Grand Californian Super Thread

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Our family will be arriving on Sept. 15th. (DH, DS4, and DS12) We were ALL supposed to arrive at 10am, but my husband has to work. I will still be taking the boys and arriving at 10am. We will be taking ALL of luggage so it will be easier for my DH, since he has to rush after work to make his flight. Any suggestions for transportation? We will be arriving at John Wayne and staying at GC. I am worried being alone with the boys and all of our luggage for 6 days. I would like a good shuttle service. Thanks in advance.................

That's quite a load! If I were trying to do it by myself, I might splurge on a private car or taxi. But John Wayne is a small airport and it's not far from the luggage carousels to the taxi/shuttle/bus area right outside. I'd probably still consider Disneyland Express since the drivers are usually great about helping with luggage. Here's a link to the most popular options with their phone numbers, websites, and approximate costs: Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information Super Thread.

 

[VallCopen]

Thanks for the information. That is a really great option, and one that I intend to explore. That whole process looks super confusing and crazy, but in the end it may be worth it.

Sending you another pm with more information.

 

[pearl12970]

I read few reviews on tripadvisor about bed bugs at GCH . It's really bothering me . Anyone here had bed bugs in their room at GCH ?
It's just creeping me out ....

 

[caimakale]

I read few reviews on tripadvisor about bed bugs at GCH . It's really bothering me . Anyone here had bed bugs in their room at GCH ?
It's just creeping me out ....

I could only find one recent complaint on there about bedbugs and I tend to agree with the hotel staff on their conclusion...mosquito bites.

Bed bug bites look just like a mosquito bite, so it is very possible that their children had been bitten by mosquitos. The fact that they said they all slept together in the second bed for the rest of their trip also leads me to believe that there wasn't bed bugs. If one bed was infected, the other bed will be infected as well. The beds are too close together and require little to no travel for the bugs to hide/nest.

 

[ipdenc]

I think I may have read about this before, but can't remember....is there a Starbucks close? My husband needs his coffee each morning and prefers Starbucks, but will settle for a good cup other than McDonalds. Thank you!

 

[ipdenc]

That's quite a load! If I were trying to do it by myself, I might splurge on a private car or taxi. But John Wayne is a small airport and it's not far from the luggage carousels to the taxi/shuttle/bus area right outside. I'd probably still consider Disneyland Express since the drivers are usually great about helping with luggage. Here's a link to the most popular options with their phone numbers, websites, and approximate costs: Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information Super Thread.

Thank you! Very Helpful!

 

[franandaj]

I think I may have read about this before, but can't remember....is there a Starbucks close? My husband needs his coffee each morning and prefers Starbucks, but will settle for a good cup other than McDonalds. Thank you!

I'm sure there is a Starbucks somewhere within a mile of the hotel, but the Hearthstone Lounge in the lobby had pretty good coffee, espresso and cappucino...

 

[jennb]

Just returned from a one night stay at the GC. I had never stayed at the DLR previously because I live only about 30 minutes away, but my family won VIP passes to view WOC and we decided to make it into a mini-weekend away. We previously stayed on property at WDW for the past two summers.

I liked our room at the GC - 4503. We had booked a standard and were given a pool view room. Had 2 queens no couch or daybed. Room itself was very quiet. Unfortunately I found a ton of food crumbs under the beds when I was doing a check to make sure we had everything before check out. I know this happens, but its not hard to push the vacuum cleaner under the beds once in awhile.

The pools were comfortable, but a bit crowded. I especially like the padded loungers.

After travelling to WDW the previous two summers, I think I enjoyed the Yacht and Beach Club resorts a bit more. The rooms seem a bit larger and have a dresser in addition to the tv armoir w/drawers, which I was surprised the GC did not have. It all comes down to a preference of decor, I think. All in all, the GC is a beautiful hotel and I would stay again if the price were right!

 

[Yukonjack]

Sending you another pm with more information.

Thanks again Vall. Trying to get my posts count up so I can PM you later today

 

[Yukonjack]

Our family will be arriving on Sept. 15th. (DH, DS4, and DS12) We were ALL supposed to arrive at 10am, but my husband has to work. I will still be taking the boys and arriving at 10am. We will be taking ALL of luggage so it will be easier for my DH, since he has to rush after work to make his flight. Any suggestions for transportation? We will be arriving at John Wayne and staying at GC. I am worried being alone with the boys and all of our luggage for 6 days. I would like a good shuttle service. Thanks in advance.................

I traveled to DL last year by myself with my son (15), and two daughters (3 & 5), and my wife flew out later that night from a business trip. I had all the kids and lots of luggage, so I opted for the Disney Land Express. We were the only people on it and it was about an hour drive to the GCH. Totally worth the expense and I would definitely recommend it for other parents in my situation

 

[nunzia]

I think I may have read about this before, but can't remember....is there a Starbucks close? My husband needs his coffee each morning and prefers Starbucks, but will settle for a good cup other than McDonalds. Thank you!

Isn't there a cart that brews Starbucks coffee in DTD..right around before you get to the fountain?

 

[Momrow]

Isn't there a cart that brews Starbucks coffee in DTD..right around before you get to the fountain?

The Brea Cart right by the fountain brews starbucks.

 

[pearl12970]

We have 5 day park hopper tickets with our package which allow us 1 Magic morning ( which I believe is early entry to the parks ) and 1 voucher each for Mickey's Toon Town Morning Madness.

I read somewhere that if you have a 3 day hopper AND are staying on Disney property , you get Magic Morning on all days ( T,Th,Sat,Sun) ? Like a perk of staying at an on-site hotel.is this correct ?

 

[farmfresh]

Yes, guests at DLH, PPH , GCh get early entry every morning it is offered. You just show a registration form (they give it to you at check in) at the gates

 

[funatdisney]

Actually, your room card is all you need for the Magic Morning entrance. The room card will have the dates of your stay printed on them.

 

[pearl12970]

Thank you everyone

 

[tdashgirl]

Actually, your room card is all you need for the Magic Morning entrance. The room card will have the dates of your stay printed on them.

I always wonder how well they check those dates? When we went in early June (BEFORE WoC I should note) the CM's at GCA entrance always seemed so rushed and hurried, it seemed that they just looked to see if you had a DLR hotel key, not the particular dates ...

 

[funatdisney]

I always wonder how well they check those dates? When we went in early June (BEFORE WoC I should note) the CM's at GCA entrance always seemed so rushed and hurried, it seemed that they just looked to see if you had a DLR hotel key, not the particular dates ...

I think it depends on how busy it gets. I have had my room key checked a few times. Enough for me to not chance getting caught if I happen to want to sneak in. Like I would do that.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

We are here now and have a room on the sixth floor with a fabulous pool view. We also have a park view of GRR and ToT in the background. The beds are heavenly!

 

[franandaj]

Actually, your room card is all you need for the Magic Morning entrance. The room card will have the dates of your stay printed on them.

When we show up in the afternoon, we just flash our room key in the wallet and they let us in.....