In no particular order:
1. You can enter an hour early every day into one of the parks.
2. Washer and dryer in your unit.
3. Gas grills available only to DVC. Ask at the front desk for BBQ tools.
4. White Water Snacks, at VGC, has a few supplies for your kitchen, and decent food too.
5. World of Colour viewing from the 6th floor deck.
6. Two full bathrooms
7. Jacuzzi tub in master bathroom
8. Private patios/decks
9. Can have your purchases sent to the hotel. No need to carry them around the parks.
10. Full size coffee-maker.
11. Piano music played live in the lobby. Not for everyone but I loved it.
12. Some of the best views of all the surrounding hotels.
13. You can charge everything at DL and DCA to your room and pay at check-out.
14. It's the Grand Californian! Your Disney friends will be soooo jealous!
Here's the room view link:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/vi...californian-room-views.2906031/#post-44522663
Personally, I'd request the specific room numbers designated 'paradise pier', on the 4th, 5th, or 6th floors. One time I didn't put in a room request and was given the second floor, facing the trees of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Very dark and no view, at all. I did, however, see one of the DL cats wander by.
Enjoy your adventure!