Impressions of GCH

[fairycat]

Ok I am back from a very quick trip and thought I would do a short impressions and info. I learned on DGH.

First this was a very quick trip (arrived at the hotel at 7pm checked out in the AM), I mention this because honestly I would never spend the money again on GCH for such a quick trip. While the location was AMAZING!!! I do not feel we got our monies worth in such a quick stay. I think you need at least two nights to enjoy the location fully.

We checked in and overall that went smooth, we had a room in the low 6300's and would totally suggest this area! We near the concierge lounge, which would have been amazing if we had done concierge but I mention it for those who might go for that level in the future. We liked that our room was not a long walk from the elevators and overall not a long walk to anything (especially with a helpful back path told to us by the concierge hostess). The best part was we had a pretty dang amazing view of the fireworks from our room. We pulled up some chairs on the balcony and saw everything but the castle, though we could see Tink as she flew away from the Matterhorn. It was perfect! The rest of the time our view was of the coutyard, and beyond that the trams, and part of DL.

While we stayed at the hotel I have to say the walk made so many things easier! The weather ended up being VERY cold this weekend so I was able to go back to the room and put on something warmer. We went to DCA for a bit, then had an appetizer and ice cream at Napa Rose (we had a late snack so weren't hungry for a full dinner), headed back to the room for fireworks and then on to DL! The location made running back up to the room so easy! In fact some times it seemed more work to Park hop then to go back to the room

I loved the look and feel of the hotel it was so beautiful! I loved the details. I also thought that the bath products without mickey heads, actually offered the nicest selection of almost any hotel I have ever stayed at! The addition of a foot cream made this preggo lady a very happy camper when her sweet DH offered a foot rub to end our first night in the parks! But saying that there are details I prefered at DLH, but for different reasons.

 

[fairycat]

I thought I would seperate this since I know so many wanted to know all these details. When we checked in we recieved a activities list for the week. Not all activities are available all days and the schedule looks to change weekly but I thought I would give you some ideas of what is on the list.

FREE

Art of the Craft tour (1 hour)- It is a hotel tour that gives you information of the Arts and Crafts movement (the hotel is not a lodge design but a Arts and Crafts). Free (and I so wish we could have done it but it was not available when we were there

Power Walk (45 minutes)- I am unsure if this is the walk that was mentioned in my other thread, but this is listed on the sheet as a power walk through the closed park. You must be 14 years old and be able to walk fast. This week it was held at 1.5 hours before the park opened. Sadly it was too early and I can not walk fast enough currently (humm being 7.5 months pregnant can do that to you )

Pilates (1 hour) This was offered on days the walk was not. It is also for those 14 years and older.

Songs from the Hearth/Tales from the Hearth (each 30 minutes)- These activities happen in the evenings and look to be opened to all (not just guests), just show up and enjoy.

Learn to Draw Mickey (1 hour)- a drawing class to learn how to draw the famous mouse.

Washcloth Creations (30 minutes)- learn how to make the fun and so cool washcloth animals.

The Grand Quest- A treasure hunt through the hotel. Great for families with kids 3-12, and all kids get a treat.

Paid Tours/Activities-

Sephora (2 hours)- Before the shop opens you get a makeup tips and more a goody bag and shopping time. You buy a $35 GC for the event.

Build a Bear (1 hour)- Minimum $10 bear purchase to join. Basically it looks like you get the store all to yourself with a small group of hotel guests.


I also want to add that I was in fact able to buy a black out day AP ticket at the hotel front desk. Just like any other time you need to buy your ticket same day, but no need to go to the ticket booth

Overall it was a much needed trip and very fun, thanks everyone!

 

[l’amore bella]

Thanks for sharing your review. I'd love to stay there sometime.

 

[amyamya]

I also thought that the bath products without mickey heads, actually offered the nicest selection of almost any hotel I have ever stayed at!

I LOVE the H20 Spa products too! The sea salt body wash is my fave!

 

[fairycat]

I LOVE the H20 Spa products too! The sea salt body wash is my fave!

Haha! Since I am a huge snob who makes their own soap I thought that was fine (way better then other soaps at other hotels though). I just loved the amount of stuff, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body butter (much better then any other lotion I have used at a hotel, again I make my own so I am a snob ) and the foot cream that was LOVELY after a long day in the parks. That foot cream was a great addition knowing all the sore feet that head back to the hotels at night!

 

[LuLusApple]

what a great post. I had no idea that all that was offered at GCH. Of is really nice to know it's not just a $$$$ grabber,
that there is some special ammenities unique to the hotel. Thishas changed my outlook on staying there in the future
Thanks

 

[Sherry E]

Wow, Fairycat - I didn't realize your GCH one-nighter already happened! I ahd briefly seen your thread about GCH last week, but I didn't pay attention to when the GCH stay was happening! Did you see the Hidden Mickey in the grandfather clock in the lobby?

Did you know that H20 makes most (if not all) of the DLR and WDW bath & body products available in the hotels at both resorts? That's the funny thing about it - in all likelihood, the stuff in the bottles at GCH is probably similar or even the same as what is in some of the other bottles in the other hotels; it's just that they proudly display the H20 Spa name on the bottles in GCH and package them differently, whereas it is concealed or hard to see on the other hotels' products!! I looked on one of my old PPH bath product bottles (pre-Mickey heads, I think), and it said in tiny print "H20" on the back. And when my friend got back from staying a week at the Port Orleans in WDW, she gave me one of her bottles from there, and sure enough - H20 in teeny print. I love me some good bath and body products, so I feel happy with H20 behind it all. The Mickey head bottles have cleverly left off any indication of who made the products, from what I noticed, but I am sure it is still H20.

Anyway, what you described about the walk from GCH being convenient is exactly the reason why it is hard to switch from the GCH to a different hotel after you have stayed at the GCH! Even though I like the PPH and the DLH, and I have gotten used to the walks to and from the PPH, I have been saying all along that we got so much more accomplished when we stayed at the GCH. It was quick and easy to get to and from our room - which was right by the elevator - and my friend was much more willing to go back to the parks at night for a second wind when we stayed at GCH than when we have stayed at PPH. It was the same way both times I stayed at GCH - much more got done and everyone felt more refreshed. That is why I WISH I could afford to stay there for more trips, but if it is not in the budget, then I am happy with wherever we end up.

Glad you had a great stay!