How long do I have to make a reservation?

[angel22]

Hi- I'm new to DIS and new to Disneyland, but trying to read everything I can to get the best deals, etc before we go and so excited .

My #1 question is how early I have to book for DGC if we're going mid October? I was hoping I might catch a deal at some point, but not sure when it gets filled up. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[avalon451]

Hi, Angel, welcome!

You can make reservations any time now, and I'd probably make them soon, because they do fill up. Especially if you want concierge or a particular view, etc. If you change your plans you can always cancel. It seems like there are very rarely many "deals" on GCH.

Do you have your heart set on staying there? If money is no object, it's fabulous. We stayed there on our first trip and it was worth it. However you can pay about 1/3 or less of the cost by staying offsite, and many of those hotels are within easy walking distance. Some are just as close or closer than DLH.

You might want to start by reading the sticky threads at the top of the forum page, particularly Hydroguy's tips and tricks. Very helpful!

 

[tink2dw]

Here is one of the best hotel area maps for location.
http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

 

[angel22]

Thank you for the replies, I have done much research on the hotels and we finally decided to splurge on the DGC. We just love the location to take our 2 year old back to the hotel easily and feel like we are right there. We will likely not pay extra for any type of view, just the standard room as that is expensive enough already.

Anyone know the average room rate for a standard so I have some comparisons?

 

[angel22]

Thank you for the replies, I have done much research on the hotels and we finally decided to splurge on the DGC. We just love the location to take our 2 year old back to the hotel easily and feel like we are right there. We will likely not pay extra for any type of view, just the standard room as that is expensive enough already.

Anyone know the average room rate for a standard room so I have some comparisons?

 

[Queenbillabong]

Standard room rates for the Grand Californian are around $350-$400/night, depending on when you are going. You can call in-house reservations and get a firm number though. If you make a reservation directly with the hotel, they take a one night's deposit.

 

[avalon451]

If you go ahead and book the standard, ask Guest services for a free upgrade. Just be very polite and say how this is your first visit and you were hoping they could do something special. They can't guarantee it, but they will put down in the reservation records that you requested it. Then when they block out the room assignments a few days before you arrive, they will try to give you a nicer room if they possibly can. We did this and they put us in a courtyard view room (bunkbed room) which was only 3 doors away from the elevators, so very handy. Also, we could see the fireworks above the roof of the wing opposite us, across the courtyard.

Another free thing you can request is called "magic"; they will put balloons and an autographed picture of your favorite character in your room to welcome you. It's a great surprise for your little one. We asked for this, but for some reason they didn't get the message and it didn't happen. But it was no big deal, our kids are older and not that into characters.

Again, you have to ask for these things (politely, sweetly, and not expecting miracles helps! ) because they don't tell you about them. But if you ask you might be surprised how nice and accommodating they are.

 

[angel22]

Great advice thanks! I priced out calling Disneyland for hotel only, compared with an AAA package. Due to the high taxes and fees they add on when booking the hotel, the AAA package is actually cheaper and includes a full list of 'perks'. So, I guess I'll book with them, we're going mid October and seems like it will be about $367/night with the package.

We're so excited I can't wait to go!!