Grand Californian Super Thread

[meg8182000]

I have done some searching for hotel rates (I don't have anymore points, besides I keep reading that it would be easier at a hotel closer to the convention center). So I am seriously considering on going. I think my biggest obstacle is DH. I am already going to Tenn next month for a horse event. I think he will be ok with it. I just got to time it right .

I'm glad that some others who actually went to the 09 Expo have come in and given you some advise as I didn't go to the last one. I'm real excited about this year's though. I'm using points to stay at the GCV for a few days prior to the Expo and then moving over to the Hilton for the days at the Expo. The Hilton is right next to the convention center so very convenient.

 

[Nonsuch]

I asked the wife and that is what she said, so you are probably correct.

I have posted these pdf files before, but in case anyone has missed them:
VGC floorplan (6 pages)
VGC floorplan (1 page)

 

[Yukonjack]

I asked the wife and that is what she said, so you are probably correct.

Thanks

Jack

Anyone know whether there is a studio with a great view like that? We are checking in early on our first day and I would like to be ready with my requests for room location (knowing that it is far from guaranteed).

 

[blackjackdelta]

Anyone know whether there is a studio with a great view like that? We are checking in early on our first day and I would like to be ready with my requests for room location (knowing that it is far from guaranteed).

Look at the maps that nonsuch posted, we were in 3508(1 bedroom) the smaller blocks on the map are the studios. i think you can reference from there.

Jack

 

[funatdisney]

I have posted these pdf files before, but in case anyone has missed them:
VGC floorplan (6 pages)
VGC floorplan (1 page)

Thank you, Nonsuch. Do you mind if I save it to refer to later?

 

[gweeptrish]

I apologize if this is answered else. I've searched the forum using every term I can think on and not found an answer.

Does the Grand Californian have advance on-line checkin?

 

[funatdisney]

I'm glad that some others who actually went to the 09 Expo have come in and given you some advise as I didn't go to the last one. I'm real excited about this year's though. I'm using points to stay at the GCV for a few days prior to the Expo and then moving over to the Hilton for the days at the Expo. The Hilton is right next to the convention center so very convenient.

Well DH didn't have a problem with it, so I am going!I have narrowed down to two choices: the Hilton or the Marriot. I am going to decide today so I can book a room. I will also buy my ticket.

 

[Nonsuch]

Anyone know whether there is a studio with a great view like that? We are checking in early on our first day and I would like to be ready with my requests for room location (knowing that it is far from guaranteed).

The studios are attached to the 1 bedroom villas, so they share a similar view. I would avoid villas x510, since the view is partially blocked.
6504 would be my first choice.

You might want to email DVC Member Services with your room request.
Give them a list: 6504. 5504, 4504, 3504, 2520, 2504, 5510, 4510, 3510, 2510

I think early checkin helps get a better room, but make it clear to registration that you are willing to wait for a better view.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I apologize if this is answered else. I've searched the forum using every term I can think on and not found an answer.

Does the Grand Californian have advance on-line checkin?

Not that I have heard of, but I did hear that you can check in via phone on the day of arrival but not before. Really have not been able to validate that though.

Jack

 

[Nonsuch]

Thank you, Nonsuch. Do you mind if I save it to refer to later?

Of course, you may save the files.
I made them to be shared

 

[funatdisney]

Thank you, nonsuch! They are well done and easy to read. They will come in handy for future visits, which I plan on many many more to come.

 

[Snurk71]

We haven't been to the GC since they finished VGC. Looking at Nonsuch's floor layout, did they add a bunch of cash rooms to the VGC wing/building too?

We're in a dedicated 2BR in March. It looks like 3522 would rock!!

 

[franandaj]

Anyone know whether there is a studio with a great view like that? We are checking in early on our first day and I would like to be ready with my requests for room location (knowing that it is far from guaranteed).

The standard request is Park View, high floor. If you request a specific room number, it might not be available when you check in. Any studio ending in 04 above the third floor has a pretty good view. All the rooms on that side of the building besides the first two floors are great!

 

[alieila]

I am a WDW nut and the Wilderness Lodge is my 1st choice resort. Has anyone stayed at both the WL and the GC and how do they compare? Going in July... feel like I would be cheating on WL if I stayed at GC lol...
Jill

We are WL freaks and I've booked the GCH! So I can report back in March for you!

To all:

Hubby's 50th Birthday, it's a surprise trip to DL (technically a few days early from it)! I got just a Standard View (Concierge Service), spoiled by WDW WL CL that I had to get this as well! Question, I want this to be a Spectacular trip! So does a CM contact us when you reserve Concierge? I see Mixed reviews on this! Trying to figure out what else I need to do! Last time we were at DL was on Nov 2009 (I know it's on my signature). When I have WL CL I was able to email back and forth with the CL people to make it special for me and my family, but don't see this option for GCH. I'm looking forward to seeing the shock on hubby's face when he realizes what I booked on his birthday! (Luckily he doesn't know I go on these message boards!)

Is there anything else I should plan for the 50th?

It's great to see that people got in early for the Concierge, as we are landing around 9AM in Orange County.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

We are WL freaks and I've booked the GCH! So I can report back in March for you!

To all:

Hubby's 50th Birthday, it's a surprise trip to DL (technically a few days early from it)! I got just a Standard View (Concierge Service), spoiled by WDW WL CL that I had to get this as well! Question, I want this to be a Spectacular trip! So does a CM contact us when you reserve Concierge? I see Mixed reviews on this! Trying to figure out what else I need to do! Last time we were at DL was on Nov 2009 (I know it's on my signature). When I have WL CL I was able to email back and forth with the CL people to make it special for me and my family, but don't see this option for GCH. I'm looking forward to seeing the shock on hubby's face when he realizes what I booked on his birthday! (Luckily he doesn't know I go on these message boards!)

Is there anything else I should plan for the 50th?

It's great to see that people got in early for the Concierge, as we are landing around 9AM in Orange County.

DL concierge doesn't seem to offer the services ahead of time like WDW. You won't be contacted by a CM. That said, we love the GCH concierge lounge. You will be able to access the lounge as soon as you check in, even if your room isn't ready. Most likely someone will walk you from the front desk up to the lounge to introduce you to the lounge CMs.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Looking at Nonsuch's floor layout, did they add a bunch of cash rooms to the VGC wing/building too?

200 regular hotel rooms were added as part of the VGC expansion, a few of those rooms are in the VGC wing (x503, 1511,1513).
Some of the new hotels rooms are very close to Goofy's Sky School (Mulholland Madness) -- the coaster could fly off the track and land in a hotel balcony

We're in a dedicated 2BR in March. It looks like 3522 would rock!!

3522 should be a great room
Some large trees were planted in the narrow path next to the park fence, so there could be some partial obstruction. Of course a 2 bedroom has 2 balconies and a large window, there will be a great view

 

[blackjackdelta]

This is a repost, and I am sure every knows that while you have reservations at the 3 resort hotels you can use vacation planning to make most of your reservations.

Vacation Planning Office
1-714/300-7520 (for guests staying at the Disneyland Resort Hotels)
Or email them at vacationplanning@disneyonline.com


They have been life savers and they do the work and send you an itinerary.

Jack

 

[alieila]

DL concierge doesn't seem to offer the services ahead of time like WDW. You won't be contacted by a CM. That said, we love the GCH concierge lounge. You will be able to access the lounge as soon as you check in, even if your room isn't ready. Most likely someone will walk you from the front desk up to the lounge to introduce you to the lounge CMs.

Yeah, we were really spoiled by WDW WL CMs that I figured I'd try GCH! We are taking the Motor Coach in from SNA, has anyone taken this? I'm worried that the bus would state which hotel we are going to and really want to keep it a secret till we get to the Hotel, as well, I don't want to wait in the "General Line" can't I just go up to the Bell hop to get to the Concierge Level like we did at the WDW WL?

 

[Nonsuch]

...So does a CM contact us when you reserve Concierge?.

It's been a few years since I booked concierge, but I have never been contacted. You should call Disney Dining (or vacation planning) to book dinner every night. Make sure to book premium dining for WOC.

It's great to see that people got in early for the Concierge, as we are landing around 9AM in Orange County.

Mountain View to Orange County is a a short flight (I always drive).
Concierge has a dedicated registration desk on the 6th floor, I think the car entry gate contacts concierge so someone will meet you at your car (or taxi). If this does not happen, go straight to the 6th floor to checkin (skip the line in the lobby).

 

[alieila]

I was debating the drive but that would cut into our park time! so it was best to fly! I have his boss stating we are heading to Oregon at 7AM to look at a new truck for the fleet! And have him take us 15 miles to SJC act like he's parking the car and dropping us off! And then he'll see by the time we arrive to the gate were we are going to! just hope that the bus doesn't state which hotel we are going to on the bus! he's gonna trip! He stated last time he wanted to stay at the hotel and well we are!