Grand Californian Super Thread

[Canadianfamily]

Thanks for the replies back about the WoC viewing area everyone! We're definitely going to watch in the park but I think it'd be neat to also see it from the hotel one evening so will probably end up seeing it from both places.

 

[Nonsuch]

Wow! Thanks Nonsuch for your great pictures. They give a really good idea of the view. I think I may just prefer to be up there away from the crowd.

You're welcome for the pictures.

The fastpass viewing area is very crowded, however the Premium Dining fastpass area is much less packed. I like the view from farther back, which is the very least crowded.

Similar to a movie or concert, everyone has a different favorite area. I like the big picture from the back, but can understand the appeal of being up close (or even getting wet).

I highly recommend having your first viewing of WOC from the Fastpass area. The 9:00AM Grand Californian early entry makes it easier to get Fastpasses.

 

[nemofans]

Okay, let's see if I got this straight. DCA opens at 10 am, but GC guests (other DLR guests too?) get in at 9 am to get fastpasses for WoC? That's all you need to see WoC? Where do you go to get them? Is this every morning? What else can I do during DCA early entry?

 

[Nonsuch]

Okay, let's see if I got this straight. DCA opens at 10 am, but GC guests (other DLR guests too?) get in at 9 am to get fastpasses for WoC? That's all you need to see WoC?

The Grand Californian entrance to California Adventure opens at 9:00AM for registered guests of the 3 Disney Hotels, room keys are rather strictly checked. World of Color Fastpasses (aka Showpasses) are distributed from the Grizzly Rapids fastpass machines. One fastpass per park ticket, and the park ticket must be used for entry on that day.

The California Adventure main gates open at 9:30AM for World of Color Fastpasses, distributed from the same Grizzly Rapids machines.

Is this every morning?

This happens every morning.

What else can I do during DCA early entry

Someone else needs to answer this part, since I usually go to Disneyland in the morning.

 

[franandaj]

What else can I do during DCA early entry?

Queue up for first entry to TSMM, or ride Soarin.

 

[funatdisney]

 

[emum]

Just giving this a bump up - we arrive very early Saturday morning for four nights (and yes, we've prepared ourselves for wall-to-wall people - all the more reason we're looking forward to staying so close to the parks - what sweet relief when the crowds get too much !)

We're all soo excited about this trip - it's been in the planning since our last trip 2+ years ago. I know I'll be planning the next one before this one is over

Hopefully I'll be able to post some photos of my own once we're there.

Chers,
Sally

 

[Nonsuch]

...we arrive very early Saturday morning for four nights...

Check in early, to take advantage of Disneyland Magic Morning at 8AM or get your World of Color fastpass at 9AM

 

[nemofans]

The Grand Californian entrance to California Adventure opens at 9:00AM for registered guests of the 3 Disney Hotels, room keys are rather strictly checked. World of Color Fastpasses (aka Showpasses) are distributed from the Grizzly Rapids fastpass machines. One fastpass per park ticket, and the park ticket must be used for entry on that day.

The California Adventure main gates open at 9:30AM for World of Color Fastpasses, distributed from the same Grizzly Rapids machines.


This happens every morning.

Someone else needs to answer this part, since I usually go to Disneyland in the morning.

Thanks!

So we can get in early to get WoC fastpasses & ride Soarin b4 the park fully opens? Cool!

 

[KCmike]

 

[heidispidi]

Question - are the GCH pools heated? Is it swimming weather right now? We'll be there in just under 2 weeks, and from what I can see, the weather is cold, and pretty wet right now?

 

[emum]

Heidi - we're here ATM, and the pools are def. heated. Very chilly on exit, though. The hotel is simply gorgeous, and being so close to the parks at this time of the year has been worth every penny. Enjoy your stay.

Cheers,
Sally

 

[heidispidi]

Thanks Sally We'd be packing our cossies regardless as we're off to Hawaii after Anaheim - but it's nice to know we can relax our tired old bodies in the pool after a long day's walking!

ETA is your DD 8 enjoying herself? Is she into characters at all? B/c my DD 8 seems to think she is FAR too cool for them, but I'm hoping she will change once we get there! Did you test out Studio 365 with her? I want to surprise my girl with that on our last day...

 

[monami7]

I am dreaming of The Grand californian today. We got 2 feet of snow yesterday and I want to be in California so badly!

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

I just checked on our booking and saw that it is only 80 days until we arrive at the GCH!

I guess that means I will have to start thinking about dining reservations (or priority seating ... whatever ). As we will be there during spring break will we have to book PS in advance or will we be ok to wing it? I have my heart set on Napa Rose and Blue Bayou, so I will definitely book for them, just not sure if we should book our dinner reservations for every night??

Does anyone have any advice about Blue Bayou dinner vs Lunch experience? I was wondering if we went there for dinner on the Friday night it may be easy to then go and view Fantasmic! Is that possible/reasonable? Also, any tips on how to get a table next to the water/ride?

Still tossing up on the WOC dining packages ... any recent thoughts/experiences .

I'm just so excited about this trip! TIA

 

[funatdisney]

I just checked on our booking and saw that it is only 80 days until we arrive at the GCH!

How exciting, especially since you live on another continent. You will enjoy the Grand and should have a lovely time. Speaking of the Grand Californian, I know that you didn't ask for this information, but I thought I would offer this tidbit anyway. If you can manage it, try to take the tour they have of the hotel. I think it is called the "Art of Craft Tour" (someone please correct me here). It is free for guests of the Californian Grand. You will tour the hotel with a CM that will explain the design of the hotel as well as give interesting facts about it. I have taken it before a long time ago, but I remembered that I really enjoyed it. I plan on taking it again when DH and I go in June.

Still tossing up on the WOC dining packages ... any recent thoughts/experiences .

I'm just so excited about this trip! TIA

You asked for info on the dining packages. I realize that you may want to stick with a dining package, since you are traveling from so far away. I have never booked a dining package and others here can let you know their experiences. In the name of offering all options, I would like to let you know what we did. We ordered the WOC picnic meal which you pick up from Sonoma Terrace. These picnic meals includes a Fastpass for the WOC. There is quite a few meal options to chose from. These must be ordered on line before you arrive. You can pick them up anytime after 11:30am. We picked up our pinic at 12 noon and asked for a blue Fastpass.We enjoyed the food and found that it saved some time too, since we didn't have spend a lot of time at a sit down dinner.


Here is the page from Disneyland website for more information.
Here is an article about Tony Spittell's experiences with it.

Well I am full of unsolicited advice. I hope it can help. Have a great time planning!

 

[Nonsuch]

...As we will be there during spring break will we have to book PS in advance or will we be ok to wing it? I have my heart set on Napa Rose and Blue Bayou, so I will definitely book for them, just not sure if we should book our dinner reservations for every night??

Book dinner for every night. When the parks are open late, I book an early dinner (~5:30) and still have time to see fireworks after dinner.

Does anyone have any advice about Blue Bayou dinner vs Lunch experience?

The menus are different, but the lunch and dinner experiences are the same. I usually do lunch.

I was wondering if we went there for dinner on the Friday night it may be easy to then go and view Fantasmic! Is that possible/reasonable?

It could be done, but will not be "easy". You could do a Fantasmic! Dessert package, try to checkin and select your seats as the start of the checkin window (arrive at 7:30 for an 8:00 checkin). One person can checkin your whole party.

...any tips on how to get a table next to the water/ride?

Book the first lunch reservation at 11:30AM and arrive early at 11:00AM. Request a table by the water.

Still tossing up on the WOC dining packages ... any recent thoughts/experiences .

I have done the Preferred Dining package at both Ariel's Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria. My preference is the Trattoria, but both were good. The Preferred Dining viewing area is dead center, and is less crowded that the other sections. I like to be toward the back for the best overall view.

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

Thanks Funatdisney and Nonsuch for your replies. I probably shouldn't be so obsessed about all the details, I just want to make the trip as close to perfect as possible. I appreciate all the advice I can get!

 

[Lynzer Torte]

We are finally saying at GCH Feb.3-7 for my bday trip!!!

Any tips on how to get a complimentary room upgrade (besides just a wink and a smile)?

 

[ykmom]

Heidi - we're here ATM, and the pools are def. heated. Very chilly on exit, though. The hotel is simply gorgeous, and being so close to the parks at this time of the year has been worth every penny. Enjoy your stay.

Cheers,
Sally

We'll be there in 3 weeks. Can you tell me what time the pool is open until right now.