Grand Californian Super Thread

[Sherry E]

The problem with last August you could not find any of those wonderful chairs open.

Jack

I remember you said that in another thread, Jack - in fact, the way you put it was really funny and I was giggling about it. What was it you said? Something about how you didn't want to have to wait around for an hour just to sit down or something? I am paraphrasing you, but it was along those lines!! You make an excellent point there! The wondrous chairs (which don't look all that spectacular at a glance) in the GCH lobby are not really worth waiting around for - simply for the pleasure of sitting down. I think it is more of a lovely bonus if you just kind of happen to stumble upon a bunch of open tables and chairs and plunk down in between stops. But no, certainly you wouldn't want to lurk around, wasting time, just to pounce on a table and some chairs once they opened up. That might be rather anti-climactic!

I am guessing that all of those folks who were hogging the chairs and tables in the GCH lobby when you went in August had discovered the magical relaxing powers of the chairs and they couldn't pry themselves loose!! That's what happens - it is hard to get up out of the chairs once you have been in them for a while!

 

[Sherry E]

I don't know if this has already been mentioned in this GCH Super Thread (and if it has, forgive me for completely skipping over it!), but it just popped into my head now. One of Samantha Brown's series for the Travel Channel is called "Great Hotels." It is a rather old series out of all the ones she has done for TC (meaning like 7 years old or so), and they don't air the episodes very often anymore on Travel Channel, but she devoted a lot of episodes to Disney hotels (mostly in WDW, like the Grand Floridian, the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Beach and Yacht Club, etc.), and one full episode was devoted to the GCH!!!

Again, Travel Channel does not air Great Hotels too often anymore - they just ran about 2 weeks' worth of old episodes during the Samantha Brown 10-year anniversary on that network, but they did not re-broadcast any of the Disney hotel episodes. However, I know I have seen the "Great Hotels GCH" episode for sale on Amazon before, and you may even be able to find it on YouTube or on Hulu or something. Anyway, it seems like it would be a good thing to have, not only for informational purposes but also just for DLR souvenir purposes.

If I recall from when I first saw the "Great Hotels/GCH" show a few years ago, Samantha is walking around, talking about the woodwork in the lobby and the hearth area, the style of the decor, she's eating at Napa Rose, she's up in one of the rooms, she is standing on one of the upper levels, looking down over the lobby, etc. I would get the DVD just to have as a DLR keepsake - and besides, this is the only show that I know of that is exclusively devoted to any DLR hotel, let alone the GCH!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We have that DVD.

Jack

 

[Angel16]

I think the GCH has special, magic chairs throughout! I have not sampled the lounge chairs yet, but I don't doubt their wondrous powers because I know how seductive those chairs in the lobby/hearth area can be!! When you approach the chairs and couches in the lobby, they are rather deceptive because they don't look as though they will be all that comfy. They are not particularly squishy or soft, and they don't seem as though they would necessarily mold to your shape and provide instant relaxation.

But for some reason, once you plunk down in one of these chairs and sit there for a good 5 minutes or more (usually "more" in my case!), you find yourself not wanting to stand up again! Somehow, you and the chair have become one and the idea of having to pry yourself from it and get up again is a daunting thought. It's like they sneak up on you and relax you when you don't realize you are relaxing, and suddenly you feel like you just want to sit there all day like a lump and do nothing!! I think it's the overall vibe - the dim lighting, the comforting dark wood, the cozy fireplace, the soft piano music - that helps soothe the tired bodies and brains of many a weary visitor, and the chairs play a big role in that!!

Sherry, What a great post, you had me laughing so hard that my DH had to know what I was reading. Your description was so grafic, it made me want to run right to a chair on our first visit next month. You certainly have a wonderful way with the written word. I am looking so farward to enjoying a relaxing visit to GCH.

Has anyone heard from Sid? I am sure he is having a great time at DL/CA, but would love an update. I hope he was able to get the perfect room.




Angel16

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, What a great post, you had me laughing so hard that my DH had to know what I was reading. Your description was so grafic, it made me want to run right to a chair on our first visit next month. You certainly have a wonderful way with the written word. I am looking so farward to enjoying a relaxing visit to GCH.

Has anyone heard from Sid? I am sure he is having a great time at DL/CA, but would love an update. I hope he was able to get the perfect room.

Angel16

Thanks! I am telling you - watch out for those chairs! They will sneak up on you! You will look at them and think, "Eh...they don't look like much..." but after sitting in them for a good 10 or 15 minutes, you will find that your lower half is stuck to the chair!! That's why there are so many people just leisurely hanging around the lobby, I bet - they simply cannot get out of the chairs!

 

[knewton64]

I need help! I really really like my soda in the am while on a disney vacation and will be part of an Adventures by disney vacation tour group who will be heading up to DL & DCA area this weekend and such so I gotta ask a really Goofy ?:


Please bring me up to

 

[knewton64]

OOPS! DBLE POSTING!

I need help! I really really like my soda in the am while on a disney vacation and will be part of an Adventures by disney vacation tour group who will be heading up to DL & DCA area this weekend and such so I gotta ask a really Goofy ?:


Please bring me up to speed on this:

Q: does Disneys grand californian sell those refillable drinkng mugs like u c at WDW??? If so, how much???

If not, do they have a soda station there??

Q; Does the DIsneyland hotel have one??? (I will be staying at DGC). ANd if so, how much do they cost??


If not, what suggestions do u have for this soul who really really needs his cafeine fix in the am to get him going as I really like Dr Pepper (I am from Texas) but I get a feeling its Coca Cola this time 4 me.


P.S. like the suggestions about the chairs! I need to try them out - thanks 4 the suggestions.




T.T.F.N.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I remember you said that in another thread, Jack - in fact, the way you put it was really funny and I was giggling about it. What was it you said? Something about how you didn't want to have to wait around for an hour just to sit down or something? I am paraphrasing you, but it was along those lines!! You make an excellent point there! The wondrous chairs (which don't look all that spectacular at a glance) in the GCH lobby are not really worth waiting around for - simply for the pleasure of sitting down. I think it is more of a lovely bonus if you just kind of happen to stumble upon a bunch of open tables and chairs and plunk down in between stops. But no, certainly you wouldn't want to lurk around, wasting time, just to pounce on a table and some chairs once they opened up. That might be rather anti-climactic!

I am guessing that all of those folks who were hogging the chairs and tables in the GCH lobby when you went in August had discovered the magical relaxing powers of the chairs and they couldn't pry themselves loose!! That's what happens - it is hard to get up out of the chairs once you have been in them for a while!

One of many levels of frustration when going thru GCH to get to the room. I expected smoke from campfires, roasting weenies, etc in the lobby.

Jack

 

[blackjackdelta]

OOPS! DBLE POSTING!

I need help! I really really like my soda in the am while on a disney vacation and will be part of an Adventures by disney vacation tour group who will be heading up to DL & DCA area this weekend and such so I gotta ask a really Goofy ?:


Please bring me up to speed on this:

Q: does Disneys grand californian sell those refillable drinkng mugs like u c at WDW??? If so, how much???
A: No

If not, do they have a soda station there??
A: No
Q; Does the DIsneyland hotel have one??? (I will be staying at DGC). ANd if so, how much do they cost??
A: No


If not, what suggestions do u have for this soul who really really needs his cafeine fix in the am to get him going as I really like Dr Pepper (I am from Texas) but I get a feeling its Coca Cola this time 4 me.


P.S. like the suggestions about the chairs! I need to try them out - thanks 4 the suggestions.




T.T.F.N.

I bring a case of Dr. Pepper and put what I can in the fridge along with the DGF's diet pepsi.

Jack

 

[Juliah]

Our family would like to stay at the GC, but I am unsure what kind of room would accommodate us. There are five of us, including our two DD in wheelchairs, so we would need an accessible room with a roll-in shower with two queens and a sofa bed or day bed. Does anyone know if there are double queen rooms with a daybed that are also wheelchair accessible, or will we have to go with a villa?

Where would I find prices for the rooms and villas? Are there any discounts available for late June or early July of this year? Where might I find the latest discounts?

Also, do any of the pools at GC have the gradual "zero entry" slope for wheelchairs like some of the pools at WDW do?

Thanks very much in advance.

 

[nunzia]

OOPS! DBLE POSTING!

I need help! I really really like my soda in the am while on a disney vacation and will be part of an Adventures by disney vacation tour group who will be heading up to DL & DCA area this weekend and such so I gotta ask a really Goofy ?:


Please bring me up to speed on this:

Q: does Disneys grand californian sell those refillable drinkng mugs like u c at WDW??? If so, how much???

If not, do they have a soda station there??

Q; Does the DIsneyland hotel have one??? (I will be staying at DGC). ANd if so, how much do they cost??


If not, what suggestions do u have for this soul who really really needs his cafeine fix in the am to get him going as I really like Dr Pepper (I am from Texas) but I get a feeling its Coca Cola this time 4 me.


P.S. like the suggestions about the chairs! I need to try them out - thanks 4 the suggestions.




T.T.F.N.

I don't think they have the refillable soda things there, but could be wrong since I don't really drink soda and don't pay attention. I THINK the wonderful ABD guides have sodas in their magic snack stash that they whip out everytime you get on/off the bus...so why not just snag an extra or two, put it in the Grand's refrigerator and you'll be all set.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Our family would like to stay at the GC, but I am unsure what kind of room would accommodate us. There are five of us, including our two DD in wheelchairs, so we would need an accessible room with a roll-in shower with two queens and a sofa bed or day bed. Does anyone know if there are double queen rooms with a daybed that are also wheelchair accessible, or will we have to go with a villa?

Where would I find prices for the rooms and villas? Are there any discounts available for late June or early July of this year? Where might I find the latest discounts?

Also, do any of the pools at GC have the gradual "zero entry" slope for wheelchairs like some of the pools at WDW do?

Thanks very much in advance.

You can call the reservation number and get prices for the Villas, they are not listed on line. A 1 bedroom was listed for $1010 a night for our stay in August. You can go to Disneys website and get prices on the room. Easiest way to find out about the DQ with daybed with handicap is just to call and ask. Wish I could help more.

Jack

 

[Cinderella1122]

Than you for starting this thread! As a comando WDW vistor and first time DLR vistor, i've been a little scared by the less frequent amount of information that is readily available for the Cali parks and resorts.

This thread gave me all I needed for the GCH. I know i'm going to fall in love with the resort.

 

[drag n' fly]

We are booked for our second stay at GC and last time they had us way out in the boonies room 4 something. I almost had to call car service to get to our room Which are the closest standard rooms to the lobby? I definitely want to make a request for something a little closer this time

 

[Escape2Disney]

Juliah,

We stayed in an accessible room in September. It had 2 Queen beds and a roll-in shower. The bathroom door is wide enough to fit the chair.

That being said, it might be a bit tight for 2 people in chairs. There was no sofa, so I don't know if it'd meet your needs. When calling the hotel, I'd ask them about accessible rooms for larger families. If I remember correctly, there were other options available.

Good luck!

 

[Dopey's MIL]

Last year we asked for the DQ with daybed, did not get it. I can not see how 5 people could be comfortable especially if they are teens and adults. Very close quarters.

Jack

Just out curiosty...did you buy a package or book your hotel stay separate because you have an AP?

I have a vacation package reserved for 5 people and all it says is a standard view room. However, when I booked it the CM told me it had a daybed as well.

Now I'm worried somewhat...must call again today for clarification!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Just out curiosty...did you buy a package or book your hotel stay separate because you have an AP?

I have a vacation package reserved for 5 people and all it says is a standard view room. However, when I booked it the CM told me it had a daybed as well.

Now I'm worried somewhat...must call again today for clarification!

We bought a package through Costco and the CM put the request on our reservation. In route the day of arrival, I called the hotel and reminded them of our request. The rooms will be a bit tight for 5 people depending on the size of the people. We do not have an AP as of yet but DGF will this summer.

Jack

 

[Dopey's MIL]

We bought a package through Costco and the CM put the request on our reservation. In route the day of arrival, I called the hotel and reminded them of our request. The rooms will be a bit tight for 5 people depending on the size of the people. We do not have an AP as of yet but DGF will this summer.

Jack

It must be a first come first serve basis but I don't understand why they would allow 5 people in a room that only sleeps 4 comfortably and not have a rollaway.

I'll call and post what I'm told...thanks Jack

 

[blackjackdelta]

It must be a first come first serve basis but I don't understand why they would allow 5 people in a room that only sleeps 4 comfortably and not have a rollaway.

I'll call and post what I'm told...thanks Jack

From what I have been told you can sleep 5, they will give you a sleeping bag for the 5th and the rooms are not assigned until you arrive. If all are taken before you arrive.... you can always ask to be moved if there is an opening. The standards are just no overly large and we travel with 4 or 6 so that is why we opted for the Villas rental this time, my DGF's splurge.

Jack

 

[Dopey's MIL]

From what I have been told you can sleep 5, they will give you a sleeping bag for the 5th and the rooms are not assigned until you arrive. If all are taken before you arrive.... you can always ask to be moved if there is an opening. The standards are just no overly large and we travel with 4 or 6 so that is why we opted for the Villas rental this time, my DGF's splurge.

Jack

I stayed at DGC when it was a month new with 3 other adults...loved everything about it. Haven't experienced it with kids yet...as far as the Villas are concerned if I could sell my Worldmark membership I'd opt for the Disney vacation villas myself. It's not in the budget this year unfortunately.

Moving into another room is an option but once settled...probably not worth it.