3-Bedroom Suites at Grand Californian. What should we request?

[stickeymouse]

We are booked in a 3-bedroom suite (NOT DVC or Villas) at the Grand Californian this September. When booking, there was no upgrade option for the view (like when booking a single room). So, I assume that all 3-bedroom units are fair game? If so, what location request should we note on our reservation? I've looked at the map, and it appears the 3-bedroom units are at the ends of the corridors, on the corners. While I see the value of being near the Great Hall for its central location and proximity to both elevators and the entrances to DCA and Downtown Disney (which I think would give us a pool view), I also see the appeal of a theme park or Downtown Disney view. Which do you prefer, and why?

 

[Nonsuch]

We are booked in a 3-bedroom suite (NOT DVC or Villas) at the Grand Californian this September...

The 3-bedroom Grand Villa is spectacular, we had a 1 week stay last month

Most 3-bedroom suites are 1-bedroom suites located at the end of a hall on a corner with 2 connected regular hotel rooms.


In no particular order, some comments on various locations:

• 5451, 4451, 3451: Best Fireworks view, long walk, possible noise from World of Disney renovation
• 5452, 4452, 3452: Great view of DCA, partial fireworks view, long walk, possible WoD noise
  
• 5169, 4169, 3169: DTD view, fireworks view, long walk
• 5168, 4168, 3168: Courtyard view, long walk -- least desirable location
• 5014, 4014, 3014, 2014: Pool view, partial park view, good location
• 3359, 2359: Park view
• 3360, 2360: Pool view

These suites are not in corners, so it might not be possible to create 3-bedroom configurations:

• 6412: Park view, an example of a 1-bedroom suite "mixed in" with regular rooms
• 5329, 4329, 3329: Park view, excellent location
• 5331, 4331, 3331: Park view, excellent location
  
• 5312, 4312, 3312: Pool view, partial park view
• 5318, 4318, 3318: Pool view, partial park view

 

[stickeymouse]

Wow, your response is amazing and most informative. Thank you so much!

Can you tell me what part of DCA aligns with 2359 and 3359? Also, where is the exit/entrance into DTD?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

This should help with the views. You can align the map above with the picture below. The blue arrow goes to Downtown Disney, and the red arrow goes to California Adventure.

 

[Nonsuch]

Can you tell me what part of DCA aligns with 2359 and 3359?

Those rooms are close to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and Grizzly River Rapids.
The view will likely be mostly trees on the 2nd and 3rd floors, the 4th floor is the Arroyo Signature Suite.

 

[stickeymouse]

the 4th floor is the Arroyo Signature Suite.

I don't know what that is, but I'm guessing I can't have it.

Based on what you told me, I think my preference would be the suites right off the Great Hall.

 

[Nonsuch]

I don't know what that is, but I'm guessing I can't have it.

You can have it, just a matter of cost
Signature Suites include Club Lounge and VIP Seating (F!, Fireworks, PTN, WOC)

Arroyo 4349


El Capitan 6329


Arcadia 6314


Mount Whitney 6012

 

[dreeger]

The 3-bedroom Grand Villa is spectacular, we had a 1 week stay last month

Most 3-bedroom suites are 1-bedroom suites located at the end of a hall on a corner with 2 connected regular hotel rooms.

View attachment 334314
In no particular order, some comments on various locations:

• 5451, 4451, 3451: Best Fireworks view, long walk, possible noise from World of Disney renovation
• 5452, 4452, 3452: Great view of DCA, partial fireworks view, long walk, possible WoD noise
  
• 5169, 4169, 3169: DTD view, fireworks view, long walk
• 5168, 4168, 3168: Courtyard view, long walk -- least desirable location
• 5014, 4014, 3014, 2014: Pool view, partial park view, good location
• 3359, 2359: Park view
• 3360, 2360: Pool view

These suites are not in corners, so it might not be possible to create 3-bedroom configurations:

• 6412: Park view, an example of a 1-bedroom suite "mixed in" with regular rooms
• 5329, 4329, 3329: Park view, excellent location
• 5331, 4331, 3331: Park view, excellent location
  
• 5312, 4312, 3312: Pool view, partial park view
• 5318, 4318, 3318: Pool view, partial park view

I know this thread is a bit old now, but we are looking at staying in a 2 br at GCH (Not DVC) and I am also wondering what everyone's favorite room/view is and why, and if it's worth the price differential from a 2 br at DLH. Thanks!

 

[campbellcarol]

We stayed in a 2 BR suite at GCH in 2005 (obviously not DVC, since it wasn't there yet). The 2nd BR was a connecting room, and I recall that it's door was kind of around the corner from the main room. Looking at the map, I think it must have been one of the 329 rooms (I don't remember which floor). Has anyone stayed in one of these rooms, and might have recollection of the layout and/or photos of it?