Grand Californian Super Thread

[funatdisney]

What are you talking about? I Love It!

Thank you, Mike. You take such interesting angles and shots around GCH. Most of my shots were not nearly as interesting as yours. In fact, I was quite surprised that this shot turned out. I will try to practice more every time I go.

Hey aren't you on your way to California in a couple of days?

 

[KCmike]

The plan is to be there on Friday late in the day. We won't make it over to GC but hope to have a wonderful time in DL.

 

[funatdisney]

Don't worry. You will with the parks decked out for Christmas. Have a great time.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Don't worry. You will with the parks decked out for Christmas. Have a great time.

Christmas decorations arent up yet, are they?

 

[funatdisney]

Almost! This Friday, the 12th is the official first day of the Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort.

They have already filmed the Christmas Day parade.

 

[kylie71]

The Mainstreet tree is up,, just waiting for pics!

 

[jenksdj]

Just got back from 5 nights at GCH. We usually stay at DLH, but with the construction there, and a great deal on the GCH, we decided to try the GCH this time. The kids like the theming at the DLH better, but were impressed with other things at the GCH, bunkbeds being the frontrunner!

Prior to arriving we put in a request for bunkbeds, but were told that the hotel was booked solid and it might not be possible. While waiting to check in, Rudy (who keeps the Registration line flowing and the guests entertained) asked if there was anything specific he could help us with. DD8 piped up and said, "bunkbeds"! I told her that Rudy probably couldn't help us with that, but we'd ask the CM once we got to the registration desk. Rudy promptly took us to the next available CM and told her that DD8 would really, really, really, really like bunkbeds... And bunkbeds were granted! And so the magic began! Rudy apparently took a shining to DD8 and also gave our family a Priority Seating card, which would get us PS at any of the DLR hotel restaurants any time during our stay!

We made our way up to our room, which was standard view, looking into the forest/courtyard. Close to elevators. Everyone was happy... until that night. There was some kind of mechanical noise (rattling and banging) that we couldn't find the source of, and it kept DH awake all night. The next morning (7:00 am) DH went to the front desk to tell them about the noise, not expecting that we could be moved (since they were apparently booked solid) but maybe they could find out what was making the noise and stop it. He came back with keys to a new room. Not only was the room ready, but it had a pool view, and still bunkbeds!! DH said Linda, at the front desk was very nice, and told him that they weren't sold out like we had been told before.

We moved into our new room but had to keep the celebrating to a minimum because it was only 7:00 am after all. We got ready, had breakfast, and still made it to the park for MM! What a great start to a great holiday! We love the GCH and hopefully will get to stay there again one day.

 

[godalejunior]

Lots of Christmas deco is up at DL....

 

[areweindisneyyet]

Christmas is already underway, check out the Christmas thread... you will soon know everything you need to know plus lots you didn't even think you needed to know.

Looking forward to Christmas next year at the GCH

 

[cpster]

I believe you need to book a concierge room to have it normally - the reason we need to request it as an add-on is because we stay in suites. From what I've read, the primary reason that they made it an add-on for suites is that people were abusing the (previous) priveplege of automatic concierge with suites.

I may be wrong - that's based on my reading. The only part I can definitely confirm is that you can only *request* concierge with a suite - it's not guaranteed. As to the cost - I honestly can't remember what we paid in '08, but for us, it was worth it, and we will always request it now.

Cheers,
Sally

Thanks for the info Sally!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I believe you need to book a concierge room to have it normally - the reason we need to request it as an add-on is because we stay in suites. From what I've read, the primary reason that they made it an add-on for suites is that people were abusing the (previous) priveplege of automatic concierge with suites.

I may be wrong - that's based on my reading. The only part I can definitely confirm is that you can only *request* concierge with a suite - it's not guaranteed. As to the cost - I honestly can't remember what we paid in '08, but for us, it was worth it, and we will always request it now.

Cheers,
Sally

My neighbor just got back two weeks ago and they stayed concierge in a standard room, two queens. It is an addon and way too expensive for us.

Jack

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

We're staying at GCH next March and are planning dinner at Napa Rose and are not sure if the kids will enjoy or allow us to enjoy it! Just wondering if anyone has used Pinnochio's workshop and can tell me anything about it? We have 3 kids aged 5, 7 & 10. Thanks for any help.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

We're staying at GCH next March and are planning dinner at Napa Rose and are not sure if the kids will enjoy or allow us to enjoy it! Just wondering if anyone has used Pinnochio's workshop and can tell me anything about it? We have 3 kids aged 5, 7 & 10. Thanks for any help.

My 8yo and 10yo loved Pinnochio's! They did activities that interested them and didn't have to stick together. They got to go up and watch the fireworks with the group. Trust me when I say that you will enjoy your evening at Napa Rose much more if you aren't rushed through it by possibly impatient children. My kids have already asked if they can go back during our next trip.

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

My 8yo and 10yo loved Pinnochio's! They did activities that interested them and didn't have to stick together. They got to go up and watch the fireworks with the group. Trust me when I say that you will enjoy your evening at Napa Rose much more if you aren't rushed through it by possibly impatient children. My kids have already asked if they can go back during our next trip.

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll book them into Pinocchio's and us into the Napa Rose and we will all be happy.

 

[KCmike]

Can't remember what this room is called. Hearth Room, Bar area, not sure?

 

[kylie71]

Thanks Mike! I've been waiting and watching this thread for a picture like this!!
I can't wait to have a Chrismassy cocktail there next week!
I hope they get those decorations up!

 

[funatdisney]

Can't remember what this room is called. Hearth Room, Bar area, not sure?

Mike, it is called the Hearthstone Lounge. My DH has had many a Long Island from there. I like to sit with friends, sipping a mojito myself.

 

[roxy72]

Can someone with an AP let me know if any new rates have been released as we get closer to the holidays? My family is planning to visit in the middle of December, and if we can get a good rate w/an AP, then I might buy one so we can stay at the GCH!

 

[KCmike]

Thanks Mike! I've been waiting and watching this thread for a picture like this!!
I can't wait to have a Chrismassy cocktail there next week!
I hope they get those decorations up!

Your not going to believe this but I remember you asking for a shot of this room so when we walked over there I thought what a perfect time to snap a few. Hope you have a great trip next week!

 

[KCmike]

Mike, it is called the Hearthstone Lounge. My DH has had many a Long Island from there. I like to sit with friends, sipping a mojito myself.

Oh yes, Hearthstone Lounge. Thanks for jogging my memory.