Grand Californian Super Thread

[sgrap]

Does anyone have an idea what GCH (and other resort hotels) average on Mickey's Halloween Party nights? Would I be better off booking now before the dates for the Halloween Party are announced?

I just looked, and I booked our room at GCH last year on 6/1 and I bought our MHP tickets on July 16th, which was the first day they were available to AP holders. You can always book a bigger window of dates now and then call and modify your reservation. Have you been watching the Halloween thread? Even though there may not be set dates, there usually is a pretty good idea based on previous years' dates. Have fun--we had a great time last year at Halloween Time!

 

[kelly3kids]

We have never been in the middle of summer. It is the only time we can fit in 8 days this year so we are going June 28-July 5. If you have been in the summer what tips can you give me for crowds, staying cool, and just anything that will help. We will be using EMH and will plan that out well. We are only planning 3 days in the parks. We will for sure be coming back mid day for a pool break and naps if needed. Our sons are 10, 8, and 5. We know the parks really well but not summer time craziness.

 

[gottalovepluto]

We have never been in the middle of summer. It is the only time we can fit in 8 days this year so we are going June 28-July 5. If you have been in the summer what tips can you give me for crowds, staying cool, and just anything that will help. We will be using EMH and will plan that out well. We are only planning 3 days in the parks. We will for sure be coming back mid day for a pool break and naps if needed. Our sons are 10, 8, and 5. We know the parks really well but not summer time craziness.

You picked the perfect hotel for summer time at DL! GCH is the easiest hotel for summer pool breaks. Our typical summer sched: EMH, air conditioned table service lunch in parks, a couple more rides, return to hotel for pool/naps/showers, return to parks for dinner (or downtown Disney for dinner) and then close down the parks. With ones that little I don't see you closing down the parks, but stay till they're nice and tired because it's a quick trip back to the hotel and they'll sleep like rocks. The schedule is rather exhausting but a long midday breaks makes it doable for us and GCH provides so much convenience for taking those breaks. Are you staying GCH the whole trip? If so, you may want to consider adding a day or two to those park tickets as you could have some healthy level crowds for 4th of July...

 

[Creaking Crypt Door]

I'm getting very excited for my stay there! kelly3kids, I'll be there the week before you, so it's great to hear these tips as well.

Watching the video reveal of Grizzly Airfield yesterday made me discover I've never REALLY realized how close GCH is to the park!

I can't wait!

 

[LadyBJ]

Booked GCH today! Finally! I feel like the Canadian dollar is gonna go down even more so I just paid the deposit while it's still a little high.

I realized there is no option for placing requests when making a reservation. I know you can call them to make requests, but can you also do this by email?

 

[Liberator]

I am so glad we switched from PPH to GCH.

All I can say is: LOCATION!
We really enjoyed our 3 nights at GCH. There is nothing that would me make consider booking DLH or PPH for future stays, except no availablity at GCH.

We felt a little bit cramped at first, but that may have been because we stayed in a large suite at MGM in Vegas the 4 nights before. The room was in a very good condition. I will post pictures including our Deluxe Partial View later.

 

[Creaking Crypt Door]

I am so glad we switched from PPH to GCH.

All I can say is: LOCATION!
We really enjoyed our 3 nights at GCH. There is nothing that would me make consider booking DLH or PPH for future stays, except no availablity at GCH.

We felt a little bit cramped at first, but that may have been because we stayed in a large suite at MGM in Vegas the 4 nights before. The room was in a very good condition. I will post pictures including our Deluxe Partial View later.

Not sure I can get more excited! This especially after my last visit to Disney was WDW, where long, cramped bus rides are a part of your experience. To be able to walk back to a hotel that is technically IN DCA for rest when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the crowds is going to be a god send!

 

[Liberator]

Not sure I can get more excited! This especially after my last visit to Disney was WDW, where long, cramped bus rides are a part of your experience. To be able to walk back to a hotel that is technically IN DCA for rest when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the crowds is going to be a god send!

we felt so blessed being that near to the main plaza that we almost forgot about the DCA-entrance from GCH. It makes things very easy, for example after World of Colour. You are in your room within minutes! A quick afternoon nap at the pool is so easy to do at GCH.

 

[Liberator]

as promised here a room review

we booked the Deluxe Partial View and we were fine with an obstruction or just a partial view of Downtown Disney. As the descriptions states partial theme park view OR Downtown Disney view, we requested Downtown Disney.

The check-in CM, I think his name was Jarred, was very friendly. We arrived quite early and he gave us a room that was ready, nr. 3141, partial Downtown Disney view

the walk to the room was very easy, we preferred to use the main staircase instead of the elevator very often, the walk is rather short compared to some other rooms. The location was very quiet, not much room traffic. I think the rooms are very well sound proofed, even with a connecting door.

What us really surprised was how good the balcony door blocked the Downtown Disney sound. You close the door and it is almost silence, wow. Sometimes it smelled a little bit too much like garlic on the balcony, but it did not bother us. We could see the peaks of the fireworks from our room. It was perfect for people watching!

some pictures:



















(sorry for the mess)


this is why the room is a partial view room. We were fine with it! The room is a little elevated, so the roof did not bother us much


first room behind the fence was ours

 

[lorijohnhill]

LOL we were directly across the hall from you in room 3140!

We had a partial woods view and could see the monorail come through. It was very peaceful.

For anyone wondering about disability rooms, we had a roll in shower and two queen beds. By moving the chairs and the table over a bit we were able to fit two scooters in the room.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Following along in this thread - My husband & I will be staying here during our Star Wars Half Marathon trip!

 

[Nonsuch]

The MousePlanet Disneyland Resort Update had this info:

...Disney will be renovating two rooms of the Grand Californian Hotel in preparation for an upcoming refurbishment of all guest rooms in the hotel. The two rooms (3451 & 3453) will serve as models for the renovations, allowing planners to see the finished designs actually installed in rooms before the renovations begin.

This may also present a future opportunity for Disney fans to purchase the current room furnishings when the renovations begin. When the Grand Californian replaced their original entertainment centers with the current version several years ago, the old units were offered for sale at Disney's property control sale. If you love the Arts & Crafts-style furnishings used at the Grand Californian Hotel and know a Disney cast member, ask them to keep their eye out for information about a possible sale.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Looking to stay at GC for the first time and I'm a little bit confused... I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping someone here can answer...

1) If I book "rack rate" for a 2 bedroom unit, am I right in assuming that this is a DVC 2BR?

2) Are there separate rates/room categories for 2 bedrooms based on views (eg theme park vs. pool), or would the view just be a "request" that may or may not be honored?

Thanks!!!

 

[Nonsuch]

1) If I book "rack rate" for a 2 bedroom unit, am I right in assuming that this is a DVC 2BR?

Unfortunately, you will almost certainly NOT receive a DVC villa. Villas are a different category than hotel rooms, and cash reservations must be made on the phone. Due to the small size of VGC there are seldom villas available for cash reservations. A better (and cheaper) approach is to rent DVC points to book at VGC, but you must plan far in advance (generally greater than 7 months) and have firm travel dates (usually there are no cancellations).

2) Are there separate rates/room categories for 2 bedrooms based on views (eg theme park vs. pool), or would the view just be a "request" that may or may not be honored?

There are no categories available for suites, at least not on line. You might want to call the hotel to confirm. Due to the rather small number of suites, you are likely correct that views are only a request.

 

[phyllis1966]

I've searched the DIS and googled it too, but I can't find the information I need - is it possible to call ahead and request a special birthday treat be delivered to our room on check-in day? We've used Disney Florist many times for our WDW trips, so that's been done. I was really hoping for some chocolate-dipped strawberries or something to surprise DD the night we check in. Or, can I just call Private Dining to order this once we get there? Anyone done this?

Thanks-

Almost there!

 

[RichP1269]

I've searched the DIS and googled it too, but I can't find the information I need - is it possible to call ahead and request a special birthday treat be delivered to our room on check-in day? We've used Disney Florist many times for our WDW trips, so that's been done. I was really hoping for some chocolate-dipped strawberries or something to surprise DD the night we check in. Or, can I just call Private Dining to order this once we get there? Anyone done this?

Thanks-

Almost there!

http://disneyland.disneyfloralandgi...eylandwebsitesearchinroomcelebrationchristmas

 

[MommyJKM]

I've searched the DIS and googled it too, but I can't find the information I need - is it possible to call ahead and request a special birthday treat be delivered to our room on check-in day? We've used Disney Florist many times for our WDW trips, so that's been done. I was really hoping for some chocolate-dipped strawberries or something to surprise DD the night we check in. Or, can I just call Private Dining to order this once we get there? Anyone done this?

Little known fact- you can call Room Service and have Mickey shaped chocolate covered rice krispies, chocolate covered strawberries, or chocolate dipped cookies delivered to your room for a good price (around $3-$5 a treat). Just call GCH and ask for Room Service and tell them when you want the delivery. They have a 4 hour delivery window at busy times so if you're checking in at 3pm let them know.

We like to have milk delivered too. Be aware that if there is a Do Not Disturb sign on the door they will NOT deliver. So if you check in then leave your room with the sign on they won't be delivered.

We've used Disney Floral and Gifts but if you didn't want to spend $300 you could use the room service option. They add a little Happy Birthday pin and a card if you want too.

 

[phyllis1966]

Little known fact- you can call Room Service and have Mickey shaped chocolate covered rice krispies, chocolate covered strawberries, or chocolate dipped cookies delivered to your room for a good price (around $3-$5 a treat). Just call GCH and ask for Room Service and tell them when you want the delivery. They have a 4 hour delivery window at busy times so if you're checking in at 3pm let them know.

We like to have milk delivered too. Be aware that if there is a Do Not Disturb sign on the door they will NOT deliver. So if you check in then leave your room with the sign on they won't be delivered.

We've used Disney Floral and Gifts but if you didn't want to spend $300 you could use the room service option. They add a little Happy Birthday pin and a card if you want too.

Thanks so much - that's EXACTLY what I was hoping for!

 

[Nonsuch]

Don’t Miss This Sweet Tribute to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa

 

[ilovelucydog]

I have booked a double queen room from December 6-12. What should I request as far as room location? I hear horror stories about the hotel being so huge and it being a long walk to get to the area that goes out to DCA or DD. Is there an area that is closer to the parks that I should request? Thank you!