Grand Californian Super Thread

[gottalovepluto]

We are staying at GC for the first time this week. We have 3 adults and 2 young kids in the room, so we requested one of the rooms with 2 queen beds and a daybed. I was told the only rooms with that set up are on the Disneyland Drive side, farthest from the entry into California Adventure. Does anyone know if this is true? I just like to be as informed as possible when checking in so I can ask about a different location if desired.

We have always had a parking lot view from those rooms.

 

[Nonsuch]

We are staying at GC for the first time this week. We have 3 adults and 2 young kids in the room, so we requested one of the rooms with 2 queen beds and a daybed. I was told the only rooms with that set up are on the Disneyland Drive side, farthest from the entry into California Adventure. Does anyone know if this is true? I just like to be as informed as possible when checking in so I can ask about a different location if desired.

The 39 daybed rooms are all located at the front of the hotel:

Sample view:

 

[Aladora]

The 39 daybed rooms are all located at the front of the hotel:

Since you are the awesome GCH expert, can you show on the map where the bunk bed rooms might be found? We are hoping for near the Napa Rose elevators.

Thanks!

 

[lffam]

I'm up to mid last year posts in reading the thread, but just wanted to post that we will be staying at the Villas (studio) in December. This will be our second time at GC,our first being our very first Disney experience in 2010. We loved every minute and can't wait to come back.

 

[Nonsuch]

I'm up to mid last year posts in reading the thread, but just wanted to post that we will be staying at the Villas (studio) in December...

You should also read:
The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group

 

[lffam]

You should also read: The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group

Thanks nonsuch, it's on my list also now.

 

[adykate]

Thanks so much for the awesome map of the rooms! I figured you had something like that, I just hadn't found it yet . It is much appreciated!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Has anyone by chance ever noticed almond milk at White Water Snacks?

 

[ccb1212]

My family and I will be staying here at the end of April. I once saw on this thread where to park while you check in but now I am having a hard time finding it again. Can someone give me the scoop?

 

[TheChapman6]

My family and I will be staying here at the end of April. I once saw on this thread where to park while you check in but now I am having a hard time finding it again. Can someone give me the scoop?

You just pull up in front of the hotel?

 

[Nonsuch]

...I once saw on this thread where to park while you check in but now I am having a hard time finding it again...

The entrance to GCH is off Disneyland Drive. Tell the CM at the gate you are checking in, generally they will place a pre-printed card on your windshield. Pull forward to the main entrance, and tell the CM you are checking in and self parking. Leave keys in the car, in case it needs to be moved. Have Bell Services take your bags and check in, your room keys should be printed with Self Parking. Drive across the street to the parking lot. The parking lot CM may ask to see your key and will open the second gate to the GC lot, otherwise your key will open the second gate.

 

[blossom64]

Since parking was just mentioned - is it fairly close to self-park at GCH or is it worth the extra money to have it valet parked.

 

[vettegirl]

Am I allowed to valet park at the GCH if not staying there? I want to go to the character breakfast before going to the park in a couple weeks with my 6 month old.

 

[Nonsuch]

Since parking was just mentioned - is it fairly close to self-park at GCH or is it worth the extra money to have it valet parked.

The Self Parking lot is directly across the street (Disneyland Drive) a short walk.
It is often faster to walk to Self Parking than to wait for the valet -- even though I always call ahead from the room.
I use the valet when the car is not needed for the entire visit.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I just booked our first (and possibly only) trip to stay at the GCH March 1-5! I've been saving for 3 years for this trip, but one thing after another was sucking up my Disney fund (3 years of major dental work not covered by insurance is no fun ). I'm bringing DS7 and we're leaving our Grumpy DH at home because he's not a fan of our Disney vacations.

But I asked DS if he wanted to go in the off season when a lot of attractions would be closed but we could afford to stay at a Disney hotel, or go when more things are open but we would stay offsite as usual. I'm so glad he voted for off season, because I have always wanted to stay at GCH!! I'm really looking forward to it, even with everything that's closed for refurb this time.

And DS is such a fun Disney buddy because he loves all the magic of it and really gets into noticing the details and enjoying all the little moments. He has been asking to look up pictures of GCH online, and wants to see videos of it, and he's super excited, too. I did explain that we can't afford the premium view rooms, so he shouldn't expect to see CA or DTD or anything, but he says that's okay because it will still be Disneyland and that's the best part.

 

[Astylla]

I just booked our first (and possibly only) trip to stay at the GCH March 1-5! I've been saving for 3 years for this trip, but one thing after another was sucking up my Disney fund (3 years of major dental work not covered by insurance is no fun ). I'm bringing DS7 and we're leaving our Grumpy DH at home because he's not a fan of our Disney vacations.

But I asked DS if he wanted to go in the off season when a lot of attractions would be closed but we could afford to stay at a Disney hotel, or go when more things are open but we would stay offsite as usual. I'm so glad he voted for off season, because I have always wanted to stay at GCH!! I'm really looking forward to it, even with everything that's closed for refurb this time.

And DS is such a fun Disney buddy because he loves all the magic of it and really gets into noticing the details and enjoying all the little moments. He has been asking to look up pictures of GCH online, and wants to see videos of it, and he's super excited, too. I did explain that we can't afford the premium view rooms, so he shouldn't expect to see CA or DTD or anything, but he says that's okay because it will still be Disneyland and that's the best part.

AWWW it sounds like you are both going to have a great time. That is so awesome how he really is part of the decision and is on board with you in such a way ! You can always ask if any upgrades are available it never hurts to ask too. On our first DLH stay we booked 4 nights in a standard room and asked if anything was available in adventure tower and we had a 2nd floor room overlooking the walkway of Trader Sams and it was perfect

If you get a chance we loved Storytellers for dinner - they offer an AMAZING buffet or a character meal if you want too ! I hope you have a great time.

 

[Nonsuch]

I just booked our first (and possibly only) trip to stay at the GCH March 1-5! I've been saving for 3 years for this trip...

I certainly hope you are taking advantage of the Dapper Day rates

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I certainly hope you are taking advantage of the Dapper Day rates

Yes! That's how we were able to afford it! We'd be staying somewhere else if we couldn't get that rate! I've always wanted to visit for Dapper Day, and so far DS is open to dressing up with me.
http://www.disboards.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/

 

[phyllis1966]

Hello, GCH fans! We just booked a trip for later this year! We first went to DL ten years ago for the 50th anniversary and loved it. We are finally headed back for DD's 16th birthday, and have booked a one-bedroom suite at the GCH so she can bring her BFF and they can have some privacy for changing and such...Nonsuch has provided such amazing maps of room locations, so I was hoping to get some idea of where those suites are primarily located, and what their views are, if anyone knows.

Thanks so much...we're so excited to be hitting DL for the 60th anniversary!

 

[sechelt]

Has anyone by chance ever noticed almond milk at White Water Snacks?

I checked the list of things that could be pre-ordered by DVC members and there's no mention of almond milk. I can't say for certain it isn't there but I think it's unlikely. Perhaps if you call the hotel directly they'll be able to have some waiting for you.