Just got back from the Grand Californian/DL/DCA

[Steve BWV'99]

Just got back from a 4 day stay at GC and checked out the new park. We used DVC points for our stay. For us, it was worth using the points. We live in CA and couldnt make it to FL this year so this was a great option.

The GC is a fabulous hotel, it reminded me of the Wilderness Lodge with a eloquent feel to it. The staff was outstanding (except for a few issues with early housekeeping requests). Funny thing happened, when we were in the hotel, a lot of the staff was saying "Welcome Home" and I thought it was my DVC shirt I was wearing. Apparantly, they were saying it to everyone

We really enjoyed DCA, especially having the Grizz River Run right outside the hotel . We ate at Avalon Cove (good food but pricey), Storytellers Cafe-dinner, Rainforest Cafe-lunch, ESPN Zone-lunch, Yribba Yribba-lunch, and the Blue Bayou-dinner. Had excellent meals at all the restaurants.

Being spring break, Fastpass worked out really well for us, even though the rides at DCA never got above 45 minutes.

We had a great time and will definitely stay at the GC again on points.

-Steve

WL/BC-6/99 - 1st trip! Became DVC members!
BWV/VB - 5/00
DL/DCA (Grand Californian) - 4/01
DCL/BWV - 5/02

 

[ceejay13]

It's nice to hear such a positive review. We did the same thing in January and had much the same experience you did. We loved it and are going back next month (actually it is a yearly business trip but we always have to visit DL). There has been a lot of controversy over on the DL board, as I'm sure you have seen. We thought the GC, DD, and DCA were wonderful additions and can't wait to see it all again.

 

[wdwnut]

hi: glad you had a good time! were the rooms at the gc about the same size as wl? hopefully larger? we stayed at the disneyland hotel 3 years ago for a couple days and were disappointed in the room size and condition. it definitely needed a rehab. what were your favorite attractions? we're thinking of trying to get to california in the next year or so. do you think teens would have as good a time with as much to do as wdw? tia

 

[Steve BWV'99]

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel too and it was no comparison..the GC is newer, closer to the parks and the dining options are better too.

The rooms are bigger than the WL, esp the bathroom, closet areas. And quiet! the walls hold back the noises from the other rooms very well.

Favorite attractions at DCA were Soarin over California, Grizzley River Run, and the Animation Studios (I thought the DCA implementation is much better than the MGM studios one). We were kinda disappointed with Paradise Peir (not our thing) but it looked great at night. Oh and Superstar Limo...it was my favorite!! Joking of course...I just had to ride it just to see how it was...and the general negative consensus from the boards is right on. Bugs life and Muppets was great just like the WDW versions, and it seemed the bugs life had more effects at DCA. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

-Steve

WL/BC-6/99 - 1st trip! Became DVC members!
BWV/VB - 5/00
DL/DCA (Grand Californian) - 4/01
DCL/BWV - 5/02

 

[Califgirl]

Steve,
Your room at GC was quiet?? We stayed there at the beginning of the month on DVC points (thank you DVC!) and we had a great time, BUT, we could hear everything from folks talking, to change jingling in their pockets, as they walked down the hallway. You are right, we couldn't hear anything from the rooms next door to us. Go figure.

In any event, I enjoyed DCA and DL, and I'm going back at the beginning of next month for a short stay (thanks to DVC again!)

 

[Steve BWV'99]

califgirl,

Yep! Very quiet believe it or not (I was suprised too). We heard the occasional people walking by, kids running down the hall, etc. but we heard no toilet flushing, shower noises, peoples conversations, etc generally what you hear at hotels. We also had a courtyard room along the DD side of the hotel, so there wasnt alot of hallway/lobby traffic. We did hear the noise of the monorail go by when the window was open, but I'm not complaining When the window was closed, no sounds at all from the outside. I think they did a good job with muffling sounds in the room.

-Steve

WL/BC-6/99 - 1st trip! Became DVC members!
BWV/VB - 5/00
DL/DCA (Grand Californian) - 4/01
DCL/BWV - 5/02

 

[nickglover]

how would you rate the restaurants you went to, in order? did you like storytellers better than yribba? etc.

did you use early entry to CA, and if so, what time did you get in? thanks - we are going in September to GC and to both parks, all for the first time.

 

[Steve BWV'99]

nickglover.

They were all excellent but would rate:

1) Blue Bayou (theming is the best being close to POC)
2) Yribba Yribba (different experience for us..we love International appetizers so this was a hit)
3) Avalon Cove/Storytellers (loved the food at Avalon but it was quite pricy..nice view of DCA's paradise peir..Storytellers had great food for a buffet and the convience of being at the hotel couldnt be beat)
3) ESPN/Rainforest (typical food you will find at any chain type restaurant, very fun experiences if your into sports)

Hope this helps!

-Steve

WL/BC-6/99 - 1st trip! Became DVC members!
BWV/VB - 5/00
DL/DCA (Grand Californian) - 4/01
DCL/BWV - 5/02