Grand Californian Super Thread

[MommyJKM]

Does GCH still have a list of "special offerings" for hotel guests? Specifically, do they still offer the opportunity to go to Build-a-Bear prior to store opening? If so, what is the current cost of this package? We did this five years ago and my daughter is asking if she can do it again.

The still DO! We did it in May. It doesn't cost anything but you HAVE to reserve it when you check in. Make sure you call the hotel a few days before because a few things you do HAVE to sign up for (like the Art of the Crafts Tour).My trip report has an explaination about the BAB and the exclusive items they have. You can have up to 15 people go I think.

They have the Morning power walk through DCA also, and an outdoor pilates class (my trip report has the explanation on BAB). I think this is a pretty updated list:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/grand-californian-hotel/recreation/

Enjoy!!!

 

[MommyJKM]

Thank you! I remember reading your report on your day with a plaid.


I think the Monorail whizzing by would be so amazing too. Our friends haven't stayed at the GCH/V and will be joining us. I am crazy excited to share the magic with them.

I think I did the report 50% for you

The next time she went to GC, my Aunt requested a room that had the "monorail view" when she checked in because my cousin's son looooooved it last time and they accomodated them. Their room looked over the courtyard and the monorail went right by their room. She did say the only drawback was there was a wedding in the courtyard that was noisy late afternoon when they were trying to nap.

P.S. I got a free delivery code from Vons so if you're doing the delivered grocery order I'm happy to give it to you!

 

[momof6princesses]

Has anyone done the Mysteries of Magic? Just wondering if the kids would have fun. Thanks

 

[rentayenta]

I think I did the report 50% for you

The next time she went to GC, my Aunt requested a room that had the "monorail view" when she checked in because my cousin's son looooooved it last time and they accomodated them. Their room looked over the courtyard and the monorail went right by their room. She did say the only drawback was there was a wedding in the courtyard that was noisy late afternoon when they were trying to nap.

P.S. I got a free delivery code from Vons so if you're doing the delivered grocery order I'm happy to give it to you!

Thank you, it was such a fun report! What a neat experience.

I'm torn between the WoC view and pool view. It sounds crazy and I hope not ungrateful but we've enjoyed the WoC view a few times and its totally magical but DH is sort of wanting a pool view, try something new. Our friends haven't stayed at the GCV and I'd love them to have a WoC view. Mickey's Funwheel all lit up is just amazing. #FirstWorldProblems

Thank you for the code offer. We'll have our car so I'm thinking we'll stop by Von's Pavillions after we check in. If we weren't driving I'd be all over it. It's very sweet of you to offer.

 

[lorijohnhill]

The still DO! We did it in May. It doesn't cost anything but you HAVE to reserve it when you check in. Make sure you call the hotel a few days before because a few things you do HAVE to sign up for (like the Art of the Crafts Tour).My trip report has an explaination about the BAB and the exclusive items they have. You can have up to 15 people go I think. They have the Morning power walk through DCA also, and an outdoor pilates class (my trip report has the explanation on BAB). I think this is a pretty updated list: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/grand-californian-hotel/recreation/ Enjoy!!!

Thank you for this info! She will be so excited! I'm going to check out your trip report also.

 

[MommyJKM]

Thank you, it was such a fun report! What a neat experience.

I'm torn between the WoC view and pool view. It sounds crazy and I hope not ungrateful but we've enjoyed the WoC view a few times and its totally magical but DH is sort of wanting a pool view, try something new. Our friends haven't stayed at the GCV and I'd love them to have a WoC view. Mickey's Funwheel all lit up is just amazing. #FirstWorldProblems

Thank you for the code offer. We'll have our car so I'm thinking we'll stop by Von's Pavillions after we check in. If we weren't driving I'd be all over it. It's very sweet of you to offer.

Of course! We DID love the pool view that one time - if it wasn't for having a little one that needed a nap we would get it again. The pool closes before we get back at night so it wouldn't be an issue with non-napping kiddos. And it's gorgeous to have some coffee and breakfast on your balcony with the sounds of the pool and DCA. #FirstWorldProblems made me giggle

You could be down the hall from your friends if the do the WOC view and you do pool - It's possible in building 40xx

You're going to have sooooo much fun either way!

 

[Collmal]

Seems possible x101 - x133 (odd) are standard view at the front of the hotel, and just around the corner are x135 - x167 (odd) which are DTD view.

Thank you!

 

[rentayenta]

Of course! We DID love the pool view that one time - if it wasn't for having a little one that needed a nap we would get it again. The pool closes before we get back at night so it wouldn't be an issue with non-napping kiddos. And it's gorgeous to have some coffee and breakfast on your balcony with the sounds of the pool and DCA. #FirstWorldProblems made me giggle

You could be down the hall from your friends if the do the WOC view and you do pool - It's possible in building 40xx

You're going to have sooooo much fun either way!

Thank you! We have a 2 bedroom dedicated so we'll all be together. Coffee over looking the pool sounds amazing!! Coffee on the balcony while watching DCA wake up isn't shabby either. Oh decisions, decisions.....

 

[angine]

Finally going next week. Six years ago, my dear wife passed away. The next week a couple of young friends gave birth to a baby boy. They called me to the hospital and officially adopted me as Grandpa since I was alone. Holding Henry in the hospital that day I told him that Grandma wanted to wait for him but God needed her in Heaven. BUT, she told me to tell him that when he was six years old we were to go to Disneyland, one of her favorite places in the whole world; it's where we had our first date. Henry is now six and we're finally going.
Staying at the GCH for three nights 9/29-10/2 for me, two little boys (Henry and his 3 year old bro, Will) and their Mommy and Daddy. Two rooms, park view. Character breakfast at Storytellers. Staying at the Staybridge Suites the night before (we're flying in from Tucson) for logistical reasons. These boards have been a Godsend, thank you all.

 

[traci]

Finally going next week. Six years ago, my dear wife passed away. The next week a couple of young friends gave birth to a baby boy. They called me to the hospital and officially adopted me as Grandpa since I was alone. Holding Henry in the hospital that day I told him that Grandma wanted to wait for him but God needed her in Heaven. BUT, she told me to tell him that when he was six years old we were to go to Disneyland, one of her favorite places in the whole world; it's where we had our first date. Henry is now six and we're finally going.
Staying at the GCH for three nights 9/29-10/2 for me, two little boys (Henry and his 3 year old bro, Will) and their Mommy and Daddy. Two rooms, park view. Character breakfast at Storytellers. Staying at the Staybridge Suites the night before (we're flying in from Tucson) for logistical reasons. These boards have been a Godsend, thank you all.

Have a blessed trip

 

[gardengirl2790]

This will be such a special trip! Have lots and lots of fun

 

[lucysmom]

Have a magical time and know that Grandma is smiling down on you!

 

[MommyJKM]

Finally going next week. Six years ago, my dear wife passed away. The next week a couple of young friends gave birth to a baby boy. They called me to the hospital and officially adopted me as Grandpa since I was alone. Holding Henry in the hospital that day I told him that Grandma wanted to wait for him but God needed her in Heaven. BUT, she told me to tell him that when he was six years old we were to go to Disneyland, one of her favorite places in the whole world; it's where we had our first date. Henry is now six and we're finally going.
Staying at the GCH for three nights 9/29-10/2 for me, two little boys (Henry and his 3 year old bro, Will) and their Mommy and Daddy. Two rooms, park view. Character breakfast at Storytellers. Staying at the Staybridge Suites the night before (we're flying in from Tucson) for logistical reasons. These boards have been a Godsend, thank you all.

Sweet story...you will enjoy for sure! Make sure you call and let them know to block you either the DCA Entrance view, Soaring View, or Mickey Wheel/WOC view. There are many park views and I just want you to get the views you want.

P.S. The bunk beds specifically say do not let children under age of 6 on top bunk so don't get the bunk beds for the littles even though it sounds fun.

Blessed trip to you!!

 

[larryz]

Our room was ready when we got there, was exactly what we paid for (courtyard view), looked over the courtyard gap into the Downtown Disney area (and incidentally had a GREAT view of DL fireworks), conveniently located with respect to elevators, the lobby and restaurants, and in good condition.

Mousekeeping was quick (morning service most days), persistent (we kept turning away the turn-down service) and very effective -- at one time, we had almost two complete sets of towels in the room.

And I got a military discount with it to boot, so I thought it was well worth it...

If you're interested in the fireworks view, ask for 5315.

 

[ParkHopper1]

(we kept turning away the turn-down service)

But that is when they leave the chocolates!

 

[larryz]

But that is when they leave the chocolates!

If you're nice about it, they still hand you some chocolates...

 

[Nonsuch]

Grizzly Game Arcade has been transformed into Eureka Fitness Center.
The old fitness center location was adjacent to Mandara Spa, that space is currently empty. The change was made about a month ago.

Eureka Fitness Center is open 24 hours.

 

[bouds]

We stayed there this weekend. Had a great stay. Our room was the furthest away (as the crow flies) from Disneyland, but still seemed like a short walk. Our room was 4260. We booked a standard room at the Gay Days price ($229) so we knew we couldn't be picky about what room we got. We ended up with a view toward the Pier at CA, with goofy's sky school right outside our window. With the door closed, we couldn't hear a thing. Great view, especially at night. We were very happy with everything about the hotel. I stayed at DLH earlier this year, and I think I liked GCH better, but that may just be because of the deal I got (paid almost twice as much at DLH). People seem to like the pools better at DL, but I preferred GCH. My kids liked the waterslide just as much, and I liked the fact that they had several areas where the water was 3 ft deep, as opposed to DLH where it was all 4 ft and my 5-6 year old couldn't stand.

 

[Nonsuch]

The old fitness center location was adjacent to Mandara Spa, that space is currently empty. The change was made about a month ago.

The old fitness center location is adjacent (parallel) to the DCA entrance.
This space could be used to expand the DCA entrance
It's disappointing to see many GCH guests wasting time at this entrance at park opening

 

[Amilo]

Room 2117 is quiet because it's at the end of a hall. It's a view of trees out the window. Pretty close to downtown Disney.