My upcoming free trip - some questions about GCH!

[Nanseev]

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've been on...I guess like many SoCal's, I take the summer off from Disney because my passes are blacked out! LOL!

Last spring, I won a trip for an overnight stay, two day park-hopper, and a character meal. Well, we got some info....we got the Grand Californian Hotel! OMG! I got to choose my character meal, and I chose Goofy's...but they said I can change that if I want to.

We originally requested Labor Day weekend so DH wouldn't have to take time off of work/DD/DS out of school (they are 4 and 6). Our stay is the Friday of that weekend, so ultimately, he has to take time off of work. I'm debating whether I should try to switch to the following weekend....

Anyhow..my question is about the hotel...what should I expect? Insider info on it? I'm actually thinking about spending less time in the parks and more time enjoying the hotel imenities/pool...although TSMM is a must-do!

If we end up to try to switch weekends, but can only do it if we get DLH...should I give up my opportunity to stay at GCH? I probably wouldn't spend the money myself to stay there...

Thanks for any info you can provide!

 

[ter-moo]

Since your priority is to enjoy the hotel amenities, I would DEFINITELY stay at the GCH over the DLH, since as you say, you may never have this opportunity again!

It's a lovely hotel. Take time to eat at the Storyteller's Cafe (even without ordering the buffet at a character breakfast there, you'll still get to interact with the characters!) and sit by the fire in the lobby. (They even have a story telling time there some evenings.) They used to host hotel tours which highlight some of the decor/items around the hotel. That might be an interesting thing for you to do.

The convenience of the location and easy access to the parks is WONDERFUL and the feeling of the hotel is relaxed and cozy. I think you'll really enjoy it!