Grand Californian Super Thread

[blackjackdelta]

..our concierge level room had a view of the parking lot....

That would be the room I would get.

jack

 

[BunnieGene]

The concierge rooms I've stayed in have been on the 6th floor near the lounge. I assume all the rooms are near the lounge, although some are on the 5th floor. The DTD rooms might be too far from the lounge to be used as concierge.

Our favorite room was a 6th floor theme park view (above Storytellers), with a view of both the pool and the Sun Wheel (Mikey's Fun Wheel) in the distance. This room had bunkbeds.

All the rooms are definitely NOT near the lounge...we've had some close by and some practically in Downtown Disney...

 

[DmaxHawk]

I scanned the first two pages but did not take the time to read all 12. So I may have repeat questions.

I booked a GCH room with theme park view for July. Here are my questions:

1. Which rooms and floors are considered theme park view?

2. Are there any rooms or floors I should request that are better than others?

Those are good questions, from what I've experienced, any rooms that offer any view to the park is considered a theme park view. Again, this is not set, this is only what I've seen.

Some rooms double as either a park or a pool view. Take a look at the Trip report (page 5) and you will see what I mean. When I booked, I bought a theme park view and I was expecting a room in the far east wing (rooms 333-355, 327-416, or 424-448) what we ended up getting was room 5220. This room had a main view of the pools but some of the park was visible, check the TR to see what I mean. They told me that the hotel was basically at capacity and would not be able to move me where I wanted. But when a room opened up in the area that I wanted they would move me. When I saw the view from 5220, I loved it so much that I decided to stay.

So, in short, to answer your first question, from what I've seen, any room that has somewhat of a view of the park is considered a park view.

For your second question, it depends on what your definition of "better" is. Better as is closer to elevators, better views, away from noise...I'll assume that you mean better views.

I would say the higher the better. I requested the highest floor possible outside of concierge (5th floor) and we loved it. I've heard people on here say that some of the lower level park view rooms' view have been obstructed by trees and such. So my advice, the higher the better.

As for specific rooms, I would suggest the rooms I mentioned above on the east wing. I would also recommend the rooms around 5220.

 

[nemofans]

I am planning our 2nd visit to DL & plan on staying at GC. I'm glad I found this thread b/c I need help figuring out room views & best room locations. I am guessing it's best to be close to DTD exit for access to shops, dining, & DL. We are 2 adults & 2 small kids.
What is the difference betw a standard room & a studio? Is there a big diff in rates? We like having a fridge in the room too.

 

[HydroGuy]

For your second question, it depends on what your definition of "better" is. Better as is closer to elevators, better views, away from noise...I'll assume that you mean better views.

I would say the higher the better. I requested the highest floor possible outside of concierge (5th floor) and we loved it. I've heard people on here say that some of the lower level park view rooms' view have been obstructed by trees and such. So my advice, the higher the better.

I meant better in a general sense. As in views, further from noise, closer to park entrance, etc.

When I called DLR recently and asked my #1 question and was told the rooms view GRR or PP.

If I want an unobstructed view not super far from park access points I would like to request a wing or floor or range of rooms.

 

[nunzia]

I am planning our 2nd visit to DL & plan on staying at GC. I'm glad I found this thread b/c I need help figuring out room views & best room locations. I am guessing it's best to be close to DTD exit for access to shops, dining, & DL. We are 2 adults & 2 small kids.
What is the difference betw a standard room & a studio? Is there a big diff in rates? We like having a fridge in the room too.

A standard room would be a hotel room with no special view. A studio would be a part of the Villas at the Grand Californian...part of DVC. I don't know what the rates are for studio, but if all you need is a refrigerator, then the regular hotel rooms have that.

 

[nemofans]

Oh, good. It didn't say on any of the GC info on that the standard rooms had a fridge. I know all the WDW deluxes have one, but I don't know about DL. Thanks! What kind of views do the standard room have? Which would be more preferred? I don't mind pool view or gardens view, if those are options. I just don't want parking lot or street views.
Is there another level room above standard that is not DVC or suites?

 

[blackjackdelta]

Standard views are usually courtyard, you can pay more to upgrade to a DTD or resort view. Studios were going for $810/night for the time we are staying in August, at least the last time I checked.

jack

 

[nunzia]

Standard views are usually courtyard, you can pay more to upgrade to a DTD or resort view. Studios were going for $810/night for the time we are staying in August, at least the last time I checked.

jack

Well...Holy Crap..that is ridiculous..if you can get a regular foom for under 300, how can they charge 800 for a studio which is just a little bigger and has a microwave? wow.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Well...Holy Crap..that is ridiculous..if you can get a regular foom for under 300, how can they charge 800 for a studio which is just a little bigger and has a microwave? wow.

They want $1010 for the 1 bedroom, so that would not be out of line. Not being a DVC member so I can not even check my ressie's, but I heard they were all rented out for August.

Jack

 

[nunzia]

They want $1010 for the 1 bedroom, so that would not be out of line. Not being a DVC member so I can not even check my ressie's, but I heard they were all rented out for August.

Jack

You rented points, didn't you? Did you get a copy of the confirmation?..you should have.

 

[blackjackdelta]

You rented points, didn't you? Did you get a copy of the confirmation?..you should have.

I did rent points and I did get a confirmation, but it would be nice to log in with a confirmation number and be able to check. There is a fair amount of trust involved with a non-refundable transaction. When you get old you get paranoid about these money things.

Jack

 

[ACDSNY]

I did rent points and I did get a confirmation, but it would be nice to log in with a confirmation number and be able to check. There is a fair amount of trust involved with a non-refundable transaction. When you get old you get paranoid about these money things.

Jack

I predict you'll be a DVC member in the future after staying in the villas.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I predict you'll be a DVC member in the future after staying in the villas.

We will have to see. Since we can only go once a year it will be interesting to see how this financially plans out.

Jack

 

[mysticcruiser]

Just decided to upgrade to the GCH for our trip this July. Am so excited!!

My question is, do you think it is worth the money to upgrade from a standard view room to DTD view? Don't think theme park view would be in our budget, so would you spend the additional $$ to overlook DTD or is the standard room just fine?

TIA!

 

[nunzia]

Just decided to upgrade to the GCH for our trip this July. Am so excited!!

My question is, do you think it is worth the money to upgrade from a standard view room to DTD view? Don't think theme park view would be in our budget, so would you spend the additional $$ to overlook DTD or is the standard room just fine?

TIA!

I would if you can afford it. That's just me I love the DTD view, and chose it over the park view. In fact, that's the one little bummer of staying at the villas..no DTD view. Of course, if I get that stunning Mickey's Wheel of Death view then DTD memories may fade away.
It's a really pretty view at night, and fun for people watching in the day, and sometimes you can see the fireworks at night (don't forget the music is on your TV). Also, you can hear the street musicians and it's nice to just sit on the balcony with your wine and listen to the music...ahhhhhh..

 

[mysticcruiser]

Great! This is exactly what I was looking to know! I think I will upgrade!! Woohoo!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Do you remember what floors these were on?

OK..let's see..here we go:

2001

2009

another 2009

 

[HydroGuy]

Does anyone have any pics of a theme park view on the east side of the hotel? I've seen many pics from rooms that have views of the pools or gardens and from the south side facing the park but not the east side (rooms X327-X416 or X333-X355). Would like to see how the Grizzly River looks from these rooms as well as the paths for people watching.

Thanks

I would like to see these too. Did you find any other than Nunzia's?

 

[HydroGuy]

Those are good questions, from what I've experienced, any rooms that offer any view to the park is considered a theme park view. Again, this is not set, this is only what I've seen.

Some rooms double as either a park or a pool view. Take a look at the Trip report (page 5) and you will see what I mean. When I booked, I bought a theme park view and I was expecting a room in the far east wing (rooms 333-355, 327-416, or 424-448) what we ended up getting was room 5220. This room had a main view of the pools but some of the park was visible, check the TR to see what I mean. They told me that the hotel was basically at capacity and would not be able to move me where I wanted. But when a room opened up in the area that I wanted they would move me. When I saw the view from 5220, I loved it so much that I decided to stay.

So, in short, to answer your first question, from what I've seen, any room that has somewhat of a view of the park is considered a park view.

For your second question, it depends on what your definition of "better" is. Better as is closer to elevators, better views, away from noise...I'll assume that you mean better views.

I would say the higher the better. I requested the highest floor possible outside of concierge (5th floor) and we loved it. I've heard people on here say that some of the lower level park view rooms' view have been obstructed by trees and such. So my advice, the higher the better.

As for specific rooms, I would suggest the rooms I mentioned above on the east wing. I would also recommend the rooms around 5220.

Thanks Sal. I just finished reading all 298 posts in this thread. Thanks for putting this info together and updating the OP.

To recap, I splurged for the upgrade to theme park view. But I want to request some specific rooms.

Based on all I read here I think I will request 5th floor and the rooms on the east wing. Preferably near the elevator.

Also, I will summarize what I think this means for park access. Anyone with a different experience please advise/correct me!

Assuming we get an east wing room...

1. For going to DL we can walk out the "locked door" by room 1447. See http://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

The shortest walking distance between a room in the Grand Californian Hotel and the middle of the Esplanade is about 600 feet (link. Looking at that route, some of you may be perplexed about how it is done. That is because most people are unaware of a locked exit at the far end of the hotel wing nearest Disneyland.

2. For going to and from DCA we can just use the special DCA entrance. This is near the elevators in the east wing.

3. For returning to GCH from DL we will use the DTD entrance - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=88770