Is the GCH a good pick?

[disneylandhunni]

Thanks to everyone for all the help!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

I've stayed at GCH twice, standard though. It is just a beautiful hotel. My fiancee
and I love to sit in the foyer and listen to the musician playing the piano. Its
a great way to rest your feet & stay cool. I love to look up at the floors above
it reminds me of the Library in Beauty and the Beast. I know it doesn't really
look like it, but it gives that feel to it.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We're locals, we were married at the GCH, and have stayed there many times - bless our DVC points!

(To IndyBride - they will take such good care of you - use Reverend Sue - she is a grandma of many and fantastic and you will not regret it if you choose Bob Ortiz Photography- they were all just awesome for us in 2001 - tell them Nancy and Ian Johnson sent you!!!!)

The concierge lounge is great there (Christmas/ wedding anniversary stay). The food options were prevelant and tasty - we only did one night and had Napa ressies, so we couldn't take full advantage of it though. They even have wine and chees before dinner time, deserts later and they pipe in the firseworks music, so your can watch them from the balcony of the lounge. Very romantic.

They will also do things like print out your passes and do your dining and all of that - someone mans the lounge desk all the time. Because DL isn't WDW and dining doesn't work the same, they won't call you ahead of arrival, but you can call them.

Take the 2:30 pm architectural tour of the hotel - it's a not-to-be-missed. If some of the really expensive speciality suites, like the Frank Lloyd Wright or the Greene and Greene are not occupied, you might even get a peek into how the other half stays on vacation - over $3000/night!

Have fun!!!!
Nancy

 

[Sherry E]

I've stayed at GCH twice, standard though. It is just a beautiful hotel. My fiancee
and I love to sit in the foyer and listen to the musician playing the piano. Its
a great way to rest your feet & stay cool. I love to look up at the floors above
it reminds me of the Library in Beauty and the Beast. I know it doesn't really
look like it, but it gives that feel to it.

My friends and I have also stayed there twice - once with a great DTD view and once with just a view of the other two Disney hotels - and we do the same thing. We love to sit in that giant lobby - ESPECIALLY at Christmas time, near the beautiful tree - and listen to the carolers singing or the piano player, and just people watching. With all the dark wood and dim lights, it reminds me of an elegant but rustic mountain chalet. It is so warm and cozy there in that hearth area. Great for just relaxing and having great conversations with friends and strangers. I think we were chatting with some vacationers from another state when we were there, if I recall. I want SO badly to be able to go there again this Christmas like we did last year, and I don't know if it will happen in 2008, but I am determined to get there again for a holiday season in the near future.

Oh, and of course, needless to say, the location cannot be beat. We actually got SO much more accomplished and were better rested when we stayed at GCH than at the other two Disney hotels. It was so much easier to just go back to the room to pick something up or drop something off and rest our weary feet for a couple of hours, then head back out for dinner and more fun, as opposed to when we stayed at the other two hotels and the walk was more daunting for my companions. Once we got back to the Paradise Pier for a rest break, and then nobody wanted to go back out again! So we actually got less accomplished in the parks because of that. But at GCH, we rested and it was not a problem at all to head right back out because it was just footsteps away from the DL and DCA entrances.

What is funny is that I have read posts on here from other 'people watchers' like myself and my friends, and the thought that we are all sitting on benches in the parks or in restaurants, or in the GCH lobby and people watching EACH OTHER amuses me greatly!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

We love to sit in that giant lobby - ESPECIALLY at Christmas time, near the beautiful tree - and listen to the carolers singing or the piano player, and just people watching. With all the dark wood and dim lights, it reminds me of an elegant but rustic mountain chalet. It is so warm and cozy there in that hearth area. Great for just relaxing and having great conversations with friends and strangers.

I totally agree I've never seen it during Christmas though !! I bet it was
breathtaking. It makes me want to drink hot cocoa and snuggle next to a fire
just thinking about it. too bad its going to be 95 degrees over here where i
live in CA.

 

[Sherry E]

I totally agree I've never seen it during Christmas though !! I bet it was
breathtaking. It makes me want to drink hot cocoa and snuggle next to a fire
just thinking about it. too bad its going to be 95 degrees over here where i
live in CA.

I feel your pain! Believe it or not, I am also in CA! Actually, I am in the Miracle Mile-Beverly Hills area of SoCal, and you are right! It has been hot! I hate heat! I actually am turning down an invitation to go to Disneyland with a friend from out of town in two weeks because I cannot do Disneyland in the heat of summer like I once did 10 or 20 years ago! I cannot enjoy it as much when I am miserable. I actually prefer to go during the Fall or Winter when the temps are manageable and the Holiday decorations are up. And yes, if you ever get the chance, stay at GCH during the holiday season. Since you already love that hotel anyway, I don't have to sell you on it - I guarantee you will not be disappointed sitting in the lobby/hearth by the big tree and listening to the carolers, who take requests!

We actually were stalking the chairs we got by the tree. We had seats that we were not so comfortable in, and we were keeping an eagle eye on the people who were sitting next to the tree so we could jump up and fly into their seats as soon as they got up. Once we planted ourselves in the prime location, we didn't budge for at least 90 minutes. It was too cozy. And I think we were drinking cocoa, now that you mention it! It was funny, too, watching the crowds gathering around our little area to shout out requests to the carolers as though they were in a Sunset Strip rock club! One guy was obviously nipping at some alcohol that he bought at the lounge in the back and he was reveling in his Yuletide cheer, and another guy was so soothed by the pleasant holiday tones that he took off his shoes and socks and put his feet up on the couch and fell asleep with a big smile on his face, beverage in hand!

 

[MIDisFan]

We stayed at the GCH from 6/29-7/4. We had a concierge standard view room that faced DLH and PPH room #6205. The Craftsman's Club is open from 6:30am - 10:00pm. The offering times were as followed:

6:30am - 10:00am Grand Beginnings
Assorted fresh pastries, cereal, fruit and beverages

11:00am - 4:00pm Afternoon Tea
Scones, cookies, tea sandwiches, teas and beverages

5:00pm - 7:00pm Grand Hours
Appetizers, beer, wine and beverages

8:00pm - 10:00pm Sweet Endings
Pastries, cookies and cordials.

This was our first trip out west so we stayed 5 nights at GCH and then 4 more nights at the HOJO. While the HOJO is a nice hotel, It would be unfair to try to compare it to GCH concierge. It's and individual choice if the cost is worth staying at GCH and for use it definitely was.

 

[TheZue]

We stayed at the GCH from 6/29-7/4. We had a concierge standard view room that faced DLH and PPH room #6205. The Craftsman's Club is open from 6:30am - 10:00pm. The offering times were as followed:

6:30am - 10:00am Grand Beginnings
Assorted fresh pastries, cereal, fruit and beverages

11:00am - 4:00pm Afternoon Tea
Scones, cookies, tea sandwiches, teas and beverages

5:00pm - 7:00pm Grand Hours
Appetizers, beer, wine and beverages

8:00pm - 10:00pm Sweet Endings
Pastries, cookies and cordials.

This was our first trip out west so we stayed 5 nights at GCH and then 4 more nights at the HOJO. While the HOJO is a nice hotel, It would be unfair to try to compare it to GCH concierge. It's and individual choice if the cost is worth staying at GCH and for use it definitely was.

Just out of curiosity what was in the tea sandwiches?

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

I feel your pain! Believe it or not, I am also in CA! Actually, I am in the Miracle Mile-Beverly Hills area of SoCal, and you are right! It has been hot! I hate heat! I actually am turning down an invitation to go to Disneyland with a friend from out of town in two weeks because I cannot do Disneyland in the heat of summer like I once did 10 or 20 years ago! I cannot enjoy it as much when I am miserable. I actually prefer to go during the Fall or Winter when the temps are manageable and the Holiday decorations are up. And yes, if you ever get the chance, stay at GCH during the holiday season. Since you already love that hotel anyway, I don't have to sell you on it - I guarantee you will not be disappointed sititng in the lobby/hearth by the big tree and listening to the carolers, who take requests!

We actually were stalking the chairs we got by the tree. We had seats that we were not so comfortable in, and we were keeping an eagle eye on the people who were sitting next to the tree so we could jump up and fly into their seats as soon as they got up. Once we planted ourselves in the prime location, we didn't budge for at least 90 minutes. It was too cozy. And I think we were drinking cocoa, now that you mention it! It was funny, too, watching the crowds gathering around our little area to shout out requests to the carolers as though they were in a Sunset Strip rock club! One guy was obviously nipping at some alcohol that he bought at the lounge in the back and he was reveling in his Yuletide cheer, and another guys was so soothed by the pleasant holiday tones that he took off his shoes and socks and put his feet up on the couch and fell asleep with a big smile on his face, beverage in hand!

Sigh.. That all sounds amazing. You're making wanna go now Haha. Well
me and the fiancee are getting APs for our trip in October, so who knows
we might just fit in a trip to DLR during Christmas. You really are selling me
on this idea for sure You should be writing reviews to lure people to
stay at GCH !

 

[Sherry E]

Sigh.. That all sounds amazing. You're making wanna go now Haha. Well
me and the fiancee are getting APs for our trip in October, so who knows
we might just fit in a trip to DLR during Christmas. You really are selling me
on this idea for sure You should be writing reviews to lure people to
stay at GCH !

I wish I could get a job writing Disney park/hotel/restaurant reviews! I have actually been trying to get a job in the administrative/clerical side of the Walt Disney Company, and it is very difficult to get your foot in the door unless you know someone. Once you are in, you are IN and the sky is the limit. You get promotions, transfers, benefits, employee discounts, etc. But getting in is the hard part.

Anyway, some people who have never stayed at the GCH go there once and like it, but don't think that it is worth the money when they will be in the parks most of the time anyway. So they save on the hotel and splurge elsewhere. However, because we make the hotel a part of the whole Disney experience for us, we like to stay in the actual Disney hotels and you just cannot beat the GCH during the holidays. So, since you already know how great it is there, it is 100% certain that your eventual holiday visit there will be wonderful! As I said in an earlier post, I am trying to get there again this coming December, but if it does not work out, then I have my eye on December 2009. In any case, maybe you and your fiancee and my group and I will just happen to find ourselves gathered around the tree at the same time, people watching each other!!!

It IS terribly funny seeing tipsy middle-aged guys wandering around the lobby, shouting at the carolers to sing "Silent Night." You just know that they have been forced to carry all of their wives' and daughters' purchases around all day, pay for every meal, alternately pose for pictures or take pictures of characters when they didn't want to, ride on It's A Small World 10 times, and are footing the bill for the GCH stay. They see that lounge in the back of the GCH and it is like an oasis for them! Finally they can have... alcohol!!!

 

[minniebeth]

We stayed at the GCH on our recent trip and it was wonderful!
I don't want to repeat what others' have said but savor every moment!
Enjoy hotel time as well as park time. We could have done a vacation there by the pool all in itself. The lounge chairs are so comfortable.
One of the best things we took away was...ask for your heart's desire...they will accomodate you with anything you wish!
*sigh*, GCH!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

I wish I could get a job writing Disney park/hotel/restaurant reviews! I have actually been trying to get a job in the administrative/clerical side of the Walt Disney Company, and it is very difficult to get your foot in the door unless you know someone. Once you are in, you are IN and the sky is the limit. You get promotions, transfers, benefits, employee discounts, etc. But getting in is the hard part.

Anyway, some people who have never stayed at the GCH go there once and like it, but don't think that it is worth the money when they will be in the parks most of the time anyway. So they save on the hotel and splurge elsewhere. However, because we make the hotel a part of the whole Disney experience for us, we like to stay in the actual Disney hotels and you just cannot beat the GCH during the holidays. So, since you already know how great it is there, it is 100% certain that your eventual holiday visit there will be wonderful! As I said in an earlier post, I am trying to get there again this coming December, but if it does not work out, then I have my eye on December 2009. In any case, maybe you and your fiancee and my group and I will just happen to find ourselves gathered around the tree at the same time, people watching each other!!!

It IS terribly funny seeing tipsy middle-aged guys wandering around the lobby, shouting at the carolers to sing "Silent Night." You just know that they have been forced to carry all of their wives' and daughters' purchases around all day, pay for every meal, alternately pose for pictures or take pictures of characters when they didn't want to, ride on It's A Small World 10 times, and are footing the bill for the GCH stay. They see that lounge in the back of the GCH and it is like an oasis for them! Finally they can have... alcohol!!!

I'd love to work for Disney as well, but who doesn't ? It would be amazing if
you could though !! My fingers, eyes, toes, etc. are crossed for you !!

Hahaha Thats so funny about those men !! My dad is kind of that way, he
loves DL, but not as much as my mother, my fiancee, and I so when we go
he can't wait to relax and have a beer. Who knows, we just might see you
in the foyer enjoying a nice Christmas carol and a warm mug of hot cocoa !!

I have to admit we stay at the Good Neighbor Hotels when we can't afford to
splurge, but we always end up in the GCH just for the incredible ambience

I'm so spoiled on staying at nice places ! My mom always says I have a
champagne taste on a beer budget haha. I hope you guys have fun when
you go in December. Have a relaxing time and think of me when you're sitting around !!

 

[Sherry E]

I'd love to work for Disney as well, but who doesn't ? It would be amazing if
you could though !! My fingers, eyes, toes, etc. are crossed for you !!

Hahaha Thats so funny about those men !! My dad is kind of that way, he
loves DL, but not as much as my mother, my fiancee, and I so when we go
he can't wait to relax and have a beer. Who knows, we just might see you
in the foyer enjoying a nice Christmas carol and a warm mug of hot cocoa !!

I have to admit we stay at the Good Neighbor Hotels when we can't afford to
splurge, but we always end up in the GCH just for the incredible ambience

I'm so spoiled on staying at nice places ! My mom always says I have a
champagne taste on a beer budget haha. I hope you guys have fun when
you go in December. Have a relaxing time and think of me when you're sitting around !!

Yes, that is precisely why we not make it to GCH this year. We will make it to Disneyland in some way, shape or form this year, but as for a hotel this time, not sure. And that makes me so sad to think of not being able to get a hotel this time! We have stayed at the other two Disney hotels too, and those are cool but lacking in the same cozy ambience AND we never get as much accomplished when we have to walk all the way back to one of them because my friends never want to go out again once we get into the room. In any case, I am crossing my fingers that finances will be such that we can swing a holiday trip this year as we did last year. My friend who is coming into town in two weeks did not want to stay at Paradise Pier because she thought that was too expensive, so she is going for one of the Good Neighbor hotels as well, but not one of the good ones that is really close to the parks. I think she is picking one that is further away.

Oh, and thanks for the good wishes about the Disney job - they are always hiring for Admin/clerical postions in all the departments of the whole empire, but they hire and promote 'from within' a lot rather than seeking outside people to join in with them. I have a lot of work experience AND I know someone who used to work for Disney and she sent my resume to a recruiter she knows there, thinking that would be my ticket in, and still no luck! It is not only tough to get into the Walt Disney Company, it is a tough time for jobs and the economy!!!

Yes, one of these days, we will all end up by the Christmas tree in the GCH at the same time, sipping cocoa and listening to the carolers and not know that we are all Disboard members! And in fact, last time we were asked by several couples to take their pictures in the big 'Santa chair' by the tree, so you and your fiancee may very well approach us to take your picture and not know it's us!