Staying at Grand Californian. Any secrets I should know? ;-)

Mrs. Whoever · Mar 15, 2015

The bunk beds are not full height, so the clearance between bunks isn't huge. "Teenager" can encompass everything from 4'11", 80lbs to full-sized adult depending on body type, so it is all relative. We have slept a moderately-sized adult in the lower bunk without issue and the pull out trundle would always be an option for anyone needing more headroom.

Personally, I would rather have a little less headroom for my kids than try and get them to sleep while sharing a bed, if they aren't already accustomed to it.

Cats2 · Mar 15, 2015

My adult niece (5'2" and petite frame) has slept in the upper bunk without issues. My kids were too young to be in the upper bunk and so slept on the trundle and lower bunk. So if your DD is petite, then the bunk bed room is still an option.

newoski · Sep 14, 2016

Nonsuch said:
Art of the Craft Tour
Sign up in advance at Guest Services.

Can anyone confirm that this exit still works in 2016? I just called the GCH and they said it's closed.

allsaintsatx · Sep 15, 2016

There's a bunch of hidden mickeys in the lobby and especially in the registration desk area - and there's a hidden Tinkerbell and a hidden maestro Mickey. Also some in the hallway to DTD. Just a fun thing to point out in passing, to make you look extra knowledgable!

Also there is an observation deck on the top floor of the GCH to watch World of Color at night. The view is definitely off to the right of center, but still fun with the added benefit of being 2 minutes from your room, and not in a throng of thousands of people. There's even a bathroom on the deck so you don't have to go all the way back to your room. Last time we went a bunch of people were in their PJs!

goodeats · Sep 15, 2016

The lounge at Napa Rose is heavenly! There is a firepit that overlooks the Grizzly River Run attraction and pathway. It's awesome to sit there with a drink and peoplewatch. The apps are delicious too. Expensive and not very big, but delicious!

UpNorth49 · Jan 15, 2017

Nonsuch said:
Art of the Craft Tour
Sign up in advance at Guest Services.

Hi, since the new security measures have been put in place do you know if there is still access via the unmarked service door near La Brea?

thanks for your help.

azdisneylover · Jan 16, 2017

ParkHopper1 said:
Not sure of the name, but there is a free guided tour that talks about the architecture and history behind the Grand.

Three of my favorite and very underutilized places to relax are at the Grand.

-Whitewater Snacks out buy the pool is great for breakfast or a quick lunch. Since it is tucked away, it is never very crowed even on the busiest of days. Rarely a line and always a table. It is a counter service but they bring your food to your table kinda place.

We love Whitewater Snacks too! They have outdoor seating that looks into DCA! You can watch people walk by, but they really can't see you! Very relaxing indoor or out here. There is a good variety of food here to choose from, so everyone in your party can find something to eat. The prices of the items are pretty good too.

LoriKM · Mar 31, 2017

We stayed there last year to celebrate a birthday and they did not do anything except give a birthday pin, is there something special you have to request to get a signed picture or other gift?

longboard55 · Mar 31, 2017

There are 4 rotary phones in the lobby that you can talk to people on the other rotary. Pick one up and try.

Sprinkles cupcakes are beyond cool for that age.

GoldnSilverPixieDust · Apr 1, 2017

When you check in at the front desk, pay attention to the lamps. They all have different animals on them. Someone on here posted a story about their names one time.

Belle83 · Apr 1, 2017

avalon451 said:
There's an unmarked service door off the stairwell, in the far northeasternmost wing, that opens onto Downtown Disney right next to La Brea bakery. If you are staying in that wing, it's a quick way to get out in the morning right near the bag check. It's kept locked, however, so you have to trudge the long way round to get back into the hotel.

Oh man I wish I knew this last year! That's exactly where our room was. :/ (We had that suite at the very end). It was hard being so close to the parks yet so far away at the same time.

As for the DCA Entrance vs. Main Entrance...we found the DCA entrance to be much quicker and more convenient in the morning.

TLCP · Apr 12, 2017

They have seasonal carolers in the lobby in the afternoon/evening. They also have occassional story tellers come in sitting by the fire. Check with concierge on schedule of who/when while you're there.

Disney Rose · Apr 12, 2017

UpNorth49 said:
Hi, since the new security measures have been put in place do you know if there is still access via the unmarked service door near La Brea?

thanks for your help.

No, there's not. Everyone has to go through the security checkpoint.

cuteinnocent · Apr 18, 2017

Belle83 said:
Oh man I wish I knew this last year! That's exactly where our room was. :/ (We had that suite at the very end). It was hard being so close to the parks yet so far away at the same time.

As for the DCA Entrance vs. Main Entrance...we found the DCA entrance to be much quicker and more convenient in the morning.

This is true for EMH?

Staying at Grand Californian. Any secrets I should know? ;-)

Mrs. Whoever

Earning My Ears

Cats2

Mouseketeer

newoski

Earning My Ears

allsaintsatx

DIS Veteran

goodeats

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UpNorth49

Earning My Ears

azdisneylover

DIS Veteran

LoriKM

Earning My Ears

longboard55

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GoldnSilverPixieDust

Earning My Ears

Belle83

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TLCP

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Disney Rose

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cuteinnocent

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