Grand Californian Super Thread
DizMe
Here we gooooo...
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2007
There aren't any listed on the map, but I don't know...
DizMe
Here we gooooo...
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2007
It shows several icons for restrooms on the ground floor but I don't see any on the other floors
Babybears
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2012
Follow up observations from our recent visit to GCH.
1. We LOVED our room location!! It was very cool to have a welcome banner with our family's name on the tv as we walked in. We had a Woods/Courtyard view, room 4403. So close to the Napa elevators. We clocked it at 3 minutes from GRR to our room, it was unbelievable. Room was extremely quiet and we had turndown service every night. Beds are super comfy and we all had good night's sleep.
2. The morning lines at security to DTD varied, but always moved quickly. We were down there between 6:45-7:00 and through the DL park gates with enough time to be to early entry rope drop before it started. One day they had a second courtyard security point opened on the other side, which you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it. We didn't end up using it but it was good to see it was available. Never used the EE for either GCH park entrance to CA, but observed a long line at security that stretched back past Storytellers all the way to the Grand hall doors.
3. Early online check in seemed to work well for us. The check in asked what time we were arriving and for us it was 9:30 am, and we got a text at 11:25 that our room was ready! Quite the surprise!
4. Had an interesting first night there.....Fire alarm went off at 4:00 am and hotel was completely evacuated to DTD via emergency exit stairs and back areas. While interesting, was a crazy way to start the day.
5. Ate dinner at Storytellers one night and the buffet was pretty good. It's pricey, but the selection is good and the food was tasty. We had one of the first dinner bookings of the evening (5:00) so the food was fresh and hot. The restaurant filled quite full as we sat there eating and we were glad we had the booking time we did.
6. We are a family of 5 and the last time we stayed here we had a standard room that overlooked the main entrance. That room had an oversized chair that turned into a surprisingly comfortable single bed. This time we had the daybed which was great as well. The standard room with the sofa chair was definitely larger than the daybed one we just had. So just wanted to throw out that observation for anyone curious about rooms sizes. I will say that both had ample room, and the daybed was more comfortable, overall. It fit our son who is 5'10" quite easily, as well.
Overall it was a fantastic stay and we enjoyed being so close to the parks. Let me know if you have any questions.
1. We LOVED our room location!! It was very cool to have a welcome banner with our family's name on the tv as we walked in. We had a Woods/Courtyard view, room 4403. So close to the Napa elevators. We clocked it at 3 minutes from GRR to our room, it was unbelievable. Room was extremely quiet and we had turndown service every night. Beds are super comfy and we all had good night's sleep.
2. The morning lines at security to DTD varied, but always moved quickly. We were down there between 6:45-7:00 and through the DL park gates with enough time to be to early entry rope drop before it started. One day they had a second courtyard security point opened on the other side, which you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it. We didn't end up using it but it was good to see it was available. Never used the EE for either GCH park entrance to CA, but observed a long line at security that stretched back past Storytellers all the way to the Grand hall doors.
3. Early online check in seemed to work well for us. The check in asked what time we were arriving and for us it was 9:30 am, and we got a text at 11:25 that our room was ready! Quite the surprise!
4. Had an interesting first night there.....Fire alarm went off at 4:00 am and hotel was completely evacuated to DTD via emergency exit stairs and back areas. While interesting, was a crazy way to start the day.
5. Ate dinner at Storytellers one night and the buffet was pretty good. It's pricey, but the selection is good and the food was tasty. We had one of the first dinner bookings of the evening (5:00) so the food was fresh and hot. The restaurant filled quite full as we sat there eating and we were glad we had the booking time we did.
6. We are a family of 5 and the last time we stayed here we had a standard room that overlooked the main entrance. That room had an oversized chair that turned into a surprisingly comfortable single bed. This time we had the daybed which was great as well. The standard room with the sofa chair was definitely larger than the daybed one we just had. So just wanted to throw out that observation for anyone curious about rooms sizes. I will say that both had ample room, and the daybed was more comfortable, overall. It fit our son who is 5'10" quite easily, as well.
Overall it was a fantastic stay and we enjoyed being so close to the parks. Let me know if you have any questions.
Pluto468
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
Thanks! I checked the map but didn't see any, so just thought I'd see if anyone here had information about secret hidden restrooms lol.
Pluto468
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
Sounds like a wonderful stay! It's great you were able to check in so early. I'm glad to hear the rooms are spacious. We usually book suites offsite for our family of 4 but at the Grand we'll be in 1 room.Follow up observations from our recent visit to GCH.
1. We LOVED our room location!! It was very cool to have a welcome banner with our family's name on the tv as we walked in. We had a Woods/Courtyard view, room 4403. So close to the Napa elevators. We clocked it at 3 minutes from GRR to our room, it was unbelievable. Room was extremely quiet and we had turndown service every night. Beds are super comfy and we all had good night's sleep.
2. The morning lines at security to DTD varied, but always moved quickly. We were down there between 6:45-7:00 and through the DL park gates with enough time to be to early entry rope drop before it started. One day they had a second courtyard security point opened on the other side, which you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it. We didn't end up using it but it was good to see it was available. Never used the EE for either GCH park entrance to CA, but observed a long line at security that stretched back past Storytellers all the way to the Grand hall doors.
3. Early online check in seemed to work well for us. The check in asked what time we were arriving and for us it was 9:30 am, and we got a text at 11:25 that our room was ready! Quite the surprise!
4. Had an interesting first night there.....Fire alarm went off at 4:00 am and hotel was completely evacuated to DTD via emergency exit stairs and back areas. While interesting, was a crazy way to start the day.
5. Ate dinner at Storytellers one night and the buffet was pretty good. It's pricey, but the selection is good and the food was tasty. We had one of the first dinner bookings of the evening (5:00) so the food was fresh and hot. The restaurant filled quite full as we sat there eating and we were glad we had the booking time we did.
6. We are a family of 5 and the last time we stayed here we had a standard room that overlooked the main entrance. That room had an oversized chair that turned into a surprisingly comfortable single bed. This time we had the daybed which was great as well. The standard room with the sofa chair was definitely larger than the daybed one we just had. So just wanted to throw out that observation for anyone curious about rooms sizes. I will say that both had ample room, and the daybed was more comfortable, overall. It fit our son who is 5'10" quite easily, as well.
Overall it was a fantastic stay and we enjoyed being so close to the parks. Let me know if you have any questions.
Did you request being near the Napa elevators, or end up there by chance?
Did you ever find out what caused the fire alarm? One at a Hyatt we were evacuated because someone burned toast in their room.
Babybears
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2012
While I thought about requesting that area, I did not, so just got lucky. And those elevators are fast, like you never had to wait, like ever. The view was of the courtyard and we would've had a great monorail view had it been running.
As for the Fire Alarm, no, we never heard what the issue was. It was incredible to see how many guests that are there when they are all going through fire exit stairs and sprawled out into DTD/esplanade area. My understanding is the hotel was full to capacity. Credit to the security folks and hotel people for facilitating a pretty large evacuation smoothly.
ClaraOswald
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2014
How long did you end up having to be out of the building for the fire alarm?
twodogs
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2012
If you book Woods/Courtyard view, you will almost certainly be near the Napa Rose elevators unless they change your room to a different view category.
Pluto468
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
Thanks for the tip! I've always wanted to try that view.
Babybears
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2012
About an hour total from exiting our room to being back up in it. The longest part was merging with all the upper floors who were also coming down the emergency exit stairs. Then we were ushered into DTD/esplanade area for about 15 minutes and then back to the hotel. The tricky part was getting us all back in and up to rooms. They opened up a few alternative stairways that I assume were for hotel employees, we got in one that was to the left of Storytellers to go back up to our room. Fun Fact.....the music in DTD/Esplanade begins at 5:00 am. So we got to listen to a few opening tracks before going back. The first one was the original track from California Screaming roller coaster, so that was kinda cool!
twodogs
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2012
I almost hate to post it on here because it is a great view category, is the second lowest in price and gets you (IMO) the best location in the resort for getting back and forth to the parks very easily (and is also really close to the pool entrance and Storyteller’s). So let’s keep this one quiet!
twodogs
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2012
I got that map from OP on this thread. It shows the view categories. Brown is Woods/Courtyard. So some rooms can be near the front of the hotel, but lately, we have always been back by the NR elevators, which is marked E in the corner of the blue rooms (pool view).
Pluto468
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
I won't tell anyoneI almost hate to post it on here because it is a great view category, is the second lowest in price and gets you (IMO) the best location in the resort for getting back and forth to the parks very easily (and is also really close to the pool entrance and Storyteller’s). So let’s keep this one quiet!
joseph821
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2007
Hi all,
Still jet lagged and tired but it is worth it. After an 8 day/7 night trip, I expected it.
GCH Woods Courtyard room Wed. 8/8 through Wed 8/16, 8 days/7 nights.
Some observations on the hotel:
I arrived at GCH on Wed. 8/9 at 11:30AM PST after a early morning 7AM EST flight.
First off, the minute I arrived, I steped out of my car service sedan, I was escorted by a friendly cast member to check-in. There was no line. I was greeted very professionally. Very friendly cast member. Check-in was a breeze. My room was ready. I had a 3rd floor Woods Courtyard room equidistant to the main lobby elevator bank and the Napa Rose elevator bank.
A cast member walked me to the mainy lobby elevator bank.
My room was easy to find.
The room was beautiful. 2 queen sized beds and a day bed. I loved how woodsy with a touch of Disney Chip and Dale added. I loved the pictures on the walls depicting DCA.
View: Nice view of trees and a rooftop.
The room was immaculate. Loved the TV with my name listed. I took a quick shower and changed and prepared to head over to Disneyland.
Very quiet room!!
I loved Acorn Gifts....perfect for soda and water. Got my DL calendars for next year. Had to buy a fanny pack there since upon arrival my old fanny pack broke. Only $30 and it was nice.
Storytellers Cafe: Loved the dinner buffet on 8/9. After a long morning flight and some time at DL, I headed there. The food was awesome! My server was very attentive and friendly. Also went to breakfast buffet on tuesday 8/15 after early entry, the food was great. Had an omlette made to order. Loved all the muffins, fruit and cheese. Very impressive breakfast buffet.
Pool: Awesome pool. Loved it!!
Napa Rose: Did not go but always busy when I went past.
Craftsman Grill: Picked up grab to go breakfast a few times awesome! Also picked up a few snacks!! Great!
Room Service: Ordered room service breakfast twice. The food was great. Hot and on time!!! Ordered for 5 to 5:30AM. it was there 515AM both times.
Housekeeping: The housekeeping staff are awesome. I left a $15 to $20 tip a day. My room was so clean. I also asked for extra pens and got them. The second housekeeping service later in the day with turndown was awesome too. I ran into housekeeping staff twice because I dropped off stuff, went to pool, changed, or went back to room to rest, I tipped them then.
Bell Service: The cast members were friendly when I called to have my bags stored upon early check out. I called at 7:30AM and the cast member was there at 735AM. When I was ready to leave to be picked up to go to LAX, the cast member went to get my bags and within 5 minutes, another cast member brought my bags to me. Very friendly and efficient.
Checkout: Got an email to checkout and pressed on the link and checkouted and told them I was checked at between 8 and 830AM.
I loved the main lobby, the piano, the fireplace and the chairs and the lounges. The hotel felt like I was in the California forest. The decor was very subtle. Loved it.
CA Adventure Gate: Got there for my 1 early entry to DCA at 6;15AM. I was number 1 in line. Loved the gated. Used it almost all the time when coming back to my room. Even when I was leaving Disneyland I would go through DCA and use te gate....shorter and less people than going through DD.
Early Entry DCA: Security was a breeze...was to the front of the line after ticket scanned. Did Guardians, Webslingers and Soarin in first 30 minutes.
DL/DD gate/Disneyland Early Entry: For my 5 early entry days, I got there by 6:15AM...one day I was first in line. Once I was second. I was always near the front of the line. Sometimes. 4 people ahead or six. My advice is get there by 615AM to 6:20AM. The majority start to arrive at 630AM. Getting through security was a breeze. Walking through DD to DIsneyland was easy. I always started at Gate 7 or 8 or Gate Number 12. I was always like at the front of the line so the Disneyland gate cast member scanned my ticket before letting us in. The gate opened at 720AM sometimes 725AM. I walked down Main STreet...veared right and walked toward Plaza Inn, past it then there were cast members with signs DL Hotel Early entry. You had to scan your hotel room key ticket. I was always at the rope or second row to get into early entry.
Early entry at DL is so worth it. One morning I was Number 1 for Peter Pan. I outran a nice lady carryinng her toddler daughter!! We laughed. I told her I was sorry. I got there before her..we laughed when she arrived...she had a 35 pound weight her daughter on her!! I wished them a great day and ride on PP. She did the same to me. I always went to PP first. Within the first 30 minutes, I always did PP, Alice, Tea Cups, Dumbo, Snow White and Toad. Then At 8AM, I finished Fantasyland in its entirety with 40 minutes..riding, Casey, Storybook, Matterhorn (Genie + for 8 to 9AM), Small World, Carousel, Castle walkthrough and Pinocchio.
One early entry morning Matterhorn was open so I did that before 8AM. So be on the lookout sometimes, Matterhorn is open before 8.
I always made a Genie + selection when I got into DL or DCA at early entry.
Overall, I loved GCH. Early Entry is so worth it!!!
PS There was a fire alarm at 4:50 AM on Sunday August 13. I went outside and through the main lobby to main entrance pullup area. It lasted 10 minutes then we went back in, I get up at 5AM so it was my alarm. While waiting for DL early entry at the DL/DD gate at GCH, a cast member told me there was some slight smoke near a 6th floor vent that triggered an alarm sensor..but they could not find the source but they tripped the alarm for the entire hotel.
Still jet lagged and tired but it is worth it. After an 8 day/7 night trip, I expected it.
GCH Woods Courtyard room Wed. 8/8 through Wed 8/16, 8 days/7 nights.
Some observations on the hotel:
I arrived at GCH on Wed. 8/9 at 11:30AM PST after a early morning 7AM EST flight.
First off, the minute I arrived, I steped out of my car service sedan, I was escorted by a friendly cast member to check-in. There was no line. I was greeted very professionally. Very friendly cast member. Check-in was a breeze. My room was ready. I had a 3rd floor Woods Courtyard room equidistant to the main lobby elevator bank and the Napa Rose elevator bank.
A cast member walked me to the mainy lobby elevator bank.
My room was easy to find.
The room was beautiful. 2 queen sized beds and a day bed. I loved how woodsy with a touch of Disney Chip and Dale added. I loved the pictures on the walls depicting DCA.
View: Nice view of trees and a rooftop.
The room was immaculate. Loved the TV with my name listed. I took a quick shower and changed and prepared to head over to Disneyland.
Very quiet room!!
I loved Acorn Gifts....perfect for soda and water. Got my DL calendars for next year. Had to buy a fanny pack there since upon arrival my old fanny pack broke. Only $30 and it was nice.
Storytellers Cafe: Loved the dinner buffet on 8/9. After a long morning flight and some time at DL, I headed there. The food was awesome! My server was very attentive and friendly. Also went to breakfast buffet on tuesday 8/15 after early entry, the food was great. Had an omlette made to order. Loved all the muffins, fruit and cheese. Very impressive breakfast buffet.
Pool: Awesome pool. Loved it!!
Napa Rose: Did not go but always busy when I went past.
Craftsman Grill: Picked up grab to go breakfast a few times awesome! Also picked up a few snacks!! Great!
Room Service: Ordered room service breakfast twice. The food was great. Hot and on time!!! Ordered for 5 to 5:30AM. it was there 515AM both times.
Housekeeping: The housekeeping staff are awesome. I left a $15 to $20 tip a day. My room was so clean. I also asked for extra pens and got them. The second housekeeping service later in the day with turndown was awesome too. I ran into housekeeping staff twice because I dropped off stuff, went to pool, changed, or went back to room to rest, I tipped them then.
Bell Service: The cast members were friendly when I called to have my bags stored upon early check out. I called at 7:30AM and the cast member was there at 735AM. When I was ready to leave to be picked up to go to LAX, the cast member went to get my bags and within 5 minutes, another cast member brought my bags to me. Very friendly and efficient.
Checkout: Got an email to checkout and pressed on the link and checkouted and told them I was checked at between 8 and 830AM.
I loved the main lobby, the piano, the fireplace and the chairs and the lounges. The hotel felt like I was in the California forest. The decor was very subtle. Loved it.
CA Adventure Gate: Got there for my 1 early entry to DCA at 6;15AM. I was number 1 in line. Loved the gated. Used it almost all the time when coming back to my room. Even when I was leaving Disneyland I would go through DCA and use te gate....shorter and less people than going through DD.
Early Entry DCA: Security was a breeze...was to the front of the line after ticket scanned. Did Guardians, Webslingers and Soarin in first 30 minutes.
DL/DD gate/Disneyland Early Entry: For my 5 early entry days, I got there by 6:15AM...one day I was first in line. Once I was second. I was always near the front of the line. Sometimes. 4 people ahead or six. My advice is get there by 615AM to 6:20AM. The majority start to arrive at 630AM. Getting through security was a breeze. Walking through DD to DIsneyland was easy. I always started at Gate 7 or 8 or Gate Number 12. I was always like at the front of the line so the Disneyland gate cast member scanned my ticket before letting us in. The gate opened at 720AM sometimes 725AM. I walked down Main STreet...veared right and walked toward Plaza Inn, past it then there were cast members with signs DL Hotel Early entry. You had to scan your hotel room key ticket. I was always at the rope or second row to get into early entry.
Early entry at DL is so worth it. One morning I was Number 1 for Peter Pan. I outran a nice lady carryinng her toddler daughter!! We laughed. I told her I was sorry. I got there before her..we laughed when she arrived...she had a 35 pound weight her daughter on her!! I wished them a great day and ride on PP. She did the same to me. I always went to PP first. Within the first 30 minutes, I always did PP, Alice, Tea Cups, Dumbo, Snow White and Toad. Then At 8AM, I finished Fantasyland in its entirety with 40 minutes..riding, Casey, Storybook, Matterhorn (Genie + for 8 to 9AM), Small World, Carousel, Castle walkthrough and Pinocchio.
One early entry morning Matterhorn was open so I did that before 8AM. So be on the lookout sometimes, Matterhorn is open before 8.
I always made a Genie + selection when I got into DL or DCA at early entry.
Overall, I loved GCH. Early Entry is so worth it!!!
PS There was a fire alarm at 4:50 AM on Sunday August 13. I went outside and through the main lobby to main entrance pullup area. It lasted 10 minutes then we went back in, I get up at 5AM so it was my alarm. While waiting for DL early entry at the DL/DD gate at GCH, a cast member told me there was some slight smoke near a 6th floor vent that triggered an alarm sensor..but they could not find the source but they tripped the alarm for the entire hotel.
Disney Ron
It's not a lie, if you believe it.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2004
Great review joseph it makes me miss GCH and DL even more. Glad you had a great trip.
joseph821
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2007
Thank you, Disney Ron...I miss it all ready!! Hope you go soon. I return next year I hope!!
ClaraOswald
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2014
Sounds like a great trip! We don't go back until next June and it definitely makes me miss it!
Pluto468
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
Thanks for the detailed report! It sounds like a wonderful trip. I'm impressed you can wake up that early on vacation lol. Seems like it was worth it, you got so much done during EE. So cool that you were first in line for Peter Pan!
What time did you order breakfast? I had no idea it was available so early.
Did you have any favorite rides or attractions?
Any tips for staying at GCH? I'm definitely staying there at some point this year and I can't wait!
What time did you order breakfast? I had no idea it was available so early.
Did you have any favorite rides or attractions?
Any tips for staying at GCH? I'm definitely staying there at some point this year and I can't wait!
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