Grand Californian Super Thread

[StarlitNight05]

I believe that is the hot tub and that the kiddie pool is blocked by the trees - would be towards the upper left of that photo.

Yes, that's the hot tub in the back. I couldn't see past the trees so I'm not sure if the kiddie pool was back there.

 

[Nonsuch]

Yes, that's the hot tub in the back. I couldn't see past the trees so I'm not sure if the kiddie pool was back there.

Kiddie pool is visible in this photo from April 13 (reverse angle from recent photo):

I initially thought the construction walls within the pool area were to allow individual pools to open, but perhaps the walls are only to protect completed work. Interesting that the walls around the Fountain pool were tan colored, but are now green. The Mariposa pool and larger Hot Tub are tightly surrounded by walls, in the background of the recent photo:

 

[trishadono]

So I am pretty familiar with WDW but dl not so much

I'm going 6/15-18 paying rack rate for premium view cl. I want premium view cause dh is like @Nonsuch and would like those park view rooms x333-x3357 so he doesn't have any rooms looking at him! I would like x300-x324 because I have only been to dl once last year for dd21 bday (just us 2) and CS ride was one of our highlights and seeing that from room would be amazing. Lastly to get dh to switch from DLH because he liked the view there I booked cl mainly to be on floors 5/6 guaranteed.

Then I noticed I could book 6/15 for one night with spring sale. All categories are available. My questions are:

Shoild I book a pv cl room 6/15-16 with sale then book 6/16-18 same category and then notify them " continuing reservation so that I don't have to switch rooms. Does this work at dl?

Or can I book a cheap room since we land at midnight anyways then go down at 6am on the 16th and check in for our pv cl room then?

Will they give us a late checkout at room 1 if room 2 isn't ready?

At WDW I go down early and have always gotten room right away. 6am may seem early but from NY it will feel like 9am

Normally I just pay extra because moving is pain. Here however the savings could be significant.

Thanks for the help

 

[Nonsuch]

Shoild I book a pv cl room 6/15-16 with sale then book 6/16-18 same category and then notify them " continuing reservation so that I don't have to switch rooms. Does this work at dl?

If you go this route, you might want to just call the hotel. They might be able to add the lower rate room to your existing reservation.

Or can I book a cheap room since we land at midnight anyways then go down at 6am on the 16th and check in for our pv cl room then?

This might be the best approach. At midnight the lounge is closed and club level guest services are also gone, so there will be no special benefit the first night. You could check-in at 6:30AM (they might be there at 6:00), with club level guest services (6th floor, near the lobby elevators). You will be issued keys and can use the lounge immediately.

Early check-in will give you the best chance of getting your requested room. Make sure to let the CM know the view is more important than the room being immediately available (assuming that is true).

The CM will not tell you the room you will receive, however it is printed on the small form you must sign. So it the location is not what you requested, try to change it while checking in.

Your request should be similar to: "Park View, High Floor, Near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose"
Many rooms that match this description are Premium View Club Level, so you have the best possible chance.

Will they give us a late checkout at room 1 if room 2 isn't ready?

Late checkout is generally only until 1PM (if available at all), and rooms are often not available until 3PM.
Bell Services will hold your luggage if there is a time gap without a room. They will pickup and deliver to your room, do not waste time in the Bell Service line in the lobby. Also, let them know the bags are being stored for a room change.

 

[dislaney]

Did the love seat make into a bed?

I don't think it folded out into a bed.

 

[trishadono]

If you go this route, you might want to just call the hotel. They might be able to add the lower rate room to your existing reservation.


This might be the best approach. At midnight the lounge is closed and club level guest services are also gone, so there will be no special benefit the first night. You could check-in at 6:30AM (they might be there at 6:00), with club level guest services (6th floor, near the lobby elevators). You will be issued keys and can use the lounge immediately.

Early check-in will give you the best chance of getting your requested room. Make sure to let the CM know the view is more important than the room being immediately available (assuming that is true).

The CM will not tell you the room you will receive, however it is printed on the small form you must sign. So it the location is not what you requested, try to change it while checking in.

Your request should be similar to: "Park View, High Floor, Near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose"
Many rooms that match this description are Premium View Club Level, so you have the best possible chance.

Late checkout is generally only until 1PM (if available at all), and rooms are often not available until 3PM.
Bell Services will hold your luggage if there is a time gap without a room. They will pickup and deliver to your room, do not waste time in the Bell Service line in the lobby. Also, let them know the bags are being stored for a room change.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

I feel I keep bugging you but you keep knowing what I need lol.

Pm me anytime if need WDW stuff. I go 4 times a year.

Yes a slight disney addiction.

 

[trishadono]

If you go this route, you might want to just call the hotel. They might be able to add the lower rate room to your existing reservation.


This might be the best approach. At midnight the lounge is closed and club level guest services are also gone, so there will be no special benefit the first night. You could check-in at 6:30AM (they might be there at 6:00), with club level guest services (6th floor, near the lobby elevators). You will be issued keys and can use the lounge immediately.

Early check-in will give you the best chance of getting your requested room. Make sure to let the CM know the view is more important than the room being immediately available (assuming that is true).

The CM will not tell you the room you will receive, however it is printed on the small form you must sign. So it the location is not what you requested, try to change it while checking in.

Your request should be similar to: "Park View, High Floor, Near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose"
Many rooms that match this description are Premium View Club Level, so you have the best possible chance.

Late checkout is generally only until 1PM (if available at all), and rooms are often not available until 3PM.
Bell Services will hold your luggage if there is a time gap without a room. They will pickup and deliver to your room, do not waste time in the Bell Service line in the lobby. Also, let them know the bags are being stored for a room change.

At WDW you can't call the hotel you get a call center. Is there a real number for GCH?

 

[whoever]

At WDW you can't call the hotel you get a call center. Is there a real number for GCH?

Yes. 1.714.635.2300

 

[trishadono]

Yes. 1.714.635.2300

Thanks

 

[trishadono]

So I just found out about the WOC dessert party. @Nonsuch and his maps are so helpful!

So before I book ( really just want the seating and less stressful environment) is there anywhere at GCH to watch ? If I have a premium view room can you see from any of those?

Also do we have time to run to the cl lounge at 8p and have wine and desserts then go down for the viewing? The actual offerings at the party are meh. I'd prefer a nice red wine . I am thinking be in lounge at 8 then head down in like 20 mins.

Yes I would pay for viewing. I did the Osborne Lights Christmas dessert party the last year it was open and sitting vs standing made allllllll the difference!

Lastly any chance there is a map of just the 6th floor to show how many rooms up there vs other floors?

 

[PlutoFan10]

We stayed in DVC part of GC last week and did the WOC dessert party with 9:45 start. We lined up just after 8 and were near the front of the line. They began seating us at 9pm, so you may have time to do what you want, as long as the security line from GC into the park (Grizzly Peak) is short. Just know that you would wait longer to be seated than those near the front of the line. We loved being able to sit and enjoy WOC!

 

[cruisehopeful]

So before I book ( really just want the seating and less stressful environment) is there anywhere at GCH to watch ? If I have a premium view room can you see from any of those?

There are rooms that have an angled view. When I owned DVC, we had a room that had a pretty good view and the music was extremely loud in our room, even with the windows closed. I cannot remember the room #, but someone on here will probably post room #s that have a view. Or, you can call the hotel and ask them.

 

[trishadono]

I called the hotel to see if I could get the spring sale on all 3 nights of our stay. Our first night it is eligible. They would have to do 2 separate reservations and while they would do their best to let us keep us in the room I don't want to risk it. Also I don't want to waste precious morning time having to re-check in.

However the lady was nice and offered to add my first request a refurbished room. Says one pool open(or was it 5/15?) and the others should be soon after.

Thanks for the help.

Also came back to add I was on the phone 45 mins. Diane kept double checking that I knew current info and such. Way better service than the wdw people. It was her idea to add the refub room to my reservation.

 

[trishadono]

We stayed in DVC part of GC last week and did the WOC dessert party with 9:45 start. We lined up just after 8 and were near the front of the line. They began seating us at 9pm, so you may have time to do what you want, as long as the security line from GC into the park (Grizzly Peak) is short. Just know that you would wait longer to be seated than those near the front of the line. We loved being able to sit and enjoy WOC!

OH my ! Eastern time 9:45 will be 12:45am. I think I will stick with our lunch with woc seating and let the 2 college grads stay up. I will be happy to just sit in the lounge at 8 !

 

[Nonsuch]

...any chance there is a map of just the 6th floor to show how many rooms up there vs other floors?

If I recall correctly...

 

[gottalovepluto]

OH my ! Eastern time 9:45 will be 12:45am. I think I will stick with our lunch with woc seating and let the 2 college grads stay up. I will be happy to just sit in the lounge at 8 !

But you'll be on DDT- Disney Daylight Time. It's that special time zone where time changes have no effect because you're too excited, & when they do grab Starbucks! There's a reason we have a Starbucks in each park & 2 in Downtown Disney But seriously you really shouldn't miss WOC! Nothing like it WDW I hear. The dessert party will have coffee & teas

 

[trishadono]

If I recall correctly...
View attachment 235566

OH wow that's just what I was looking for. Thanks again! You are the best!

 

[trishadono]

But you'll be on DDT- Disney Daylight Time. It's that special time zone where time changes have no effect because you're too excited, & when they do grab Starbucks! There's a reason we have a Starbucks in each park & 2 in Downtown Disney But seriously you really shouldn't miss WOC! Nothing like it WDW I hear. The dessert party will have coffee & teas

I did get to see it last year but dd wants to see it again. DH could careless he just indulges my disney addiction. I will see what dd wants to do. I do like the sitting part. Maybe I nap at 6pm and then go ???

 

[trishadono]

The CM will not tell you the room you will receive, however it is printed on the small form you must sign. So it the location is not what you requested, try to change it while checking in.


.

I keep rereading this thread and this seems to be something that could really be helpful! I will have your map printed with me although I will have it memorized by then . LOL thats how I do wdw.

I think I will be good as long as they don't downgrade me.

Trying to learn so much in a short time.

 

[sunryzez]

Any news on the pools? It is very concerning that they were still closed as of 5/3. We are staying there in June and did not even consider they wouldn't be opened by then but now I am getting worried. I'm spending almost a whole year's worth of points for a 2 bedroom villa and the main point was to enjoy Disneyland for our first time ever and have a few pool days at the Grand. Any information would be appreciated!