VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge!!

[twinklebug]

Hey everyone

Quick question for those that have ever been to Disneyland

I'm staying at the Disneyland Hotel but I was thinking of spending a little time at the Grand Californian, maybe for drinks or dinner

It looks kind of like the Lodge from pictures (although I don't think it seems as homely!)

Anyone visited there? Will it give me a little of the Lodge feeling that I am craving

Hi Linda

I have not (yet) been to VGC, but have also been intrigued by the design. There is a similarity between it and WL/VWL for a reason: they share the same architect, as does AKV (both Jambo and Kidani): Peter Dominic. I know if you visit GC you'll feel right at home and yes, I think it will evoke similar feelings.

 

[Kathymford]

Hey everyone

Quick question for those that have ever been to Disneyland

I'm staying at the Disneyland Hotel but I was thinking of spending a little time at the Grand Californian, maybe for drinks or dinner

It looks kind of like the Lodge from pictures (although I don't think it seems as homely!)

Anyone visited there? Will it give me a little of the Lodge feeling that I am craving

I am a local to DL and own at VGC. It is very similar, yet different. Where as WL to me has more of the log cabin feel, is bright, and it is giant compared to VGC. VGC uses darker tones and has lots of warmth. I always feel like its nighttime when I'm there. As for the homely feel, I think it is very much the same, but like I said, a cosy at night feel. No river in the lobby though.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hey everyone

Anyone visited there? Will it give me a little of the Lodge feeling that I am craving

I think it's likely that it will. It always gives me a sense of deja vu when I visit. Kind of similar but can't recall exactly where I've seen it before. It has some similar nooks and crannies if you check out the higher floors that look down at the lobby.

 

[twinklebug]

I think it's likely that it will. It always gives me a sense of deja vu when I visit. Kind of similar but can't recall exactly where I've seen it before. It has some similar nooks and crannies if you check out the higher floors that look down at the lobby.

I saw images of a home (in montana?) that resembled WL very much so, complete with a river running from the interior to the outside. Can't find it now... anyone know which home I'm talking about? It's on my list of to-buys once I'm a billionaire.

 

[Deb & Bill]

GC is built in the Craftsman style, which is slightly different from the style of the WL.

 

[Muushka]

GC is built in the Craftsman style, which is slightly different from the style of the WL.

What style is WL done in? I thought it was Craftsman Style

 

[bagsmom]

What style is WL done in? I thought it was Craftsman Style

If you google "craftsman" style, you'll see. It was a period in architecture that influenced furniture and interior design. Gustav Stickley did lots of the furniture. The lodge is more rustic and rugged -- like a mountain cabin on a grand scale. I've been out of the history biz for such a long time, my descriptive vocabulary has gone by the wayside. But try googling and you should see some differences. I love both looks!!!!!!!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I'm with ya DLI !!! ANY time in Disney is better than a regular day at home ! Will your FB friend allow us to hijack her trip and wait in those lines with her 18 month old ?!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Animal Kingdom

 

[blossomz]

Go for it JT!!

 

[Muushka]

If you google "craftsman" style, you'll see. It was a period in architecture that influenced furniture and interior design. Gustav Stickley did lots of the furniture. The lodge is more rustic and rugged -- like a mountain cabin on a grand scale. I've been out of the history biz for such a long time, my descriptive vocabulary has gone by the wayside. But try googling and you should see some differences. I love both looks!!!!!!!

I guess I was just thinking about the Frank Lloyd Wright type windows, and the furniture and the lamps.
But you are right, the lodge itself is definitely rustic!

 

[Pinkocto]

Brown Derby

 

[DisneyNutzy]

JT,
Great minds think alike. That is our exact plan for watching Illuminations, even the parking location

Keep this under your hat
We go to the bridge that crosses from France to UK, International Gateway bridge I believe it is called. Go closer to the UK side, get as close to the rail facing towards show as you can, maybe 15' in after bridge begins to cross water(to verify this, look over bridge where boats enter. This is where they park the boats to view during Illums. cruise. Thus it affords a very great view of the show. We have arrived with 10 mins to spare and been able to see very well, depends on time of year. Arrive 30 mins prior to set your nerves at ease, if you wish. After the show, you can mosey towards front or you can walk to BW area, depending on where you park(you didnt hear me say that either)

 

[Linda67]

Hi everyone

Thanks for all the wonderful answers to my Q about the Grand Californian

I knew you guys were the ones to ask!

I'm actually staying at the Disneyland Hotel whilst I am there but will certainly be popping into the GCH for a bite to eat and to soak up the atmosphere

Thanks again everyone

 

[jimmytammy]

Catastrophe Canyon

 

[bagsmom]

JT,
Great minds think alike. That is our exact plan for watching Illuminations, even the parking location

So JimmyTammy and Nutsy -- do you have to provide a reservation number to park where you do?

We will have a long-ish break mid day -- from noon or so, till about 4:00. So we'll be coming back to Epcot then. We will be doing a few things in Future World. I guess we'd have to park in the Epcot lot -- then leave at 7:00 to cruise around and park in the other place. But mid-summer, would there be places available around 7:00, assuming that we could convince the attendants there that we even had a legitimate reason to be at Boardwalk?

I appreciate all the info! I'm getting so excited. As of March 7, we will be 3 months away!

 

[blossomz]

Downtown Disney

 

[Pinkocto]

Electric Umbrella

 

[jimmytammy]

In summer, Im not sure how crowded BWV parking will be, and at less crowded times we have been turned away, so knowing this, I would go with staying parked at Epcot lot, dont move the car, otherwise, you will spend at least an hour of lost park time moving the vehicle, plus getting back into the park. After the show, you can stroll by Canada, through the Rose Garden and out towards the front or if you choose, you could so a little shopping in Mouse Gear or one of the shops along the way, or stop and get a snack or drink. We are always so focused getting out, I cant clarify these places are open, but others may chime in if you ask.

 

[jimmytammy]

Les Chefs De France