Grand Californian Super Thread

[gardengirl2790]

We had a great stay at the GCH last week. I had paid for a Woods/Courtyard view, and we were placed into room 3351 which was awesome. We had a nice filtered view of DCA and the entrance from the hotel into the park. We could see the fireworks very well, we were very pleased.

There was a daily pool party, with music and games, at the Fountain pool for "all ages", but generally only children participated. It seemed fairly popular. The pool party happened each day from 2-3 when we were there. I would guess it will go until Labor Day, or so. It was not listed on the activities sheet that I received, so I thought parents may want to know.

 

[DLgal]

Are there any recent CL reviews for the GCH? We are returning to DL next summer and trying to decide whether to return to GCH (have stayed there 4 times and love it) or try DLH for a change. We would do CL either way. Had great CL experiences in the past but its been over 5 years and wonder if it's still as good.

Also, why don't the villas show up as an option online? We might want to stay in one as cash guests.

 

[Nonsuch]

Are there any recent CL reviews for the GCH?

I have not noticed any significant changes from my first concierge visit in 2005.
Sodas are now in cans rather than bottles, and water bottles must be requested (rather than self-serve).
The Nespresso machine produces decent espresso (I believe these are in all 3 lounges).

...why don't the villas show up as an option online? We might want to stay in one as cash guests.

My theory: The inventory of villas available for rental is too small and specialized to bother putting online. Suites also do not appear online.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Does anyone know if we need to make a reservation if we would like to eat in the Napa Rose Lounge? We're thinking of stopping in for dinner/apps and/or dessert one evening, and we just weren't sure what to expect in terms of crowds, if reservations are accepted or needed, and if the lounge is as popular as the restaurant. We've never been to either Napa Rose or the lounge. Any answers appreciated!

You do not need reservations and the lounge doesn't accept reservations

Depending on the evening you go, it can be pretty popular, but I've only had to ever wait a few minutes. You can enjoy the entire menu in the lounge.

 

[Nonsuch]

...There was a daily pool party, with music and games, at the Fountain pool for "all ages", but generally only children participated. It seemed fairly popular. The pool party happened each day from 2-3 when we were there. I would guess it will go until Labor Day, or so. It was not listed on the activities sheet that I received, so I thought parents may want to know.

Disney Parks Blog:
Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests Enjoy More Fun in the Sun with Summer Pool Parties

 

[franandaj]

Are there any recent CL reviews for the GCH? We are returning to DL next summer and trying to decide whether to return to GCH (have stayed there 4 times and love it) or try DLH for a change. We would do CL either way. Had great CL experiences in the past but its been over 5 years and wonder if it's still as good.

Also, why don't the villas show up as an option online? We might want to stay in one as cash guests.

The Villas book up so quickly that DVC members who don't own there often can't get in. I can't imagine that there would be any left for cash reservations.

 

[Nonsuch]

The Villas book up so quickly that DVC members who don't own there often can't get in. I can't imagine that there would be any left for cash reservations.

Points used by a VGC owner outside of DVC (a cruise or non-DVC timeshare), allows Disney to accept cash reservation for villas. This only creates a small inventory for cash reservations, and prices will be high.

 

[hjgaus]

Disney Parks Blog:
Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests Enjoy More Fun in the Sun with Summer Pool Parties

Okay.....totally new!! We have been staying @ VGC as well as ALL the DLR hotels since 2009 (consistently for the last 2 yrs) and have NEVER seen these scheduled events except for the 2011 Pirates movie premiere!!
We were wondering why they don't do this like WDW resorts?
That should be so much fun for the kids!!

 

[aussietravellers]

On check out day, can you access the concierge lounge all day or only until you check out at 11am?

 

[Lexxiefern]

I just checked the VGC grocery list and no..... sorry! Although if you really want fresh baked cookies you could order some groceries from Vons or if you have a car hit up a local grocery store nearby! Enjoy the villas!!

Thanks for checking! I ordered through Von's but since we switch rooms partway I didn't want to chance any refrigerated stuff. I will just have to find other things to snack on!

 

[VBsHustla]

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all of your great tips, pics, and information in this thread. It's been really helpful in planning our stay at the GCH starting Monday!

I'm still wondering about all of these different view categories, though. We booked something called "premium view." Which is confusing, because we thought premium referred to being a higher floor and might mean theme park or DTD?

Also, for room requests: we usually request a room as far from the elevators as possible in WDW (quieter and rooms tend to be bigger), but I see that a lot of people request rooms near the elevators at the GCH. Is this to minimize a long walk, or is there something particularly horrible about the views or rooms at the ends of hallways? We don't mind a long walk, but if we have a theme park view, we'd rather not end up with a view of only trees.

Any help would be awesome and very much appreciated!

 

[gardengirl2790]

I always request a quiet room, away from elevators at the GCH. We stayed there last week, and we were far enough, but not too far from elevators. Also, at the end of our hall, there was the exit leading down stairs. We used it a lot to go downstairs. It dropped us out right near White Water Snacks, and the pool.

 

[VBsHustla]

I always request a quiet room, away from elevators at the GCH. We stayed there last week, and we were far enough, but not too far from elevators. Also, at the end of our hall, there was the exit leading down stairs. We used it a lot to go downstairs. It dropped us out right near White Water Snacks, and the pool.

Nice! That sounds perfect!! Thanks so much.

 

[twinspirit]

I'm torn on the view. What if we get a park view and my kids will just stare yearning to be in there on our non park days lol. I was also thinking it might help them shut down easier in the evening if its out of sight out of mind kind of thing.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

We had a great stay at the GCH last week. I had paid for a Woods/Courtyard view, and we were placed into room 3351 which was awesome. We had a nice filtered view of DCA and the entrance from the hotel into the park. We could see the fireworks very well, we were very pleased.

There was a daily pool party, with music and games, at the Fountain pool for "all ages", but generally only children participated. It seemed fairly popular. The pool party happened each day from 2-3 when we were there. I would guess it will go until Labor Day, or so. It was not listed on the activities sheet that I received, so I thought parents may want to know.

Thank you! We are going to GCH soon and when we stayed there a couple yrs ago we only visited the water slide pool - I had no idea there were more pools.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

I called today - checking in tomorrow - to ask for a bunk bed room. Called the hotel direct, not reservations. The CM told me that we had been placed in a bunk bed room (I typed it in on our reservation) but she would put a "do not move" on it. I didn't know you could do that! Glad I called! Any last minute fun tips & tricks, especially about the pools and grounds, would be wonderful!

 

[chrisaman]

Are there any recent CL reviews for the GCH? We are returning to DL next summer and trying to decide whether to return to GCH (have stayed there 4 times and love it) or try DLH for a change. We would do CL either way. Had great CL experiences in the past but its been over 5 years and wonder if it's still as good.

Also, why don't the villas show up as an option online? We might want to stay in one as cash guests.

You could always rent points from DVC members. Talk to them here in the forums or see if you can go through one of the rental web sites if you want the Villas. It is cheaper going that route than buying direct with cash as well.

 

[SuperRob]

Checked in about 10AM this morning, didn't get the text until just about 4PM, but surprise, surprise ... got a little pixie dust and got DVC Deluxe Studio 6504! This view will be incredible at night.

 

[AZlady]

Awesome!!

 

[Nonsuch]

... got a little pixie dust and got DVC Deluxe Studio 6504! This view will be incredible at night.

Welcome Home
It's great when view requests are granted
Share some night pictures