Grand Californian Super Thread

[tchrrx]

oooo, good questions! I'd like to know about the coffee makers too!

I didn't even think about the coffee! If it's a Keurig, then I'll definitely bring some K-cups from home.

 

[dblaettl]

I didn't even think about the coffee! If it's a Keurig, then I'll definitely bring some K-cups from home.

The one in our room in July wasn't a Keurig (or at least not one that uses the K-cups), they were small individual packets of coffee in their own filter. I want to find out where to get them because one cup of coffee each in the morning isn't enough for us.

 

[sechelt]

The one we had was a round basket type filter. I had packed some in my suitcase and then bought a can of Mickey coffee from DL. Not sure if it's available at WOD.

The laundry room had a machine to change cash into tokens but sorry, can't remember the actual amount needed for washer and dryer. I do remember, however, another woman who wanted to sell me her tokens because she over-estimated how many she'd need. Perhaps err on the side of caution.

 

[Nonsuch]

The one in our room in July wasn't a Keurig (or at least not one that uses the K-cups), they were small individual packets of coffee in their own filter. I want to find out where to get them because one cup of coffee each in the morning isn't enough for us.

Pictures of the coffee makers from earlier in this thread.
We visited earlier this month, and these coffee makers are still being used in the regular hotel rooms. The villas have full size coffee makers using basket or cone filters.

These machines do not work very well, so for this trip I brought my own coffee maker. A water kettle was $20 (from Costco) and the plastic cone filter holders were $2 (from Peets) -- this is a simple solution to brew directly into coffee mugs. The equipment costs less than 2 pounds of coffee

 

[twinky]

This November, we will be visiting GCH for the 3rd time. This is my first time researching these boards prior to a trip and it's been so helpful. Thanks to everyone for your insights and advice!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

We had the best time at GCV this summer. We stayed 6 nights in a dedicated 2-bedroom with the most spectacular view we could have imagined. We were in 6500 and could hardly stay away from the balconies anytime we were in the room We used the DCA entrance for early entry and found the CMs in general to be very helpful in making sure we were in the park as quickly as possible once the park was open. We found the walk to the room very manageable even at the end of a long day and loved that it was feasible to ride GRR and change clothes so quickly. It was such a great trip and we loved GCV so much that we are already planning to alternate our WDW trips with DLR trips in the future!

 

[Nonsuch]

We had the best time at GCV this summer. We stayed 6 nights in a dedicated 2-bedroom with the most spectacular view we could have imagined...

You should also post to the VGC superthread

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Not sure if this is the thread I saw it on or not, however we are staying at the VGC in December. I remember once reading a post that has a list of all the views of the various villas. We are staying in a 1 bedroom I am wondering about the different views that the 1 bedrooms might have.

 

[greenkai3000]

Hey everybody. We finally made our reservations for a couple of nights stay at the GCH, and we are just ELATED since this will be our first time staying there.

My question is, can anyone who's stayed there before recommend how I can go about getting a (specific?) Standard room that has a decent view? I don't necessarily need a view of DCA , the hotel pool, or Downtown Disney, just wouldn't want to look out our window and see back stage areas, a parking lot, or a boring sidewalk. I mean are there such rooms? Any pics?

Thanks!

 

[sechelt]

Not sure if this is the thread I saw it on or not, however we are staying at the VGC in December. I remember once reading a post that has a list of all the views of the various villas. We are staying in a 1 bedroom I am wondering about the different views that the 1 bedrooms might have.

Here you go. It's in the DVC Resorts section. I keep it bookmarked so I can dream at a glance.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44522663

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Here you go. It's in the DVC Resorts section. I keep it bookmarked so I can dream at a glance.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44522663

Thank you so much! Just what I was looking for!

 

[Nonsuch]

My question is, can anyone who's stayed there before recommend how I can go about getting a (specific?) Standard room that has a decent view? I don't necessarily need a view of DCA , the hotel pool, or Downtown Disney, just wouldn't want to look out our window and see back stage areas, a parking lot, or a boring sidewalk.

You could simply request a high floor. The hotel is 6 floors high, only 5 floors in many areas. Most standard rooms will be in the front of the hotel overlooking the small valet and handicap parking lot. This area is very nicely landscaped, so the view is quite nice. Hotel self-parking is across the street and the majority of valet parking is underground.

 

[greenkai3000]

You could simply request a high floor. The hotel is 6 floors high, only 5 floors in many areas. Most standard rooms will be in the front of the hotel overlooking the small valet and handicap parking lot. This area is very nicely landscaped, so the view is quite nice. Hotel self-parking is across the street and the majority of valet parking is underground.

Thank you! That helps a lot. Can't wait!!!

 

[KalamityJane]

Anyone know what the views are like from the first floor rooms 1240 to 1260? Even numbers. I can't imagine they would have much of a view, right? I am mainly interested in not having to use elevators and being near the grills

 

[goofyfordisney]

We check in late tonite, after driving down from Santa Barbara. Does anyone know when the last time GCH was remodeled? Would it do me any good to ask for a recently remodeled room?

What's standard view? Any chance that I will get a room that's not a huge hike to the main lobby?

TIA,

 

[sechelt]

Don't know about a remodel but there's a new wing built a few years ago. A section of that is DVC but the rest are hotel rooms. However, they're about the farthest you can get from DTD or DCA entrances.

 

[Nonsuch]

Anyone know what the views are like from the first floor rooms 1240 to 1260? Even numbers. I can't imagine they would have much of a view, right? I am mainly interested in not having to use elevators and being near the grills

This video should help: 360 view between Grand Californian and Paradise Pier
The beginning and end of the video shows the area outside the rooms you are requesting. The video was taken 2 years ago, so the landscaping is much more mature now. Except for the occasional security guard, no one uses the sidewalk outside those rooms.

The grills might be intended to be used only by VGC guests, but there are no signs limiting usage. It is likely not an issues since grills are seldom used.
Grill tools are available from Guest Services (this might be limited to VGC guests).

 

[greenkai3000]

This video should help: 360 view between Grand Californian and Paradise Pier
The beginning and end of the video shows the area outside the rooms you are requesting. The video was taken 2 years ago, so the landscaping is much more mature now. Except for the occasional security guard, no one uses the sidewalk outside those rooms.

The grills might be intended to be used only by VGC guests, but there are no signs limiting usage. It is likely not an issues since grills are seldom used.
Grill tools are available from Guest Services (this might be limited to VGC guests).

Now, that would be an ok view. You get to see some of Goofy's ride and PPH, as well as some nice landscaping.

 

[MURPHYCAT]

I would like to buy a simple (nothing elegant) bottle of wine to sip in the room in the evenings. Is there a store within easy walking distance to the GCH that would stock wine?

Thank you for any and all help-----

 

[sierranevada]

I would like to buy a simple (nothing elegant) bottle of wine to sip in the room in the evenings. Is there a store within easy walking distance to the GCH that would stock wine?

Thank you for any and all help-----

The gift shop at the GCH has a few bottles of wine - nothing fancy but drinkable