We are staying at GCH next week....any tips?

[Jennifer in WA]

Hey there,

I've been to DL many times, but this will be the first time to really stay there (and not with family). We are coming in on Thursday morning, going to check in at GCH and then go to the parks. Then stay Thursday night, go the parks again on Friday. We'll stay Friday night, then go to Goofy's Kitchen on Saturday before going over to Knott's.

So any tips to share? I'm kind of freaking out about how much we paid to stay at that hotel, but we've never done it before and probably won't again....so want to make the most of it.

Please share all that you can!

 

[pixiewings71]

Check out the fireplace for sure, they do storytime and it's so much fun. Do you know what kind of room you have? We had a DTD view and it was so neat to sit on our balcony and listen to the music.

 

[Jennifer in WA]

I don't know what kind of view we will have. I think I asked for park view, but probably could just end up with standard view. I think we will have the bunk beds with trundle, too. There are 5 of us.

 

[Jennifer in WA]

Can someone tell me about parking? I'm trying to find out how much the valet parking is. It's just me with my 4 kids (DH has to work), so we will arrive early on Thursday and not sure I want to trek over to the self-parking lot. May just use the valet and get us in the hotel and over to the parks.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Actually it isn't far to self parking at all! Just pull up to the front, the bell boys will take your luggage and your kids can hang there while you drop the car off right across the street. There was a post here and I'm guessing it's around 15 dollars but I know it might be more like 17 a day. Hope someone can give you an accurate number.

And I agree, a dtd view is fun especially with the christmas lights up all over and the christmas music

 

[nunzia]

My only tip is that if you stay on some floors you can exit down the stairs and come out right by La Brea Cafe...saves alot of trekking. This trick only works leaving..the door is locked from the outside, so there is no getting back in. Take advantage of Whitewater Snacks..one of the best deals in DLR IMO.
Just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and cushy robes! I love the balcony..Park view is wonderful, go on the balcony with your morning coffee and watch DCA come alive. I can't wait to be back in about 6 weeks..whooohoo

 

[Sherry E]

You will have a great time at GCH AND at Goofy's Kitchen!! I know what you mean- the money spent on the GCH is a little disconcerting after you have made the reservation, and you start wondering if it is worth it, but when you get there it will all seem worth it! You will love the big, gorgeous lobby and Christmas tree, and hearth area. Every day and night during the holidays, Carolers come to sing in the lobby by the tree, and people just curl up in the comfy chairs and listen to them, sipping beverages and making requests! It is a nice treat - make sure you find out from the GCH when the carolers will be there. Make sure to take advantage of the GCH entrance into DCA - that comes in handy for entries and exits. You will get a knock on the door every evening - that is the maid asking if you want turndown service. She will give you some chocolate candies with characters on the wrappers. You will have H20 bath products in the bathroom - not the standard bottles with Mickey all over them as in the other hotels.

Since you asked and paid for a park view, you will probably get one. Rarely do I hear of someone not getting the view they asked for - in fact, sometimes people are upgraded to a better view without even asking (for free)! Sometimes it happens that they don't get the requested room, but not often. DLR really does try to accommodate the guest. You will have a fabulous time! Make sure to take lots of pictures and report back to us when you return!!!

 

[blue donkey]

My only tip is that if you stay on some floors you can exit down the stairs and come out right by La Brea Cafe...saves alot of trekking. This trick only works leaving..the door is locked from the outside, so there is no getting back in. Take advantage of Whitewater Snacks..one of the best deals in DLR IMO.
Just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and cushy robes! I love the balcony..Park view is wonderful, go on the balcony with your morning coffee and watch DCA come alive. I can't wait to be back in about 6 weeks..whooohoo

I've been meaning to ask, what floors & corridor can you access the exit stairs that go out to La Brea? Do they have standard rooms there as well or only DTD/park views?

 

[avalon451]

Call guest services now to confirm your reservations, and then ask them nicely for a free upgrade. They can't promise anything, and they may have already blocked out the rooms for your stay, but they will put your request in the computer and they will try to honor it if possible. We did this and got upgraded to a nicer view.

Here's a link to the article "How Far Is It" and he discusses the "secret entrance" to GCH, with a link to a map: http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

It's a gorgeous hotel! You will love it, and I bet you will find it so worth it for this one time. We did it for our first stay, and it was reeeeeediculously expensive, but I'm so glad we did.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[pixiewings71]

Self parking is across the street. I would just do as a PP suggested, leave the kids and luggage with bell services and go park. We actually just walked with our bags and kids, it wasn't bad at all. Much better than the valet fee!! Especially since we don't go anywhere once we park, if we were in and out valet might be worth it but I doubt it.

Park view room would be GREAT!! We had bunk bed in our room too, the kids LOVED that!!

 

[jerseygal]

We're thinking of splurging on a summer 09 trip, GCH!

Will be our first trip and probably won't be returning for awile, so I think GCH will be our top pic! I've read a ton of great reviews!

Will do standard booking category..That will be awesome..An upgrade.well, who knows, but I'm not expecting one!

Hope it all comes together! Now just watching and waiting for Continental to hopefully lower fares a little!

 

[jerseygal]

I've read that Downtown DIsney Views GCH could possibly be noisey???

Courtyard view, standard? Someone said that was more peaceful...

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I wouldn't worry about noise, those sliding glass doors are amazing. The minute you close them it's so quiet! We had a park view of GRR, with the door open it would be quite loud, but it was quiet enough for us to nap with it closed.

It's a fabulous hotel, can really spoil you in to not wanting to stay elsewhere. Shame it costs so much, otherwise we'd always stay there!

 

[mmmears]

The theme-park views are awesome!!! Especially at night with all the lights.

Definitely enjoy the back pool with the 2 slides. You can grab some towels & chairs, then go to Whitewater Snacks and grab your lunch, then eat it out by the pool. It's so relaxing and fun!

Definitely use the back entrance to CA -- it lets you out right at GRR and Soarin'. We'll go on GRR over and over, and then when dripping wet, run up to the room and change. Doesn't take much time at all.

The GCH is so beautiful -- take a bit of time to enjoy it!

 

[Whidbey5]

Just...enjoy! It is a great hotel in the best best place in the world!

Whitewater Snacks is the best kept secret in the parks! Typically, we eat a large lunch and then go to Whitewater for a small dinner.

We'll be there in 18 days. I.can't.wait.

 

[nunzia]

I've been meaning to ask, what floors & corridor can you access the exit stairs that go out to La Brea? Do they have standard rooms there as well or only DTD/park views?

I think we stayed on the fifth floor when we did that. We had a DTD view that time. Naturally we were there during the 1/2 marathon and after the door closed we were stuck in the little grass area and couldn't cross to La Brea because of the runners, and couldn't get back in. We waited 1/2 hour then called a member of our party to come down and let us back in
You will love this hotel. We are cheap/frugal/tightwads and this is our only big splurge..we just can't do Disney anymore without the GCH

 

[nunzia]

I wouldn't worry about noise, those sliding glass doors are amazing. The minute you close them it's so quiet! We had a park view of GRR, with the door open it would be quite loud, but it was quiet enough for us to nap with it closed.

It's a fabulous hotel, can really spoil you in to not wanting to stay elsewhere. Shame it costs so much, otherwise we'd always stay there!

I agree..with the doors closed you dopn't hear a thing..and I actually liked the doors open..you could hear the musicians playing..it was great!

 

[jerseygal]

If all comes together and we do book DLR, we will do GCH, standard though...Who knows, maybe an upgrade will come our way!

Glad to hear if an upgrade to Downtown Disney View is offered, it won't be that noisy!

Can't wait...If we go, will do San Diego for the first 3 days, then 4 days at GCH! Have never been to California, so we'll "splurge" for this trip on GCH!

 

[wdhinn89]

We are planning the same type of summer 2009 vacation but DL first and then San Diego. Have you given any thought to your San Diego hotel choice?
We were hoping for a hotel on the water but it can be pretty price in July/August.

 

[ylatan]

i am taking notes on this thread, because we are staying there in april.

oh and i am glad to know a DTD view is good. DP wanted to go all out but i was a little bit nervous about the cost of park view. and i heard you can see fireworks from your room with DTD view? swell.