really bad knees so hopefully they will help us out by getting us a room by the elevators.

Any room we get will be awesome though. We are just happy to be staying there.

 

[VallCopen]

We had a 2 Queen room with a daybed and it was located right off the elevators looking over the valet, but we got lucky because it was a larger room and did have a balconey. We enjoyed the larger room even though it was a standard view, we still sat on the balc and enjoyed the sights and sounds. We now are spoiled at the VGC and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Nonsuch]

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

After a few hours and the thought of putting toothpicks in my eyes to keep them open, I've read this entire thread. and have a couple questions that I don't think I found a clear answer on.

We are staying at GCH in mid September. We have a standard view on the concierge level. I'm trying to figure out this level of the hotel. Are all concierge level rooms in the main building or are there concierge level rooms in all of the buildings? I'm just wondering if I should upgrade our room for a DTD view. We will be there during the weekdays only and have read that the fireworks will not be going on except for the weekend days. But would it still be worth to upgrade just to enjoy the sights? We will have a 3 year old us but have been told that the noise levels are totally fine. The info we have on this level gives us a free breakfast and snacks throughout the day which will be a big help. Is this available in one location only, and if so, where is it? Just wondering if I request an upgrade to DTD, we'll be hiking back and forth way too much (I'll have my 72 year old mom with me as well) to even be worth it. I think this breakfast will help out my family members more than the view of DTD.

Are there daybed rood available on the concierge level? One's with a DTD view? With the 3 year old I'm not sure how I'll be having her sleep. It states that there are cribs in each room but she might be too big if it's one of those pack-n-go type. If our room have 2 Q's I might just have her sleep in my bed but I'm afraid of her rolling right off the bed. Are there 2 Q w/ bunkbeds rooms by chance?

Lastly, from another thread on these boards it was mentioned that I might be able to have groceries delivered to a hotel from a store call Vons. Does anyone know if the GCH will allow me to do this? If so, does anyone know if they will store fridge items for me? We will not have a car with us so I cannot stop by a store before arriving. I read that there is a store within walking distance, but that it is a BIG distance and the thought of lugging a pack of water doesn't sound like too much fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. I thought this was going to be an easy little trip but once I started getting into everything it becomes a bit daunting. Still so excited to be going there and staying at such a beautiful location. We booked here thinking it would really help out with taking little breaks during the day.

 

[nemofans]

I don't know the answers to all your questions as I haven't stayed at GCH yet, but for your 3 yr old sleeping in your bed, you can request a bed rail. We do this for all our hotel stays. We request 2 Q beds. DH & older DS sleep in 1 bed & I sleep in the other bed w/my 2 yr old. I have a bed rail put on his side of the bed so he can't roll off.

 

[Disney Princess]

After a few hours and the thought of putting toothpicks in my eyes to keep them open, I've read this entire thread. and have a couple questions that I don't think I found a clear answer on.

We are staying at GCH in mid September. We have a standard view on the concierge level. I'm trying to figure out this level of the hotel. Are all concierge level rooms in the main building or are there concierge level rooms in all of the buildings? I'm just wondering if I should upgrade our room for a DTD view. We will be there during the weekdays only and have read that the fireworks will not be going on except for the weekend days. But would it still be worth to upgrade just to enjoy the sights? We will have a 3 year old us but have been told that the noise levels are totally fine. The info we have on this level gives us a free breakfast and snacks throughout the day which will be a big help. Is this available in one location only, and if so, where is it? Just wondering if I request an upgrade to DTD, we'll be hiking back and forth way too much (I'll have my 72 year old mom with me as well) to even be worth it. I think this breakfast will help out my family members more than the view of DTD.

Are there daybed rood available on the concierge level? One's with a DTD view? With the 3 year old I'm not sure how I'll be having her sleep. It states that there are cribs in each room but she might be too big if it's one of those pack-n-go type. If our room have 2 Q's I might just have her sleep in my bed but I'm afraid of her rolling right off the bed. Are there 2 Q w/ bunkbeds rooms by chance?

Lastly, from another thread on these boards it was mentioned that I might be able to have groceries delivered to a hotel from a store call Vons. Does anyone know if the GCH will allow me to do this? If so, does anyone know if they will store fridge items for me? We will not have a car with us so I cannot stop by a store before arriving. I read that there is a store within walking distance, but that it is a BIG distance and the thought of lugging a pack of water doesn't sound like too much fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. I thought this was going to be an easy little trip but once I started getting into everything it becomes a bit daunting. Still so excited to be going there and staying at such a beautiful location. We booked here thinking it would really help out with taking little breaks during the day.

I don't know anything about the regular hotel rooms, so I'll let one of our resident experts answer those questions. I do know that GCH will accept your groceries from Vons. I haven't done it yet - but I will on Wednesday!! I've read on here that there are no problems with them storing your groceries. I know that I've read that if you order alcohol you need to be there in person to accept because of the age restrictions. We didn't order any, so I didn't pay too much attention to that info. If you plan to order some, definitely ask about the rules for that.

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

I don't know the answers to all your questions as I haven't stayed at GCH yet, but for your 3 yr old sleeping in your bed, you can request a bed rail. We do this for all our hotel stays. We request 2 Q beds. DH & older DS sleep in 1 bed & I sleep in the other bed w/my 2 yr old. I have a bed rail put on his side of the bed so he can't roll off.

That's a great idea. Anyone know if this is an option to request at GCH?

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

I don't know anything about the regular hotel rooms, so I'll let one of our resident experts answer those questions. I do know that GCH will accept your groceries from Vons. I haven't done it yet - but I will on Wednesday!! I've read on here that there are no problems with them storing your groceries. I know that I've read that if you order alcohol you need to be there in person to accept because of the age restrictions. We didn't order any, so I didn't pay too much attention to that info. If you plan to order some, definitely ask about the rules for that.

You know, after 5 days of my mom and a 3 year old by myself I might need a drink or two. However, I don't think alcohol will be on our menu.

 

[nemofans]

We've requested bed rails at WDW b4, but haven't for our upcoming GCH trip yet. We will need one though so I hope they do!

 

[Nonsuch]

Some answers:

We are staying at GCH in mid September. We have a standard view on the concierge level. I'm trying to figure out this level of the hotel. Are all concierge level rooms in the main building or are there concierge level rooms in all of the buildings? I'm just wondering if I should upgrade our room for a DTD view. We will be there during the weekdays only and have read that the fireworks will not be going on except for the weekend days. But would it still be worth to upgrade just to enjoy the sights? We will have a 3 year old us but have been told that the noise levels are totally fine. The info we have on this level gives us a free breakfast and snacks throughout the day which will be a big help. Is this available in one location only, and if so, where is it? Just wondering if I request an upgrade to DTD, we'll be hiking back and forth way too much (I'll have my 72 year old mom with me as well) to even be worth it. I think this breakfast will help out my family members more than the view of DTD.

The concierge lounge is on the 6th floor, near the elevators off the main lobby. There is a dedicated registration/guest services desk located just outside the lounge. Concierge rooms will generally be near the lounge, but the concierge feature can be added to rooms in other areas. DTD view will place your room far from the lounge.

A cast member usually meets concierge guest downstairs, but if this does not happen go to the 6th floor to check in.

You might want to request a room close to the lounge, rather than upgrading the view.

Are there daybed rood available on the concierge level? One's with a DTD view? With the 3 year old I'm not sure how I'll be having her sleep. It states that there are cribs in each room but she might be too big if it's one of those pack-n-go type. If our room have 2 Q's I might just have her sleep in my bed but I'm afraid of her rolling right off the bed. Are there 2 Q w/ bunkbeds rooms by chance?

There are a few 2 Queen with daybed (not bunkbed) rooms near the front of the hotel, close to the lounge (although I'm not sure they are on the available on the 6th floor).

 

[helenb]

I'm confused with all of these posts about having a daybed. I thought all of the standard rooms slept 5? Doesn't that mean the couch is automatically a daybed?

Also, a lot of people seem to be going for concierge rooms. They are so expensive! Am I looking right, or are there discounts I'm missing? Is the concierge worth it?

 

[PoohNFriends]

After a few hours and the thought of putting toothpicks in my eyes to keep them open, I've read this entire thread. and have a couple questions that I don't think I found a clear answer on.

We are staying at GCH in mid September. We have a standard view on the concierge level. I'm trying to figure out this level of the hotel. Are all concierge level rooms in the main building or are there concierge level rooms in all of the buildings? I'm just wondering if I should upgrade our room for a DTD view. We will be there during the weekdays only and have read that the fireworks will not be going on except for the weekend days. But would it still be worth to upgrade just to enjoy the sights? We will have a 3 year old us but have been told that the noise levels are totally fine. The info we have on this level gives us a free breakfast and snacks throughout the day which will be a big help. Is this available in one location only, and if so, where is it? Just wondering if I request an upgrade to DTD, we'll be hiking back and forth way too much (I'll have my 72 year old mom with me as well) to even be worth it. I think this breakfast will help out my family members more than the view of DTD.

Are there daybed rood available on the concierge level? One's with a DTD view? With the 3 year old I'm not sure how I'll be having her sleep. It states that there are cribs in each room but she might be too big if it's one of those pack-n-go type. If our room have 2 Q's I might just have her sleep in my bed but I'm afraid of her rolling right off the bed. Are there 2 Q w/ bunkbeds rooms by chance?

Lastly, from another thread on these boards it was mentioned that I might be able to have groceries delivered to a hotel from a store call Vons. Does anyone know if the GCH will allow me to do this? If so, does anyone know if they will store fridge items for me? We will not have a car with us so I cannot stop by a store before arriving. I read that there is a store within walking distance, but that it is a BIG distance and the thought of lugging a pack of water doesn't sound like too much fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. I thought this was going to be an easy little trip but once I started getting into everything it becomes a bit daunting. Still so excited to be going there and staying at such a beautiful location. We booked here thinking it would really help out with taking little breaks during the day.

I haven't stayed GCH CL, but we just left VGC last Fri and I have stayed CL at the Poly. With my experience staying CL the lounge should have water and sodas (and may alcohol) available to you throughout the day so depending on what else you wanted to order from Vons you may not need to place that order. WDW CL lounges usually offer cereals, juices, fruits, and pastries at breakfast; snack items of pretzels, cookies, gummy candy during the day; and small appetizers and desserts in the evening - not sure if this is similar along what GCH does.
I can help you a little more with ordering from Vons since we did this last week. GCH will accept your delivery from them and store your fridge and freezer items; I had read you did need to be available to sign if alcohol was delivered so I didn't order any since we may not have arrived at the hotel during the delivery window. When we got into our room we called down to bell services to have our groceries brought up. They couldn't find them at 1st because they got put with anothers guest's items with a similar last name, but it didn't take too much longer and everything arrived without a problem.

Your trip sounds great, I'm sure you will all have so much fun!

 

[twopeasonepod]

That's a great idea. Anyone know if this is an option to request at GCH?

We never have requested one. We just get bunk beds (all bunks have a trundle). So one twin sleeps on the top (with the rails) and the other sleeps on the trundle.

Alternately, you can get these. We use them on other trips:

http://www.amazon.com/BedBugz-Portable-Bed-Bolster-Blue/dp/B000KYJ2E6/ref=pd_cp_ba_3

Or this is another brand:

http://www.amazon.com/Shrunks-Sleep-Secure-Inflatable-Rail/dp/B003PGRHRU

 

[twopeasonepod]

We had a 2 Queen room with a daybed and it was located right off the elevators looking over the valet, but we got lucky because it was a larger room and did have a balconey. We enjoyed the larger room even though it was a standard view, we still sat on the balc and enjoyed the sights and sounds. We now are spoiled at the VGC and I wouldn't have it any other way.

We got this very same room today for the rest of our family (joining us for the weekend). I think most daybed rooms don't have a balcony, but the ones over the valet do??? We don't have connecting rooms, but we are across the hall and two doors over from each other, so it is fine.

 

[Nonsuch]

I'm confused with all of these posts about having a daybed. I thought all of the standard rooms slept 5? Doesn't that mean the couch is automatically a daybed?

The majority of rooms have 2 queens and no daybed. The 5th person gets a sleeping bag

Also, a lot of people seem to be going for concierge rooms. They are so expensive! Am I looking right, or are there discounts I'm missing? Is the concierge worth it?

Concierge is expensive, although good deals sometimes are offered to Annual Passholders. The lounge is very convenient and the guest services can be helpful, but its hard to judge "value"

 

[boiseflyfisher]

After a few hours and the thought of putting toothpicks in my eyes to keep them open, I've read this entire thread. and have a couple questions that I don't think I found a clear answer on.

We are staying at GCH in mid September. We have a standard view on the concierge level. I'm trying to figure out this level of the hotel. Are all concierge level rooms in the main building or are there concierge level rooms in all of the buildings? I'm just wondering if I should upgrade our room for a DTD view. We will be there during the weekdays only and have read that the fireworks will not be going on except for the weekend days. But would it still be worth to upgrade just to enjoy the sights? We will have a 3 year old us but have been told that the noise levels are totally fine. The info we have on this level gives us a free breakfast and snacks throughout the day which will be a big help. Is this available in one location only, and if so, where is it? Just wondering if I request an upgrade to DTD, we'll be hiking back and forth way too much (I'll have my 72 year old mom with me as well) to even be worth it. I think this breakfast will help out my family members more than the view of DTD.

Are there daybed rood available on the concierge level? One's with a DTD view? With the 3 year old I'm not sure how I'll be having her sleep. It states that there are cribs in each room but she might be too big if it's one of those pack-n-go type. If our room have 2 Q's I might just have her sleep in my bed but I'm afraid of her rolling right off the bed. Are there 2 Q w/ bunkbeds rooms by chance?

Lastly, from another thread on these boards it was mentioned that I might be able to have groceries delivered to a hotel from a store call Vons. Does anyone know if the GCH will allow me to do this? If so, does anyone know if they will store fridge items for me? We will not have a car with us so I cannot stop by a store before arriving. I read that there is a store within walking distance, but that it is a BIG distance and the thought of lugging a pack of water doesn't sound like too much fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. I thought this was going to be an easy little trip but once I started getting into everything it becomes a bit daunting. Still so excited to be going there and staying at such a beautiful location. We booked here thinking it would really help out with taking little breaks during the day.

You may want to ask for a bunk bed room. The bunk bed has a trundle under it, so your little one could sleep on the trundle and you wouldn't have to worry about your little one falling out of bed. Now climbing on the bunk bed might be another matter! We had a garden view bunk bed room right around the corner from the lounge. We were able to watch the fireworks from the balcony, but weren't right over Downtown Disney. You probably won't need to order from Vons if you are staying concierge. You will have breakfast every morning(cereal, oatmeal, bagels, danishes, fruit, juices), they have snacks, soda, water, and apple juice available for most of the day. They have tea sandwiches, fruit, scones, chocolate dipped strawberries and cookies available through most of the afternoon. In the evening they have cheeses, veggies, a hot appetizer, desserts, wine and beer. After that they have a story time/sing along for the kids and they put out cookies, milk, other assorted desserts and they offer cordials to the adults.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Hello,
We are going for a 5 night stay at the Grand Californian in June. We paid for the Downtown Disney view upgrade, and I have read through all the posts here (phew!)--so I now am in the "know" about the East Wing-Napa Rose elevator benefits as well as well as the plight of the long, winding hallways. I don't know if we will be placed near enough to the secret exit to utilize it--but that would be a benefit in the mornings getting out to the park.

I am wondering about noise levels. I realize it will be pretty noisy from the activity and musicians--but is there one area that is better than others for balcony relaxation and people watching?

I asked for a 5th floor room with a good shot to see some fireworks if possible. Should I leave it at that and see where they put us, or does anyone have anything else to add?

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

You may want to ask for a bunk bed room. The bunk bed has a trundle under it, so your little one could sleep on the trundle and you wouldn't have to worry about your little one falling out of bed. Now climbing on the bunk bed might be another matter! We had a garden view bunk bed room right around the corner from the lounge. We were able to watch the fireworks from the balcony, but weren't right over Downtown Disney. You probably won't need to order from Vons if you are staying concierge. You will have breakfast every morning(cereal, oatmeal, bagels, danishes, fruit, juices), they have snacks, soda, water, and apple juice available for most of the day. They have tea sandwiches, fruit, scones, chocolate dipped strawberries and cookies available through most of the afternoon. In the evening they have cheeses, veggies, a hot appetizer, desserts, wine and beer. After that they have a story time/sing along for the kids and they put out cookies, milk, other assorted desserts and they offer cordials to the adults.

Thank you so much for the info. I had no idea that the lounge would offer that much so I may just not even worry about ordering anything from Vons. I figured I could pack a couple of our snacks but knowing how much might/will be available I feel so much better.

 

[nunzia]

I LOVE the DTD view..the one thing I miss having VGC. I have found the sliding doors soundproof very well. I love to sit on the balcony and listen to the music and watch people and see all the sparkly lights. But at bedtime, with the door closed, I never found the music intrusive..maybe a slight under sound, but very light. We stayed Concierge once (had to burn up some developer points) . We had a view of the parking lot BUT holy cow, did we save money on eating..we had breakfast and soda and water for the parks and then little nice things for lunch, a couple hot things were offered for dinner, then cookies and yes..BEER AND WINE later on. The wine was worth the stay..just saying Really fun experience, but won't pay for it and can't use points since the villas opened, but so fun to do it once.