Questions About GCH

[40-Something Kid]

Hi, I am an East Coast WDW & Cruise vet, and am SOOOO excited about going to Disneyland next week. I am going with my sister and my 6 year-old niece. I am psyched about the Halloween Space Mountain, and the IASW makeover and the Trick or Treat party and the beautiful weather and so on...............!!!!

We are staying at Grand Californian, which is so gorgeous and my favorite Disney hotel. Last time I was there was April 2001, soon after it first opened. So I have questions for the West Coast vets, and would so love to get any tidbits of information.

We are renting a car. Is parking at GCH free? How much is valet?

Are there any must-not-miss sights or experiences at GCH? We are dining at Napa Rose. Is Storyteller's a "must-do" as well?

Does the hotel have any great fast food items or souvenirs?

Does anyone have any experience with Pinocchio's workshop, the evening child care place?

Any other tips or info about GCH spa, grounds, park access, etc., would be much appreciated.

Thanks, FSK

 

[pixiewings71]

We are renting a car. Is parking at GCH free? How much is valet?

Parking is not free, there is a resort fee, IIRC it's $17 per day, that includes self parking, if you want valet there is an additional per day fee, I can't remember what that is tho, we haven't stayed at the GCH for 2 years now.

Are there any must-not-miss sights or experiences at GCH? We are dining at Napa Rose. Is Storyteller's a "must-do" as well?
We enjoy Storyteller's, well DBF and I do, DD9 doesn't like it because "it smells smoky" to her, we had a house fire a few years ago and the smell of smoke bothers her, she's very sensitive to it. The smell isn't overly smoky but it's enough that she doesn't want to eat there. The corn chowder is usually very good!

Does the hotel have any great fast food items or souvenirs?
White Water Snacks is delish!! Give them a try!

 

[WDBRDWLK]

Hi, I am an East Coast WDW & Cruise vet, and am SOOOO excited about going to Disneyland next week. I am going with my sister and my 6 year-old niece. I am psyched about the Halloween Space Mountain, and the IASW makeover and the Trick or Treat party and the beautiful weather and so on...............!!!!

We are staying at Grand Californian, which is so gorgeous and my favorite Disney hotel. Last time I was there was April 2001, soon after it first opened. So I have questions for the West Coast vets, and would so love to get any tidbits of information.

We are renting a car. Is parking at GCH free? How much is valet?

Are there any must-not-miss sights or experiences at GCH? We are dining at Napa Rose. Is Storyteller's a "must-do" as well?

Does the hotel have any great fast food items or souvenirs?

Does anyone have any experience with Pinocchio's workshop, the evening child care place?

Any other tips or info about GCH spa, grounds, park access, etc., would be much appreciated.

Thanks, FSK

We, too, have stayed at the GCH and it was fantastic...we had breakfast at Storytellers and the food was good, we were seated to the right when you enter so there was always alot of foot traffic going past us...granted it was just two adults and I thought we did not get that much character time That was alittle disappointing but on the other hand we did enjoy watching the kids at other tables and their reactions to the characters.

Do to lack of open space there was not alot of ground to take in like at the resorts at WDW. But it was still nice, we walked out to the entrance of the GCH to take pictures and the flowers were very pretty. Also, the pool area just outside Storytellers is nice too. There was also an open space area to the right of check-in but I am not sure if it is still there with the new DVC resort...I will find out in less than three weeks though!!!

The resort does have a small gift shop for GCH merchandise. Christmas ornaments are a must!

And the best part of staying at the GCH is the private entrance into California Adventure, smack dab infront of Grizzly River Rapids...great for when you get soaked on the ride and need to change your clothes!

I, too, am so excited to be heading back to DL...the first time we went we said this will be a first and only trip to the west coast...and whadda know, we are making it a yearly event! Takes a little creativity with vacation hours but I get my DL, WDW and DCL fix each year!

 

[jernysgirl]

I am psyched about the Halloween Space Mountain, and the IASW makeover and the Trick or Treat party and the beautiful weather and so on...............!!!!

You do know that it is the Haunted Mansion that gets made over for Halloween/Christmas, and that IASW is only Christmas right? I think it would give me nightmares seeing Jack and the NBC crew take over IASW!

 

[bumbershoot]

You can think of normal parking being free, as the resort fee is charged even if you don't have a car. If you booked a package, that fee is already covered; if you are a DVC owner staying on points you won't be charged separately...basically, if oyu booked a hotel-only stay, you'll have that resort fee and 15% tax on it charged per day, and normal parking is part of it.

I've read that Valet is $17 on top of that. This is my own personal reaction to that.... Others don't seem to mind.


The disneyland resorts all have special things you can take part in; ask about them when you check in. You can take part in an Arts and Crafts (architecture) style tour of the hotel, you can buy a Build a Bear giftcard that gets you a special morning session there, you can buy a Sephora giftcard that gets you a special morning session there...I believe there was a special "learn to draw Mickey Mouse" session...things like that. There *might* be a special early-early entry into DCA for an early morning walk...but I'm not sure if that still exists. Just keep your ears open as you check in, and read any papers they give you.

Have fun!

 

[daneenm]

Are there any must-not-miss sights or experiences at GCH? We are dining at Napa Rose. Is Storyteller's a "must-do" as well?

Does the hotel have any great fast food items or souvenirs?

Any other tips or info about GCH spa, grounds, park access, etc., would be much appreciated.

Thanks, FSK

We love GCH too!

We enjoyed Storytellers (pricey but the food is quite good).

WhiteWater Snacks is also quite good - try the steak nachos (just don't attempt to count the calories!)...yummy!

We love their pool and enjoy taking a few hours in the afternoon to lounge around, swim and relax. Comfy Chairs, umbrellas and servers delivering soda, what could be better

In the evenings we also enjoy sitting in the lobby enjoying the fire and the piano music.

Have a great time.

 

[cccdisney]

Hi, I am an East Coast WDW & Cruise vet, and am SOOOO excited about going to Disneyland next week. I am going with my sister and my 6 year-old niece. I am psyched about the Halloween Space Mountain, and the IASW makeover and the Trick or Treat party and the beautiful weather and so on...............!!!!

We are staying at Grand Californian, which is so gorgeous and my favorite Disney hotel. Last time I was there was April 2001, soon after it first opened. So I have questions for the West Coast vets, and would so love to get any tidbits of information.

We are renting a car. Is parking at GCH free? How much is valet?

Are there any must-not-miss sights or experiences at GCH? We are dining at Napa Rose. Is Storyteller's a "must-do" as well?

Does the hotel have any great fast food items or souvenirs?

Does anyone have any experience with Pinocchio's workshop, the evening child care place?

Any other tips or info about GCH spa, grounds, park access, etc., would be much appreciated.

Thanks, FSK

Like a pp said the parking fee is included in the resort fee.
Storyteller's is good, but I don't think I would consider it a "must-do". WhiteWater Snacks has hot food items at a good price and a nice outdoor area to sit.
There is a gift shop off the lobby that sells GCH specific souvenirs.
We have done Pinocchio's Workshop in the past with my two oldest kids (been a couple of years though). They LOVED it! Lots for them to do and if it is a fireworks night they will take them up to the top floor to watch them. They will also provide a dinner for them if you set it up in advance.
Definitely utilize the private DCA entrance. Very convenient when visiting that park!
We will be there Halloween weekend and can't wait!!

 

[avalon451]

You're going to love GCH! We were so glad we stayed there for our first trip. I wouldn't pay that much for it now, knowing that there are decent (though not fancy) hotels right across the street for 1/3 to 1/4 the cost. But for your first trip, I think it's really worth it if you can afford it!

Dining at Napa Rose: you might consider making reservations for the chef's counter, esp. requesting seats in #4-8. That's right in front of the main action. You get seated in front of the kitchen, the chef (sometimes several of them) come over and introduce themselves and answer any questions, tell you about the food you're having. I took DD13, and they were SO nice to her, really friendly and the head chef pointed out to her where everything happens in each part of the kitchen. She loved it!

We loved Whitewater Snacks. It's cafeteria-style, and usually pretty quiet, especially as compared to the rest of the park. They've got a great selection of fresh cut-up fruits and veggies, as well as just about anything else you could want for breakfast or lunch. Plus I've heard that they do some very nice stuff on their grill, too. There's an outside seating area overlooking the pool, and sometimes a friendly stray Disney kitty comes around looking to see if you can spare a bit of tuna out of your sandwich!

The DCA entrance is VERY handy. Especially if you get soaked on GRR! Just run back up the the room and change!

The gift shop has just about every sundry item imaginable, so if you realize you forgot your aspirin, antihistamine, toothbrush, whatever... or if Whitewater Snacks is closed and you want some milk, juice and a snack, they have a small amount of those things, too. Enough that you could pick up an early breakfast to hold you until you finish your Magic Morning.

One of the best things about staying at the Resort hotels is that you can go to Magic Morning every day it's available. I'd urge you to take advantage of that! You can beat all the heavy foot traffic, get lots of Fastpasses to use later in the day, then go back to your lovely close-by hotel and swim, take a nap, and rest, while the rest of the world fights the crowds in the middle of the day. Then go back in the evening and use your fastpasses! (You've read Hydroguys' tips, right? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 )

There's a secret exit on the Downtown Disney side, a fire door that opens off a stairwell on the northeast wing. It lets you out right next to La Brea Bakery. However, because it's a locked door, you can't get back in that way, unless you call your friend who is already back in the room to come down and open the door for you! Here's a link to an article called "How Far Is It?" that discusses the pros and cons of the secret entrance-- look down near the end of the article. http://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It There's a link to a map showing about where it is.

Hope you have a fabulous time! It sounds so fun-- 6 years old is a great age for DL!

 

[bumbershoot]

...or if Whitewater Snacks is closed and you want some milk, juice and a snack, they have a small amount of those things, too.

There's a secret exit on the Downtown Disney side, a fire door that opens off a stairwell on the northeast wing. It lets you out right next to La Brea Bakery. However, because it's a locked door, you can't get back in that way, unless you call your friend who is already back in the room to come down and open the door for you! Here's a link to an article called "How Far Is It?" that discusses the pros and cons of the secret entrance-- look down near the end of the article. http://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It There's a link to a map showing about where it is.

OH, and I've heard that now that the Villas are open, they've expanded that part of WWS, so there are more "grocery" type items, since the villas have kitchen/ette/s.

Thanks for reminding me of that secret exit...I'd forgotten about it because I never thought I'd use it!

 

[godalejunior]

The calico kitty at Whitewater is named Daisy according to the staff. We asked a few weeks ago when we were dining there and were so happy to see her again. Daisy likes roast beef from the french dip
We sat in seats 3 and 4 at the chefs counter on this trip (we usuallly request and have sat in 5 and 6). I did not care for the refrigerated display case in front of seats 1-4 as it blocks the prep table. I would recommend 5-8 if you want to have an unobstructed view.

 

[cccdisney]

The calico kitty at Whitewater is named Daisy according to the staff. We asked a few weeks ago when we were dining there and were so happy to see her again. Daisy likes roast beef from the french dip

Poor Daisy is going to get hungry. WWS no longer has the French Dip!

 

[40-Something Kid]

These tips are fabulous. Love the info about the chef's chairs, and workshop, and entrances, and food, and Pinocchio's, and parking and gift shop and--how did you know???--Christmas ornaments and Build a Bear. The early morning tip is great, too. At WDW, we are very often too lazy to go early , especially with the long travel time from the hotels to the parks. But since we will be on East Coast time, maybe, just maybe, we will get up and go early!!!!

I will go through each tip and work them into our planning. We have 6 nights--so looking forward to taking it all in.

Love DL!!! Much less hassle getting around, nice warm and dry October weather, beautiful hotels, and better Magic Kingdom.Thank you, everyone, and definitely would take in and appreciate any other tips!

 

[94bruin]

There *might* be a special early-early entry into DCA for an early morning walk...but I'm not sure if that still exists. Just keep your ears open as you check in, and read any papers they give you.

Have fun!

We were just there last week. There *is* an early morning power walk around DCA. I think it was from 7:45-8:30. The only caveat is that it is for people age 14 (I think) and up. I had my 7 mo old in a baby carrier and they wouldn't let me go!

They give you a schedule of events for the hotel upon check-in.

 

[fairykin]

We enjoyed going to the lounge bar and having a nice drink and having the sticky ribs from the little menu. They are soooOOOooooOOOooo delicious!

 

[FourOrchards]

Does anyone know/remember if the standard rooms have a mini fridge? We'd like to take milk but I can't find anywhere where it says whether they have them in the room or not. Maybe they can be requested?

 

[godalejunior]

Poor Daisy is going to get hungry. WWS no longer has the French Dip!

They must of changed it in the last two weeks. We were there 9/15-9/20 and the french dip was there!!!

 

[godalejunior]

Yes, standard rooms have mini fridge and ours had a DVD player.

 

[cccdisney]

They must of changed it in the last two weeks. We were there 9/15-9/20 and the french dip was there!!!

Somebody posted recently - early last week I think - that they had changed the menu and taken the French Dip off! They still have some hot menu items, but apparently they are also offering more "groceries" for the new Villas that have kitchens.

 

[DebbieB]

We saw a black and white calico kitty in the GCH self park last week. Maybe it was Daisy?

 

[brergnat]

I need to clear up a few things here that are posted and are incorrect:

1. The resort fee is $13.80. It includes SELF PARKING. If you want to do Valet, it is an ADDITIONAL $17 PER DAY. Just do Self Parking...it's right across the street next to Paradise Pier. If you won't be using your car daily, don't bother with Valet...

2. Pinocchio's Workshop has moved to the new Villas Wing. The old location has CLOSED. As of yesterday (9/28), construction work was STILL being done on the inside of the new Pinocchio's location. Not sure what this means as far as availability of child care at the GCH for the next couple weeks. The interior of Pinocchio's (as seen through the windows) was quite bare...still looked like lots of work needed to be done.

3. Standard rooms have a mini fridge. CONCIERGE rooms have DVD players. Standard rooms do NOT have DVD players.

4. The gift shop does NOT carry any food items except prepackaged snacks and cookies. NO JUICE OR MILK is sold there. There is no refrigerator in that store. All food items are sold at WWS and/or the Hearthstone Lounge in the a.m.

5. The French Dip is still on the menu at WWS. If it is NOT on the menu board, just ask anyway. They make several things that are NOT on the menu. If they have the ingredients for it, the chef at the grill will make it for you! Little known fact...they will make eggs to order at breakfast, a grilled ham and cheese, etc.