Just booked Grand Californian! Any Tips?

[dsneygirl]

yay! We're going to be there over Halloween on our way to Aulani. Dates are possibly subject to change based on DH's work schedule but we are all pumped.

DH and I stayed at the GC just after it opened 10 years ago but it's been a long time. Anything we should know?

 

[wbl2745]

Good heavens! What do you like doing? Are you interested in restaurants? Would you be interested in tours? Where to start!

 

[dsneygirl]

Good heavens! What do you like doing? Are you interested in restaurants? Would you be interested in tours? Where to start!

I think we have 3 days at DLR so restaurant suggestions, where is the laundry? What is the pool like (and can we swim in late Oct)

is there a kids club?

 

[taaren]

Haven't found the laundry yet since we get 1 & 2 bedrooms, no kids club like the WDW resorts have, just Pinnochio's Workshop for kids 5-12 which is licensed child care if you want to have a 'night off'. We like to swim in October/November, the weather is still usually pretty good for that. There are 3 pools and 2 or 3 jacuzzis that the whole GC shares since the VGC is really just a wing of the hotel, and there's 1 decent slide + one littler slide. Nice place to lounge.
Restaurants? Napa Rose is great if you like high-end right in the GC, Blue Bayou is a must-look for the atmosphere though there are ranging opinions on the food (I like the filet mignon personally but I never get it at home so even only 'pretty good' filet is fantastic to me) and the do overcharge, but you're sitting in the middle of the POC. Cafe Orleans has wonderful Monte Cristo sandwiches and beignets. Come visit us over at the DLR threads, or the VGC Owner's & Lover Group if you want to know more about the particular hotel. You're going to love this resort!

 

[peloha86]

This is a great link:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2592085

 

[GoofItUp]

I've only visited 2 DVC laundry rooms (VGC & BWV) and the VGC one was far superior. They have a table & chairs and tv. I took my kindle and had a nice, quiet time doing laundry one afternoon while the kids napped with DH. There are 2 washing machines & 4 dryers. When you get off the elevators in the DVC wing-1st floor, you turn right in the hallway as I recall and it's around a couple of corners. It is shared with the regular hotel guests, and you will need to get tokens from the front desk to operate the machines.

We had 2 studio rooms and requested a park view for both. We got one park view and one was a pool view. Definitely get the park view if you can.

We really enjoyed staying there. Have a great trip at DL & on in Hawaii!

 

[wbl2745]

I think we have 3 days at DLR so restaurant suggestions, where is the laundry? What is the pool like (and can we swim in late Oct)

is there a kids club?

There is a kids club called Pinocchio's Workshop. We've never used it but it looks very nice. You walk by it on your way from the lobby to the DVC units.

As far as restaurant suggestions, there will be no end to what people will suggest, let me give you a few that I really like.

Napa Rose. This is the premiere restaurant at the Grand Californian and considered one of the best restaurants in the LA area. Although they do serve children and have menu items to accommodate youngsters' tastes, I don't really consider this to be a "family" restaurant. This might be a night for using Pinocchio's Workshop. I've eaten there once and the food was outstanding. I sat at the "Chef's Counter" where you interact with the chef on what you're going to have. The menu changes based on what's fresh.

Storyteller's Cafe is the family restaurant in the Grand Californian. The food is quite good and since it is such a quick walk from DCA I tend to use it as a lunch place to get away from the crowd.

Bengal BBQ is in Adventureland at DL. They serve meat skewers that are really good, but my favorite are the bacon wrapped asparagus. There isn't much seating there, but just go around the corner and there's a lot of seating by the River Bell Cafe.

These are just three favorites. Go to http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm for a complete look at the menus.

Have fun!

 

[DizDays]

I echo the above. Napa Rose is a must and one of my all time favorite restaurants in all of Disney. Blue Bayou is so worth it for the ambiance. It's such a beautiful restaurant and how a cool factor to it. I wish there were one at Disney World.

The Grand Cal is probably my favorite resort. Enjoy every moment!