Maximizing the GCH Experience.

[yfoog]

Hi All: We have reservations in February at The Grand Californian. I've been reading varied reviews of the Hotel. Since it is our first stay at GCH we opted for a Park View room. Some of the reviewers stated their view wasn't so great because of trees or other obstructions. Others, however had great views.

Is there a better room/floor to stay on? If so can I request a room or floor? How about requesting bunk beds for the kids? How far in advance can I make requests? Any other suggestions that would enhance our stay would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[snoozy]

Here's what I know about request for specific rooms at the DLR hotels. You can request all you want but, that does not mean you will get what you want. You only get your room request upon availablity upon your arrival.

I do know you can request bunk beds at the GCH. I would request them as soon as possible. I believe you can make all request when you book your room or package.

[yfoog]

I need to request the bunk Beds. When I called the prices were higher over the phone, so I went back online. I just got the reservation confirmation info in the mail Saturday. I'll call and see what I can do.

Have you ever stayed there? What is a good floor to get on?

[snoozy]

No I haven't stayed there yet so, I can't help you on the floors. We are also planning a trip in Feb and will be staying at the GCH. I have stayed at both DLH and PPH. Our DLH experience was not so hot but, our PPH experience has always been great. I hope the GCH is also great for the price I'm paying I want some top notch service. I know we will have to request an extra refrigerator, I don't want to use the mini bar, to much $$$$$.

[yfoog]

We've stayed at DLH, and PPH too. It's been a while though since we stayed at a Disney Resort Hotel. The last time was in 99 at the PPH. The only problem then was the DCA construction. We had to take a tram to get to the park that seemed to take forever.

[SleepingBucket]

We've stayed at the GCH many times, and twice we splurged on the park view. Two summers ago we had a room that looked out over Condor Flats. There was a great view of Grizzly Peak, and the Monorail went right past our window. There were some big trees outside our window, but they didn't get in the way of the view. Just a couple of weeks ago we went again and we had a 5th floor room with a view of Paradise Pier. It was beautiful! If you want the best view, try to request a room on one of the upper floors, so you can see over the trees. Have a great trip!

[NCTJoe]

Well i guess my advice would be to try to get a room as high up as possible. the higher you are... the less trees there will be to block your view. Although i could totally imagine some quote enscribed on a hotel wall somewhere saying something like "Trees never block our view... they enrich them"

But also, to really understand the theme, I would recomend doing some research into the California Crafstman era theme, and why and how it came about. It will just make the stay that much more meaningful.

Also take time to really consider all the small quotes scattered around the hotel..
"by hammer and hand do all things stand", etc

Have a terrific stay. And for the adults, do take advantage of the hearthstone.... nice way to end the day.

[daisy66]

Make a request thatis what I do and I end up with a great view.Yeah there might be trees but not that much.

[RollingBoulder]

I think I've had almost every view at the GCH, but my favorite is actually the Downtown Disney view. It's always entertaining to watch and you're in the middle of the action.

[Masquerade]

^ yeah, I would agree with the Downtown Disney view. I've only stayed at the GCH twice, but the first time we got a DTD view, and it was a lot of fun to watch all of the people walking around and shopping at night after a fun day at Disneyland and whatnot.

But then again, the other time I stayed there I had a lovely view of the parking lot, so it doesn't have much to compete with. =)

[Pixie]

My family loves the GCH - we travel from Oregon twice a year to stay at the hotel. We splurge and stay on the concierge level with a theme park view - we even have a favorite room. Only once out of our last 7 visits were not given our favorite room, but we still had a room with bunkbeds. The CM make an effort to accomodate our requests. I alway call the hotel directly 2 weeks before our stay and make sure they have all our requests on file. We will be back in March :)

[Wendell]

The GCH concierge level is, I believe, the best of the Disney Hotels. However, it is really expensive, but you get free DVD rental service for your room and a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, along with complimentary snacks, coffee and sodas throughout the day. If you must splurge on any hotel, do it here.

[Kresblain]

Any additional info on how the GCH concierge level is like? I wasn't sure whether or not I should consider going for that or the suite level. AFAIK, the rate for the concierge is about 1/2 the cost of a 3-bedroom Artisan. We're planning a summer vacation and there'll be 7 of us going. So, I wanted to be extra sure of the different stats on each level. Thanks so much.

[Pixie]

The concierge level is a definite treat. You have access to the lounge all through the day for coffee, water and sodas plus breakfast, tea, snacks and a wine and beer happy hour - everything is geared for adults and kids. I love watching the fire works frome the lounge balcony while I enjoy a Baileys & coffee and the kids have warm cookies and milk. The Staff is at your disposal for making reservations, booking tours and generally assuring your stay is just how you want it. To my family it is worth the extra expense. The rooms on the 6th floor - nearest to the lounge are queens, with or without bunk beds. Two adjourning rooms would might be large enough for 7, just depends on how much space you want. Last spring break in March my family of 5 stayed in a 2 bedroon suite on the 5th floor with access to the concierge level/lounge - that was total heaven. We usually have a room on the concierge level with a queen, bunk beds with a trundle bed. It was a bit of a walk to the lounge, but we enjoyed the extra space since we were staying for the week. It was nice to have 2 bath rooms and space to spread out a little. We will be back in March for 3 nights, 4 days and will stay on the 6th floor concierge with a queen and bunks. If you can swing a suite and the concierge level service that's what I would recommend for a long stay with 7 people, but 2 rooms at that level would work as well. Hope this helps.