Grand Californian Super Thread

[franandaj]

Do they have someone that comes around when your poolside and can take orders for drinks/snacks/food? Is that allowed in the pool area?

When I was there, they were quite busy running around filling all the order, I believe that you could get anything from Whitewater snacks and the bar.

 

[fidoprincess]

Has anyone rented one of the Cabanas? What was included? Waterbottles and ? Are there some locations that are preferable than others? Thanks.

 

[sierranevada]

Has anyone rented one of the Cabanas? What was included? Waterbottles and ? Are there some locations that are preferable than others? Thanks.

We did it last month and it was a blast! There are 5 comfy chairs, coffee table, end table, credenza with shelves, small safe and a small mini fridge with a fruit plate and some bottle waters. It also has a ceiling fan and 42" flat screen TV with lots of towels. They refresh the towels about half way through your time. The 2 lounge chairs with umbrella in front are also yours and we pulled up a few more. The are all next to each other so no preferred spot.

We put our stuff in the cabana, gave our food and drink orders to the waiter and went into DCA to ride GRR with our FP's - got soaked and loved it!

It was a great way to spend some pool time!

(Seems like I am following you around on different threads!)

 

[fidoprincess]

Yes, Sierra, you just had the trip I am trying to plan! It really is nice of you to stick around after your trip and answer questions.

Where are the cabanas? Will I be able to see the kids on the pool slide from there? I thought they were by the pool without the slide where people can smoke. Did you rent it for a half or whole day? I guess half is either 10-2 or 2-6 so I would think the later one would be best when it gets so hot. Did you reserve in advance or just that morning? Were they all rented? Someone said the pool is so full they couldn't find a seat so I was thinking a cabana would be like saving a seat and might be nice to hang out and order a meal too. Do you remember the prices? I saw them once but can't find it now but I thought it was reasonable compared to Vegas.

Thanks again and oh, did you do anything else I would love?

 

[sierranevada]

Yes, Sierra, you just had the trip I am trying to plan! It really is nice of you to stick around after your trip and answer questions.

Where are the cabanas? Will I be able to see the kids on the pool slide from there? I thought they were by the pool without the slide where people can smoke. Did you rent it for a half or whole day? I guess half is either 10-2 or 2-6 so I would think the later one would be best when it gets so hot. Did you reserve in advance or just that morning? Were they all rented? Someone said the pool is so full they couldn't find a seat so I was thinking a cabana would be like saving a seat and might be nice to hang out and order a meal too. Do you remember the prices? I saw them once but can't find it now but I thought it was reasonable compared to Vegas.

Thanks again and oh, did you do anything else I would love?

The cabanas are at the newest pool by the villas. We could see the slide from them. We rented for the half day - 2pm to 6 pm and it was $110 - I believe it is $180 for the full day. We reserved about 2 weeks in advance but that was just because I had vacation planning make all my reservations for me and it was easy to send them an email to add the cabana. When we were there, they still had some availability but not sure if it is going to change as the summer progresses.

My favorites were World of Color (did the dining package at Ariel's Grotto) and Napa Rose - love, love love that restaurant!

Have a great time!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

We did it last month and it was a blast! There are 5 comfy chairs, coffee table, end table, credenza with shelves, small safe and a small mini fridge with a fruit plate and some bottle waters. It also has a ceiling fan and 42" flat screen TV with lots of towels. They refresh the towels about half way through your time. The 2 lounge chairs with umbrella in front are also yours and we pulled up a few more. The are all next to each other so no preferred spot.

We put our stuff in the cabana, gave our food and drink orders to the waiter and went into DCA to ride GRR with our FP's - got soaked and loved it!

It was a great way to spend some pool time!

(Seems like I am following you around on different threads!)

Were all the cabanas being used that afternoon? It sounds as though you definitely thought it was worthwhile to rent one. Since my mom and dad may be visiting for one afternoon, I'm seriously considering this since it sounds like it would be about their speed (they aren't park people ).

 

[fidoprincess]

Thanks again, yes, that is the price I saw but I don't know that pool at all. When I ask if you can see the slide from there, I mean could you see if your kid was drowning at the bottom and run to save them? I guess it depends on which cabana you get?

I will have to rethink the WOC plans because people really like the dining plan at Ariels. Our trouble is that the kids don't like the looks of the menu and since they are 10 and 11, they HAVE to order from the adult menu. I asked today if we could pay the adult price and order from the kids menu and they said no.

After that, I just figured we would be okay just doing the FP early entry from the hotel but now I am not sure since I am not guaranteed to get at least yellow even if we are in the first bunch, hmmm.

What did you have a Napa Rose? I just checked the menu and it looks good and surprisingly, there are a lot of choices for the kids for cheap prices so I might add that in, maybe on the night we are going to do WOC if we don't do Ariel's. I still have a month to go but had to decide on the Fantasmic seating so I did call that and some dining reservations into Vacation Planning today. They said they would call Sat to let me know if they could get them.

Thanks again for everything! Good thing my kids are away camping, dd with Girl Scouts and ds with family friends, or I would not have been able to do all the research and phone calls to make reservations today! I have been on these boards almost all day. Thank goodness for the internet or we would be missing so muc.

 

[sierranevada]

Were all the cabanas being used that afternoon? It sounds as though you definitely thought it was worthwhile to rent one. Since my mom and dad may be visiting for one afternoon, I'm seriously considering this since it sounds like it would be about their speed (they aren't park people ).

When we were there, 3 of the 4 were rented out. We really enjoyed it.

 

[sierranevada]

Thanks again, yes, that is the price I saw but I don't know that pool at all. When I ask if you can see the slide from there, I mean could you see if your kid was drowning at the bottom and run to save them? I guess it depends on which cabana you get?

I will have to rethink the WOC plans because people really like the dining plan at Ariels. Our trouble is that the kids don't like the looks of the menu and since they are 10 and 11, they HAVE to order from the adult menu. I asked today if we could pay the adult price and order from the kids menu and they said no.

After that, I just figured we would be okay just doing the FP early entry from the hotel but now I am not sure since I am not guaranteed to get at least yellow even if we are in the first bunch, hmmm.

What did you have a Napa Rose? I just checked the menu and it looks good and surprisingly, there are a lot of choices for the kids for cheap prices so I might add that in, maybe on the night we are going to do WOC if we don't do Ariel's. I still have a month to go but had to decide on the Fantasmic seating so I did call that and some dining reservations into Vacation Planning today. They said they would call Sat to let me know if they could get them.

Thanks again for everything! Good thing my kids are away camping, dd with Girl Scouts and ds with family friends, or I would not have been able to do all the research and phone calls to make reservations today! I have been on these boards almost all day. Thank goodness for the internet or we would be missing so muc.

You could see you child go down the slide but they have sooo many lifeguards there and they are very serious about watching the pool. We stopped one to ask for a bandaid and before he could turn to answer us, he had to signal another lifeguard that he was taking his eyes away from watching. I have always felt extremely safe at all the DLR pools.

Ariels - we had 3 boys in our group, 2 had the tri tip which they loved and one had the pasta which was good but slightly spicy. I have been told that you can order the pasta with just butter and parmesan if any of your kids would like that.

Napa Rose - this time I had the salmon but I usually have them do the scallop appetizer as a main entree for me (love scallops!). My son has always loved the kid's filet - very tender.

I have always used vacation planning to get the Fantasmic! tickets and they have never not been able to get them for me - you will love it!

 

[monami7]

I just booke the GC for the first time for Aug 21 - 24. We were booked at DLR but I got spooked by the pool construction.
I am so excited to stay at the GC!!!!

Quick Question. How do you get the bunk beds? We have a party of 5 and are currently in a standard view.
Thanks
Heidi

 

[lffam]

does anyone know if there's is any special viewing options/locations for WOC if you are staying in the Villas? or would it be the same as all in GCH with the fastpass - not that i am entirely sure what the fastpass gets you for WOC!!



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51 days to go!

 

[fidoprincess]

SierraNevada, Thanks again for so much help. VP told me they now have 75 seats for Fantasmic. Did you see that many? Maybe it is not as "new" as I thought. I am going to reconsider Napa Rose now that I found the children's menu. It really has a lot of choices for kids and they are not expensive at all. Everyone raves about the food. We might do it the first night when we get there. I am still "tweaking" our reservations and waiting to see how WOC is working out for people. So far, I think we will do the guest FP and then bring ponchos and get wet. Heck, we can always pop back into the hotel to dry off but that seems to be the best chance to get good views if you have short people.

Does anyone know anything about these 2 things? What is included in the packages? Where and what you do?
for Hotel Guests Only:
Be Your Own Super Star (1hour)
Join the talent agents and studio stylists at Disney Studio 365 as they help you, the “Stars of Tomorrow”, undergo a complete transformation getting you camera-ready to walk the PURPLE carpet and prepare you for your grand adventure onto the set. In addition, participating “Super Stars” receive a complimentary gift during their experience. The cost for this activity is $39.95. Sign-ups are required. This is an exclusive experience for our Hotel Guests and space is limited. Please contact Guest Services for availability.

This sounds perfect for 2 10 year old girls!

OR
Princess/Knights Magical Hour (1 hour)
Eight (8) Princesses and Knights will join our Fairy Godmothers in Training for a magical hour of transformations and activities. In addition, participating “Princesses & Knights” receive a complimentary gift during their experience. Children must be at least 3 yrs old to participate. Sign-ups are required as space is very limited for this exclusive experience. Please contact Guest Services for availability. The cost for this activity is $44.95 for the Princesses and $14.95 for the Princes (prices do not include tax).
(I noticed this is always on the magic morning early entry days? might be too young for our girls?)

Has anyone done the 7:45 Power Walk in CA?

Any other exclusives that you recommend? Grand Quest? Towel Animal class? etc.

We have done the BAB and LOVED it. If you have little kids and plan to go there anyway, take advantage of this! (For DLH and PP guests too):
Build-A-Bear Workshop (1 hour)
Come join the fun and create a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Downtown® Disney. This unique experience includes a customized bear that you create, a beary special gift, and exclusive shopping time-all hosted by your class's personal "Bear Builder". Minimum bear purchase to participate is $10.00. (Additional accessories and/or larger bears are available for purchase at the Workshop) You must sign up with Guest Services in order to reserve your spot. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

As far as I know, bab needs to be reserved before you get there to assure you get to do it on the day you want. Don't pick an early entry day because it will run into that time. Good to do on the day you leave!

 

[sierranevada]

They may have increased the seats to 75 when they closed the balcony but I did not think that the seating for F! was crowded at all - it is nicely spread out.

I don't know info on the two packages you are asking about - my son is too old for those now. But I do highly recommend the Grand Quest - it is fun, short and everyone gets a cookie at the end! Keep thinking about Napa Rose - it is my favorite!

 

[sierranevada]

does anyone know if there's is any special viewing options/locations for WOC if you are staying in the Villas? or would it be the same as all in GCH with the fastpass - not that i am entirely sure what the fastpass gets you for WOC!!



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51 days to go!

There is the viewing area on the roof for villa guests but it is not the best view. You can request a Paradise Pier view but that is not guaranteed. The fastpass option will get you into the "reserved viewing area" - the color is random when you put in your fastpass. The reserved viewing area is the best, IMHO.

 

[Tikestoublie]

Wow - I thought it only seated 30 or so. No wonder I was able to get tickets. So looking forward to this.

As to the BAB - I wish my girl was still into that but at almost 13 guessing it would be Mom who was more into it.

I too am curious about the power walk. Sounds fun and like a great way to see CA without all the crowds.

 

[fidoprincess]

sierranevada, good to hear the seats are not crunched in. I found out that they added all the extra seats way back in March so they were there when you did it. I also read that people are lining up even earlier-geez.

The quest looks fun and at 4, it is a good time when we are usually taking a break from the day to get ready for the night so I think we will try for it. A cookie is a cookie!

Tikestoublie, If your daughter will be 13 when you go, people have raved about the Sephora makeovers through GCH. It does cost $45 but you get to buy make up and skin care with that money and you get some extra goodies. I haven't done it and don't know what the goodies are but people we know love it. They love Sephora though anyway.

For young girls that are just starting to wear make-up, they carry Bare Escentuals and it is very light and never garish. For $45, she could get a starter kit that lasts a long time and add a few extras in like eye and lip stuff.

Here is the description from GCH's sheet:
The Beauty Studio at Sephora (2 hours)
As a Guest of the hotel we invite you to participate in an exclusive activity created especially for you…The Beauty Studio at Sephora. During this activity, you will have the opportunity to experience our most popular brands while our Sephora experts teach you about beauty trends, seasonal looks, and new products. Whether you want to master the “Smoky Eye”, pucker up with the “Perfect Pout”, or test-drive the “Latest high-definition makeup”, our pros will show you how! Guests will receive a consultation of their choice with a beauty expert, personal shopping time, and a goodie bag. Get this beauty-full experience for a nominal fee of only $45.00. The $45.00 will be placed on a gift card to be used towards a same-day, in-store purchase. Please contact Guest Services to sign-up…space is very limited. Minimum age to participate is 13 years. Any Guest under 18 must accompanied by an adult, during the entire activity.

Since my dd is just 10, I am not sure if at 13 they really are wearing makeup yet but ds is 15 and all those girls that age are (and kind of heavy too if you ask me!) When dd starts, I am going to push for the Bare Escentuals for her.

 

[nemofans]

Princess/Knights Magical Hour (1 hour)
Eight (8) Princesses and Knights will join our Fairy Godmothers in Training for a magical hour of transformations and activities. In addition, participating “Princesses & Knights” receive a complimentary gift during their experience. Children must be at least 3 yrs old to participate. Sign-ups are required as space is very limited for this exclusive experience. Please contact Guest Services for availability. The cost for this activity is $44.95 for the Princesses and $14.95 for the Princes (prices do not include tax).

This sounds interesting! I would like to know more about this activity. My DS is big time into knights. Where do I find more info on this?

 

[BensWife]

Has anyone tried to upgrade once you get to check in? (Upgrade for free is nice, but we would be willing to pay as well.) We are going Aug 12-16. We reserved a standard room with no view. We just stayed there in June, and loved it there. My parents paid for a trip for all of us, and even got the concierge level. It was sooo wonderful. When we booked, we didn't think we could afford it, but my DH just got a quality award at work and now we might be able to afford it. Do you think we could get a deal if we upgrade when we check in, or should we call the reservation line and see about changing our reservations. We aren't 100% sure about the upgrade, because it is pretty expensive, but part of us just wants to go for it!! Any advice?

 

[BigDogMom7]

We are staying in a 1BR GVC right now. The unit is lovely. As far as WOC viewing: From the 6th floor Pier View Lounge, you can see all the colors but not the images very well. We are in a 3rd floor park view room that all can see the colors, not quite as well as the 6th floor. Villas guests get the same options as any other DLR hotel guest: enter through the special CA entrance between 9 and 9:30 to get a fastpass to view WOC, and the rest of the public is let in at 9:30 to get fastpasses.

My biggest problem is that they are still doing a 3rd showing every night (we've been here the last 2 nights). Why is that a problem? Because it is NOISY in the room, even with the doors closed. And my DH is an early-to-bed, early-to-rise type, so this is not working very well. It's not just noisy, it's LOUD. So if you want anyone in your room to be able to sleep before 11:45 pm (that's when the 3rd show ends), you are going to have a problem.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We are staying in a 1BR GVC right now. The unit is lovely. As far as WOC viewing: From the 6th floor Pier View Lounge, you can see all the colors but not the images very well. We are in a 3rd floor park view room that all can see the colors, not quite as well as the 6th floor. Villas guests get the same options as any other DLR hotel guest: enter through the special CA entrance between 9 and 9:30 to get a fastpass to view WOC, and the rest of the public is let in at 9:30 to get fastpasses.

My biggest problem is that they are still doing a 3rd showing every night (we've been here the last 2 nights). Why is that a problem? Because it is NOISY in the room, even with the doors closed. And my DH is an early-to-bed, early-to-rise type, so this is not working very well. It's not just noisy, it's LOUD. So if you want anyone in your room to be able to sleep before 11:45 pm (that's when the 3rd show ends), you are going to have a problem.

What room number are you staying in. I think you are the first ones posting that it is too noisy to sleep with the doors closed. We expect to be in a 1 bedroom next month so I would like to reference your room to the view.

Jack