Grand Californian Super Thread

[DLgal]

Last week when we stayed at DLH, I was directed up the ramp and to park on the roof (of what I assume was a parking garage of some type). It ended up being a great location to park.

I've only been in there during the Race weekends. That's where you go to pick up your bib.

 

[DLgal]

Weird. That’s always been the self-parking parking lot. One entrance is for valet and the other is for self parking. I’ve only used valet since the hotel reopened but my husband always parked our car there while I checked in pre-COViD. But I think I remember still seeing the self-park sign because I considered parking there for a second but the logistics of unloading the baby and luggage felt more overwhelming than the new $65 valet fee.

ETA: Now that I think of it, there is the flat lot behind the structure, too. It must depend on how full the hotel is because I know my husband has parked in the structure before but it might have been because the flat lot was full.

We have always had to park in the lot behind the garage. The garage always has a sign up that says Valet only.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Just back from our first stay at the GC! We had a room on the second floor, very end of a hallway. I had asked for a quiet location for our son. We had standard view, queen room. Our balcony looked at the back wall of Goofy's Sky School. I was concerned the noise from the ride would be bad but when the doors were closed, we couldn't hear it at all. Just heard WOC at night and that's it. The walk from our location was pretty long to get to the parks but it was an enjoyable walk at least.

Overall, we loved our stay! I'd love to go back but not sure if we'll ever be able to afford it.

 

[nalabear]

Just back from our first stay at the GC! We had a room on the second floor, very end of a hallway. I had asked for a quiet location for our son. We had standard view, queen room. Our balcony looked at the back wall of Goofy's Sky School. I was concerned the noise from the ride would be bad but when the doors were closed, we couldn't hear it at all. Just heard WOC at night and that's it. The walk from our location was pretty long to get to the parks but it was an enjoyable walk at least.

Overall, we loved our stay! I'd love to go back but not sure if we'll ever be able to afford it.

Welcome Home! Next time - use the back entrance to CA if you're on back side of it. LOTS of steps saved!

 

[ClaraOswald]

Welcome Home! Next time - use the back entrance to CA if you're on back side of it. LOTS of steps saved!

Dumb question - where is that located? We used the dedicated DCA entrance when we would head there. We were in room 2260 so literally the last room on the end.

 

[AZMermaid]

Dumb question - where is that located? We used the dedicated DCA entrance when we would head there. We were in room 2260 so literally the last room on the end.

It’s super new and advertised as only for PPH guests…. But GCH guests can use it too. It enters at Corn Dog Castle. The easiest exit to explain is where the laundry and grills are…which admittedly I had no idea where those were until using this entrance. Laundry is across from 1240. Looks like you were right by there

My husband ran our candy canes to the room in the DVC wing which is also along that side while my kids rode the swings. They walked onto the ride and he was back as they exited. Total game changer.

 

[ClaraOswald]

It’s super new and advertised as only for PPH guests…. But GCH guests can use it too. It enters at Corn Dog Castle. The easiest exit to explain is where the laundry and grills are…which admittedly I had no idea where those were until using this entrance. Laundry is across from 1240. Looks like you were right by there

My husband ran our candy canes to the room in the DVC wing which is also along that side while my kids rode the swings. They walked onto the ride and he was back as they exited. Total game changer.

Oh...THAT entrance. I assumed it just went to PPH. We could see the pathway from our balcony.

I am so tempted to research and learn about DVC now because we loved the Grand Californian so much. Ha! I tried looking into it before but it was so confusing that it made my head spin a bit.

 

[glocon]

Can anyone staying at the GC access the special viewing area for WoC or is that only for club level?

 

[DizMe]

Can anyone staying at the GC access the special viewing area for WoC or is that only for club level?

Yes, anyone there can use it.

 

[nalabear]

Yes, anyone there can use it.

FYI It's a pretty limited side view. With the new entrance, it's a lot easier to go in for WoC viewing.

 

[glocon]

Was thinking of doing this on a night we don’t have a ticket. It will be our first time to the GC and to DLR!

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

What toiletries does the Grand put in the rooms? Is it still H2O or has that been replaced? If so, with what?

 

[ClaraOswald]

What toiletries does the Grand put in the rooms? Is it still H2O or has that been replaced? If so, with what?

We were in a standard queen room February 4-11th and we had H2O products in our room first day. But housekeeping didn't replenish them during our stay (though maybe that's standard.) I do remember reading that the products were going to be discontinued but not sure the timeline on that.

 

[pineapplepalms]

Was thinking of doing this on a night we don’t have a ticket. It will be our first time to the GC and to DLR!

We recently stayed in the 2BR next to the viewing area so the view will be similar to this. Also including a photo of the viewing area from our balcony. It’s not a great view of the projections, but I still love this view of the water and the park.

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

We were in a standard queen room February 4-11th and we had H2O products in our room first day. But housekeeping didn't replenish them during our stay (though maybe that's standard.) I do remember reading that the products were going to be discontinued but not sure the timeline on that.

Thank you! I will ask housekeeping for extra (currently my hair is down to my behind).

 

[Nonsuch]

...I do remember reading that the products were going to be discontinued but not sure the timeline on that.

The company has shut down, so likely the amenities will change when the current supply runs out.

 

[DLgal]

The company has shut down, so likely the amenities will change when the current supply runs out.

They are set to supply their contracts through 2023. We will likely see new products appear towards the end of this year.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Has anyone used either of the laundry rooms lately? What are they like? I've never done laundry in a hotel before but might want to next time. Do people stay in the room while their clothes are washing/drying? Probably a dumb question but like I said...I've never done laundry at a hotel.

 

[bluecruiser]

Has anyone used either of the laundry rooms lately? What are they like? I've never done laundry in a hotel before but might want to next time. Do people stay in the room while their clothes are washing/drying? Probably a dumb question but like I said...I've never done laundry at a hotel.

Some good info here (note thread is from October 2021):
Laundry at the Grand

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

We recently stayed in the 2BR next to the viewing area so the view will be similar to this. Also including a photo of the viewing area from our balcony. It’s not a great view of the projections, but I still love this view of the water and the park.

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