Grand Californian

[DLgal]

Does anyone know if there are any issues arriving after midnight? I have a reservation today, April 29th, but might not be able to make it in till 1 am April 30th... is there any risk of them cancelling my reservation?

Call the hotel and let them know your arrival time. It should be fine. I've arrived at WDW hotels around 1am before and it's okay. I think as long as you check in before the system does its daily turn over (somewhere around 3am), it won't drop your reservation.

 

[hhoman]

Call the hotel and let them know your arrival time. It should be fine. I've arrived at WDW hotels around 1am before and it's okay. I think as long as you check in before the system does its daily turn over (somewhere around 3am), it won't drop your reservation.

Thanks, I already checked in, so I'll call them in my drive and let them know. Thanks again!

 

[DLgal]

Thanks, I already checked in, so I'll call them in my drive and let them know. Thanks again!

If you already checked in, you're good.

 

[Malcon10t]

I'd still call.

They do have bell services.

That said, we caused them to make new signs!!!! I usually go a different direction to go out thru the hotel to DTD, simply because it is easier for WC and ECV. Well, my daughter and I did, and they called her back (didn't call me back) because when we went this direction, it skipped the temp check. (I didn;t think about it. I was wondering where she went!). When we came back from lunch, there were new signs saying no access that direction....

 

[shosh1530]

Curious to hear from those staying/planning to stay on site soon what you see as the main benefit during this time (with no early entry, no DCA entrance, no discounts, ? We had reservations at the Grand starting March 15, 2020 for a bucket list trip for my birthday, which obviously didn't happen. I really, really want to stay at the Grand when we can finally do our trip, but the rack rate is almost double what we were paying before. I have a back up Dapper Day reservation in November that is more reasonable ($434 vs. $800).

It seems crazy to spend that much (especially if we stay 4 nights), but I just can't get excited about staying anywhere else! Would love to hear your reasons for splurging at this juncture... For me right now it is the proximity to the parks (is it really closer than anywhere on Harbor? Our back up is Tropicana), closer to DTD dining options, and being in the bubble.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Here now - waterslide is open! It’s not that thrilling of a waterslide, but it’s better than nothing!

The entire pool area is open - hot tubs one party only. They assign you seats when you come. You can call down from your room to find out if there’s a waitlist and join it if there is. (There is not, currently.)

 

[amyg1975]

Here now - waterslide is open! It’s not that thrilling of a waterslide, but it’s better than nothing!

The entire pool area is open - hot tubs one party only. They assign you seats when you come. You can call down from your room to find out if there’s a waitlist and join it if there is. (There is not, currently.)

Thank you for the update. We will be there in a few hours!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Thank you for the update. We will be there in a few hours!

They are so excited to have guests. It’s really very sweet. I feel so extremely fortunate to be here - on so many levels!

 

[DLgal]

Here now - waterslide is open! It’s not that thrilling of a waterslide, but it’s better than nothing!

The entire pool area is open - hot tubs one party only. They assign you seats when you come. You can call down from your room to find out if there’s a waitlist and join it if there is. (There is not, currently.)

Yay on the waterslides! My kids will be so happy!!! Can you try and find out when they expect to open Napa Rose?

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Yay on the waterslides! My kids will be so happy!!! Can you try and find out when they expect to open Napa Rose?

I will ask!


Current view is not too shabby!

 

[amyg1975]

Can you order food from your chairs? I haven’t stayed there in a very long time.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Can you order food from your chairs? I haven’t stayed there in a very long time.

Yes! I feel very fancy with my poolside service!

We haven’t stayed here since my husband and I spent the night for his 25th birthday in 2007.

 

[Whistlebee]

Here now - waterslide is open! It’s not that thrilling of a waterslide, but it’s better than nothing!

The entire pool area is open - hot tubs one party only. They assign you seats when you come. You can call down from your room to find out if there’s a waitlist and join it if there is. (There is not, currently.)

Thanks for all the on the ground reporting! This makes me super excited for our upcoming trip!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Thanks for all the on the ground reporting! This makes me super excited for our upcoming trip!

I always like to know what to expect, so happy to help anyone out with any details I can provide!

 

[Malcon10t]

Yay on the waterslides! My kids will be so happy!!! Can you try and find out when they expect to open Napa Rose?

I had been told previously likely mid May.

They are so excited to be back open. Hearthstone opens in 12 mins!

 

[monkeypat83]

Curious to hear from those staying/planning to stay on site soon what you see as the main benefit during this time (with no early entry, no DCA entrance, no discounts, ? We had reservations at the Grand starting March 15, 2020 for a bucket list trip for my birthday, which obviously didn't happen. I really, really want to stay at the Grand when we can finally do our trip, but the rack rate is almost double what we were paying before. I have a back up Dapper Day reservation in November that is more reasonable ($434 vs. $800).

It seems crazy to spend that much (especially if we stay 4 nights), but I just can't get excited about staying anywhere else! Would love to hear your reasons for splurging at this juncture... For me right now it is the proximity to the parks (is it really closer than anywhere on Harbor? Our back up is Tropicana), closer to DTD dining options, and being in the bubble.

I am staying there with my mom in the middle of June. She prefers something a little fancier than the motels right across the street so we were looking to stay somewhere a little further down Harbor and drive but with the trams not running that walk to the parking structure at the end of the day just didn't sound appealing. The day reservations opened we got into the system and looked at the prices and decided to just stay at the Fairfield across the street (which was my original plan anyway) since we didn't think it would be worth that price. The next day my dad (who is staying home this trip) booked the Grand and told us "Your haven't traveled in over a year and you will only regret not spending the money not regret spending it" so we are just doing it. We are going to drive down on a Wednesday and spend the afternoon in the pool to enjoy some time at the resort and I am going to be 5 months pregnant by that point so may need a midday break on our days in the park anyway. Our usual splurge trip is the Disneyland Hotel with concierge so if that is open by then we might consider switching.

 

[JWelch62]

I always like to know what to expect, so happy to help anyone out with any details I can provide!

Do you know if the wait for the grill is very long?

 

[mlggator22]

We just returned from the pool. I will also agree with how happy and excited the staff are to see us. There was a big group of CMs there as you pull up. Everyone is so nice and excited to see you.
We went to the pool and ordered some pool side cocktails. It was just wonderful to be back. One of the managers is walking around the pool area and talking to each guest. Very personal experience.

Now we are taking a short rest before we go in to DTD and get dinner.

I was told when we checked in that security opens at 6 am and that Bell hop opens about 6:30 or 7 am, so that means I will likely be dragging my luggage down to my car.

But, there is really excitement in the air and genuine happiness from staff and guests. So nice to be back home.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Do you know if the wait for the grill is very long?

No wait right now! Just walked by there.

I will say that we ordered lunch from Craftsman mobile order and it took for-ev-er and then was missing the kiddo’s meal (but had her juice box?). That took another 20 minutes. They actually offered us a churro sundae, which we declined because we’re headed out for dessert at DTD later, and we said we understood opening day hiccups! But a few people were waiting around for a loooong time, too, so I’d definitely avoid mobile order and just order in person if you can!

 

[Drewmama]

Here now - waterslide is open! It’s not that thrilling of a waterslide, but it’s better than nothing!

The entire pool area is open - hot tubs one party only. They assign you seats when you come. You can call down from your room to find out if there’s a waitlist and join it if there is. (There is not, currently.)

Thank you for the info!