Grand Californian Super Thread

[blabbermouth]

Since Sephora is right outside the entrance to the GCH from DTD, it covers a lot of packing errors/misjudgments (at least for my teen aged DD’s!)

I just might "forget" everything!

 

[bavarian princess]

Hi everyone, I am happy to join this thread since I will be traveling from Germany to California at the end of this month. I very spontaneously book this trip and have only 3 weeks to plan the entire trip which will include not only 1,5 days in Disneyland (May 23/24) but also all the other stops along our route.

I decided to book two nights at GC which makes me so excited and grateful!!!

I am used to come over from Germany to Disney World basically once a year but I have no idea how to tackle Disneyland California so I would be happy if I can ask a couple of questions regarding the GC hotel. And I do apologize in advance if those questions have been asked before

1. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find to consecutive nights, so I made two separate reservations. I am booked in a woods view room for the first night (package with the tickets) and the second night (room only reservation) in a king room with partial theme park view. I really don’t want to change rooms and was thinking of calling Disney if they can find me availabilities or does it make no sense?
2. We plan to rope drop Disneyland Park and plan on walking from the hotel. Are there signs that lead us to the park from the hotel and how long does it take? At what time would you leave in the morning?
3. Am I right that GC does not have a food grab and go section? If I want a sandwich, I buy it either at Downtown Disney or in the parks?
4. Anything else I need to know

As I said I am very excited but also a bit overwhelmed as I don't even know if I need to set up a seperate MDE account for my friend in order to be able to book LL for him

Many thanks in advance

 

[lastbestplace]

Hi everyone, I am happy to join this thread since I will be traveling from Germany to California at the end of this month. I very spontaneously book this trip and have only 3 weeks to plan the entire trip which will include not only 1,5 days in Disneyland (May 23/24) but also all the other stops along our route.

I decided to book two nights at GC which makes me so excited and grateful!!!

I am used to come over from Germany to Disney World basically once a year but I have no idea how to tackle Disneyland California so I would be happy if I can ask a couple of questions regarding the GC hotel. And I do apologize in advance if those questions have been asked before

1. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find to consecutive nights, so I made two separate reservations. I am booked in a woods view room for the first night (package with the tickets) and the second night (room only reservation) in a king room with partial theme park view. I really don’t want to change rooms and was thinking of calling Disney if they can find me availabilities or does it make no sense?
2. We plan to rope drop Disneyland Park and plan on walking from the hotel. Are there signs that lead us to the park from the hotel and how long does it take? At what time would you leave in the morning?
3. Am I right that GC does not have a food grab and go section? If I want a sandwich, I buy it either at Downtown Disney or in the parks?
4. Anything else I need to know

As I said I am very excited but also a bit overwhelmed as I don't even know if I need to set up a seperate MDE account for my friend in order to be able to book LL for him

Many thanks in advance

Hi - just got home from 4 nights @ GCH. I am not sure about #1 - I booked a woods view room but ended up with a partial view of the park. It was on the 2nd floor so there were trees obscuring the view but could still see some of the rides and hear the park music with the door open. Only drawback is was that it was at the end of a very long hallway.

We rope-dropped Disneyland 3 mornings. There are signs in the lobby directing you to Downtown Disney & Disneyland. Park opening was at 8. We got in line to go through bag check/metal detectors around 6:50 and were a few people back. They start letting people into Downtown Disney @ 7. After the checkpoint, you turn right and head towards the esplanade to get in line for the park. Everyday we were there, they started letting in people from GCH before Harbor which allowed us to be first in line at a turnstile every morning. They start scanning tickets just before 7:30 and then do a countdown and let you in right @ 7:30.

GCH has Craftsman grille which opens at 6:45 and they have a selection of grab and go pastries, not sure about sandwiches. There is a Starbucks between GCH & DL entrance that opens at 7 and was accepting mobile orders last week.

 

[StormyCA]

Hi everyone, I am happy to join this thread since I will be traveling from Germany to California at the end of this month. I very spontaneously book this trip and have only 3 weeks to plan the entire trip which will include not only 1,5 days in Disneyland (May 23/24) but also all the other stops along our route.

I decided to book two nights at GC which makes me so excited and grateful!!!

I am used to come over from Germany to Disney World basically once a year but I have no idea how to tackle Disneyland California so I would be happy if I can ask a couple of questions regarding the GC hotel. And I do apologize in advance if those questions have been asked before

1. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find to consecutive nights, so I made two separate reservations. I am booked in a woods view room for the first night (package with the tickets) and the second night (room only reservation) in a king room with partial theme park view. I really don’t want to change rooms and was thinking of calling Disney if they can find me availabilities or does it make no sense?
2. We plan to rope drop Disneyland Park and plan on walking from the hotel. Are there signs that lead us to the park from the hotel and how long does it take? At what time would you leave in the morning?
3. Am I right that GC does not have a food grab and go section? If I want a sandwich, I buy it either at Downtown Disney or in the parks?
4. Anything else I need to know

As I said I am very excited but also a bit overwhelmed as I don't even know if I need to set up a seperate MDE account for my friend in order to be able to book LL for him

Many thanks in advance

DisneyLAND doesn't have MDE, at any rate nothing as 'complete' as WDW's MDE where every single thing is linked and shared. You'll both need to download the Disneyland App and then link your friend's ticket to your Disneyland App in order to make LL selections. I haven't been to DL in a while and the last time we just entered my BFF's ticket number into my DL app and they were linked. You're supposed to be able to link it or scan it in but we could never make that work.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...-disneyland-app-done-disney-world-app-468469/


As far as your separate rooms issue, yes, call the Grand. They may or may not be able to combine your reservations.

The Grand has a dedicated entrance to DCA. And there is an entrance that opens directly to DTD. You won't need directional signs. It's that close to the turnstiles. Take a look on Google Earth!

 

[Nonsuch]

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find to consecutive nights, so I made two separate reservations. I am booked in a woods view room for the first night (package with the tickets) and the second night (room only reservation) in a king room with partial theme park view. I really don’t want to change rooms and was thinking of calling Disney if they can find me availabilities or does it make no sense?

Call and try to combine the reservations.
Switching rooms would be very inconvenient. While I love GCH, I would book DLH (or off site) to avoid switching rooms.

 

[avalon451]

For grab-n-go snacks, check Craftsman bar; they have a few sandwiches you can order, and some other things to just grab : https://disneyland.disney.go.com/di...hotel/craftsman-grill/menus/lunch-and-dinner/

The hotel entrance is about halfway down DTD. It's maybe a 5-8 minute walk to the gates. You can't miss it, it's where everybody is heading! The entrance is by Sephora. Check out the map of DTD here: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8083277,-117.9213817,391m/data=!3m1!1e3

 

[bavarian princess]

We rope-dropped Disneyland 3 mornings. There are signs in the lobby directing you to Downtown Disney & Disneyland. Park opening was at 8. We got in line to go through bag check/metal detectors around 6:50 and were a few people back. They start letting people into Downtown Disney @ 7. After the checkpoint, you turn right and head towards the esplanade to get in line for the park. Everyday we were there, they started letting in people from GCH before Harbor which allowed us to be first in line at a turnstile every morning. They start scanning tickets just before 7:30 and then do a countdown and let you in right @ 7:30.

GCH has Craftsman grille which opens at 6:45 and they have a selection of grab and go pastries, not sure about sandwiches. There is a Starbucks between GCH & DL entrance that opens at 7 and was accepting mobile orders last week.

Thank you so much That is really helpful information and helps to figure out when to arrive at the gate. Coming over from Germany we will be jet-lagged anyway which means we can be at the parks very early
The Craftsman grill's "grab and go" selection sound be perfect.

DisneyLAND doesn't have MDE, at any rate nothing as 'complete' as WDW's MDE where every single thing is linked and shared. You'll both need to download the Disneyland App and then link your friend's ticket to your Disneyland App in order to make LL selections. I haven't been to DL in a while and the last time we just entered my BFF's ticket number into my DL app and they were linked. You're supposed to be able to link it or scan it in but we could never make that work.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...-disneyland-app-done-disney-world-app-468469/

As far as your separate rooms issue, yes, call the Grand. They may or may not be able to combine your reservations.

The Grand has a dedicated entrance to DCA. And there is an entrance that opens directly to DTD. You won't need directional signs. It's that close to the turnstiles. Take a look on Google Earth!

Many thanks I did not realise that their version of the MDE is different from WDW's MDE. I actually booked the package with the tickets for my friend and myself so everything is linked to my account. I was just not sure if I need to set up his own account in order to be able to book Genie+ or access the virtual queue for both of us.
Thanks as well for the recommendation to call Disney regarding the room. I will do that today...hoping I won't be on hold for hours

Call and try to combine the reservations.
Switching rooms would be very inconvenient. While I love GCH, I would book DLH (or off site) to avoid switching rooms.

Thanks, I will I would hate switching rooms especially since we are only there for two nights.

For grab-n-go snacks, check Craftsman bar; they have a few sandwiches you can order, and some other things to just grab : https://disneyland.disney.go.com/di...hotel/craftsman-grill/menus/lunch-and-dinner/

The hotel entrance is about halfway down DTD. It's maybe a 5-8 minute walk to the gates. You can't miss it, it's where everybody is heading! The entrance is by Sephora. Check out the map of DTD here: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8083277,-117.9213817,391m/data=!3m1!1e3

Thank you I will have a look at both links.

I really appreciate all the information and am very thankful for all your feedback and information If you are not familiar to Disneyland it can be a bit overwhelming. And since we have only two days I want to make sure to be as efficient as possible as I don't want to loose valuable park time by running around like a headless chicken
Btw I was actually suprised that there are hardly any dining reservations left for restaurants inside the parks. I will stalk the website in case anything opens up. The dessert party is unfortunately also not awailable but maybe I am overthinking it already

 

[bavarian princess]

I just called Disney regarding the rooms and the CM told me he cannot do anything for me since he has nothing available I told him I saw a partial theme park view for my arrival night online and asked him if he can change my woods view room (1st night, package) to a theme park view room so that my two bookings are at least for the same room category. And he told me that he doesn't see it in his system since his system has completely different availabilities from the one online. He said I should keep calling...which is a bit of a hassle with the time difference... but I guess that is all I can do for now

 

[StormyCA]

I just called Disney regarding the rooms and the CM told me he cannot do anything for me since he has nothing available I told him I saw a partial theme park view for my arrival night online and asked him if he can change my woods view room (1st night, package) to a theme park view room so that my two bookings are at least for the same room category. And he told me that he doesn't see it in his system since his system has completely different availabilities from the one online. He said I should keep calling...which is a bit of a hassle with the time difference... but I guess that is all I can do for now

That happens. Did you do a package or 'room only'? You can't really do anything about a package except keep on calling since you're within 30 days. But if you did 'room only' you may be able to finagle this. This link shows you can cancel with no penalty up to 5 days before arrival. I think you said you're going end of May.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...cancellation-policy-grand-californian-465350/


If room only, consider booking that Partial View room you saw online yourself and then cancelling your Woods View. Only do this if you're within your 'no cancellation penalty' period, of course, and do NOT cancel the Woods View until the Partial View is booked. Or wait until you speak to Disney and have them do the cancel for you.

If you are successful at booking the room, then call Disney to have them consolidate the two bookings.

 

[maleficent55]

Curious to know if any standard rooms are close to the lobby and/or close to the DCA entrance. We have a standard room and my husband is a double leg amputee. We don't need an ADA compliant room, nor do we like them, just a standard but are hoping to request that his walk is as short as can be.

 

[DizMe]

Curious to know if any standard rooms are close to the lobby and/or close to the DCA entrance. We have a standard room and my husband is a double leg amputee. We don't need an ADA compliant room, nor do we like them, just a standard but are hoping to request that his walk is as short as can be.

Yes! Be sure to mention your husband's needs and request a room near the Napa Rose or lobby elevators.

 

[varyth]

Curious to know if any standard rooms are close to the lobby and/or close to the DCA entrance.

We didn't put in any special room requests at check-in, but our Woods/Courtyard room was right next to the Napa Rose elevator. (Literally the first room in the hallway from the elevator lobby.) It's extremely close to the DCA entrance and would definitely recommend asking for something next to that elevator.

Caveat that coming back from Disneyland when DCA is closed required us to circle through DTD (and the main hotel lobby) though. It would also be a pain without park hopper to cut through DCA.

 

[avalon451]

Btw I was actually suprised that there are hardly any dining reservations left for restaurants inside the parks. I will stalk the website in case anything opens up. The dessert party is unfortunately also not awailable but maybe I am overthinking it already

Yes, dining reservations for table service meals are snapped right up when they become available. Most of them drop 60 days before, at 6 a.m. Pacific time. The most popular ones (Blue
Bayou, Oga's Cantina, Carthay Circle etc.) are often gone within minutes for the entire day. It never used to be like that pre-pandemic, but since they reopened. it's as if people are vying for front-row superstar concert tickets. Kind of ridiculous, but there you are. I hope it settles down eventually!

One option is to subscribe to a service that sends you alerts when somebody cancels a dining reservation you have set up an alert for. There's a free option, but you only get emails with that; for I think $9 a month they will send you a text. A couple of days before the times you want, they will start dropping many alerts as people cancel before the 24 hour cutoff. The name of the service won't show when you type it here, but it is the word beginning with M that means rodent, and Dining, one word. Good luck!

 

[varyth]

Btw I was actually suprised that there are hardly any dining reservations left for restaurants inside the parks. I will stalk the website in case anything opens up. The dessert party is unfortunately also not awailable but maybe I am overthinking it already

We planned our trip only a month in advance and totally missed the 60 day ADR window. I was actively stalking multiple times a day and was able to get almost all the restaurants I wanted. (Our trip was over the course of five days, so we had pretty good chances.) At times we were able to find a table for 3 but not 2 - take what you can get and modify, modify, modify!

 

[DLgal]

Curious to know if any standard rooms are close to the lobby and/or close to the DCA entrance. We have a standard room and my husband is a double leg amputee. We don't need an ADA compliant room, nor do we like them, just a standard but are hoping to request that his walk is as short as can be.

Last year our standard room was exactly 30 steps from the main lobby elevators, up on the 5th floor. It overlooked the entryway.

 

[Malcon10t]

Curious to know if any standard rooms are close to the lobby and/or close to the DCA entrance. We have a standard room and my husband is a double leg amputee. We don't need an ADA compliant room, nor do we like them, just a standard but are hoping to request that his walk is as short as can be.

Standard rooms are generally the odd numbered rooms in the X101-X133 and X201-X239 (X is the floor number). They face Disneyland Dr. 101-111 are relatively close to the elevators. And I don't necessarily agree with requesting a room near the Napa elevators, because if you are coming from Disneyland or DTD, it is a longer walk. It is closer to the DCA entrance/exit.

Rooms closer to Napa elevators are generally Courtyard or Woods views, pool views, or theme park views (partial or full.)

 

[bavarian princess]

That happens. Did you do a package or 'room only'? You can't really do anything about a package except keep on calling since you're within 30 days. But if you did 'room only' you may be able to finagle this. This link shows you can cancel with no penalty up to 5 days before arrival. I think you said you're going end of May.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...cancellation-policy-grand-californian-465350/


If room only, consider booking that Partial View room you saw online yourself and then cancelling your Woods View. Only do this if you're within your 'no cancellation penalty' period, of course, and do NOT cancel the Woods View until the Partial View is booked. Or wait until you speak to Disney and have them do the cancel for you.

If you are successful at booking the room, then call Disney to have them consolidate the two bookings.

Thanks for the suggestion I havn't thought about booking a new room and cancelling the old reservation. It is a package though and I have passed the 30 days mark plus the park pass reservations for the two of us are linked to the package. It looks like park passes are all gone for the two days we will be there.

I actually called again yesterday evening and talked to a lovely CM who could change my one night Woods View into Partial Theme Park View room within minutes And she "linked" the two reservations so hopefully we won't have to switch rooms. I am very happy and can cross one item off the list

Yes, dining reservations for table service meals are snapped right up when they become available. Most of them drop 60 days before, at 6 a.m. Pacific time. The most popular ones (Blue
Bayou, Oga's Cantina, Carthay Circle etc.) are often gone within minutes for the entire day. It never used to be like that pre-pandemic, but since they reopened. it's as if people are vying for front-row superstar concert tickets. Kind of ridiculous, but there you are. I hope it settles down eventually!

One option is to subscribe to a service that sends you alerts when somebody cancels a dining reservation you have set up an alert for. There's a free option, but you only get emails with that; for I think $9 a month they will send you a text. A couple of days before the times you want, they will start dropping many alerts as people cancel before the 24 hour cutoff. The name of the service won't show when you type it here, but it is the word beginning with M that means rodent, and Dining, one word. Good luck!

The CM told me yesterday that the restaurants still don't run on full capacity and that is the reason why it is so difficult to find a table. I really wanted to try the Lamp Light Lounge or even book the World of Color dessert party but so far the only availabilities I could find were for River Belle Terrace and the Magic Key Terrace I will have a look into subscribing to a service. Thanks for the tip

We planned our trip only a month in advance and totally missed the 60 day ADR window. I was actively stalking multiple times a day and was able to get almost all the restaurants I wanted. (Our trip was over the course of five days, so we had pretty good chances.) At times we were able to find a table for 3 but not 2 - take what you can get and modify, modify, modify!

How awesome that you were able to get almost all the restaurants you wanted. I am already stalking the website in case anything opens up I will now include a table for three. Many thanks for the tip

 

[StormyCA]

Thanks for the suggestion I havn't thought about booking a new room and cancelling the old reservation. It is a package though and I have passed the 30 days mark plus the park pass reservations for the two of us are linked to the package. It looks like park passes are all gone for the two days we will be there.

I actually called again yesterday evening and talked to a lovely CM who could change my one night Woods View into Partial Theme Park View room within minutes And she "linked" the two reservations so hopefully we won't have to switch rooms. I am very happy and can cross one item off the list

Awesome!!! Packages are definitely 'picky-er' as far as trying to change things. But generally 'upgrading' is pretty easy if you get the 'right' CM. And IIRC the change from the Woods to the Theme Park is an upgrade.

 

[lastbestplace]

Thought of another thing from my recent stay that might be helpful:

I had made a reservation for our last day in the park for DCA. I realized the night before that we would rather be in DL for the morning to do some Fantasyland rides before going to the airport. I went to the front desk around 6 a.m. and a cast member was easily able to change my park reservation.

 

[maleficent55]

Standard rooms are generally the odd numbered rooms in the X101-X133 and X201-X239 (X is the floor number). They face Disneyland Dr. 101-111 are relatively close to the elevators. And I don't necessarily agree with requesting a room near the Napa elevators, because if you are coming from Disneyland or DTD, it is a longer walk. It is closer to the DCA entrance/exit.

Rooms closer to Napa elevators are generally Courtyard or Woods views, pool views, or theme park views (partial or full.)

Thank you for all the detail!