Grand Californian Super Thread

[TahoeMom]

So I have read through this entire thread. I've been sick and had nothing better to do, don't judge me

My mom and I will be staying at GCH(for our first time!) from December 10-14. We just booked a standard view room. I see so many people getting really particular about room requests. Am I weird for not being concerned at all about this? Are there really "bad" rooms in the bunch to be weary of?

Secondly, does anyone have experience with a late check-in? By late, I mean sometime around 10 or 11pm. We will be driving down from the bay area after I get off work so there is no way of getting there any earlier. Anything about this scenario that should worry me? I had already planned on calling the hotel in advance to let them know of our late arrival(so they don't assume we aren't coming). Has anyone been able to pre-check-in recently?

Lastly, will we be able to leave our car outside, check-in, unpack the car/take stuff up to the room, and then park? Or is there a limit to how long we can leave the car in the front of the hotel?

Thanks in advance!

We pre-checked-in last week - I called early in the morning and we arrived around 5:45pm. When we called in early they asked for a cell phone number that they could send a text to when the room was ready - we got a text around noon with our room number.

 

[gabeoak]

Well the premium STD view turned out to be a third floor room right by the Mickey sculpture. Tree blocking fireworks view. When I questions it at the desk they said a deluxe and a premium are he same thing. I'm not gonna let it ruin our trip. But I do feel it's not what was promised. So beware to any of y'all who book a premium view.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Well the premium STD view turned out to be a third floor room right by the Mickey sculpture. Tree blocking fireworks view. When I questions it at the desk they said a deluxe and a premium are he same thing. I'm not gonna let it ruin our trip. But I do feel it's not what was promised. So beware to any of y'all who book a premium view.

Have never tried a premium, did the DTD view and it was excellent but i would write to CS and send a copy of your reserevation along with a statement.

Jack

 

[blackjackdelta]

So I have read through this entire thread. I've been sick and had nothing better to do, don't judge me

My mom and I will be staying at GCH(for our first time!) from December 10-14. We just booked a standard view room. I see so many people getting really particular about room requests. Am I weird for not being concerned at all about this? Are there really "bad" rooms in the bunch to be weary of?

Secondly, does anyone have experience with a late check-in? By late, I mean sometime around 10 or 11pm. We will be driving down from the bay area after I get off work so there is no way of getting there any earlier. Anything about this scenario that should worry me? I had already planned on calling the hotel in advance to let them know of our late arrival(so they don't assume we aren't coming). Has anyone been able to pre-check-in recently?

Lastly, will we be able to leave our car outside, check-in, unpack the car/take stuff up to the room, and then park? Or is there a limit to how long we can leave the car in the front of the hotel?

Thanks in advance!

We always leave the car in front as lond as it takes and this is mid afternoon. We just let the bell know and has never been a problem. I do not know where a bad room is, people sometimes have great excpectations and feel let down when things do not pan out many times due to the "price." Have a GREAT time and do not worry your trip will be wonderful.

Jack

 

[goofycathy]

We'll be there for our first time in just a few days! wooooohhooooo

 

[DizMe]

We'll be there for our first time in just a few days! wooooohhooooo

Maybe we'll see you! We'll be there Th-Sat. Yahoo!!!!

 

[Lucille1963]

We'll be there for our first time in just a few days! wooooohhooooo

Maybe we'll see you! We'll be there Th-Sat. Yahoo!!!!

Have fun!!!!

 

[cypressmom]

We pre-checked-in last week - I called early in the morning and we arrived around 5:45pm. When we called in early they asked for a cell phone number that they could send a text to when the room was ready - we got a text around noon with our room number.

I arrive tomorrow. Do I need to pre check-in? I tried calling the GCH yesterday, but was dumped into the general Disney reservations line. Is there a direct line to the front desk?

 

[aristocat65]

I arrive tomorrow. Do I need to pre check-in? I tried calling the GCH yesterday, but was dumped into the general Disney reservations line. Is there a direct line to the front desk?

You don't need to pre-check in. I have never done this. You can just show up

 

[blackjackdelta]

I arrive tomorrow. Do I need to pre check-in? I tried calling the GCH yesterday, but was dumped into the general Disney reservations line. Is there a direct line to the front desk?

There is no pre-checkin that I am aware of, you get into the checkin line a CM will take your name and escort you to a checkin CM. Tell them it is annivery, birthday or what ever you may be celebrating and they will bring you balloons, Mickey autographed photo's etc before you leave the desk.

Have a great time,

Jack

 

[cypressmom]

You don't need to pre-check in. I have never done this. You can just show up

There is no pre-checkin that I am aware of, you get into the checkin line a CM will take your name and escort you to a checkin CM. Tell them it is annivery, birthday or what ever you may be celebrating and they will bring you balloons, Mickey autographed photo's etc before you leave the desk.

Have a great time,

Jack

Thank you so much! One less thing to worry about. Now, I need to go pack.

 

[MrsMac218]

Well the premium STD view turned out to be a third floor room right by the Mickey sculpture. Tree blocking fireworks view. When I questions it at the desk they said a deluxe and a premium are he same thing. I'm not gonna let it ruin our trip. But I do feel it's not what was promised. So beware to any of y'all who book a premium view.

Wow! If they are the same thing, then why the huge price difference I wonder?
Thanks for the update...guess I'll keep my deluxe room!

 

[Nonsuch]

You don't need to pre-check in. I have never done this. You can just show up

I have also never done pre-registration, however this information is on the confirmation from the Grand Californian:

Notice: In order to expedite the check-in-progress, we offer pre-registration service. Simply call us at (714)300-7210 two hours before your arrival (on your arrival date).

It actually says "check-in-progress"

 

[rentayenta]

Have fun everyone who is on their way!

 

[specialks]

Well the premium STD view turned out to be a third floor room right by the Mickey sculpture. Tree blocking fireworks view. When I questions it at the desk they said a deluxe and a premium are he same thing. I'm not gonna let it ruin our trip. But I do feel it's not what was promised. So beware to any of y'all who book a premium view.

That is so frustrating. I chatted with someone at disneyland.com and asked about DTD views and this is what they said (they also did verify that they went through renaming the room types to allow better inventory tracking):

you: Hi, I would like to know the difference in the views at the Grand Californian Hotel...the Downtown Disney view rooms have the same description, but different names & prices

CM: What are the names you see?

you: Partial Deluxe Downtown Disney® District View:

you: Premium Downtown Disney® District View:

CM: The difference here is the name. A partial Deluxe Downtown Disney View means that you will be able to see Downtown Disney, but the view may be obstructed.

you: are there other DTD views?

CM: It looks like there is a Deluxe Partial Downtown Disney View and a Deluxe Partial Theme Park View.

CM: So Deluxe is the partial view.

CM: The Premium Downtown Disney View gives you a clear view of Downtown Disney.

I also made a list of all the room types and their descriptions from the website. However I don't see a Premium STD view. Here is the list:

Standard View Room:
Lose yourself in the enchanting romantic grandeur of a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Woods/Garden/Courtyard View:
Gaze out your window at the natural splendor of the pine tree-filled Brisa Courtyard, enchanting Woods or Garden view and relax in a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Partial Deluxe Downtown Disney® District View:
Lose yourself in the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney® District just outside your window, and relax in the comfort, luxury and meticulous craftsmanship of a remarkable room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Deluxe View:
Compliment the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a partial view of the majestic Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Redwood Pool, the excitement of Disney California Adventure Park or the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney District.

Premium View:
Complement the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a spectacular view of the dynamic energy of Disney California Adventure® Park.

Premium Downtown Disney® District View:
Lose yourself in the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney District just outside your window, and relax in the comfort, luxury and meticulous craftsmanship of a remarkable room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Concierge Standard View:
Gaze out your window at the natural splendor of the pine tree-filled Brisa Courtyard and relax in a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era. Plus, enjoy the convenience and luxury of our exclusive concierge lounge and additional concierge amenities.

Premium View Concierge:
Compliment the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a spectacular view of the dynamic energy of Disney California Adventure® Park. Plus, enjoy the convenience and luxury of our exclusive concierge lounge and additional concierge amenities.

 

[DmaxHawk]

That is so frustrating. I chatted with someone at disneyland.com and asked about DTD views and this is what they said (they also did verify that they went through renaming the room types to allow better inventory tracking):



I also made a list of all the room types and their descriptions from the website. However I don't see a Premium STD view. Here is the list:

Standard View Room:
Lose yourself in the enchanting romantic grandeur of a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Woods/Garden/Courtyard View:
Gaze out your window at the natural splendor of the pine tree-filled Brisa Courtyard, enchanting Woods or Garden view and relax in a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Partial Deluxe Downtown Disney® District View:
Lose yourself in the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney® District just outside your window, and relax in the comfort, luxury and meticulous craftsmanship of a remarkable room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Deluxe View:
Compliment the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a partial view of the majestic Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Redwood Pool, the excitement of Disney California Adventure Park or the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney District.

Premium View:
Complement the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a spectacular view of the dynamic energy of Disney California Adventure® Park.

Premium Downtown Disney® District View:
Lose yourself in the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney District just outside your window, and relax in the comfort, luxury and meticulous craftsmanship of a remarkable room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Concierge Standard View:
Gaze out your window at the natural splendor of the pine tree-filled Brisa Courtyard and relax in a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era. Plus, enjoy the convenience and luxury of our exclusive concierge lounge and additional concierge amenities.

Premium View Concierge:
Compliment the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a spectacular view of the dynamic energy of Disney California Adventure® Park. Plus, enjoy the convenience and luxury of our exclusive concierge lounge and additional concierge amenities.

Great breakdown of the views! I added it to the "room view" section of the superthread.

 

[Nonsuch]

That is so frustrating. I chatted with someone at disneyland.com and asked about DTD views and this is what they said (they also did verify that they went through renaming the room types to allow better inventory tracking):

I also made a list of all the room types and their descriptions from the website. However I don't see a Premium STD view. Here is the list: ...

It is also frustrating that bed type cannot be reserved, only requested

 

[merrrydeath]

Thanks to all of those who gave me some input to my questions! I am incredibly excited to be staying at The Grand Californian for the first time. I know that no matter what room I get, it's going to be better than anywhere else we've stayed when visiting Disneyland. I'm really looking forward to never having to leave the magic while there.

 

[nunzia]

That is so frustrating. I chatted with someone at disneyland.com and asked about DTD views and this is what they said (they also did verify that they went through renaming the room types to allow better inventory tracking):



I also made a list of all the room types and their descriptions from the website. However I don't see a Premium STD view. Here is the list:

Standard View Room:
Lose yourself in the enchanting romantic grandeur of a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Woods/Garden/Courtyard View:
Gaze out your window at the natural splendor of the pine tree-filled Brisa Courtyard, enchanting Woods or Garden view and relax in a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Partial Deluxe Downtown Disney® District View:
Lose yourself in the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney® District just outside your window, and relax in the comfort, luxury and meticulous craftsmanship of a remarkable room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Deluxe View:
Compliment the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a partial view of the majestic Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Redwood Pool, the excitement of Disney California Adventure Park or the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney District.

Premium View:
Complement the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a spectacular view of the dynamic energy of Disney California Adventure® Park.

Premium Downtown Disney® District View:
Lose yourself in the fun and energy of the Downtown Disney District just outside your window, and relax in the comfort, luxury and meticulous craftsmanship of a remarkable room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era.

Concierge Standard View:
Gaze out your window at the natural splendor of the pine tree-filled Brisa Courtyard and relax in a meticulously appointed room that elegantly evokes the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts era. Plus, enjoy the convenience and luxury of our exclusive concierge lounge and additional concierge amenities.

Premium View Concierge:
Compliment the timeless elegance of your meticulously appointed room with a spectacular view of the dynamic energy of Disney California Adventure® Park. Plus, enjoy the convenience and luxury of our exclusive concierge lounge and additional concierge amenities.

Hmmm..I had a Concierge room with a view of a meticulously tidy valet parking area...

 

[Nonsuch]

Hmmm..I had a Concierge room with a view of a meticulously tidy valet parking area...

Looks like the view from a room with a daybed
Those are only located overlooking the front of the hotel