Park view room requests at GCH ?

[CalGal]

We are booked at the Grand Californian for only the second time, and for the first time with a park view room. I know we are going to love the room regardless, but are there particular areas we should try to request? I'm envisioning us spending a fair amount of time in our room mid-day during rest breaks. I'm thinking the rooms over the DCA entrance overlooking Grizzly River Rapids would be especially nice. I would welcome any thoughts? What park view rooms have DISers had that they've especially loved?

 

[Califgirl]

We've enjoyed park view rooms several times. The view overlooking Grizzley River Rapids is nice. They turn off the water at night, and there really is not much to look at (at night) not much in the way of lights and such. They turn the water back on in the morning, I want to say 7:30 or 8 am, someome who has been there more recently may be able to tell you for sure.

I prefer the park view over looking the pool area. Those rooms give you a nice view of the pier area with Calif. Screamin' and the big Mickey all lit up. Lots more lights and such to see at night. I have also had a park view over looking the pool and we were on one of the lower floors tucked in the corner, and really didn't have much of a park view at all. It's all relative.

Now I go for DD or standard view, and splurge for concierge!

Enjoy life and great vacations!
Chris

 

[StartedByAMouse]

My personal preference is to request a Grizzly Peak view room. It seems a little closer to actually being in the park (and I really like looking at the big bruin). It is neat to watch the monorail go past. I like sitting out on the balcony and watch guests walking past below. And I've even been able to watch the Electrical Parade traveling through the Sunshine Plaza from my room.

The other theme park room that I've had was one that overlooked Paradise Pier. It was an absolutely great view at night with all of PP lit up. I didn't feel as close to the park from this room with the large lawn area acting as a buffer between the hotel and the theme park. It was also possible to see the parking lot between the hotel and the park too.

I've had a pool-view room too but was pretty unhappy with it. It was in the wing closest the lobby and my view was of the pool and, if I went out on the balcony and turned to the right, a view of the tops of Redwood Creak Challenge Trail and the Golden Dreams dome. Perhaps a pool-view room in the wing over Napa Rose, the gym and White Water Snacks provides a better view since you can see some of Paradise Pier from that angle.

The Grizzly Peak-view rooms tend to be farther from the hotel lobby and therefore a longer walk to get to and from many amenties, services and theme park entrances. The Paradise Pier-view rooms tend to be located closer to the lobby.

You're right that you will enjoy whatever room you get. Enjoy your stay!

Matt

 

[CalGal]

Thanks Matt and Chris. Your inputs have helped. Right now I'm leaning towards request a Grizzly Peak view room. I like the idea of being really close to the park to watch the guests pass below. The last few times I went to DCA, I remember feeling a bit envious looking up to the GCH guests sitting on their balcony looking down at us. It looked so pleasant! I have also had a Paradise Pier Hotel park view room before. It was lovely!

Thanks again!