Grand Californian Super Thread

[Chmie]

( crrruuunnnccchhh ) sound of my arteries hardening.

 

[nunzia]

ok..gotta get one of those...

 

[DmaxHawk]

( crrruuunnnccchhh ) sound of my arteries hardening.

No kidding

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

We have just departed the GCH after 6 wonderful nights.
We were able to get exactly the room configeration we wanted - 1 queen plus bunks adjoining a room with 1 king on the 5th floor with a wonderful view over the ... carpark! Honestly the view did not bother us, because we were more concerned with the bed arrangements. We loved how close the hotel was to the parks and we did manage to get a little time to spend in the pools which were great, if a little crowded. The service was really good from all CM's and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.
This was probably a "once in a lifetime" splurge and it was worth it to us. Highlights included a fabulous dinner at Napa Rose, seeing Aladdin and the dining package at Ariels Grotto for the preferred viewing at WOC.
The Spring Break crowds were a little busier than I had hoped, but we managed to get on all the rides we wanted with a little patience and some help from "fastpasses". Thanks to everyone on the Dis for their tips and advice, it really helped our trip be successful. On one final note, I thought 6 days in the parks would be more than enough, but we still did not get everything done ... the kids are hoping for a return trip in 2014 when Carsland is up and running!

 

[DmaxHawk]

We have just departed the GCH after 6 wonderful nights.
We were able to get exactly the room configeration we wanted - 1 queen plus bunks adjoining a room with 1 king on the 5th floor with a wonderful view over the ... carpark! Honestly the view did not bother us, because we were more concerned with the bed arrangements. We loved how close the hotel was to the parks and we did manage to get a little time to spend in the pools which were great, if a little crowded. The service was really good from all CM's and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.
This was probably a "once in a lifetime" splurge and it was worth it to us. Highlights included a fabulous dinner at Napa Rose, seeing Aladdin and the dining package at Ariels Grotto for the preferred viewing at WOC.
The Spring Break crowds were a little busier than I had hoped, but we managed to get on all the rides we wanted with a little patience and some help from "fastpasses". Thanks to everyone on the Dis for their tips and advice, it really helped our trip be successful. On one final note, I thought 6 days in the parks would be more than enough, but we still did not get everything done ... the kids are hoping for a return trip in 2014 when Carsland is up and running!

Glad to hear your trip went well and you got what you were looking for! It's unbelievable how much stuff there is to do there! Congrats on what sounds like a great trip and I hope you do make it back there for 2014!

 

[franandaj]

We have just departed the GCH after 6 wonderful nights.
We were able to get exactly the room configeration we wanted - 1 queen plus bunks adjoining a room with 1 king on the 5th floor with a wonderful view over the ... carpark! Honestly the view did not bother us, because we were more concerned with the bed arrangements. We loved how close the hotel was to the parks and we did manage to get a little time to spend in the pools which were great, if a little crowded. The service was really good from all CM's and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.
This was probably a "once in a lifetime" splurge and it was worth it to us. Highlights included a fabulous dinner at Napa Rose, seeing Aladdin and the dining package at Ariels Grotto for the preferred viewing at WOC.
The Spring Break crowds were a little busier than I had hoped, but we managed to get on all the rides we wanted with a little patience and some help from "fastpasses". Thanks to everyone on the Dis for their tips and advice, it really helped our trip be successful. On one final note, I thought 6 days in the parks would be more than enough, but we still did not get everything done ... the kids are hoping for a return trip in 2014 when Carsland is up and running!

Sorry you didn't get everything done, but in a way I'm glad to hear it because often times on the boards often times people say that you can do everything withing 2-3 days and that baffles my mind. I don't think I've done everything there is to do at DLR and I LIVE here!!!!!

Glad you had a great time, and hope that you get back here to see the new cars land, I'm looking forward to that and the new Star Tours ride!

 

[KCmike]

We have just departed the GCH after 6 wonderful nights.
We were able to get exactly the room configeration we wanted - 1 queen plus bunks adjoining a room with 1 king on the 5th floor with a wonderful view over the ... carpark! Honestly the view did not bother us, because we were more concerned with the bed arrangements. We loved how close the hotel was to the parks and we did manage to get a little time to spend in the pools which were great, if a little crowded. The service was really good from all CM's and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.
This was probably a "once in a lifetime" splurge and it was worth it to us. Highlights included a fabulous dinner at Napa Rose, seeing Aladdin and the dining package at Ariels Grotto for the preferred viewing at WOC.
The Spring Break crowds were a little busier than I had hoped, but we managed to get on all the rides we wanted with a little patience and some help from "fastpasses". Thanks to everyone on the Dis for their tips and advice, it really helped our trip be successful. On one final note, I thought 6 days in the parks would be more than enough, but we still did not get everything done ... the kids are hoping for a return trip in 2014 when Carsland is up and running!

We usually do five or more days with days off mixed in for other fun stuff in the area and we are always thinking we didn't have enough time. I also concur with the others that when they think they can get everything in 2-3 days it just baffles my mind.

The nice thing about DL is that they are always adding new stuff. Even if its not a major attraction they add new fireworks, Tron stuff, old attractions are brought back (Sleeping beauty, Great Moments). Plus it just feels like home. I am really nervous at WDW this year. I am thinking that it just won't be the same as DL.

Glad you had a great time! Who knows what they will have in 2014!!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We usually do five or more days with days off mixed in for other fun stuff in the area and we are always thinking we didn't have enough time. I also concur with the others that when they think they can get everything in 2-3 days it just baffles my mind.

The nice thing about DL is that they are always adding new stuff. Even if its not a major attraction they add new fireworks, Tron stuff, old attractions are brought back (Sleeping beauty, Great Moments). Plus it just feels like home. I am really nervous at WDW this year. I am thinking that it just won't be the same as DL.

Glad you had a great time! Who knows what they will have in 2014!!!

I have to agree, either they do not have many things they want to do or they really do not know how much there is to do. We like to be able to do our favorites more than one. I love the MWoD, but it goes so slow it takes for ever just to make one trip. One daughter will ride IJ over and over if she could. On and on.

Jack

 

[smile4stamps]

Are there standard rooms that are not a long walk? I am thinking of splurging for my birthday trip but don't want to splurge and then end up with a walk just as long as it would be if I stayed at PPH.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Are there standard rooms that are not a long walk? I am thinking of splurging for my birthday trip but don't want to splurge and then end up with a walk just as long as it would be if I stayed at PPH.

There are many standard rooms close to the elevators. We had a DQ with a daybed for 1 night last year.

Jack

 

[lffam]

We have just departed the GCH after 6 wonderful nights.
We were able to get exactly the room configeration we wanted - 1 queen plus bunks adjoining a room with 1 king on the 5th floor with a wonderful view over the ... carpark! Honestly the view did not bother us, because we were more concerned with the bed arrangements. We loved how close the hotel was to the parks and we did manage to get a little time to spend in the pools which were great, if a little crowded. The service was really good from all CM's and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.
This was probably a "once in a lifetime" splurge and it was worth it to us. Highlights included a fabulous dinner at Napa Rose, seeing Aladdin and the dining package at Ariels Grotto for the preferred viewing at WOC.
The Spring Break crowds were a little busier than I had hoped, but we managed to get on all the rides we wanted with a little patience and some help from "fastpasses". Thanks to everyone on the Dis for their tips and advice, it really helped our trip be successful. On one final note, I thought 6 days in the parks would be more than enough, but we still did not get everything done ... the kids are hoping for a return trip in 2014 when Carsland is up and running!

We spent 6 nights at GCV in Sept and had the best family holiday we have ever had. We cant wait to go back or to make a trip to WDW but that would seem to need alot more planning!! Carsland is scheduled to be opened in 2012 so another 2 years on from that and I'm sure the will have even more new stuff to enjoy!

 

[DmaxHawk]

I feel a little embarrassed. I've been asking everyone to provide pics of their room views but I failed to take one of our view last month...

We had room 6401 and the view was overlooking the "garden" through which the monorail passes.

 

[CrazyDuck]

I feel a little embarrassed. I've been asking everyone to provide pics of their room views but I failed to take one of our view last month...

We had room 6401 and the view was overlooking the "garden" through which the monorail passes.

For a "standard" view room the courtyard view is a much better option than Disneyland Drive/Valet view!

 

[DmaxHawk]

For a "standard" view room the courtyard view is a much better option than Disneyland Drive/Valet view!

Good point

 

[Smltown96]

Wow, finally made it through all 139 pages of this thread! New DVC owner at VGC and can't wait until our first stay June 14th through June 19th!!! Great thread, keep it up. Thanks to all of your for such great posts.

 

[DmaxHawk]

Wow, finally made it through all 139 pages of this thread! New DVC owner at VGC and can't wait until our first stay June 14th through June 19th!!! Great thread, keep it up. Thanks to all of your for such great posts.

Congrats on being a new DVC owner!

 

[Nonsuch]

Wow, finally made it through all 139 pages of this thread! New DVC owner at VGC and can't wait until our first stay June 14th through June 19th!!!

As a VGC owner, you should read these threads:
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group (235 pages)
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 2.0 (39 pages)

 

[franandaj]

As a VGC owner, you should read these threads:
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group (235 pages)
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 2.0 (39 pages)

Nothing like a crash course! I'm glad I found the first one when it was only about 112 pages!

 

[Nonsuch]

Nothing like a crash course! I'm glad I found the first one when it was only about 112 pages!

I found that original VGC owners thread (and joined this board) at page 121

 

[Smltown96]

As a VGC owner, you should read these threads:
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group (235 pages)
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 2.0 (39 pages)

Have read all of the 2.0 but haven't done the original one yet. That will take some time!!!

Thanks for the info!