Grand Californian Super Thread

[lindyv321]

We will be at the GCH for the first time on Sunday! I just completed my online check in and put my credit card on file. We are wanting to pay using another method, what is the best way to go about this?

 

[Nonsuch]

We will be at the GCH for the first time on Sunday! I just completed my online check in and put my credit card on file. We are wanting to pay using another method, what is the best way to go about this?

A reserve will be placed on the card, but actual charge is not processed until 11AM on check-out day. Sometimes the first night is charged at check-in. You could apply other payment anytime during your stay

 

[Hatboxer]

Park reservations tip - We were pleasantly surprised to find that the hotel could easily swap one’s park reservations for starting park, and make new ones even when they were shown as all gone online! Eg, we had DCA reservations and DL was “sold out” online, but the front desk said it’s no problem to swap. Same thing for an additional park day we bought the night before. Just FYI!

 

[roxy72]

Park reservations tip - We were pleasantly surprised to find that the hotel could easily swap one’s park reservations for starting park, and make new ones even when they were shown as all gone online! Eg, we had DCA reservations and DL was “sold out” online, but the front desk said it’s no problem to swap. Same thing for an additional park day we bought the night before. Just FYI!

Thank goodness! We need to do this for our reservations for 12/10. We just need to swap parks- glad to hear it's possible when staying on site!

 

[Pluto468]

I think the 2nd config you mention will be prioritized for parties of five. But it's not impossible. I think for best odds:
1) Call with your room request
2) Check-in early. If moving from other hotel, stow luggage and check-in before entering parks.
3) Politely repeat/explain your room request at the front desk. And tell them you can "wait" for the right config to come available later in the day (instead of first available room).

Usually they will either a) confirm you already have that config assigned from room request b) make a change to that config for you on the spot if available c) tell you they will do their best (outlook uncertain).

There some uncertainty now involving online check-in and how that might affect above. Online check-in gets your pre-assigned room number sent to you. They "should" take into account your room request, but you kind of forego a chance at a second look at the front desk, if needed. If room type is important, I would probably go the old fashioned route.

Thank you so much! I think I'll go with the old fashioned route. I would be coming from the Courtyard Marriott and will check into GC as early as possible.

 

[Pluto468]

We have two teens and we prefer the King-sleeper chair-day bed room as well. We always kindly request it in advance and again at check in, and we very rarely get it. It is one of least common rooms in the resort, I think, and they often give the King rooms to people attending conventions (which probably isn't much right now). If we can't get that, we always kindly ask for the 2 Queen with day bed so that they don't have to share a Queen. We have received that all but one time. I think that is a very common room configuration.

For a hotel this expensive, it is mind blowing that I can't reserve my bedding configuration when I book the room. I can do that at any Hilton, Hyatt, etc but not the GCH??

I've always wondered why you can't choose your bedding at the Disneyland hotel, too. It makes no sense. It's actually held me back from staying there a few times. I really like to know what to expect, and it would be awful to get there and not have enough beds! I've never been to any other hotel that won't let you know ahead of time what room you'll be in.

I will follow your advice of calling ahead and also asking on the day I check in. Hopefully we'll at least end up with a 2Q daybed room. That's what we had last time we stayed at DLH and it worked out great.

 

[lindyv321]

Another question about security into DTD/esplanade in the morning. We like to rope drop and am wondering what time we should head down to get in line.

 

[Pluto468]

One more question about the courtyard rooms. Are these the type that could be really far from the entrance? I've heard some rooms at GCH are practically at Paradise Pier.

 

[tenneycjt]

One more question about the courtyard rooms. Are these the type that could be really far from the entrance? I've heard some rooms at GCH are practically at Paradise Pier.

yes they are a little far the view is nice but i would rather have a standard view

 

[geminimagk]

Park reservations tip - We were pleasantly surprised to find that the hotel could easily swap one’s park reservations for starting park, and make new ones even when they were shown as all gone online! Eg, we had DCA reservations and DL was “sold out” online, but the front desk said it’s no problem to swap. Same thing for an additional park day we bought the night before. Just FYI!

Yes! We did this as well and they were so pleasant and helpful.

 

[geminimagk]

Another question about security into DTD/esplanade in the morning. We like to rope drop and am wondering what time we should head down to get in line.

They did not allow anyone through until 7am. That seemed new to me, I think in the past they allowed people earlier? I’m not sure. Anyway we would get in line to enter DTD by 6:50 and we were typically approximately the 10th party in line.

 

[Pluto468]

yes they are a little far the view is nice but i would rather have a standard view

Thanks! Should I request a certain view for the standard room if I want to be close to the lobby and DCA entrance?

 

[tenneycjt]

Thanks! Should I request a certain view for the standard room if I want to be close to the lobby and DCA entrance?

No i thinks most of teh standard rooms are pretty close to those areas

 

[DnA2010]

Do you folks think there will be any chance that extra magic hours will be back in the new year for hotel guests?

 

[Version 6]

No one knows for sure, but we all hope so.

 

[mamaburrito]

Does the concierge team reach out to you before arrival for club level?

 

[l4dyj8]

What’s everyone’s experience or preference between mobile check-in vs check-in in person?
My only preference is that my room request for a day bed (3 adults, 2 children). (I have called to make this request) And I would like an early check in as I need to take an important call at 1:30pm. I don’t care where our (standard room) is located

(This will be this Friday which I know is a very busy week with Holidays, Veterans Day weekend and Dapper Day)

(we have 10am brunch reservations at the park. I’m willing to just sit in my car at 1:30 to take this call if needed)

 

[julesann]

They did not allow anyone through until 7am. That seemed new to me, I think in the past they allowed people earlier? I’m not sure. Anyway we would get in line to enter DTD by 6:50 and we were typically approximately the 10th party in line.

Whoa...this is new to me too. Where did they hold you--at the Grand entering DTD? or somewhere else?

 

[geminimagk]

Whoa...this is new to me too. Where did they hold you--at the Grand entering DTD? or somewhere else?

Yes. We were lined up around the path and trees that extend back.

 

[julesann]

Yes. We were lined up around the path and trees that extend back.

Thank you. This was really good to know. I got there extra early today with the Disneyplus early entry.