Grand Californian ????

[*Flower*]

We'll be arriving in two weeks, and although I know that check-in isn't until 3- we were hoping to at least check our luggage and maybe get a place to park our car at the hotel.

It would be nice if I told you that we plan on visiting the parks before we do the 3 o'clock check in. We'll be driving up from Temecula, and planned on arriving at DLR at around 10 or so in the morning.

I know that I'll end up with some great advice from all of you-

Thanks!!

 

[tinagirl]

Just check in whenever you get there.

The 3 pm time is the hour that your room will actually be ready. If you check in earlier, they will simply hold your bags for you, and give you your room keys to be activated later. Also, room requests seem to be better if you check in earlier, so don't worry about that.
~Tina

 

[*Flower*]

Thanks Tinagirl-

I was hoping that you'd be in the vicinity- this is just the answer that I was looking for!
I know that my brother and family will be looking for somewhere to relax in the afternoon, because we'll be doing the Fantasmic Dessert thing in the evening.
We'd planned on doing the parks during the day, afternoon relaxation, and parks in the evening.

You're the best!

 

[LuvTigger]

We stayed at GC last October and had a blast! We arrived about 10 a.m. and our room wasn't ready, so they pre-checked us in as Tinagirl said, and we left our luggage with bell-services. Also, BF dropped me off to check-in and he was able to park his car in the GC lot right across the street.

 

[hookedup]

We have stayed at GC 4 different times and each time we were able to get our room early. One time as early as 10:00 a.m.! The other times were around noon. So who knows you may get a room when you get there if you're lucky! Either way they will pre-check you in and check your luggage no problem. Have fun it is a really cool resort!!!

 

[Momof2]

We were there just last week - arrived at about 1:00 and were unpacking in our room by 1:30. If by chance your room isn't ready, just have the hotel hold your bags - we've done it before and its always been fine. Have a great trip.

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I've only stayed at GC once. We arrived around 9am and our room was ready. If your room isn't ready Bell Services will hold your luggage for you.

 

[*Flower*]

Thank you all so much!!!

We grew up in the Valley, and we haven't been to the DLR area since construction started on DCA.
This will be our first trip there since it opened- and we can't wait to see it all!!
Can anyone tell me a bit more about "Soaring over California"? I've heard that it is something to definitely do while we're there, but DB and SIL have a 5yo and a 3yo. Would this be something for the "baby swap" thing??

Thanks again!

 

[LuvTigger]

I can't remember if there is a height requirement for Soaring, but personally, I think it's a pretty mellow ride as far as intensity goes (but it really is the greatest ride in the park!).

Most kids I saw on the ride seemed okay with it, but as we were first getting in, one kid for some reason just got really scared and demanded to be let out, so he ended up not riding. I didn't think it was something children would be afraid of, unless they're afraid of heights, but I don't have children, so maybe a parent would say otherwise!

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

Soarin' is wonderful! I think the 5yo would be fine, I'm not sure on the 3yo. If anyone is afraid of heights try to sit in the back row as you don't go up quite as high. I don't recall if there was an age or height limit. I would think kids, sitting between their parents/adults to hold their hand, would be fine. The seat dips and moves a little, but not much. I have a fear of heights and was really nervous at first, but was fine once the ride started.

 

[DisneyAlly]

Love Soarin' over California!!! My DD was 5 when she went on it and it was her favorite ride. Can't wait to "fly" on it again!
It felt so real that the first time we were on it...my DD asked if we were really flying. Try to wait for front row seats if you could - it will feel more real if you do not see feet hanging in front of you.

 

[tinagirl]

Just so you know, the height requirement for Soarin' is 40 inches.

~Tina