Grand Californian Super Thread

[DizMe]

One very cool thing - yesterday, Nubia Renteria was hanging out in the lobby next to the gingerbread house for a couple of hours in the morning. Nubia is the pastry chef at the hotel that designed and led the construction of the gingerbread house this year (and has in previous years also). It was awesome to get to talk with her and congratulate her on a job well done.

We checked in on Monday (Nov. 18) and checked out yesterday (Nov. 23). The gingerbread house wasn’t complete until yesterday, and this completion date was accounted in advance. When I first read this info, I was disappointed the gingerbread house wouldn’t be complete until out check-out day.

However, now I am so happy this was the case! Coming down from our room and through the lobby, it became a part of our routine each morning to race over and see the progress on the gingerbread house each day. And finally getting to see the finished product at the end. What a fun experience and special memory to see it take shape over the week we were there!

This is so awesome!!! Thanks for sharing. How cool to see the pastry chef in charge!

I love the idea of seeing it take shape over the course of your stay

 

[irlandaise]

How big is the gingerbread house?

 

[ClaraOswald]

How big is the gingerbread house?

Here's an article from a couple years ago where you can see people standing next to it to get a good idea of the scale of it.

https://www.ocregister.com/2022/11/...ad-replica-of-disney-grand-californian-hotel/

 

[irlandaise]

Here's an article from a couple years ago where you can see people standing next to it to get a good idea of the scale of it.

https://www.ocregister.com/2022/11/...ad-replica-of-disney-grand-californian-hotel/

Thanks, "Clara." I had to use Reader View in Safari to access the article, but then I was able to read it. Wow 7x12 feet!

 

[maleficent55]

For those who have stayed in a room adjacent to the elevators by the main lobby, was it loud?
Not just the opening and closing of the doors but the hustle and bustle of people?
Or was your room pretty sound proof?

 

[boscoj]

For those who have stayed in a room adjacent to the elevators by the main lobby, was it loud?
Not just the opening and closing of the doors but the hustle and bustle of people?
Or was your room pretty sound proof?

A few years ago, my parents stayed on the 3rd floor right by the small lobby and they said noise wasn’t an issue for them at all….

 

[maleficent55]

A few years ago, my parents stayed on the 3rd floor right by the small lobby and they said noise wasn’t an issue for them at all….

I’ve stayed on the 3rd floor right by the small lobby too…I’m wondering about rooms that are literally right next to the elevator?

 

[VicgirlBC]

For those who have stayed in a room adjacent to the elevators by the main lobby, was it loud?
Not just the opening and closing of the doors but the hustle and bustle of people?
Or was your room pretty sound proof?

I stayed near the elevators on my last trip (not near the lobby though) and I definitely heard folks walking the hallways late in the evening when they returned to their rooms. It was quite noisy when people are speaking at full volume at 11pm at night, likely excited by their great day in the parks. Regular noises, and those speaking in a hushed tones, weren’t really heard.

 

[VicgirlBC]

I’ve stayed on the 3rd floor right by the small lobby too…I’m wondering about rooms that are literally right next to the elevator?

In my experience, it would be too noisy for me. And I would be unhappy. Stay a few doors down from there if you can.

 

[TinkAgainU]

In my experience, it would be too noisy for me. And I would be unhappy. Stay a few doors down from there if you can.

I try to stay away from the traffic areas, especially elevators, as mentioned, you do get the hyper people talking. When it's kids screaming and running, and laughing I can force a smile on my face and actually be happy for them, adults jabbering on their phones just to hear themselves talk make me want to do things to their phones that insurance might not cover

 

[irlandaise]

Someone in another thread was asking about kitchen items in the GCH rooms. We established that they have mini fridges and Keurig machines, and then someone wanted to know what coffee comes with the Keurigs. Maybe someone in this thread who's headed to the GCH could take a photo of the available pods?

 

[VicgirlBC]

Someone in another thread was asking about kitchen items in the GCH rooms. We established that they have mini fridges and Keurig machines, and then someone wanted to know what coffee comes with the Keurigs. Maybe someone in this thread who's headed to the GCH could take a photo of the available pods?

When we were there in late August there were Joffrey pods supplied, which we do not like. We brought our own, and also hit up Starbucks on our way to the parks. The mini fridges only keep items cool, not cold, just fyi.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Someone in another thread was asking about kitchen items in the GCH rooms. We established that they have mini fridges and Keurig machines, and then someone wanted to know what coffee comes with the Keurigs. Maybe someone in this thread who's headed to the GCH could take a photo of the available pods?

I won't be there until the end of next month, but I'm happy to snap some photos of the coffee situation in the rooms and anything else others are curious about (unless someone beats me to it!).

 

[irlandaise]

I won't be there until the end of next month, but I'm happy to snap some photos of the coffee situation in the rooms and anything else others are curious about (unless someone beats me to it!).

Thanks! If you think of it, I'd also be curious whether Housekeeping has hot chocolate pods available. I only saw coffee and I think tea in the standard supply.

 

[DizMe]

I try to stay away from the traffic areas, especially elevators, as mentioned, you do get the hyper people talking. When it's kids screaming and running, and laughing I can force a smile on my face and actually be happy for them, adults jabbering on their phones just to hear themselves talk make me want to do things to their phones that insurance might not cover

We were there at a very busy time (shortly before Christmas). Our room was on the 3rd floor, directly adjacent to the main elevators (room 3024). We occasionally heard a bit of humming from the elevators, but it was never noisy, either from the elevators or the people. I thought it was a perfect location! OTOH, I've stayed way down a couple of wings from the elevators several times and heard much more running, screaming, etc.

 

[tink89]

Someone in another thread was asking about kitchen items in the GCH rooms. We established that they have mini fridges and Keurig machines, and then someone wanted to know what coffee comes with the Keurigs. Maybe someone in this thread who's headed to the GCH could take a photo of the available pods?

it was Jeffreys when we were there, and I think tea, no hot cocoa. You can bring your own hot cocoa pods.

 

[Mama_Cass]

In the past we’ve had hot cocoa on the first day and then not later. We were able to call and request hot cocoa pods (last trip was in June). They had them but didn’t necessarily restock in every room.

 

[maleficent55]

I stayed near the elevators on my last trip (not near the lobby though) and I definitely heard folks walking the hallways late in the evening when they returned to their rooms. It was quite noisy when people are speaking at full volume at 11pm at night, likely excited by their great day in the parks. Regular noises, and those speaking in a hushed tones, weren’t really heard.

We very typically get back to our room around midnight
So that might not be so bad…

 

[caimakale]

How busy is the bar/lounge area at the end of the day (9:00/10:00pm)? Are reservations needed or is it easy to stop by before going to the room for a glass of wine?

Last time I stopped for drinks was before the addition of the villas/DVC area. It was never a problem and there were always open seats at the bar and/or loungers.

 

[neverlandsky]

Stayed in room number #4415 / 4th floor. Woods/Courtyard view. 2 Queen Beds, small loveseat sofa, & walk-in shower. Housekeeping and turndown service was daily. Tipped $10 for housekeeping daily and $5 for turndown nightly. It was a quiet, private, and lovely stay. Here was our view. Both night & morning.