Grand Californian Super Thread

[kikiq]

Has anyone done the morning power walk thru DCA??

We've done it every time we've stay at GCH/VGC. Just happen to have the schedule from Memorial Day week here next to me. That week it was Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat at 7:30 am. You have to be at least 14 yrs old. No fee. Definitely done at a race walkers pace...about 15 minute mile pace. We've had the same CM (Guest Activities coordinator) each time. He gives you all kinds of DCA tidbits. My DH loves being in the park with almost no one around except the occasional CM. You cover most the park from the from to the back. It takes about 45 minutes. The first time we did it, we were the only ones with the CM. I was left in the "dust' practically jogging to keep up with their long strides and they were chatting away. The other times, we had other guests with us so the CM "walked" a little slower so that the group could hear his comments. You do not stop for any length of time, we might have paused for a few minutes to have people catch up or when he had something that took a little longer to talk about.

 

[Michelle2]

I love the Grand! I have stayed there a few times, but the last time was 5 years ago back in 2005. Yikes!
We are planning to stay there in August for our upcoming DL trip, but I was wondering about the standard view rooms.

Do all of the rooms have the flat screen TVs now, not just the villas? Do the standard view rooms still have the bedspreads, or have all of the rooms been upgraded to the white duvets? Are there any other changes to the regular rooms since 2005?
TIA

 

[elliefusmom]

We've done it every time we've stay at GCH/VGC. Just happen to have the schedule from Memorial Day week here next to me. That week it was Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat at 7:30 am. You have to be at least 14 yrs old. No fee. Definitely done at a race walkers pace...about 15 minute mile pace. We've had the same CM (Guest Activities coordinator) each time. He gives you all kinds of DCA tidbits. My DH loves being in the park with almost no one around except the occasional CM. You cover most the park from the from to the back. It takes about 45 minutes. The first time we did it, we were the only ones with the CM. I was left in the "dust' practically jogging to keep up with their long strides and they were chatting away. The other times, we had other guests with us so the CM "walked" a little slower so that the group could hear his comments. You do not stop for any length of time, we might have paused for a few minutes to have people catch up or when he had something that took a little longer to talk about.

That sounds like so much fun!! I really hope that I am able to pass up DL's opening to do it!

 

[sacteach]

I just read all 45 pages - wow! I just booked my first ever stay at GCH and I'm so excited. This is a very last minute trip for my mom and I. We are flying in on Sunday, 7/4 to Long Beach and flying home on Tuesday 7/6 around 5pm. We already have our flights and park passes, so I booked the hotel only for two nights for $600 for a standard room (incl. fees). It was a lot of money for only two nights, but seemed much more reasonable than other times I had checked and this is a "bonus" trip.

After our shuttle from the airport, we're hoping to arrive around 10am to check-in. I've seen people post about upgrades - is this something you ask for, or do they just do it? If so, do you have to pay more, or is it a free upgrade. Are rooms ever available this early or will we most likely have to leave our luggage? Will they take it directly to the room when it's ready?

I booked online, so I didn't make any room requests, we're pretty much just excited to be there, we would sleep on the floor of the lobby if needed. We'd prefer two beds instead of a king, but it sounds like most rooms have two beds anyway.

Our plan is to do DCA on Sunday, anticipating big crowds since it's a holiday. We already booked our WOC picnic meals. Monday will be DL. We've been to both parks quite a few times and don't really have any ride priorities, we mostly just want to explore some things we've never done - shows, hidden mickeys, etc. Though my mom did request to ride IASW since it was closed the last time we were there.

At this point, we planned on leaving Tuesday as a park-free day and wanted to explore the hotel a bit - eat a real breakfast, swim, etc. Could we do the morning walking tour that day if we don't have a park pass? With the 11am check-out time, can we still stay and swim and then have access to our luggage to change clothes?

Any other hints/tips for our first visit to the GCH? I've walked through it once, but can't wait to "live" there even if just for two nights.

 

[Nonsuch]

I've seen people post about upgrades - is this something you ask for, or do they just do it? If so, do you have to pay more, or is it a free upgrade.

I've been upgraded from "standard" to "pool" view without requesting it. I suspect it's mostly about room availability, but it never hurts to ask. You might mention it's your first visit to the Grand, and ask for a "nice" room.
Upgrades are free.

Are rooms ever available this early or will we most likely have to leave our luggage? Will they take it directly to the room when it's ready?

A large number of rooms "turnover" of Sunday, so your room will likely not be ready until the afternoon. You will receive room keys when you check-in, but without an assigned room. Once your room is ready, you will get a phone call (or text) with the room number. Call Bell Services from your room to retrieve you bags.

 

[wendypooh22]

We've done it every time we've stay at GCH/VGC. Just happen to have the schedule from Memorial Day week here next to me. That week it was Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat at 7:30 am. You have to be at least 14 yrs old. No fee. Definitely done at a race walkers pace...about 15 minute mile pace. We've had the same CM (Guest Activities coordinator) each time. He gives you all kinds of DCA tidbits. My DH loves being in the park with almost no one around except the occasional CM. You cover most the park from the from to the back. It takes about 45 minutes. The first time we did it, we were the only ones with the CM. I was left in the "dust' practically jogging to keep up with their long strides and they were chatting away. The other times, we had other guests with us so the CM "walked" a little slower so that the group could hear his comments. You do not stop for any length of time, we might have paused for a few minutes to have people catch up or when he had something that took a little longer to talk about.

This sounds great, Thank you!!! Yes, I am feeling it

 

[KCmike]

Alright I freaking out a little as I went to trip advisor a minute ago to enjoy some trip reports on the hotel. Well on the first page I witnessed two reports stating how they had a party of five and both families weren't given a daybed. They were told sorry and given either blankets or sleeping bags!
We have booked several months ago. Tell me how probable this could be? At the time of booking we were asked if we wanted a daybed or the bunk beds. We told them the daybed. Are we not guaranteed this? We are paying way too much money to be sleeping the floor. Anyone experienced with this??

Why wouldn't GC have a daybed in every room like DL hotel?

 

[ACDSNY]

Alright I freaking out a little as I went to trip advisor a minute ago to enjoy some trip reports on the hotel. Well on the first page I witnessed two reports stating how they had a party of five and both families weren't given a daybed. They were told sorry and given either blankets or sleeping bags!
We have booked several months ago. Tell me how probable this could be? At the time of booking we were asked if we wanted a daybed or the bunk beds. We told them the daybed. Are we not guaranteed this? We are paying way too much money to be sleeping the floor. Anyone experienced with this??

Why wouldn't GC have a daybed in every room like DL hotel?

Anytime I've booked directly with DLR hotels I've gotten the 2 queens & daybed when I've asked for it at the time of booking. I wonder if those complaining on Trip Advisor booked through other sources a 2 Queen room hoping to ask for a roll-away. GC do not have roll-away beds. They have a limited number of rooms with daybeds or bunkbeds.

If you are concerned you could call and ask what category is on your reservation as the rooms with daybeds and bunkbeds are a different category than 2 queen beds.

 

[KCmike]

I guess I will call this afternoon. The ressie only states standard view:sum B3G2.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I love the Grand! I have stayed there a few times, but the last time was 5 years ago back in 2005. Yikes!
We are planning to stay there in August for our upcoming DL trip, but I was wondering about the standard view rooms.

Do all of the rooms have the flat screen TVs now, not just the villas? Do the standard view rooms still have the bedspreads, or have all of the rooms been upgraded to the white duvets? Are there any other changes to the regular rooms since 2005?
TIA

I am curious about this too

 

[MCSfromWA]

That happened to us last August. We booked directly through Disney. If the hotel is really busy they can run out of 2 queens/1 daybed. We have been coming to GC since it opened in 2001 and that was the first (and last time) it happened to us. Now we will only stay in the villas. And if there are 5 in our party and we do not have access to the villas -- we will stay at the Disneyland Hotel. I think it matters what time of day you check in when it is this busy. The time we were handed a sleeping bag for our teen-age daughter -- we checked in late afternoon.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I have gone thru the thread looking for the WWS grocery list. If someone could referrence this I would be appreciated/

Jack

 

[bluecruiser]

I have gone thru the thread looking for the WWS grocery list. If someone could referrence this I would be appreciated/

Jack

Hopefully this link will work, not sure if you have to be logged into the DVC member website first:
http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...groceryorder/GroceryList_GrandCalifornian.pdf

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hopefully this link will work, not sure if you have to be logged into the DVC member website first:
http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...groceryorder/GroceryList_GrandCalifornian.pdf

Thanks, that is perfect.

Jack

 

[wbl2745]

I have gone thru the thread looking for the WWS grocery list. If someone could referrence this I would be appreciated/

Jack

You can also check out this thread which is a trip report we did from last April. I included some information about White Water Snacks.

 

[blackjackdelta]

You can also check out this thread which is a trip report we did from last April. I included some information about White Water Snacks.

Thanks for the thread. We have eaten there alot, just want to see what the list has grown to after the villas open.

Jack

 

[disneyfanforever]

We just got back from our first trip ever to the Grand Californian. My parents are DVC members so we were able to stay in a studio villa with their points. We have been to WDW several times (their home resort is Boardwalk) and we were so excited to see what the Grand Californian was like. WOW! We fell in love. What a beautiful resort! We had pool view (a little sad that we didn't have a park view but our view was still great) and couldn't believe what a fantastic location the hotel has. So close to everything! I think we are now spoiled and can't wait to go back already.

 

[jwwi]

Really excited to check into the GCH next week. Thank you for all the great information.

 

[ipdenc]

Hello! New to Disboards.............would love some help! My family and I will be traveling to DL in Sept. (15th-20th) and staying at GC. We would love a room with DTD view and balcony.............are there any? When I made the reservation the CM said she would request bunk beds in our room. We have 2 boys (12 and 4). Any suggestions for rooms. Are there views to see the fireworks at Disneyland? We realize this is off-season and there will not be too much going on, but we want to make the most of our trip. We are so excited!!!
Thanks!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hello! New to Disboards.............would love some help! My family and I will be traveling to DL in Sept. (15th-20th) and staying at GC. We would love a room with DTD view and balcony.............are there any? When I made the reservation the CM said she would request bunk beds in our room. We have 2 boys (12 and 4). Any suggestions for rooms. Are there views to see the fireworks at Disneyland? We realize this is off-season and there will not be too much going on, but we want to make the most of our trip. We are so excited!!!
Thanks!

There are many rooms with the DTD view with a balcony, I stayed in one last year. We could see the fireworks from our room but not the projections. There really is no off season anymore, at least not like it use to be a few years back. Welcome to the boards. This was our view..

Jack