Grand Californian Super Thread

[jessicaerv]

Hi, everyone! I want to thank you all for compiling such a great load of wonderful information. I've just finished reading all the pages in preparation for my first trip to GCH on 11/10 to 11/17.

There is one thing that is bothering me, though. My DD will be 12 months old when we visit DLR and I saw a post that the Pack N Play in the poster's room was... ahem... below average quality. I have PM'ed that poster for more information, but it got me wondering...

Has anyone else had any experience with the PNPs?

Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Without reading all 84 pages of posts, has anyone ever had a room with 2 Q's and a sleeper sofa (or is it a daybed)? Is this room really intended to sleep five or is it more like cramming five people into a room intended for a family of four?

We had one of those for 1 night in August and it could sleep 5 depending on the mix easily with the day bed. I think there standard rooms are a toast small but if we would have had 5 it would have been no problem.

Jack

 

[BeautyAndTheBeast22]

We had one of those for 1 night in August and it could sleep 5 depending on the mix easily with the day bed. I think there standard rooms are a toast small but if we would have had 5 it would have been no problem.

Jack

Thank you for the response. Previously we stayed in a room with 1 Q and the bunks for our boys. I couldn't imagine this room with 2 Q's and a daybed fitting five people. I would imagine that this room would have to be slightly larger than the one we had last year.

I hate to cram us in, but there is a significant price difference between this room and the one bedroom suite. Call me cheap, but I am not willing to spend $1000/night for a room that we will use for maybe 8 hours a night for sleeping in!

Thanks again!

 

[Nonsuch]

Don't forget that some of the Grand Californian Standard view rooms do look out over a garden where the monorail passes.

Looking into the monorail courtyard would be my choice for a standard view.
x303-x325 or x401-x417 (all odd numbers).
These rooms look into the courtyard and are near the elevators next to Storytellers, which allows easy access to the California Adventure entrance

 

[nemofans]

Hi, everyone! I want to thank you all for compiling such a great load of wonderful information. I've just finished reading all the pages in preparation for my first trip to GCH on 11/10 to 11/17.

There is one thing that is bothering me, though. My DD will be 12 months old when we visit DLR and I saw a post that the Pack N Play in the poster's room was... ahem... below average quality. I have PM'ed that poster for more information, but it got me wondering...

Has anyone else had any experience with the PNPs?

Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me.

We did use a PnP at Paradise Pier & it was okay. This was 5 yrs ago though. I did bring my own sheet for it.

 

[mmmears]

Looking into the monorail courtyard would be my choice for a standard view.
x303-x325 or x401-x417 (all odd numbers).
These rooms look into the courtyard and are near the elevators next to Storytellers, which allows easy access to the California Adventure entrance

Thanks! I'll note down the info in case we have a choice of rooms. It doesn't really matter all that much to me, but it would be fun to see the monorail going by!

 

[rubysparkles]

I just booked my first ever stay on Disney property (yesterday) at this hotel. I've been reading through the first 20 pages or so (and plan on reading the rest at a lovely, leisurely pace) and I can't find the answer to my question yet.

Do you think the hotel would mind hanging onto my bags for the morning before I check in while I go round the park. My instincts say "Yes, this IS Disney!" but I just wondered whether anyone else had done this?

I've been to WDW three times before but never stayed at one of their hotels, it's also the first time I'm going on holiday on my own so I am ridiculously excited (like a 5 year old) and just wanted to know a little thing that's been bothering me the last 24 hours.

Also, I'm a long time lurker! Hehe.

 

[mmmears]

I just booked my first ever stay on Disney property (yesterday) at this hotel. I've been reading through the first 20 pages or so (and plan on reading the rest at a lovely, leisurely pace) and I can't find the answer to my question yet.

Do you think the hotel would mind hanging onto my bags for the morning before I check in while I go round the park. My instincts say "Yes, this IS Disney!" but I just wondered whether anyone else had done this?

I've been to WDW three times before but never stayed at one of their hotels, it's also the first time I'm going on holiday on my own so I am ridiculously excited (like a 5 year old) and just wanted to know a little thing that's been bothering me the last 24 hours.

Also, I'm a long time lurker! Hehe.

No problem, and welcome! The hotel will hold on to your luggage (at least they did this for us). We gave it to the bellman then called for it after we got our room. Relax and enjoy -- the GCH is really lovely!

 

[jessicaerv]

We did use a PnP at Paradise Pier & it was okay. This was 5 yrs ago though. I did bring my own sheet for it.

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking into those companies that rent baby gear because I'll need a high chair for visiting family and friends. I might rent a lightweight stroller rather than lug my travel system stroller down on the plane. If I'm renting those I might throw in a PnP at the same time, I'm not sure. I don't even know if my DD will sleep in the PnP.

The rental company also has cribs - does anyone know if a crib will fit into a Standard room? I've requested the King bed...

 

[dreamerliz]

I don't really care what me veiw is!! Just wanna get there!!!

Last time we looked at the parking lot! The beds were sooooo comfy and a quick jaunt to the elevators and BEYOND>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[Nonsuch]

...Do you think the hotel would mind hanging onto my bags for the morning before I check in while I go round the park...

Yes, the hotel will hold your bags.
You should check in when your arrive, and you will be issued keys. When your room is ready, a text message will inform you of the room number. This is a very convenient system, but I only receive the text message half the time.

The newly issued keys can be used to take advantage of Magic Morning

 

[BunnieGene]

Resubscribing yet again

 

[Disneyland1084]

Has anyone else had any experience with the PNPs?

I was just at GCH earlier this week. My 8 month old slept in the PNP and it was fine!

 

[caimakale]

During my visit last week, I met someone down at the Hearthstone Lounge by the name of Dennis (I won't mention last names). Has anyone ever met Dennis? You may have and just didn't realize it.

Dennis frequents the GCH on a regular basis (8 times this year alone). He is known by name by most Castmembers that work there. He always stays in a suite w/ concierge.

This guy is an amazing guy...so down to earth and a true Disney fanatic. During his stays, he rents and decorates a cabana each day. When I say decorates, he goes out and buys a "theme" and completely decks out the cabana. While I was there, he had a Tinkerbell theme, Nightmare Before Christmas Theme, and Mickey Theme. It's a site to be seen for sure. He usually has little things that he will hand out to the kids if they come by. I say little, but find me a toy from World of Disney that is cheaper than $15. My girls got charm bracelets with charms, dolls, light up toys, and all sorts of other goodies. He does it all out of the kindness of his heart. To him, its about the Disney experience and making it as magical as he can. I tried buying him drinks at the lounge, dinner, etc, and he wouldn't have any part of it. Finally, I had to slip some money to a cast member that he was going to dinner with and told her to buy the dinner, on me, for his generosity.

If you ever get the opportunity to meet him, do it. He loves quoting Disney movies and is in love with everything Disney so be prepared to join in and follow along. He's such a good guy with a giving heart who loves Disney. Tell him you're friends with Lee...

Here's a picture of the Mickey/Minnie theme. The sad thing is, you can't see half of the decorations. You can see the towels and the dolls on the lounge chairs. Up front and center, you can also see the "Partners Statue". Back further in the cabana it was even more decorated...from the coasters, to hanging decorations, etc...

 

[emum]

During my visit last week, I met someone down at the Hearthstone Lounge by the name of Dennis (I won't mention last names). Has anyone ever met Dennis? You may have and just didn't realize it.

Dennis frequents the GCH on a regular basis (8 times this year alone). He is known by name by most Castmembers that work there. He always stays in a suite w/ concierge.

This guy is an amazing guy...so down to earth and a true Disney fanatic. During his stays, he rents and decorates a cabana each day. When I say decorates, he goes out and buys a "theme" and completely decks out the cabana. While I was there, he had a Tinkerbell theme, Nightmare Before Christmas Theme, and Mickey Theme. It's a site to be seen for sure. He usually has little things that he will hand out to the kids if they come by. I say little, but find me a toy from World of Disney that is cheaper than $15. My girls got charm bracelets with charms, dolls, light up toys, and all sorts of other goodies. He does it all out of the kindness of his heart. To him, its about the Disney experience and making it as magical as he can. I tried buying him drinks at the lounge, dinner, etc, and he wouldn't have any part of it. Finally, I had to slip some money to a cast member that he was going to dinner with and told her to buy the dinner, on me, for his generosity.

If you ever get the opportunity to meet him, do it. He loves quoting Disney movies and is in love with everything Disney so be prepared to join in and follow along. He's such a good guy with a giving heart who loves Disney. Tell him you're friends with Lee...

Here's a picture of the Mickey/Minnie theme. The sad thing is, you can't see half of the decorations. You can see the towels and the dolls on the lounge chairs. Up front and center, you can also see the "Partners Statue". Back further in the cabana it was even more decorated...from the coasters, to hanging decorations, etc...

Wow ! What generosity of spirit Is that a picutre of Dennis in the cabana, too ?



I'm new to the thread, BTW, we just changed our reservation from the DLH to the GCH for our Christmas trip - we arrive on Christmas Day. We're staying in a 1br suite, and have requested a concierge add-on. I'm hoping it won't be a problem, we loved club level at the DLH in '08. In any case, we're very excited to be trying somewhere new, and being even closer to the parks I'm sure I'll be planning a return visit for 2012

Cheers,
Sally

 

[funatdisney]

Sally, you will love the 1bdrm suite. We used to book a 1bdrm on special occasions before we become DVC members. They are usually in very good locations so you will enjoy your room very much. One time we had a suite right above the WoD store facing the parks entrance. One of the best views in the hotel.

 

[jessicaerv]

I was just at GCH earlier this week. My 8 month old slept in the PNP and it was fine!

That's good news, thanks. So far there was one negative review of the PnP and two "fines". Since I haven't received a response from the original poster of the negative review I'm going to go with my gut and use the GCH PnP. I'm sure if its substandard the hotel staff can round up another one for our use, right? I keep hearing about how the staff bends over backward for the comfort of their guests -- and thats the Disney way.

I had called guest services several weeks ago to request a room away from the elevators. Now I'm concerned that I'll be placed down one of those looooooooong hallways. Maybe I should call back and request a room overlooking the monorail? That sounds pretty cool...

I have another question for those noise-sensitive Disers out there. How loud were the fireworks in your room?

Thanks again!!!!

 

[emum]

Sally, you will love the 1bdrm suite. We used to book a 1bdrm on special occasions before we become DVC members. They are usually in very good locations so you will enjoy your room very much. One time we had a suite right above the WoD store facing the parks entrance. One of the best views in the hotel.

We are looking forward to it, that's for sure. We're still a little bummed about the state of the DLH ATM - we were in a 2br suite in the Wonder tower last time with superb views over DTD, the pool, and the parks, and with a full balcony to boot, so had requested the same room this time. When we next go back, we may do a split stay.

The more I read about the GCH (especially at Christmas time), the more excited I get.

Cheers,
Sally

 

[Disneyland1084]

I keep hearing about how the staff bends over backward for the comfort of their guests -- and thats the Disney way.

That's very true! I was sent a text when our room was ready. It was 1511, in the new wing. But I didn't know that. So we immediately go to an elevator, and at the next floor a CM walks in and I ask her where the room is. She walked us to the door, and even put the PnP together for us.

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

Love this thread ... don't want to lose it! Too much valuable information here!