Grand Californian Super Thread

[gottalovepluto]

Excited to finally get some dates on the long rumored refurb! We stayed after Memorial at GCH & didn't notice anything in bad condition in our room or the hotel. If I had received a room with peeling wallpaper I would have immediately requested another room.

Special discounts during refurb? Hmm, as I've heard of a couple hotels in WDW go through refurb recently via the DISboards (wilderness lodge, beach club) and I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[tlovesdis]

Is there a pool bar at GCH?

 

[DizneyLover]

Is there a pool bar at GCH?

I don't think there is a dedicated pool bar. There are waiters coming around and you can order drinks from them.

 

[KCmike]

Checking In by Mike Day, on Flickr

 

[KCmike]

Love your photos KCMike!

Thanks so much!

 

[whoever]

KCmike, that is awesome!!! You've inspired me. I see 10mm... does Canon offer that in a full frame?

 

[Nonsuch]

...Is there much difference in the Standard Room View versus the Courtyard/Woodlands, or Partial View Rooms?

The rooms are exactly the same, the only difference is the view.

• Most Standard View rooms are at the front of the hotel.
  
• Most Courtyard/Woods View rooms look into the courtyard, or lower floors facing DCA (woods).
  
• Partial View rooms are lower floor (or in some way obstructed), but otherwise would be Park/Pool/DTD views.

 

[KCmike]

KCmike, that is awesome!!! You've inspired me. I see 10mm... does Canon offer that in a full frame?

I believe your best option is the Canon EF 16-35mm 2.8 and there is also an f/4 version. I don't have a full frame camera so I can't be for sure. 16mm on a full frame should be plenty wide and I believe it will give you the same perspective as a 10mm on a crop camera. I would post this question on the photography board as well to see if they concur. I am a hobbyist and not an expert for sure. Thanks for the kind remarks.

 

[MommyJKM]

Is there a pool bar at GCH?

Whitewater Snacks is the pool bar. You usually just order from the waiter/ess coming around. They don't frown on you bringing in already made drinks from Hearthstone Lounge though.

 

[ZamboniNerd]

Agreed and the service is usually fantastic. The wait staff works their butts off.

 

[kylie71]

We are taking advantage of the Diamond Celebration room rates to stay in a Courtyard View/Woods view room.
What is the distance to an elevator from these room types? We will be there next month, so Excited first time at the GC!!

--Lori

 

[jeanico2000]

Are there mini fridges in the standard view rooms at the Grand Californian? We will be staying there for the 1st time in early December! Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[White Rose]

sorry to ask this, but I did not see it listed...when is the GC refurb? We are arriving as part of ABD trip on Oct 13, and I'm hoping it's not this year.

 

[Nonsuch]

We are taking advantage of the Diamond Celebration room rates to stay in a Courtyard View/Woods view room.
What is the distance to an elevator from these room types?

You might want to request to be near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose, for the most convenient access to DCA.

 

[Nonsuch]

Are there mini fridges in the standard view rooms at the Grand Californian?

Yes, all rooms have a mini-fridge. The refrigerator is empty, there is no mini-bar.

 

[Nonsuch]

...when is the GC refurb?

While not officially announced, I have heard the refurbishment will start Feb/Mar 2016 and last 2 years.
Some exterior work was being done during my last visit (mid-July), with scaffolds on one side the the Brisa courtyard. The scaffolds had an opaque netting so workmen were not visible, and there were no power tools being used.

 

[LoriLovesDisneyland]

We are taking advantage of the Diamond Celebration room rates to stay in a Courtyard View/Woods view room.
What is the distance to an elevator from these room types? We will be there next month, so Excited first time at the GC!!

--Lori

I just returned from our stay at GCH. We had a woods/Courtyard room. It was a great room. It was on the 2nd floor and close to the elevators. We had a view of the fireworks from our balcony and we could look down at the private entrance to DCA and hear GRR and the music playing when we had our slider open. It was wonderful. We were room 2349. I recommend it!

 

[kylie71]

Non-Such Thank You,
What can you see from rooms close to the Napa Rose elevator?

Also- does all the Courtyard/Woods view rooms have balcony's? The CM, I spoke with on the phone when I made my reservation, said they DID NOT!

Thank You,
--Lori

 

[kylie71]

I just returned from our stay at GCH. We had a woods/Courtyard room. It was a great room. It was on the 2nd floor and close to the elevators. We had a view of the fireworks from our balcony and we could look down at the private entrance to DCA and hear GRR and the music playing when we had our slider open. It was wonderful. We were room 2349. I recommend it!

Thank You for your info, do you have any pics from the Balcony?
Was your room close to the Napa Rose, elevators?

Happy you had a Great time!

--Lori

 

[Nonsuch]

...What can you see from rooms close to the Napa Rose elevator?

All view types are possible near these elevators. The upper floors are usually assigned to concierge. The PP had a great view facing DCA, one of the best Courtyard/Woods view rooms.
You could request to be near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose and facing DCA.

...does all the Courtyard/Woods view rooms have balcony's? The CM, I spoke with on the phone when I made my reservation, said they DID NOT!

The CM is correct. There are a few Courtyard view rooms located directly above the monorail that do not have balconies (~10 rooms out of 1000).