Grand Californian Super Thread

[blackjackdelta]

Most of the folks on the boards are not even close to my age but I found the senior discount to be better than virtually all the rates even the specials.

Jack

 

[mvf-m11c]

The $282 is a really good rate, especially for a view room. I just took a look at the AP availability calendar and it's kind of strange that the view room is LESS expensive than the standard! Who would have guessed? Especially since it's less over the weekend and then pops back up in price for a Sunday night. As for being upgraded, DH and I have stayed at the DLH twice and at the GCH once. We were upgraded to a pool view and a DTD view on our two stays at the DLH. We booked a standard room and got a standard room (nice view of the roof with a tiny peek of the pool if you stood and tilted your head just right) when we booked at the GCH.

I've heard it mentioned a few times from people who have received unasked for upgrades that a) they went during slow times (and the availability at all three resort hotels in all but one category at DLH indicates this is probably a slow time) and b) they booked well in advance. Both of those factors would make sense with the two times we received an upgrade. The DLH trips were booked about 3-4 months in advance at relatively slower, mid-week times and the GCH trip was booked about six weeks in advance over a busy weekend.

If I were in your same position, I would probably go for the one extra day in a standard room knowing that chances are I would need to be moved (but hold a tiny little flicker of hope they might keep us in the view room for our entire trip). I would probably ask on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning if they would consider letting you keep your existing room. After all, it would be less cleaning for them then having to move you to a completely new room for one night.

For our Labor Day weekend trip where all three hotels are completely booked on the Friday and Saturday nights of our stay, I'm just hoping we don't end up in a converted closet.

Thank you for your suggestions.

It would be a risk to wait the next couple of weeks and wait and see if the AP website gives a new price for the standard price. But in the next couple of days, I will possibly go with the park view for Saturday to Sunday and stay 2 nights at the GCH. I'm having thoughts of not getting the upgrade of the standard to the park view for Friday, but I will ask and see if the lobby CMs will let me do that or not. You are right that it is not as expensive as the other rooms prices on the DL website and the other websites, but to get a theme park view for that price is good and during Gay Days week.

 

[franandaj]

Thank you for your suggestions.

It would be a risk to wait the next couple of weeks and wait and see if the AP website gives a new price for the standard price. But in the next couple of days, I will possibly go with the park view for Saturday to Sunday and stay 2 nights at the GCH. I'm having thoughts of not getting the upgrade of the standard to the park view for Friday, but I will ask and see if the lobby CMs will let me do that or not. You are right that it is not as expensive as the other rooms prices on the DL website and the other websites, but to get a theme park view for that price is good and during Gay Days week.

The Gays Days rate is $225 per night...Just putting it out there

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Most of the folks on the boards are not even close to my age but I found the senior discount to be better than virtually all the rates even the specials.

Jack

But we all know you're young at heart!

Thank you for your suggestions.

It would be a risk to wait the next couple of weeks and wait and see if the AP website gives a new price for the standard price. But in the next couple of days, I will possibly go with the park view for Saturday to Sunday and stay 2 nights at the GCH. You are right that it is not as expensive as the other rooms prices on the DL website and the other websites, but to get a theme park view for that price is good and during Gay Days week.

Actually, given that it's Gay Days that week, I'm surprised it's not booking up more already now that it's only two months out. I thought that week was generally pretty busy.

What I found when they dropped the price on one of the nights of our four night stay was that we could not re-book for just that one day, but that was mostly because the hotel had completely booked out for the night of 9/4. The CM I spoke with said that if there were cancellations and the dates of our entire stay opened up and the price was better, we could call back and re-book at the better price. I think there might be a $25 change fee. It's been a moot point for my own stay as the hotels get more and more booked up over those nights.

 

[mvf-m11c]

The Gays Days rate is $225 per night...Just putting it out there

Where on the website says that the price for the GCH? That would be nice.

 

[fidoprincess]

KCMike, Thanks so much for posting the daybed room! It looks perfect for us and actually looks as big, if not bigger, than our usual DLH room with the daybed. Plus it has a nice balcony! I thought they would take out the table and chairs and put the daybed there so I am thrilled to see that you get both.

Don't worry about the mess, I am just so happy to see an actual picture. With those few tiny drawers, I don't know how 5 people wouldn't have a bit of a mess and your ds is cute sleeping like a rock. Didn't they make up the daybed for him though? I don't see any sheet on the bottom.

I just showed the girls and they are so excited. They already have it all planned out that DS has to have the daybed and they will take along the airbed or cots and put them in the space between the table and daybed so everyone has their own bed.

I hope we are lucky enough to get that room type. It really is considerably bigger than the other rooms and will suit us well. If we have to squeeze 5 of us into a 2Q room, it will not be good....I saw that the standard rooms are sold out for the day we arrive so maybe they will bump some other people up to a view and let us have the daybed room.

Thanks again and I am really enjoying all of your pics and your trip report on the other thread.

 

[franandaj]

Where on the website says that the price for the GCH? That would be nice.

Go to gaydaysanaheim.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page and there is a link for discounted accomodations. The code is on the page that pops up when you click on the link.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Actually, given that it's Gay Days that week, I'm surprised it's not booking up more already now that it's only two months out. I thought that week was generally pretty busy.

What I found when they dropped the price on one of the nights of our four night stay was that we could not re-book for just that one day, but that was mostly because the hotel had completely booked out for the night of 9/4. The CM I spoke with said that if there were cancellations and the dates of our stay opened up and the price was better, we could call back and re-book at the better price. I think there might be a $25 change fee. It's been a moot point for my own stay as the hotels get more and more booked up over those nights.

I thought that when I saw that Gay Days was the first weekend of October, I thought the rooms at the DLR would sell out, but not right now. The standard room for the DLH on Saturday Oct. 2nd is already sold out, but the Oct. 1st is not sold out. It is going to be really interesting to see how the parks will be crowded during Gay Days and the first night of MHP.

I would assume that I add another night to my stay, I wont be charged of the adding fee. It said on the sheet that you do any changes or cancellation on your reservation, you will be charged $25 for each full cost of your stay.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Go to gaydaysanaheim.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page and there is a link for discounted accomodations. The code is on the page that pops up when you click on the link.

I found it, thank you franandaj. But, is it only for the people who are participating for Gay Days or is it for everyone?

 

[blackjackdelta]

But we all know you're young at heart!

Thank you, that was very nice of you!

Jack

 

[fidoprincess]

KCMike, Dh wants me to ask you if you could hear car doors slamming all night from your room since it is above the entrance? From what I have read about the DTD rooms, the doors are heavy enough to block out most sounds so I am not concerned but thought I would check with you. Thanks again!

blackjackdelta, I think most of us here would agree that you are indeed young at heart and generous with your time helping answer so many questions!

Just curious to know how exactly you were about to get a villa if you are not a DVC member. Did you buy from a member or were you able to book directly through GCH? If hotel, did you get a senior discount because I thought that I read the villas were over $1K/night? Sorry if this is inappropriate to ask but I was thinking of our next trip and after all the stressing over hoping we don't end up with a sleeping bag, it would be really nice to have a villa! I hope you have a wonderful trip. Just 2 more weeks....

 

[mvf-m11c]

Great my 500th post and I am now a DIS Veteran.

I'm not going to talk about the Gay Days weekend discount on the GCH, I'm not going to bother of taking advantage of the discount. My question is if I add another night at the GCH and the price of a night is different than the one that I had already booked which the first night is at $228 and if I got the same room type as the first, the 2nd night would be at $342, would the DLR give me the same price for the same room? I would assume no. Because my DA wants to be in one room during our stay and don't have to move to another room the next day. Should I call GR about this situation?

 

[blackjackdelta]

KCMike, Dh wants me to ask you if you could hear car doors slamming all night from your room since it is above the entrance? From what I have read about the DTD rooms, the doors are heavy enough to block out most sounds so I am not concerned but thought I would check with you. Thanks again!

blackjackdelta, I think most of us here would agree that you are indeed young at heart and generous with your time helping answer so many questions!

Just curious to know how exactly you were about to get a villa if you are not a DVC member. Did you buy from a member or were you able to book directly through GCH? If hotel, did you get a senior discount because I thought that I read the villas were over $1K/night? Sorry if this is inappropriate to ask but I was thinking of our next trip and after all the stressing over hoping we don't end up with a sleeping bag, it would be really nice to have a villa! I hope you have a wonderful trip. Just 2 more weeks....

No discount on the Villas, we rented points and the member checks for availability and makes the reservation. We paid through paypal and got a services receipt and about 3 weeks later got a confirmation letter from the member with the DVC logo and our names. We booked at the 7 month window. A little paranoid with a chunk of $$$ going to someone I do not know. I was able to check on the reservation through V.P when we made other reservations and you are right, the 1 bedroom was over 1K a night without the taxes. I always like to try something new and different. So ask away anytime or send me a PM if you have questions that you do not want to post. Many people do.

Jack

 

[quiltymom]

Thanks for all the info. We'll be staying in the Villas the nights of 8/9-10, courtesy of a friend who is graciously renting us her points. We are so looking forward to our stay!

I have one question that I didn't see answered: are the cinnamon rolls at Whitewater the same as the ones sold at the Main Street bakery? If so, then that will be one less thing to have to do first thing in the morning.

Thanks!

 

[nunzia]

Thanks for all the info. We'll be staying in the Villas the nights of 8/9-10, courtesy of a friend who is graciously renting us her points. We are so looking forward to our stay!

I have one question that I didn't see answered: are the cinnamon rolls at Whitewater the same as the ones sold at the Main Street bakery? If so, then that will be one less thing to have to do first thing in the morning.

Thanks!

I don't know about that. but I'll tell you my DH feels his visit is not complete until he has one of those gigantuous things at WWS.

 

[fidoprincess]

Oh Jack, you were really lucky then! I heard it is almost impossible to get the villas going that route because they are so in demand by the owners. I REALLY hope you have a wonderful time, especially spending that kind of money, but I am sure the rest of your crew love you to pieces!! Are you staying for a whole week?

I can understand being nervous about sending the money through paypal. We rented for Hawaii through VRBO and until I put the key in the door and it opened, I was a nervous wreck. Be careful though! That worked out so well for us that we did it for 7 years in a row-lol. You might get hooked and buy....then you can rent me points! I'd love to see that new Hawaii VC too.

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[fidoprincess]

mvf-m11c, I forgot to add that many people take advantage of the gay day rate. They don't quiz you about being gay and people say the park is so fun at that time.

We have often added extra nights and the rate is what it is. Say you already have the one or more nights for $200ish and add the extra night for $300, that is what they will charge you. If it is the same room "type" you just ask them to link your reservations together (since you now have 2) and they will not make you move. One time we had a "bad" castmember who insisted I had to come down and check out and back in but we just ignored her and it was all fine. If the extra night is a different type, you will probably have to move (unless they are not full and they generously give you an upgrade) and that is a pain because you are basically without a room from 11-3 (and that is if your room is ready at the promised time, often it is later, like 5.) You can keep checking the rate and if it goes lower for the added night, they will change the rate by cancelling the first one and rebooking a new one but again, make sure that you remind them to link your reservations together.

I am so MAD at myself because I know all of this and for years have said to book all the nights you might possibly want because you can always cancel some but here I am in the same boat as you again. I want to add one night but we did the "stay for 3 get 2 free" and can't add to the package. Just booking one night, the rate is $400ish. If I could do 2 nights, it goes down to $200ish per night-ack!

So, we are staying our first night off property just because we will be able to check in early to hopefully get the room type we want and to have the whole day at DL instead of having that be a driving day. We have a 7-8 hour drive and can't leave until 6ish on Sunday night so we will get there really late. Still it is so worth it to have the whole day at DL AND miss the awful LA traffic. Right now I have reservations at Desert Inn and also Embassy Suites trying to decide between the two.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Oh Jack, you were really lucky then! I heard it is almost impossible to get the villas going that route because they are so in demand by the owners. I REALLY hope you have a wonderful time, especially spending that kind of money, but I am sure the rest of your crew love you to pieces!! Are you staying for a whole week?

I can understand being nervous about sending the money through paypal. We rented for Hawaii through VRBO and until I put the key in the door and it opened, I was a nervous wreck. Be careful though! That worked out so well for us that we did it for 7 years in a row-lol. You might get hooked and buy....then you can rent me points! I'd love to see that new Hawaii VC too.

Thanks again for all of your help.

We are staying the week, will be headed back home on the 21st. Unfortunately you are right about the popularity. Still thinking about buying, we will see after we return. As with many others we are all here to help, my opinions are sometimes a bit off bubble.

Jack

 

[mvf-m11c]

mvf-m11c, I forgot to add that many people take advantage of the gay day rate. They don't quiz you about being gay and people say the park is so fun at that time.

We have often added extra nights and the rate is what it is. Say you already have the one or more nights for $200ish and add the extra night for $300, that is what they will charge you. If it is the same room "type" you just ask them to link your reservations together (since you now have 2) and they will not make you move. One time we had a "bad" castmember who insisted I had to come down and check out and back in but we just ignored her and it was all fine. If the extra night is a different type, you will probably have to move (unless they are not full and they generously give you an upgrade) and that is a pain because you are basically without a room from 11-3 (and that is if your room is ready at the promised time, often it is later, like 5.) You can keep checking the rate and if it goes lower for the added night, they will change the rate by cancelling the first one and rebooking a new one but again, make sure that you remind them to link your reservations together.

I am so MAD at myself because I know all of this and for years have said to book all the nights you might possibly want because you can always cancel some but here I am in the same boat as you again. I want to add one night but we did the "stay for 3 get 2 free" and can't add to the package. Just booking one night, the rate is $400ish. If I could do 2 nights, it goes down to $200ish per night-ack!

So, we are staying our first night off property just because we will be able to check in early to hopefully get the room type we want and to have the whole day at DL instead of having that be a driving day. We have a 7-8 hour drive and can't leave until 6ish on Sunday night so we will get there really late. Still it is so worth it to have the whole day at DL AND miss the awful LA traffic. Right now I have reservations at Desert Inn and also Embassy Suites trying to decide between the two.

Thank fidoprincess for the information, this is what I was searching for all along and it will help me plan a better stay at the GCH.

I hope everything goes well for you during your trip.

 

[fidoprincess]

You're welcome but I just saw a bunch of posts saying you are not to take advantage of the gay days rate unless you are participating so sorry I gave you misinformation. I guess that is a "new" rule because I know people that have used the rate in the past with no worries.

Remember too that you need to keep checking the rate for the hotel and call right away if it goes lower. Historically the rate often goes lower about 10 days ahead if they are not sold out. Good luck!