LOVED the Grand Californian!!

[vbecky]

I also love the GCH I have never stayed anywhere else to compare it to. But as long as I can I would deffinately pick this hotel if nothing else just for the closeness alone!!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

I think that WL is comparable to GCH. And so is Animal Kingdom. But not every resort is for everyone.

As someone who went to DL many, many times before going to WDW you will have a great time. It is a bit overwhelming but read everything that you can and you will feel more comfortable. Have a great time!

Thanks! Somedays I get so excited, I think I could burst...

We usually go to DL a couple of times a year and we were not going to go at all this year, in anticipation of WDW next March.... well, we finally broke down and just the kids and I are going back to DL in August.

We never go during a peak time like that, so hopefully we will survive.

 

[Pirate-Emery]

Once you go GC Concierge, you can't do anything else.

 

[Arizona Rita]

GC fans here! DH will now only stay there and refuses to stay anywhere else!
We started staying there right after it opened. We were so excited to find out that we can use dvc points to stay there!
And yes, we also love Whitewater snacks!
We refer to Gc as our home away from home!

 

[Ziggy]

Oooh, I'm so glad I found this thread as I'm just in the process of booking to stay here. I've a few questions if you don't mind:
1. Do you know what the different rooms are like, I'd book a standard view but am concerned we'd get the parking lot or other not so nice view?
2. Do you need to book the restaurants in advance like you need to at WDW as they book out so far ahead of time?
3. Do you get early entrance to the parks, we will only be staying 3 nights and 2 days so will only need the two day pass?

Thanks

 

[honeymom]

Re: GCH vs. WL

While I love GCH as far as a DL experience, our all time favorite is WL. It is a little less highbrow, a bit more playful and that suits us fine. We love the Whispering Canyon restaurant (where they holler ketchup, etc.). The pool area is beautiful, and you can't beat being on the lake. We found the transpo easy (boat to MK - relaxing, beautiful, we never had a long wait even after fireworks, and it only takes about 10 minutes) (bus to Epcot or if it comes sooner - take bus to the TTC and then the monorail) (bus to the other parks).

If you want a more upscale property, look into the Grand Floridian.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed there Friday night! It was awesome! I had a standard view and had a partial view of Downtown Disney, was in the section with the monorail track. Loved the large flat screen TV, everything was first class. It reminded me of Hilton, they had the same clock radio and the nice sheets.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

A couple more pics.

This view is from room 4101, over the entrance to the hotel

Here is another courtyard view

Pool/theme park view

Downtown Disney view

 

[Ziggy]

Thanks for the photos, they look lovely, so would you recommend the standard rooms?

 

[bumbershoot]

3. Do you get early entrance to the parks, we will only be staying 3 nights and 2 days so will only need the two day pass?

Thanks

As a guest of any of the three Disney hotels, you get access to any MM during your stay. So if you'll be there on a morning of Sat, Sun, Tues, or Thurs you'll have access to the MM. MM is only for Disneyland, however. DCA does routinely open its gates half an hour before opening, but anyone at the entrances gets to go in, it's not exclusive.





Whitewater Snacks is soooooooo good! We finally found it on this trip, and regretted not being there every single morning!

 

[Arizona Rita]

Hi!
Personally, I have never in my opinion, have never had a bad view. Often we dont get a park view, if you do it will be of DCA, but we like the DTD view, and if you worry about street noise level which sometimes I do, you really dont hear it. Ive had courtyard, park and dtd views and I like them all because its always something different!
The room we usaually get is 2 queens. We used to get the bunk bed room with trundle when the kids were little. The toilet is seperate from the vanity and its a nice size as far as baths go. Theres a coffee maker with coffee, which we never use but I bring home to a friend, blow dryer and iron and usually a fluffy bathrobe. Sitting area includes desk with chair and lamp. I like the lighting above the beds as there is a switch that is a dimmer.
The rooms are down in greens and brown in a swirly naturey pattern which features Bambi and friends. At turn down they leave a chocolate coin for each person in the room.
Im not sure about early entry, I do know that if you stay at a Disney hotel they have early entry but its usually DL. BUT the entry into DCA is great because its right by Grizzly River and if you want to ride it and then go change its just so close!!
And as for the resturants, Storeytellers you do need to make a reservation which I believe just like WDW you can make 180 days out. We havnt eaten there for sometime but my kids are not character crazy anymore,. You usaually have C&D, Pluto and others. We love Whitewater! We sometimes choose to eat there just because we want to. Their food is very basic but very good and reasonable.
Depending upon when you are arriving and departing depends upon what kind of pass you need.
For us it would be a 3 day pass as we spend as much time there as possible.
I hope this helps and I would love to hear about your trip!
I hope you enjoy it as much as we go!

I think we should start a GC lovers thread like they have for SSR and others!!
Rita

 

[IndyBride]

Once you go GC Concierge, you can't do anything else.

Ain't that the truth!!!!! We haven't stayed anywhere BUT GC since our first stay there many years ago. We are very very fortunate to be able to!!!!! One month and 14 days until our next visit! Can't wait!

 

[Mama of Indybride]

We have stayed Concierge Level at each of the 3 resorts, and GCH beat them all out.

It is amazing the level of service you receive. If you are going with a group, it is less expensive to book a suite and get the concierge service than individual rooms. We normally go with a group of 10 or more.

Our trip in July is just 5 of us, and I still had to book a 1 room suite with concierge service because we have become so spoiled!

Some of the CM's are there from our first concierge trip! And we will be spending much time there next year when my daughter gets married and has her reception at GCH!!!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

It is a beautiful hotel, but too pricey for us on most trips. We'd never be able to go as often or stay as long if we only stayed there.

We actually really enjoyed our one night stay at the DLH on Friday night. We had just a standard room in the Magic tower (old Marina tower). But it had the most PERFECT view of all the fireworks. It was like a personal fireworks show. LOL Plus I love the pool there, and even though it is also expensive, I can't handle it a little better then the 400+ a night for the GCH.

We did walk thru there though, and had lunch at Whitewater snacks on Friday. That was nice. We stayed at the GCH in October, with the Gay Days rate of $209 a night. That was really nice, and about the only way I can swing it! LOL

 

[kaity230]

Ohh another GCH lover here! It really is wonderful! I keep checking the AP page for more rates We stayed there concierge at Christmas and the Christmas atmosphere is wonderful. Also stayed at PPH concierge which was so much better than I expected from reviews, I actually really liked it as well. Yet to try DLH though!


As to the poster who asked about dining reservations - Whitewater snacks is counter service, storytellers I have always just walked up and never made ressies (eaten there 4 times), but I have yet to eat at Napa Rose and would assume you would need PS. However the restaurants at DL never book within the first few days like they do at WDW.

 

[mt mommy]

Love this thread. You've all convinced me to stay there in January of 09!!!

 

[honeymom]

We got Napa Rose PS appointment day of call last year and that was around the holidays. I would try to do it a little earlier than day of as they seemed to have to do a little work to fit us in, but I don't think you need to plan too far out.

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Re: GCH vs. WL

While I love GCH as far as a DL experience, our all time favorite is WL. It is a little less highbrow, a bit more playful and that suits us fine. We love the Whispering Canyon restaurant (where they holler ketchup, etc.). The pool area is beautiful, and you can't beat being on the lake. We found the transpo easy (boat to MK - relaxing, beautiful, we never had a long wait even after fireworks, and it only takes about 10 minutes) (bus to Epcot or if it comes sooner - take bus to the TTC and then the monorail) (bus to the other parks).

If you want a more upscale property, look into the Grand Floridian.

Thanks!

 

[LIFERBABE]

I just booked GCH yesterday for our 3 night Aug stay. I booked using points. We have standard view. Concierge was sold out and I really wanted concierge.

Thank you so much for posting the view pics. They had pool view available and I may just call back and upgrade! This will be our first trip to DLR so we are very excited!

Are there fridges in the rooms?

 

[MomBoyd]

Can anyone tell me about the Mandara Spa? What are the prices like for their various spa services?