Grand Californian Super Thread

[Minnie824]

We're staying at the Grand Californian Villas this summer, and a CM said there is a deck that we can go to and watch World of Color from the hotel? Can anyone tell me about this? Does it get crowded? Thanks!

 

[Argento]

We're staying at the Grand Californian Villas this summer, and a CM said there is a deck that we can go to and watch World of Color from the hotel? Can anyone tell me about this? Does it get crowded? Thanks!

It's on the 6th floor of the southern most wing (AKA the Villas wing) and it is right in the middle between the villas and the normal guest rooms. That's all I know of it at the moment as we'd only found out about it on the last night of our last trip.

 

[granismith]

I wanted to share my experience of my first stay at GCH. We booked through Costco and it said we would have a Courtyard view. When I went to check in she said "you get our best room in your catagory". I though that was great but I never realized how great it was until I stepped out on my deck. WOW...our room looked out at all 3 pools, and California adventure. We were on the 6th floor and we could see some of the wold of color show. Mostly the water and the top part where the put pictures up on the ferris wheel. I could hear all the music, it was awesome. Our room location was even better, step out our room go around the corner, down the elevator, around the corner and there it was...the entrance that goes right into the park!!! WOW...I was so amazed!!

The first 2 days we were there there was virtually no wait on the rides either!! We walked right on to Soarin'. The longest wait was 25 min. on the really big rides. Then came Sat. & Sunday and that was a different story. It was so busy so we ended up just enjoying our wonderful hotel and pool.

Needless to say after that I am spoiled for anything less. We stsyed the last night at HOJO which I really do like but the walk was very tiresome after being so spoiled.

If you are ever weighing between a Disney Hotel or Good neighbor, I pick Disney all the way, it is worth the splurge!!

 

[Nonsuch]

...a CM said there is a deck that we can go to and watch World of Color from the hotel? Can anyone tell me about this? Does it get crowded?

I have viewed WOC from the villas on several different trips, and have observed the patio. The patio has never appeared crowded, and for later shows it is often empty.

Some photos of the patio

 

[Nonsuch]

...When I went to check in she said "you get our best room in your catagory". I though that was great but I never realized how great it was until I stepped out on my deck. WOW...our room looked out at all 3 pools, and California adventure. We were on the 6th floor and we could see some of the wold of color show. Mostly the water and the top part where the put pictures up on the ferris wheel. I could hear all the music, it was awesome. Our room location was even better, step out our room go around the corner, down the elevator, around the corner and there it was...the entrance that goes right into the park!!! WOW...I was so amazed!!

What was your room number?
Please post some pictures of the view

 

[granismith]

What was your room number?
Please post some pictures of the view

It was room 6334 and I don't know how to post pics but I will try to figure it out.

 

[Nonsuch]

It was room 6334 and I don't know how to post pics but I will try to figure it out.

This board does not support uploading pictures directly to a post

Photos can be uploaded to DIS Photo Galleries, then embedded in a post (use the "Insert Image" button).

Photos can also be uploaded to an external photo site, I use Google Picasa.

 

[granismith]

Testing to see if this works

 

[granismith]

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/grand-californian-hotel/p73806-grand-californian-room.html

can't figure out how to insert image but here is the link to our room. 6334

 

[gardengirl2790]

Can any GCH guest use this patio, or only guests of the Villas?

 

[Nonsuch]

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/grand-californian-hotel/p73806-grand-californian-room.html

can't figure out how to insert image but here is the link to our room. 6334

This site does not make it obvious.
Near the bottom of the photo page, next to the Linked Thumbnail is a little colored button (looks like a tiny frame with a link symbol) -- click that
Copy the "Medium Image" code to your post

 

[Nonsuch]

Can any GCH guest use this patio, or only guests of the Villas?

All GCH guests may use the patio
A room key is needed.

 

[gardengirl2790]

Great, thanks! We have never been told about it.

 

[mmmears]

All GCH guests may use the patio
A room key is needed.

Wow! That's great to know! Thanks for the info!

 

[mt mommy]

All GCH guests may use the patio
A room key is needed.

SO GOOD TO know for our September trip! Thanks!

 

[wbl2745]

We're staying at the Grand Californian Villas this summer, and a CM said there is a deck that we can go to and watch World of Color from the hotel? Can anyone tell me about this? Does it get crowded? Thanks!

Although it is great to avoid the crowds, you're going to miss all of the projections on the water screens. You need to be in the viewing area to see that. We watched WoC once up there, and although the music is great and the water is fantastic, I felt like we were missing 1/2 of the show. Your milage may vary.

 

[cobbler]

Hello!

I've gone through a few pages on the thread but would like more info on club level. For example, what offerings do they have besides breakfast? The only club level I am familiar with is the Poly.

We are looking to use our points for a stay because I'm almost positive my waitlist will not come through. Yes I do realize this is NOT a good use of points and the number needed is crazy, but due to circumstances we need to save $$ on this trip (over 1/2 marathon weekend) and using points would allow us to do that.

I believe the only level available at any of the 3 hotels for our entire length is club level which is why we would go that route.

I am mainly interested in the food offerings and if we are using points even though we are staying on the hotel side, do we still have to pay for parking?

Thanks!

 

[nunzia]

Hello!

I've gone through a few pages on the thread but would like more info on club level. For example, what offerings do they have besides breakfast? The only club level I am familiar with is the Poly.

We are looking to use our points for a stay because I'm almost positive my waitlist will not come through. Yes I do realize this is NOT a good use of points and the number needed is crazy, but due to circumstances we need to save $$ on this trip (over 1/2 marathon weekend) and using points would allow us to do that.

I believe the only level available at any of the 3 hotels for our entire length is club level which is why we would go that route.

I am mainly interested in the food offerings and if we are using points even though we are staying on the hotel side, do we still have to pay for parking?

Thanks!

When we stayed Concierge (is this the same as club level?) They had alot of food options. They had some lunch stuff..fruit, cheese, bread, treats and unstuffables plus drinks, then the same plus a couple hot things around dinner time and then cookies and milk, beer and wine later. They also always had cold drinks that could be taken to the parks. It was great. I'd do it again if I had points to burn or extra $$$.

 

[cobbler]

When we stayed Concierge (is this the same as club level?) They had alot of food options. They had some lunch stuff..fruit, cheese, bread, treats and unstuffables plus drinks, then the same plus a couple hot things around dinner time and then cookies and milk, beer and wine later. They also always had cold drinks that could be taken to the parks. It was great. I'd do it again if I had points to burn or extra $$$.

That is fantastic! This is what I wanted to hear. With 1 teen boy and 1 pre-teen boy it'll be nice to have them snack on something between meals as they are bottomless pits!

I burned 364 points to do it but I highly doubt my waitlist will come through and there wasn't anything else available on points without bouncing all over the place.

Now to get airfare which is also

Thanks!

 

[boiseflyfisher]

Hello!

I've gone through a few pages on the thread but would like more info on club level. For example, what offerings do they have besides breakfast? The only club level I am familiar with is the Poly.

We are looking to use our points for a stay because I'm almost positive my waitlist will not come through. Yes I do realize this is NOT a good use of points and the number needed is crazy, but due to circumstances we need to save $$ on this trip (over 1/2 marathon weekend) and using points would allow us to do that.

I believe the only level available at any of the 3 hotels for our entire length is club level which is why we would go that route.

I am mainly interested in the food offerings and if we are using points even though we are staying on the hotel side, do we still have to pay for parking?

Thanks!

I know that there is an extensive thread about the offerings at each of the three hotels for concierge level. It has been a while since I have stayed Grand concierge as we normally stay DVC now, but in the past the lounge offered three types of finger sandwiches as well as scones and chocolate covered strawberries during the day. In the evening there is a hot appetizer, cheese tray, veggies and assorted desserts as well as wine and beer. After that they offer cordials and additional desserts and huge cookies. During this time they have someone come in and tell stories or sing songs to the children.

I hadn't even looked at the points required for club level until you posted your question. That is a serious amount of points for what you get in return. Are you sure you wouldn't rather rent your points and use the cash to book something? You mention that you are trying to save money this trip. For the amount you could get by renting your points, you could book PP concierge on cash for twice as many nights if not more. Just a thought.

If I remember right, if you are booking nights on points, you do not need to pay the $15 parking fee.