Grand Californian Super Thread

[funatdisney]

I once call the front desk to ask about tipping the turndown service. I was told that I didn't have to, but I do know that people do. They usually get lots more of the chocolate coins that they leave you on your pillow.

Oh how I miss turndown service. We don't get it at the Villas, but, then again, can't beat the space and the feel of that a Villa has.

 

[pearl12970]

They deliver to GCH ! That's music to my ears I am sure we will end up ordering pizza for dinner during our stay at GCH from Marri's

I wonder which other restaurants deliver to GCH ?

ORDisneyfans- thanks for the Marri's tip!
I called to ask if they will deliver to GCH and Hojo's (we're staying there 2 nites before GCH). There is a $10 minimum order for delivery and they will even deliver to the pool area.

I love that they have an extensive menu..not just pizza!
http://www.marrispizza.com/Menu.html

 

[funatdisney]

ORDisneyfans- thanks for the Marri's tip!
I called to ask if they will deliver to GCH and Hojo's (we're staying there 2 nites before GCH). There is a $10 minimum order for delivery and they will even deliver to the pool area.

I love that they have an extensive menu..not just pizza!
http://www.marrispizza.com/Menu.html

Wow The pics on the website are just marvelous! Can't wait to order a pizza.

 

[KCmike]

Walking around the resort and noticed the area where the convention rooms were.

 

[aristocat65]

Bump!
This is a great thread. I refer back to it all the time. Can it be a sticky??
This board is getting so busy, it would be nice to have one for each of the Disney hotels.

 

[JoytotheWorld]

Wow, this thread is fantastic and is helping me to get even more excited about our upcoming trip Oct. 3-10. We're staying in a 1-bedroom villa at the Grand Californian and we've never stayed at this hotel before. I can hardly wait for this trip and any and all tips for enjoying this wonderful hotel are greatly appreciated.

 

[Nonsuch]

Wow, this thread is fantastic and is helping me to get even more excited about our upcoming trip Oct. 3-10. We're staying in a 1-bedroom villa at the Grand Californian and we've never stayed at this hotel before. I can hardly wait for this trip and any and all tips for enjoying this wonderful hotel are greatly appreciated.

Have your read this 218 page thread?
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

Request a Paradise Pier view on a high floor

 

[IndayMichelle]

I'm sure this was already addressed, but my search through this thread didn't give me the answer I was looking for.

If I'm staying at PPH, can I still take advantage of the VIP DCA entrance in the mornings or is it only for the high rollers staying at GCH?

And, if I am allowed to use the entrance in the mornings, am I also allowed the early ride on Soarin?

 

[Missish]

I'm sure this was already addressed, but my search through this thread didn't give me the answer I was looking for.

If I'm staying at PPH, can I still take advantage of the VIP DCA entrance in the mornings or is it only for the high rollers staying at GCH?

And, if I am allowed to use the entrance in the mornings, am I also allowed the early ride on Soarin?

Anyone staying in a Disneyland hotel can use the DCA entrance through Grand Californian - your room key doesn't specify which hotel you're staying in. Once you're in, you can of course go on Soarin' when it opens early at 9.30 (as well as getting access to WoC FPs before everyone else gets there)!

 

[IndayMichelle]

Once you're in, you can of course go on Soarin' when it opens early at 9.30 (as well as getting access to WoC FPs before everyone else gets there)!

 

[jasy]

We just got back from 7 nights at GCH and I have to say that aside from the convenience of being where you are we won't stay there again. I didn't find the service overly great, the room wasn't anything special and for the price you're paying I think I expected more. I should say though that housekeeping was excellent and the valet staff were good as well. But all in all I would have to give the entire hotel a 6/10 If we do stay onsite again we will probably try the DLH.

I should add though that all my good feelings for the place went out the window when I used the fitness center on our first morning there, it was filthy, and they had no cleaning supplies available for the machines. I spoke with a CM about this and was told there were no cleaning supplies available, I asked when there would be some they just shrugged... By the time we checked out (7 days later) they had provided guests with a container of lysol wipes which I assume is because I complained. To their credit though Guest Services did provide me with access to the fitness centers at both the DLH and PPH, which were much better than the one at the GCH.

 

[nunzia]

....wow....

 

[DmaxHawk]

We just got back from 7 nights at GCH and I have to say that aside from the convenience of being where you are we won't stay there again. I didn't find the service overly great, the room wasn't anything special and for the price you're paying I think I expected more. I should say though that housekeeping was excellent and the valet staff were good as well. But all in all I would have to give the entire hotel a 6/10 If we do stay onsite again we will probably try the DLH.

I should add though that all my good feelings for the place went out the window when I used the fitness center on our first morning there, it was filthy, and they had no cleaning supplies available for the machines. I spoke with a CM about this and was told there were no cleaning supplies available, I asked when there would be some they just shrugged... By the time we checked out (7 days later) they had provided guests with a container of lysol wipes which I assume is because I complained. To their credit though Guest Services did provide me with access to the fitness centers at both the DLH and PPH, which were much better than the one at the GCH.

I'm sorry things weren't up to par. Just out of curiosity, what WERE you expecting?

 

[Nonsuch]

We just got back from 7 nights at GCH and I have to say that aside from the convenience of being where you are we won't stay there again. I didn't find the service overly great, the room wasn't anything special and for the price you're paying I think I expected more.

I'm sorry you were disappointed, but the premium location is big part of the premium price. The Grand Californian might not be as "grand" as the new hotels in Vegas, but it much better than the nearby motels

I should add though that all my good feelings for the place went out the window when I used the fitness center on our first morning there, it was filthy, and they had no cleaning supplies available for the machines.

That is really unacceptable, considering it is the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

 

[RweTHEREyet]

We just got back from 7 nights at GCH and I have to say that aside from the convenience of being where you are we won't stay there again. I didn't find the service overly great, the room wasn't anything special and for the price you're paying I think I expected more. I should say though that housekeeping was excellent and the valet staff were good as well. But all in all I would have to give the entire hotel a 6/10 If we do stay onsite again we will probably try the DLH.

I should add though that all my good feelings for the place went out the window when I used the fitness center on our first morning there, it was filthy, and they had no cleaning supplies available for the machines. I spoke with a CM about this and was told there were no cleaning supplies available, I asked when there would be some they just shrugged... By the time we checked out (7 days later) they had provided guests with a container of lysol wipes which I assume is because I complained. To their credit though Guest Services did provide me with access to the fitness centers at both the DLH and PPH, which were much better than the one at the GCH.

I am not sure I would count on liking the DLH any better than the Grand. We have done both and I would take the Grand over the DLH any day. Just me and my opinion, though.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

We loved our experience at the Grand so much, I've had a hard time coming back to this thread now that we're home. I had to give myself a few days to get back to normal before I could read everyone's posts without extreme jealousy and a burning desire to turn right back around and stay again. I'll post more later about some of my favorite experiences.

 

[Gothemi]

Walking around the resort and noticed the area where the convention rooms were.

Hey I remember that hallway. My wife and I spent about 3-4 hours in there during the Christmas tree fire back in 2005. They moved about 100-150 of us in there that night.

 

[mmmears]

I've stayed at the GCH many times, so I can't believe that I'm asking this question, but I saw the menu for the Hearthstone Lounge on allears and I'm curious:

1) Where is the Hearthstone Lounge located?

2) Would anyone recommend it for a light meal if we're not hungry enough to go out for a full dinner?

In all the times we've stayed there, I've never even noticed that this place exists! Thanks in advance!

 

[BunnieGene]

I've stayed at the GCH many times, so I can't believe that I'm asking this question, but I saw the menu for the Hearthstone Lounge on allears and I'm curious:

1) Where is the Hearthstone Lounge located?

2) Would anyone recommend it for a light meal if we're not hungry enough to go out for a full dinner?

In all the times we've stayed there, I've never even noticed that this place exists! Thanks in advance!

I've had the sliders there and they are yummy

It's located across the lobby from the gift shop... And I think it would work for a light meal...

 

[mmmears]

I've had the sliders there and they are yummy

It's located across the lobby from the gift shop... And I think it would work for a light meal...

Great! And thanks for the quick response. It's nice to have yet another choice as to where to go for a light meal!