Room layout at Grand Californian

[BTMichael]

Hi everyone,

My wife, daughter (10) and I are considering a 6 day stay at the GCH sometime this August 2003. From 1999-2001, we stayed at the Paradise Pier (formerly the Disneyland Pacific Hotel) and liked it a lot until they removed the trams from the back parking lot in 2001 (call us weird, but we liked the trams).

Deciding that the extra hike wasn't worth the stay, we opted for the Residence Inn last year. Nice clean place, but a small pool and erratic shuttle service have convinced us to try someplace closer to DL. So, we are considering the GCH because of the pools and proximity to DL.

At this point we are trying to determine if we can "select" a location within the GCH that gets us close to Downtown Disney (and a quick entrance to DL), while at the same time a short walk to the pools. We are not looking at the concierge service. I thought that the Downtown Disney view could be a good choice except some have commented that the music being played in DD can be distracting.

Any suggestions for this long time DL fan?

Thanks,

BTM

 

[Michelle]

Hi there, and welcome to the DIS!

EVERY location at the Grand Californian offers a MINUTE walk to both Downtown Disney and the entrance to Disneyland. I honestly don't think it makes any difference from a convenience perspective which view you have. Just choose the view that fits your budget and your preferences.

 

[BTMichael]

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for the response.

"EVERY location at the Grand Californian offers a MINUTE walk to both Downtown Disney and the entrance to Disneyland."

From what I have read, some of the rooms are situated well away from the elevators, making it quite a trek. Having crossed the street from PP during our stay in 2001, it took 2-3 minutes just to get through the downstairs lobby of the GC to Downtown Disney.

"Just choose the view that fits your budget and your preferences. "

Well, my daughter now says she would like a view of either the fireworks over Downtown Disney or the Electrical Light Parade in DCA. Oh well, back to square one! At least she still likes Disneyland at 10!

Michael

 

[BTMichael]

Okay, now I am really obsessing! Are there any stairways in the GC that go between the floors? Just curious.

In case anyone is interested, here's what I found in the way of information about the rooms at the GC (thanks to the person who's stay is circled on the map):

http://www.go2mickey.com/images/maps/gcroomlocalmap.jpg

Also, here's what the first floor of the GC looks like:

http://www.go2mickey.com/images/maps/gclobbymap.jpg

Michael

 

[ilovemky]

I have stayed in the "far rooms" and being partly disabled, I did not like the hike but it was not as bad as walking from paradise pier to the monorail station! lol!

There are stairs i believe and the vending machines and ice are very convenient on all the floors (at least I found them to be)

i have also stayed with a DTD view and I did not notice the music at nite and I am a lite sleeper--I actually enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the folks go by down below!

I think the pool (or park view) was the room farthest away from the entrance but I could be wrong. Just tell them you need a room close to the entrance and see what happens--either view is fine--go for the pocketbook, not the view, you will not be sorry!

Looking at the maps on the post right above, we entered an elevator in the area by the Napa Rose and White Water Snacks (a great place to eat by the way) but then walked quite aways to our room.