Grand Californian Super Thread

[Just Peachy]

[/QUOTE]
It's disappointing to see many GCH guests wasting time at this entrance at park opening [/QUOTE]

I was planning on using this enterance for rope drop access to DCA on my next visit. Is that a bad idea?!

 

[Chiomaca]

It's disappointing to see many GCH guests wasting time at this entrance at park opening [/QUOTE]

I was planning on using this enterance for rope drop access to DCA on my next visit. Is that a bad idea?![/QUOTE]

I think it's still better than going to the front entrance, but you do need to be there earlier because there is likely to be a line. In some cases (like the military passes) the CMs need to take a picture of the person and link it to the ticket in their system. That, along with the bag search and only 2-3 CMs, slows the process. It used to be much quicker.

 

[Briarmom]

I think it's still better than going to the front entrance, but you do need to be there earlier because there is likely to be a line. In some cases (like the military passes) the CMs need to take a picture of the person and link it to the ticket in their system. That, along with the bag search and only 2-3 CMs, slows the process. It used to be much quicker.

We have to take pictures for our military passes?
That must be rather new. Ugh. I'll have to figure out how to get that done...

 

[gottalovepluto]

We have to take pictures for our military passes? That must be rather new. Ugh. I'll have to figure out how to get that done...

Everyone has to have pictures taken that link to their tickets at DL. They do it at the entrance to verify that the same person is using the ticket each time and it's super quick.

 

[Briarmom]

Everyone has to have pictures taken that link to their tickets at DL. They do it at the entrance to verify that the same person is using the ticket each time and it's super quick.

Just one time and our ticket is good?

I am thinking of getting DD and I each 2 military 3-day hoppers, as we will be there for 6 days.

OR I may get myself an AP to get some discounts on things.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Just one time and our ticket is good? I am thinking of getting DD and I each 2 military 3-day hoppers, as we will be there for 6 days. OR I may get myself an AP to get some discounts on things.

Last time I was there they took the pic with an iPhone while I was standing in line at the entrance turnstile. The photo is only taken once and then it automatically pops up next time your ticket is scanned. Seriously it's not inconvenient at all, fastest photo I've ever had taken! Now, about the AP, that's a little different. You will have to take a couple minutes out when you get into the park to have the AP photo taken by a photo pass photographer. (This may have changed our 1 AP was a couple years back.)

The military hoppers are great deals, you'll want to pencil everything out to see if the math works in your favor for getting an AP that isn't blocked out for your dates. There are AP rates on the Disney hotels too but I'd wager the military discount on the hotels is going to be greater than the AP discount with less date restrictions. Thank you to you and your family for your service & sacrifice- have a great time!

 

[Briarmom]

Last time I was there they took the pic with an iPhone while I was standing in line at the entrance turnstile. The photo is only taken once and then it automatically pops up next time your ticket is scanned. Seriously it's not inconvenient at all, fastest photo I've ever had taken! Now, about the AP, that's a little different. You will have to take a couple minutes out when you get into the park to have the AP photo taken by a photo pass photographer. (This may have changed our 1 AP was a couple years back.)

The military hoppers are great deals, you'll want to pencil everything out to see if the math works in your favor for getting an AP that isn't blocked out for your dates. There are AP rates on the Disney hotels too but I'd wager the military discount on the hotels is going to be greater than the AP discount with less date restrictions. Thank you to you and your family for your service & sacrifice- have a great time!

Thanks!

Military rates on the hotel are better than AP rates.
I am actually considering getting a Premier pass because I have a few trips planned this year. Add in all the Christmas shopping, tours, food...and it might be well worth it.
No worries, I'll do my math.

Again, thanks!!

 

[Chiomaca]

I must not have noticed them taking pictures of other groups at the entrance.

I'm considering the Premier Pass for 2015. I'm a little annoyed that I can only buy it on site though - I've got at least three Run Disney Trips planned across both coasts and thought it might be worthwhile. The numbers work out, but I'll admit to being a little annoyed that I have to buy it onsite.

 

[larryz]

We have to take pictures for our military passes?
That must be rather new. Ugh. I'll have to figure out how to get that done...

Don't go to a ticket booth -- your voucher scans at the turnstile.

We took our e-Tickets to the turnstiles, and it took about 3 seconds each for the CM to snap our photo on their handheld device. The picture doesn't print on the ticket you get -- but they check it on their handheld on every entry. I was amazed at how fast and smooth the process was, especially at rope drop -- we were at the front of the line and it didn't slow things down at all.

 

[minniebeth]

I was hoping someone could help me out, I'm looking for an updated list/photo of grocery items since GCH has DVC. I think at White Water Snacks? (I know the selection is relatively limited). I'm specifically looking for things like cream cheese for bagels (more than single size, but single if need be), and healthier refrigerated snacks, such as cheese or hummus, etc.
Any help with that would be great! Thanks so much!

 

[Nonsuch]

...I'm looking for an updated list/photo of grocery items since GCH has DVC. I think at White Water Snacks? (I know the selection is relatively limited)...

You are correct the selection is very limited
The order form on the DVC website (last updated 10/3/2013)

These photos of White Water Snacks were taken (coincidentally on 10/3/2013)

 

[minniebeth]

Thank you, Nonsuch!! That is exactly what I'm looking for! So helpful, I really appreciate it!!
True, not much of a selection outside of what is normally offered, but that's good to know, so I can plan accordingly.

 

[Chelsea524]

We will be here on 11/5. We've booked a standard room for 5 people and put in the request for a room with the couch. I know there isn't any way to guarantee getting one of these rooms, but is there any trick to improving your chances? We are driving from Utah, so we won't be there until at least 3 or 4, so early check in is out.

 

[MommyJKM]

Thank you, Nonsuch!! That is exactly what I'm looking for! So helpful, I really appreciate it!!
True, not much of a selection outside of what is normally offered, but that's good to know, so I can plan accordingly.

MinnieBeth - you can always do Vons delivery for grocery items and GCH will hold them for you. The only thing you can't order is alcohol. They even refrigerate your items or take them to your room if you're not there.

We always get the delivery for the case of water and breakfast items alone.

I have a free delivery code they emailed me this week if you want it since I won't use it.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We've booked a standard room for 5 people and put in the request for a room with the couch. I know there isn't any way to guarantee getting one of these rooms, but is there any trick to improving your chances?...

Your reservation should be for 5 adults, there have been a few posts that this helps with room assignment.
Call GCH and request a "daybed room" (rather than "couch"). You might also try calling again "from the road" on the morning of check in.

 

[Chelsea524]

Your reservation should be for 5 adults, there have been a few posts that this helps with room assignment.
Call GCH and request a "daybed room" (rather than "couch"). You might also try calling again "from the road" on the morning of check in.

Thank you. I will call and ask them to change it from the kids to adults. Since they have all the kids names and birthdays on file will it mess up the room keys? They seem to always want every guests name whenever I've booked over the phone. And that's a great idea to call from the road. Someone had mentioned to buy ears to have delivered in the room at check in and that helps as well, any one have info on that?

 

[minniebeth]

MinnieBeth - you can always do Vons delivery for grocery items and GCH will hold them for you. The only thing you can't order is alcohol. They even refrigerate your items or take them to your room if you're not there.

We always get the delivery for the case of water and breakfast items alone.

I have a free delivery code they emailed me this week if you want it since I won't use it.

MommyJKM, that's a thought I may consider! Do they have a minimum order you must place for delivery? I would LOVE the free delivery code! We are coming for the Avenger's 1/2 Marathon Weekend, and I think just water alone from resorts and parks would kill our budget.
I'll PM you!

 

[Nonsuch]

Follow up on my on my own post

Your reservation should be for 5 adults, there have been a few posts that this helps with room assignment.

The occupancy for rooms (non-suite) at all 3 DLR hotels has been 5.
The room descriptions online now shows "Sleeps up to 4 Adults" for all room types.
Booking a party of 5 is still allowed for all room types at DLR and PPH, however at GCH only "Standard View" is allowed.

The 2 queen and daybed rooms are the only rooms that can sleep 5 without guests sleeping on the floor, and all the daybed rooms are Standard View.

GCH appears to be trying to eliminate (or at least reduce) guests sleeping on the floor

 

[Chelsea524]

Follow up on my on my own post

The occupancy for rooms (non-suite) at all 3 DLR hotels has been 5.
The room descriptions online now shows "Sleeps up to 4 Adults" for all room types.
Booking a party of 5 is still allowed for all room types at DLR and PPH, however at GCH only "Standard View" is allowed.

The 2 queen and daybed rooms are the only rooms that can sleep 5 without guests sleeping on the floor, and all the daybed rooms are Standard View.

GCH appears to be trying to eliminate (or at least reduce) guests sleeping on the floor

Great! I'm pretty sure we have a standard view.

 

[DallasToDis]

We're checking into the GC tomorrow. We're not arriving until 7pm so I called the hotel direct to see about where our room might be. We have booked a "Premium" room through the Disney website. I wanted to request and see if we could get a room in the 333-357 odd number range. The lady I spoke with said she can't do that because it's out of our room type because they face the theme park. When I seemed surprised about this she even put me on hold and verified with a supervisor.

I thought we did book a theme park view? She said there are "Premium Theme Park" and "Premium Downtown Disney" and we are booked for the latter. I looked at our reservation and simply says "Premium View".

On the Disney website these are the room types listed:
Premium View
Views of Pool or Theme Park

Downtown Disney View
Views of Downtown Disney District

Partial View
Partial Views of Theme Park or Downtown Disney District

Woods-Courtyard View
Views of Courtyard

Standard View
Views of Disneyland Drive, Rooftop or Parking Area

So it looks to me like we should have a theme park/pool view? I don't really care all that much, just want to make sure we're getting what we booked and paid for. Can anyone shed any light on my confusion? Thanks!