Grand Californian Super Thread

[DizMe]

This will be my first stay. Going for a conference which is a "standard" room. Any room location/type requests I should make?

I almost always book a standard room and I request something close to an elevator, either main lobby or Napa Rose wing. The views are all pretty nice IMO but more important for me is not having a long, long walk to the elevator!

 

[evilmommie]

Spring looks beautiful on the Grand Californian!

 

[irlandaise]

The Westin is not a good comparison. Look at the Awahnee Hotel in Yosemite, the Beverly Hills Hotel, most lobbies in Las Vegas. Many people go to these places just to soak up the ambiance.

Blue Bayou and Trader Sam’s do not have plenty of tables. Servers lose money by people not ordering food and just sitting at their tables, so also not comparable to a hotel lobby.

BTW, I’m not advocating for free rein in the Grand Californian lobby. There have been many times I’ve wanted to sit by the fire when staying there and haven’t been able to and it would be nice if those spaces were reserved for hotel guests, but that isn’t reasonable or feasible. It’s a hotel lobby located in the middle of the Disneyland Resort. It is what it is.

I was also thinking about the Ahwahnee while reading these comments. While I have stayed there once or twice, I've also hung out a bit in the Great Lounge when staying at Yosemite Lodge. The GCH is even more enticing in that regard because in addition to being a beautiful space to hang out, it's RIGHT THERE. I doubt that as many people make the effort to go hang out at the DLH. Because the GCH is only a few steps from DCA and DTD, it's low-hanging fruit for people who want a break from the parks.

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

I almost always book a standard room and I request something close to an elevator, either main lobby or Napa Rose wing. The views are all pretty nice IMO but more important for me is not having a long, long walk to the elevator!

Same as above, coupled with close access to the ice/microwave room. ( the 3rd floor room is located around room 3105). This is a must for us because my son loves warming up any leftovers to have as a "snack".

 

[ClaraOswald]

Same as above, coupled with close access to the ice/microwave room. ( the 3rd floor room is located around room 3105). This is a must for us because my son loves warming up any leftovers to have as a "snack".

Where are there microwaves? We were on the 2nd floor and didn't see a room with a microwave in it.

 

[DizMe]

Where are there microwaves? We were on the 2nd floor and didn't see a room with a microwave in it.

They're located in the ice machine rooms. I think they tend to be corner rooms where the hallway turns.

Look on a map of the hotel for something designated as "vending room."

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

They're located in the ice machine rooms. I think they tend to be corner rooms where the hallway turns.

Look on a map of the hotel for something designated as "vending room."

Yes, thanks, DizMe. It's been a busy day..

 

[ClaraOswald]

They're located in the ice machine rooms. I think they tend to be corner rooms where the hallway turns.

Look on a map of the hotel for something designated as "vending room."

Thanks. My husband looked in one near our room but no microwave. Maybe because we were near the DVC rooms?

 

[DizMe]

Thanks. My husband looked in one near our room but no microwave. Maybe because we were near the DVC rooms?

I'm sorry; I don't know the answer but perhaps they are only in *certain* vending rooms. I know there was one near our room on the 4th floor next to the lobby elevators. I figured they would have them in all the vending rooms!

 

[Kateksf]

Hi all,
Got a wild hair and was able to snag a club level GCH stay for a quickie visit Mar 16-18. We were just there in August 2022 for our first family visit and we had such a great time that, well, you know... I think we may have caught the Disney bug.

Questions for you experts:
Is there anything newish in terms of club level offerings?
-Do you know if it's still just coffee from 6:30-7am, then breakfast? We'd like to get rollin' for EE!
-Do they still offer the grapefruit Sculpin IPA? I hope so, for it has become our official vacation beverage, haha.
Anything else new and interesting at GCH?

Generally speaking, I see that park-hopping starts earlier, we have new parades/shows, and the new ride (newly without a VQ)... in DCA, the food and wine fest should be fun...
Matterhorn, Haunted Mansion, and Monsters Inc were closed during our last visit - our kids will love them!
What else?!
Since the last trip was our first visit, we did EVERYTHING: WOC dessert, F! premium dinner, parade seating, etc. We'll take a more relaxed approach and will have 3-day 1-park tix with G+.

It feels nice to be back. Thanks!

By chance do you know how late you can access club lounge on checkout day?

Thank you!

 

[kristensideaoffun]

By chance do you know how late you can access club lounge on checkout day?

Thank you!

They told us 6pm but my husband’s key still worked at 7pm when he ran back in there to find a stuffy we left.

 

[Kateksf]

They told us 6pm but my husband’s key still worked at 7pm when he ran back in there to find a stuffy we left.

Awesome! Thank you

 

[tankgirl!]

Does anyone know the best way to give feedback directly to the management at GCH? We just returned from an unsatisfactory stay and I wanted to offer some suggestions. I filled out the survey they sent but I wasn't sure if it would reach the folks in charge. Thanks!

 

[RoseColored97]

Reach out to the front desk and ask to speak with the hotel manager. They'll pass along your information (phone number, name, brief explanation) and he will call you back personally.

 

[Kateksf]

Does anyone know the best way to give feedback directly to the management at GCH? We just returned from an unsatisfactory stay and I wanted to offer some suggestions. I filled out the survey they sent but I wasn't sure if it would reach the folks in charge. Thanks!

I’m Going in a few weeks. Why was it a poor experience?

 

[Indie7]

I’m Going in a few weeks. Why was it a poor experience?

Same. We’re heading there for a week’s stay soon. Would love to hear.

 

[Becx N Gav]

Anyone who has stayed in a 1 bedroom villa and used the beds in the living area, how comfortable are they? Thanks

 

[pindecisive]

After looking up the prices for GCH for a couple days in April, Hotels.com has their rooms for $300-$500 cheaper than the Disney site. Anyone had an issues booking through Hotels.com? Is magical morning still included, or any issues linking the reservation to your account?

 

[ClaraOswald]

$300-$500 cheaper?! That has to be a glitch, right?

 

[DizMe]

After looking up the prices for GCH for a couple days in April, Hotels.com has their rooms for $300-$500 cheaper than the Disney site. Anyone had an issues booking through Hotels.com? Is magical morning still included, or any issues linking the reservation to your account?

Something isn't right about that discrepancy. Are you comparing the same room type? Sometimes, certain room types aren't available on the Disneyland site and if all they have is a suite, for instance, it's going to come up as a very expensive room price, whereas other sites may still have some of the cheaper room on those dates.

Also, are you sure you're looking at the same hotel on Hotels.com (like the Grand Legacy compared to the Grand Californian)?

ETA: Are you talking about total cost or per night? I was thinking per night. I've gotten pretty good deals sometimes through other booking sites and saving $300-500 on a couple of nights would be a nice savings for sure! If it's refundable, I'd book it!