Grand Californian Super Thread

[ParkHopper1]

Wondering if you can use the pools at the Disney resort you stay at after you check out? We are going in the summer & it might be nice to hit the pool during the busy HoT summer afternoons!

Yes, you get full resort access including parking for the entire full day of checkout day (and check in day)...you just need to be clear of your hotel room by checkout time...not gone from the property.

 

[Niltiac]

I haven't done it myself, but I have heard if you ask they will give you a pool key for access on your checkout date. Can others confirm?

We did this once at DLH. I don't remember too clearly, but I don't think we needed a special key. I don't think they took back the keys we had originally and they still worked when we went back in the afternoon.

 

[SeiterClan]

I haven't done it myself, but I have heard if you ask they will give you a pool key for access on your checkout date. Can others confirm?

It's worth a shot! Thanks for sharing.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Still about the same qty of Kings and Double Queens. All Bunks are gone but about 300 rooms now have a convertible sleeper sofa that flips down to a legit twin bed which they are calling "Day Beds"...as opposed to the old day beds were more like a pull out futon and only a few rooms.

Do you happen to know the approximate quantity of King rooms? Last time we went, we checked in about 6:45am and requested a King room, which they were able to accomodate. Wasn't sure if that is uncommon (if there are a very small amount of King rooms).

 

[ParkHopper1]

Do you happen to know the approximate quantity of King rooms? Last time we went, we checked in about 6:45am and requested a King room, which they were able to accomodate. Wasn't sure if that is uncommon (if there are a very small amount of King rooms).

Don't recall off hand but I believe someone did post that info in this thread a while back if you wanna go hunting.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Wondering if you can use the pools at the Disney resort you stay at after you check out? We are going in the summer & it might be nice to hit the pool during the busy HoT summer afternoons!

Yes you can. Your room key will still allow access the day you check out.

 

[SeiterClan]

Yes, you get full resort access including parking for the entire full day of checkout day (and check in day)...you just need to be clear of your hotel room by checkout time...not gone from the property.

Great! So just to clarify if we arrive early to check-in on a Thursday but checkout on Saturday we can take advantage of EMH, parking & the pool,etc. for all 3 days but only have to pay parking for the 2 nights?

 

[SeiterClan]

Yes you can. Your room key will still allow access the day you check out.

Awesome thanks!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Great! So just to clarify if we arrive early to check-in on a Thursday but checkout on Saturday we can take advantage of EMH, parking & the pool,etc. for all 3 days but only have to pay parking for the 2 nights?

Yep! (But don't forget the awkward logistics of changing into and out of a swimsuit in a public restroom at the hotel since you won't have a room the afternoon you check out.)

 

[azdisneylover]

Yep! (But don't forget the awkward logistics of changing into and out of a swimsuit in a public restroom at the hotel since you won't have a room the afternoon you check out.)

The creepiest bathroom at Disneyland for me, is the bathroom that is next to Whitewater Snacks in the Grand Californian Hotel. I don't know why, but every time I go in there, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

 

[StormyCA]

Still about the same qty of Kings and Double Queens. All Bunks are gone but about 300 rooms now have a convertible sleeper sofa that flips down to a legit twin bed which they are calling "Day Beds"...as opposed to the old day beds were more like a pull out futon and only a few rooms.

Does anyone know if this is a 'standard' twin (38x74 in), i.e. one that an adult could sleep in? In the only pictures I've seen of them they look like one of those 'child size' twins that are only about 5 1/2' long.

 

[SeiterClan]

Yep! (But don't forget the awkward logistics of changing into and out of a swimsuit in a public restroom at the hotel since you won't have a room the afternoon you check out.)

Very good point...

 

[gottalovepluto]

Does anyone know if this is a 'standard' twin (38x74 in), i.e. one that an adult could sleep in? In the only pictures I've seen of them they look like one of those 'child size' twins that are only about 5 1/2' long.

The new ones are a standard twin imho, definitely could hold an adult. Had to have been longer than 5' 6" but I didn't measure it, I just remember thinking it was bigger and looked to be the same as a twin.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Does anyone know if this is a 'standard' twin (38x74 in), i.e. one that an adult could sleep in? In the only pictures I've seen of them they look like one of those 'child size' twins that are only about 5 1/2' long.

Yes, actual 74" twin size mattress in the new convertible sofas, not a truncated daybed. They are pretty slick. For reference, Queen and Kings are 80" long.

 

[StormyCA]

Nice! BFF won't have to sleep with her teen daughter anymore!

 

[Nonsuch]

...don't forget the awkward logistics of changing into and out of a swimsuit in a public restroom at the hotel since you won't have a room the afternoon you check out.

Restrooms inside the GCH pool area have showers with a changing area:

Soap dispenser was empty, so bring your own.
(this was several years ago)

Handicap accessable:

Photos are pre-renovation.

 

[NewRunner]

Hello

You went "All In"
Try calling GCH directly. (I'm not sure the best number)

Along with not being able to book bed types, it's irritating that Premium View combines both Pool and Park views.

I created a map to guide your requests:

RED: 6th floor lounge
GREEN: Park View (top floor 6)
YELLOW: Park View (top floor 5)
BLUE: Park View (top floor 5) -- long walk to lounge
ORANGE: Park View (top floor 5) -- long walk to lounge
PURPLE: Pool View (top floor 6)
(other pool view rooms are not marked)

A request to be "near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose" will be a room in: Green, Yellow, Purple.
View attachment 283332

Picture from the PURPLE area, taken in 2005, prior to the VGC expansion:
View attachment 283335

hello! So much great info on this thread, I'm trying to catch up. I love this view and am wondering if it's changed since 2005? Did the villa construction cancel it? Thanks so much!!!

 

[Nonsuch]

...I love this view and am wondering if it's changed since 2005? Did the villa construction cancel it?

The VGC wing blocks the right of the view roughly to the center the Mickey Wheel (still sun wheel in 2005).
The trees in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail are quite large and dense, blocking much of the remaining view.

These 6th floor rooms above Storytellers still have a good pool view and have convenient access to the Veranda Lounge (formerly Craftsman) -- rooms are likely all Premium Club Level.

 

[jenniferrose]

I havent been able to find this answer....

Is the pool at the Grand heated? We are going late February/early March and I would like to go in if it is.

 

[LilyJC]

I havent been able to find this answer....

Is the pool at the Grand heated? We are going late February/early March and I would like to go in if it is.

Yes, heated to low 80s.