Grand Californian Trip Questions

[cutedisneygirly]

OK, I have a dilema so I thought I would turn to all of you helpful DISers out there!

My parents and I are considering a small trip to DL the end of October and are considering staying at the Grand Californian!!! So I have a few questions for you all since we have never stayed at the GC before (have stayed at the DL hotel a couple of times).

1. The trip for the 3 adults for 3 nights and 3-day hoppers will run about $1500 at the AAA rate for a standard view. Is it worth the extra $200 for a theme park view over a standard view, or is there a good chance of requesting a garden view and getting it? (BTW my mom will be able to check in anytime that Thursday as she will be in Anaheim for a conference earlier in the week). Anyways, we don't spend a ton of time in the room, but do come back in the afternoon for a nap usually.

2. If my DBF can get off work, he would love to join us. So, would be be able to add him to the resies later after booking?

Thanks for all of your help! I have always wanted to stay at the GC because it is so beautiful and so close to everything!

 

[vbecky]

Hi I went and stayed at the GC 2years ago during the 50th and had a theme park view, must say it was very nice if I am not mistaken I think I could see the pool also. We happen to be there during grad night and the night that the park stayed open all night it was noisy in our room. We are going back there the end of June this year and staying in a standard room so I to will be curious to see the difference. But I must say I think I like the convience of the hotels location more than the room type for we aren't in our room to much. If you haven't booked by the end of June I can let you know what I think of the two different rooms.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We had a theme park view of the Grizzly River Rapids ride. It was beautiful and I think worth every penny if you can swing it. I was just happy sitting on the balcony watching everyone on the ride, and so neat seeing the park closed at night (as a kid I always wanted to be in DL alone at night! LOL).

 

[jiminy1]

I don't see why it would be a problem to add your DBF to the ressies. After all, the Disney standard rooms allow up to 4 adults, and whether you have 1 adult or 4 adults doesn't affect the price--it's all the same. Therefore, you should be able to call up and add him without a problem, as long as it's just the 4 of you.

 

[noladave]

we think it was, but you might not think so. It's definitely a lot of money.

btw, this was our view in February:

 

[cutedisneygirly]

Very nice picture!

OK, so we have put a hold on a Theme Park View room and we have 10 days to make our decision. It helps that we found out today that we are going to probably get a major break in our insurance rates soon, so that money will easily pay for the trip!!!

Still considering it, but my father seems excited at the possibility of requesting a view of Grizzly peak!

Thanks for all of your input and more pictures of the different views of the park (or even a standard view) would be helpful!

Thanks again!!!

 

[PrincessSitka]

I love the picture. I would like a cut on my insurance

 

[retlawfan]

IMHO, Grizzly Peak is worth the extra $$, but Paradise Pier is not. $200 extra does seem like a lot for the extra view. We have paid $40-$50 extra in the past for the upgraded view. I agree with the posted above that sitting out on the balcony when the park is closed looking at Grizzly Peak is very nice and relaxing. It is especially nice if the water is still running on Grizzly River Rapids. If you get a standard view, the courtyard is very nice too. If you leave the balcony door open you can hear the monorail "whoosh" by every 10-20 minutes (up to 30 or 60 minutes after DL operating hours).

Whatever you do, don't let them put you in a city view with your window/balcony over the main entrance to the hotel. We got this one time, and had people coming and going (and making all kinds of noise) all night long.

 

[cutedisneygirly]

We have booked a theme park view room at the GC with requests of a Grizzly Peak view and upper floor. My DBF decided he really wanted to come along, so we put him on the ressies!!!!

I am sooooooo excited and have to begin my countdown now!

Thanks for all of your input everyone!

 

[retlawfan]

Have a great trip!

Enjoy!