Grand Californian Super Thread

[StormyCA]

The website seems to spin the monorail as one

http://t.mail.disneydestinations.com/r/?id=h184e1414,69d1807f,409e5ace&CMP=EMC-1775337599|366626594&cid=PDM729509&bid=407770132

Well, IMHO that's kinda pushing it a bit. After all it says "all Guests can enjoy Disneyland Park access via the Downtown Disney District Monorail station" (bolding mine). Nothing 'special' about that.

I normally don't even try the Monorail for EE. Unless things have really changed, it's too unpredictable. Quite often it shows up late or doesn't show up at all. Also, even if it shows up 'on time' you can't guarantee you'll be on the 1st one in. And if you have to wait for the 2nd one, you're better off walking to the main turnstiles.

 

[Disneylover06]

Does the hotel has recordings of the night time shows on their hotel TV like Disney world? I have two small kids who probably can't stay up for the night time show but they want to see them.

 

[DLgal]

Does the hotel has recordings of the night time shows on their hotel TV like Disney world? I have two small kids who probably can't stay up for the night time show but they want to see them.

No recordings.

 

[Original Goofy]

For Early Entry to DL from the GC, what is the best access point location/security gate to use and what time does security open for that purpose? Thanks.

 

[htguy]

For Early Entry to DL from the GC, what is the best access point location/security gate to use and what time does security open for that purpose? Thanks.

See this post for a map: https://www.disboards.com/threads/grand-californian-super-thread.2396588/post-64668982

The RED arrow in that post was a "no bag, no wheels" line early in the morning when I was there in Feb of this year. The BLUE line was very long...stretching across the courtyard to the red arrow.

 

[Disneylover06]

We are staying in a non-DVC 3 bedroom suite. Do we get bowls and silverware in the room? I know we only have a mini-fridge and coffee maker.

 

[Iceman93]

We are staying in a non-DVC 3 bedroom suite. Do we get bowls and silverware in the room? I know we only have a mini-fridge and coffee maker.

No, the hotel suites don't have those items, sorry.

 

[Disneysince82]

One of my earliest memories was going to DL on Christmas(we lived nearby & had passes till we moved out of state) and I have always wanted to go back as an adult.

Well I did it!! We had a 1 bedroom family suite at DLH for August, but after weighing the options with the heat etc. Decided to look at December/January. We were really happy with going to DHL, but have always joked if we could go during the holidays we would 100% stay at the GCH.

I know it’s expensive but there was one suite available from December 30 - January 3rd & it was a 2 Bedroom Suite. Wheelchair accessible with tub and option for hearing accessibility. 4 queen beds and 1 queen sleeper sofa.

Im going to keep my eye out if any 1 bedroom suites & have considered still looking at just getting 2 adjoining basic rooms — it’s just my husband, myself, and our 2 kids(5 & 15 at time of trip). We would like a little privacy which is why we were looking at rooms.

Does anyone have any info on these rooms? I’ve looked a lot and can only seem to find info on the villas or just 1 bedroom suite(not accessible). I am going to call and have them notate we don’t have to have an accessible room — but not a big reason either way.

I know it will be busy but I’m so excited to be able to spend NYE at DL!!

 

[Iceman93]

The 2BR suites are generally 1BR suites with a connecting second bedroom. You'll get a little extra space as compared to two adjoining basic rooms, but honestly I was disappointed as there wasn't even a large enough table to enjoy a room service meal in the suite. The problem with booking two basic rooms is you can't GUARANTEE adjoining rooms. The suite is the way to do that, and Disney knows it hence the price premium.

 

[Disneysince82]

The 2BR suites are generally 1BR suites with a connecting second bedroom. You'll get a little extra space as compared to two adjoining basic rooms, but honestly I was disappointed as there wasn't even a large enough table to enjoy a room service meal in the suite. The problem with booking two basic rooms is you can't GUARANTEE adjoining rooms. The suite is the way to do that, and Disney knows it hence the price premium.

So to get a good idea of what we are looking at would I just look at a 1 bedroom wheelchair accessible with tub?

I know it says it comes with 4 queens but I’m would love if we could do the king and 2 queens.

Edited: are the accessible suites in the same areas as the regular ones?

 

[Ngiza Buyabo]

So sorry if this has been asked (I tried doing a search but couldn’t find it). Is there a typical time that resort bookings will open for 2024? Trying to plan my first ever Disneyland trip and and I’m finding planning is much different than WDW… I’m used to things being booked a year out!

 

[ClaraOswald]

So sorry if this has been asked (I tried doing a search but couldn’t find it). Is there a typical time that resort bookings will open for 2024? Trying to plan my first ever Disneyland trip and and I’m finding planning is much different than WDW… I’m used to things being booked a year out!

I believe things typically open up in August.

 

[Disneysince82]

.

 

[amlc]

We're planning a somewhat last minute trip for the end of July/early August - does anyone have a sense of when they might release summer offers (if that even will even happen)? The spring offers end in a few days. Not sure if it makes sense to wait a bit longer or just bite the bullet and book now. We're definitely doing GCH as my family loves the look/feel of the GCH vs DLH and the direct entry into DCA.

 

[1Disneylandfan]

We're planning a somewhat last minute trip for the end of July/early August - does anyone have a sense of when they might release summer offers (if that even will even happen)? The spring offers end in a few days. Not sure if it makes sense to wait a bit longer or just bite the bullet and book now. We're definitely doing GCH as my family loves the look/feel of the GCH vs DLH and the direct entry into DCA.

It depends on when the discounted rates will be for. Last summer they released it towards the end of June but the rates were only valid for Aug/Sep. If they plan on doing something that includes July, we should see something soon.

 

[Disneysince82]

Does anyone know if most of the of the 1 bedroom king bed(not villa) have the larger balcony on them? They did notate on the reservations I was hoping to be as far up possible floor wise & was planning to add club level -- if that matters? I am was really hoping to be able to have some meals out there all of us, but that wont be possible with the smaller ones I have seen some pics of floor plans of the different layouts, but I am having a hard time really finding reviews/pics of the 1 Bedroom King.

 

[roxy72]

Hi all,

Does anyone know if there is a shortcut to walk from GCH to DLH, while avoiding DTD?

I have a conference next year at the Disneyland Hotel, and we have the option of lodging at either the Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian Hotel. I'm considering GCH, but only if I can zip over to DLH. I don't want to bother dealing with security and the crowds in DTD. Per Google Maps, it looks like I can cut through the GCH self parking lot (we parked there for our honeymoon) then hoof it northbound on Downtown Drive to enter the DLH property. Can anyone taken this route?

 

[crvetter]

Hi all,

Does anyone know if there is a shortcut to walk from GCH to DLH, while avoiding DTD?

I have a conference next year at the Disneyland Hotel, and we have the option of lodging at either the Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian Hotel. I'm considering GCH, but only if I can zip over to DLH. I don't want to bother dealing with security and the crowds in DTD. Per Google Maps, it looks like I can cut through the GCH self parking lot (we parked there for our honeymoon) then hoof it northbound on Downtown Drive to enter the DLH property. Can anyone taken this route?

This is correct. Lots of people take it. PPH guest go that way to get into DTD and no security entrance to DLH

 

[Iceman93]

Yes, you can walk there by going across the street towards the PPH and then continuing on to the DLH without having to go through security checkpoints.

 

[DisneylandFan22]

Agree with the others. You just walk out the front of the hotel and across the street.