Not for sure but I think we're going to cross a Cali property off our list

[Stargazer65]

On the other hand if you walk between BLT and MK you don't get a shopping district to enjoy along the way you get... nothing.

Oh, come now, that's not fair! There's parking lots, shrubberies, and a really nice trash can along the way.

 

[Ashlotte]

If you are writing off California altogether...then probably a good decision to not buy-in there. If you will go back, even if it's once every 5 years...I'd still consider it. Value of the DL resorts down the road is going to trump value of the WDW resorts. Having the 11 month window at DL will have more importance than holding 11 month window at WDW.

In terms of the noise issues...we were there in July and didn't have these noise issues as well (room 1518 - 2 Bedroom with DCL entrance by Pixar Pier right outside our door). Personally was skeptical of first floor room, but ended up loving the location as we were able to enter through the Paradise Pier Hotel. Threw our kids in the stroller, walked out the back exit next to our room and were in the park within 3 minutes of leaving our room.

Making a note to myself to avoid oogie boogie bash stretch for noise reasons as it seems others in this thread had the same experience in this time frame.

We used this entrance as well after the bellhop told us about it. The security guard or ticket lady there scolded us for using it, telling us it was only for Paradise Pier guests. Weird.

 

[Ashlotte]

Our big peeve this trip was all the ride closures. Have never experienced anything like it. One morning after opening California Adventure had Radiator Springs, Luigi, Mater, Toy Story, Incredicoaster, Goofy’s Sky School and Guardians all down at the same time. We had been considering doing an add on at the new DLV but after that, my husband said he wants to see if they deal with all the ride issues. On Friday after the Haunted Mansion opened with the holiday overlay we tried to ride twice with our lightning lane and both times it broke down. Cast member said it had broken down 5 times that day. No clue what is going on with all the issues but it was really frustrating.

Yes on the ride closures! We tried FOUR times to ride Indiana Jones because it kept going down. We had Genie+, so got a freebie LL every time it went down, which was nice, but we ended the night with 20 unused unassigned LL (group of five, ride went down four times).

 

[Philsfan77]

We used this entrance as well after the bellhop told us about it. The security guard or ticket lady there scolded us for using it, telling us it was only for Paradise Pier guests. Weird.

We had great interactions with the cast members there the 2 times we used it...didn't come up which hotel we were at. Like most things Disney...consistently inconsistent!

 

[Ashlotte]

We had great interactions with the cast members there the 2 times we used it...didn't come up which hotel we were at. Like most things Disney...consistently inconsistent!

Consistently inconsistent.... That sums it up perfectly!

 

[DonMacGregor]

Oh, come now, that's not fair! There's parking lots, shrubberies, and a really nice trash can along the way.

Not to mention 50 idling busses...

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

Oh, come now, that's not fair! There's parking lots, shrubberies, and a really nice trash can along the way.

 

[karatstravels]

We had great interactions with the cast members there the 2 times we used it...didn't come up which hotel we were at. Like most things Disney...consistently inconsistent!

We used it too without issue - they were standing around doing nothing, so what do they care.

 

[murphy7573]

Also used the Pixar entrance it in July while staying in a 1 bdrm at the Grand Cali. Entrance wuz hella' fast. Also used it when my daughter and niece rode Grizzly River Run before our WOC dessert party. They were a little wet and wanted to change hella' quick and get their hoodies. We went from the dessert party table to the room and changed and back to the table in under 15 min. Try that at WDW ! And yeah I say "hella" cuz I live in Cali !

And yes,

"they were standing around doing nothing" ! Ridiculous that you can be a guest at VGC/Grand Caifornian Hotel and not be able to "access" the Pixar Hotel entrance/exit.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Oof, I am super sensitive to noise and we tend to be back at our room early because that's what our son prefers. Thinking I better request the pool side for our trip next summer!

 

[DonMacGregor]

Oof, I am super sensitive to noise and we tend to be back at our room early because that's what our son prefers. Thinking I better request the pool side for our trip next summer!

We're in a pool-side studio this weekend for a little staycation, and it's pretty quiet. You can definitely still hear WOC, and you're going to hear the fireworks halfway to Huntington Beach, but beyond that it was VERY quiet last night after the pool closed at 9:00 (and the hotel is VERY busy).

 

[AZMermaid]

After a stay with a few grad nights going on, we now ask for a quiet view and almost always get a side pool view. For us, the theme park view isnt worth the noise.

 

[DonMacGregor]

After a stay with a few grad nights going on, we now ask for a quiet view and almost always get a side pool view. For us, the theme park view isnt worth the noise.

And if you REALLY need the view, you can always go up to the sixth floor.