Grand Californian Super Thread

I haven't ever tried because I love walking through the lobby area all the time, but can you cut through the pool area from the DVC to get to DCA entrance faster?

Yes, with some old/new exceptions:

-In the early morning the pool isn't open. And the lifeguards will use their lifeguard voices before you can get your key in the gate.

-They've started using the wristband system at the pool. I've had lifeguards ask "are you just passing through" since we are dressed for parks and let us pass. I've also had lifeguards try to direct me through the lobby to the Parks until I ask nicely if we can just pass through to Craftsman Grill, etc.

-We used to pass through easily at night using the gate at Craftsman Grill (WWS). Our last trip, that gate was locked for our keys at night. We went to see if we could pass through Craftsman Bar, and there was a lifeguard at the stairs to block access to the pool. It wasn't that late, but it was December and the pools were empty so they seemed to close the pool early...maybe it was a one-off for nightly maintenance. Not sure.

So we used to cut through a few times a day to drop coats, change, break etc. But these days it's hit and miss for us. I think wristbands and the new Bar were the reason. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes away completely which would be a bummer.
 
Hello! We got upgraded to the GCH and have only stayed once before, wayyyyy back in 2004.

We have this view: Deluxe Park Partial View - Two Queen Beds and Day Bed. Should I request a certain area for this view type?

Also, do all the rooms now have a day bed? I ask because I saw Thumper is depicted on the daybed and my youngest is the biggest Thumper fan I know. He will FREAK out over the day bed!

TIA!
 
Hello! We got upgraded to the GCH and have only stayed once before, wayyyyy back in 2004.

We have this view: Deluxe Park Partial View - Two Queen Beds and Day Bed. Should I request a certain area for this view type?

Also, do all the rooms now have a day bed? I ask because I saw Thumper is depicted on the daybed and my youngest is the biggest Thumper fan I know. He will FREAK out over the day bed!

TIA!
They either have a day bed or sleeper chair.
 

Do most or all of the room have a balcony?
Is there a particular location to request if I don't want to walk forever to get between the room and the park? We're staying in a standard view.
 
Disney has not published official numbers, but there are reports of 300 daybeds (out of ~1000 rooms)

That is correct. I was told "about 300" rooms have the day beds first hand in person directly from the GCH GM.

That was at time of the renovation completion.
 
Follow up question. How long is the daybed as opposed to a twin bed? My 5'6" daughter will be sleeping in it.
 
Is there a microwave that guests can use? I know PPH has one in the lobby and the DLH has one in each tower. But I’ve never heard about the Grand? Thanks!
 
Anyone have a recent experience renting a cabana? I’ve googled and searched the forums but can’t seem to find a price estimate within the past two years.

I’m guessing around $300 for a half day for peak time of year, does that sound about right? What does the timeframe of that look like?
 
Anyone have a recent experience renting a cabana? I’ve googled and searched the forums but can’t seem to find a price estimate within the past two years.

I’m guessing around $300 for a half day for peak time of year, does that sound about right? What does the timeframe of that look like?
Dang it ... I just shredded my paperwork from my rental that we had set up for our cancelled May trip. It was definitely more than $300. And the difference between a half day and full day was minimal; such that I had just booked the full day.
 
Dang it ... I just shredded my paperwork from my rental that we had set up for our cancelled May trip. It was definitelyo more than $300. And the difference between a half day and full day was minimal; such that I had just booked the full day.

Hmmm I think over $400 would be too much for me to justify just for me and my son ha ha! I’m very tempted tho- just be nice to have my off day for some spoilin. But I could also take that money and buy another Dooney... 😂 I’m imagining the pool might be tricky since we’re likely looking at reduced capacity for it when we go and everyone getting moved over there from DLH before October...
 












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