Grand Californian Super Thread

[Pluto468]

We didn't care for it, just because it was down two hallways (we requested to be close to the Napa Rose elevators) and it was pretty loud even with the sliding door closed from the music in the park late at night. I think that hallway/section is just in a weird location.

I've seen some people get right over the GCH entrance into DCA with this room category, which we would have really enjoyed I think for people watching. The courtyard might have even been fun, but we live near the mountains and get the beautiful trees out here so it isn't as special of a view lol

I think if we do the GCH again, we would just want to be as close as we can to the elevators and not care so much about the view.

Thanks for the explanation. I always thought the view would be pretty cool in the courtyard rooms, especially if we can see the Monorail. But..I always like a shorter walk!

 

[tink89]

We have been upgraded on about 50% of our stays across Disney resort properties. They never mention it at check iin. Once was to a literal SUITE in the Fantasyland Tower of the Disneyland Hotel, once was to a Boardwalk View Club Level room, and once was to a water view club level room at Yacht Club. We had booked standard views each of those times. GCH upgraded us to a Courtyard view on our first stay and that is how I fell in love with that category.

you know what i just remember that the trip before this we were upgraded to woods/courtyard view because i had booked a standard room.

 

[DizMe]

I've often been upgraded. I love the courtyard rooms but only if they're not far from an elevator. That's my prime consideration: proximity to an elevator. I don't spend enough time in the room to care much about the view and I've never really had a bad one. I nearly always book a standard room.

 

[Disneysince82]

Just curious for those getting upgraded is there a time of year that it is usually happening? We are going in December & booking an already a 2 bedroom family suite but considering adding on a 1 bedroom suite at GCH to the visit. I imagine because it is December I doubt there is any chance of getting upgraded.

 

[tink89]

Just curious for those getting upgraded is there a time of year that it is usually happening? We are going in December & booking an already a 2 bedroom family suite but considering adding on a 1 bedroom suite at GCH to the visit. I imagine because it is December I doubt there is any chance of getting upgraded.

Last time booked standard room upgraded to woods/courtyard was in august. And this recent upgrade to a pool view was last month

 

[Pluto468]

I've often been upgraded. I love the courtyard rooms but only if they're not far from an elevator. That's my prime consideration: proximity to an elevator. I don't spend enough time in the room to care much about the view and I've never really had a bad one. I nearly always book a standard room.

I'm going to copy you lol. Remind me which elevator you ask to be near...?

 

[DizMe]

I'm going to copy you lol. Remind me which elevator you ask to be near...?

I don't really care! The main elevator bank that comes out at the lobby is nice because there are so many elevators and it's centrally located. But I also love being near the one that's located in the wing above Napa Rose! That bank is kind of private, has it's own little lobby on the ground floor (just past Storyteller's as you're heading out of the hotel), and is a very nice way to get to the pool area without trekking through the main lobby. That's especially nice when you're in a wet swimsuit. There is also an elevator bank down the DVC wing, I believe, but I've not used it that I can remember. If you look on the linked map you can see where the elevators are as they're marked with an E. If you see AED, that means there is a defibrillator there. https://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/images/resortmaps/DL_DGCHMap.pdf

 

[OKW Lover]

My son rents a scooter for me every time we go to Disneyland. It is from an off-site company that delivers it to the hotel before your arrival. I'm not sure Disney rents them. Maybe call the hotel directly to ask. The bell captain stores it with the luggage and makes sure it is charged each night. I couldn't make it without the scooter. It's great!

Thanks for the response. I'm sure others will find it helpful.

We have rented a scooter from an outside company for several trips now. I'm trying to avoid that as this will be a very brief visit and the scooter will only be needed for a couple of park-visit days.

 

[Pluto468]

I don't really care! The main elevator bank that comes out at the lobby is nice because there are so many elevators and it's centrally located. But I also love being near the one that's located in the wing above Napa Rose! That bank is kind of private, has it's own little lobby on the ground floor (just past Storyteller's as you're heading out of the hotel), and is a very nice way to get to the pool area without trekking through the main lobby. That's especially nice when you're in a wet swimsuit. There is also an elevator bank down the DVC wing, I believe, but I've not used it that I can remember. If you look on the linked map you can see where the elevators are as they're marked with an E. If you see AED, that means there is a defibrillator there. https://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/images/resortmaps/DL_DGCHMap.pdf

Thanks! It seems like I can't go wrong requesting either elevator bank.

 

[DLgal]

Just curious for those getting upgraded is there a time of year that it is usually happening? We are going in December & booking an already a 2 bedroom family suite but considering adding on a 1 bedroom suite at GCH to the visit. I imagine because it is December I doubt there is any chance of getting upgraded.

The best chance for getting an upgrade is to book a standard room. Hotels routinely sell out that category and have occupany in other, higher priced categories. It is easier to get people to book the lowest rate possible, so they "oversell" the standard category and then upgrade people as needed.

It's rare to get an upgrade from one premium category to another.

If you book a suite, you are getting the exact room type you booked, as there are so few of those. They don't oversell that category, ever.

 

[joseph821]

The best chance for getting an upgrade is to book a standard room. Hotels routinely sell out that category and have occupany in other, higher priced categories. It is easier to get people to book the lowest rate possible, so they "oversell" the standard category and then upgrade people as needed.

It's rare to get an upgrade from one premium category to another.

If you book a suite, you are getting the exact room type you booked, as there are so few of those. They don't oversell that category, ever.

Is it possible to be upgraded to club level when you have a premium view room at GCH? This happened twice for me at DLH stats when I had a premium view downtown Disney view room? I suspect this rarely happens.

 

[DLgal]

Is it possible to be upgraded to club level when you have a premium view room at GCH? This happened twice for me at DLH stats when I had a premium view downtown Disney view room? I suspect this rarely happens.

Of course it's possible, but not as likely as an upgrade from a booked standard view room.

 

[mmmears]

Pardon the newbie question but it's been a few years since I've stayed at the GCH. If we book club level, will the concierge people there help me learn about and book any restaurants or dessert parties (or whatever they are doing there now)? Or would I still have to do it all myself?

 

[Pluto468]

Pardon the newbie question but it's been a few years since I've stayed at the GCH. If we book club level, will the concierge people there help me learn about and book any restaurants or dessert parties (or whatever they are doing there now)? Or would I still have to do it all myself?

You'll need to do it yourself ahead of time. But, if once you're at the park there's a reservation you didn't get they might be able to help you get a same day reservation if one has opened up.

 

[mmmears]

You'll need to do it yourself ahead of time. But, if once you're at the park there's a reservation you didn't get they might be able to help you get a same day reservation if one has opened up.

Oh well, I was hoping they would help like they do at WDW. Normally I would be excited to do it all myself, but it's been so long that I know pretty much nothing and I'm not even sure where to begin. I'll either do the research myself or postpone our trip yet again. It's a bit overwhelming.

 

[Pluto468]

Oh well, I was hoping they would help like they do at WDW. Normally I would be excited to do it all myself, but it's been so long that I know pretty much nothing and I'm not even sure where to begin. I'll either do the research myself or postpone our trip yet again. It's a bit overwhelming.

You book each day of your trip separately, 60 days out. Reservations open online at 6am PST, but if you're staying at the Grand they'll open earlier for you, between 4am and 5am I think. When I stay on property I always get the reservations I want because of that head start.

I know it can be overwhelming, but once you know which reservations you want the process is pretty simple.

 

[mmmears]

You book each day of your trip separately, 60 days out. Reservations open online at 6am PST, but if you're staying at the Grand they'll open earlier for you, between 4am and 5am I think. When I stay on property I always get the reservations I want because of that head start.

I know it can be overwhelming, but once you know which reservations you want the process is pretty simple.

Thanks so much. This is actually really helpful information. It stinks to go from knowing how to do it all to being someone who knows practically nothing. Things have changed so much in the last 10 years.

 

[mmmears]

Is there any reason to book the room with the tickets included? I've always booked room only in the past and then figured out the tickets later since it didn't matter, but I'm not sure if it's still the same.

 

[Pluto468]

Is there any reason to book the room with the tickets included? I've always booked room only in the past and then figured out the tickets later since it didn't matter, but I'm not sure if it's still the same.

Thanks so much. This is actually really helpful information. It stinks to go from knowing how to do it all to being someone who knows practically nothing. Things have changed so much in the last 10 years.

It sure is different! I miss the old days—just wandering in without any reservations at all. I never used to bother with any besides the occasional character meal.

I usually book everything separately, but I know others like to book a package. I don't think there are any extra benefits to booking them together. Maybe someone else will chime in who has done it that way.

 

[mmmears]

It sure is different! I miss the old days—just wandering in without any reservations at all. I never used to bother with any besides the occasional character meal.

I usually book everything separately, but I know others like to book a package. I don't think there are any extra benefits to booking them together. Maybe someone else will chime in who has done it that way.

Thanks. I like the cancellation policy on the room-only booking because I'm just in the planning stages now and I'm not 100% sure I can go yet. I just checked for park hours and ride closures and I guess it's too far out to get any of that information.