Maximizing GCH stay

[SixteenFeet]

We will be at the GCH Aug 9-12, hitting the parks on a Mon, Tues, Wed. We will probably never stay at the GCH again since it's so expensive and with kids in school we will only ever be at DL during high seasons but figured while the kids are young (they're 6), it would be worth doing once.

There are probably other threads about this but I don't know what to search - links to threads appreciated!

Basically we just want to get as much out of staying at the GCH as possible. We'll check in on Sunday and check out on Wed (so we could check in as early as possible on Sun and just enjoy the grounds).

Is the DCA entrance really worth it? I remember reading that sometimes the it takes even longer to get in because of fewer turnstiles.

What other tips and tricks do you have for milking as much as we can out of an expensive hotel stay?

 

[whoever]

We will be at the GCH Aug 9-12, hitting the parks on a Mon, Tues, Wed. We will probably never stay at the GCH again since it's so expensive and with kids in school we will only ever be at DL during high seasons but figured while the kids are young (they're 6), it would be worth doing once.

There are probably other threads about this but I don't know what to search - links to threads appreciated!

Basically we just want to get as much out of staying at the GCH as possible. We'll check in on Sunday and check out on Wed (so we could check in as early as possible on Sun and just enjoy the grounds).

Is the DCA entrance really worth it? I remember reading that sometimes the it takes even longer to get in because of fewer turnstiles.

What other tips and tricks do you have for milking as much as we can out of an expensive hotel stay?

You can do the Art of Craft tour they offer. Also there is the Grand Quest Scavenger hunt for the kids. There's story time by the hearth in the lobby most nights as well as movies on the grounds. Enjoy the pools, maybe rent a cabana for half a day, check out the fifth floor patio at the end of the lobby, and the WOC viewing deck on the 6th floor over in the DVC wing. Leave the kids in the room with a sitter and enjoy a night at Chef's Counter at Napa Rose, buy some of the GREAT GCH merchandise from the gift shop, and just enjoy the balconies (one of my favorite parts of the room).

As far as the DCA entrance, it is VERY convenient with the exception of the EMH times. The Esplanade will be more expedient due to the aforementioned turnstile issues. I've stayed at the Grand on every family stay for the past five years and we LOVE it. You can check out my TRs in my sig for some of the highlights of the hotel.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I heard the Art tour was cancelled due to low interest. The entrance is awesome minus EMH time, especially after everyone has gotten soaked on Grizzly Rapids. Take time to enjoy the pool, the loungers are so comfortable, you'll feel like you're getting better bang for your buck if you go back for a break every afternoon.

 

[Cats2]

Since you said your kids are 6, they'd be old enough to use Pinocchio's Workshop if you booked a dinner at Napa Rose! DH favorite thing to do after the kids go to bed, is to go to the Hearthstone Lounge, get a drink, and hang out listening to the pianist in the lobby. (He does bring a drink back to the room for me, and sometimes we'll sit on the balcony then). DH also likes the 5th floor patio during the day. Don't forget the viewing platform that's in the DVC wing, overlooking Paradise Pier. My iPad isn't letting copy the link to the exact post, but take a look at the maps in post #450 on the Superthread http://www.disboards.com/threads/gr...updated-11-7-13.2396588/page-23#post-36355632 and in particular the 6th floor Paradise View Terrace-you can see WOC (music piped in). But it's nowhere as good of an experience as being in the park to see the show.

Ask for a bunkbed room--that way each kid gets a bed Enjoy the nightly turndown service--my kids always went searching for the chocolates left on the pillow!

You said you'd be checking in on a Sunday and that you might just check out the grounds...were you planning on not doing EMH that day? I'd assume it'd be 7AM opening at DCA, which for my family, is totally worth the hassle to get going in the morning. I do like the storytelling they do by the lobby fireplace. It's cozy there (yes, that sounds odd in the middle of summer, but it's always chilly in the lobby).

Ask to be in a room near the Napa Rose elevators--easy access to the pool, close to Whitewater Snacks, not that far from the lobby, and very close to the DCA entrance (oh and close to the laundry room if that matters to you). We keep meaning to do the Art of the Craft tour, but we keep checking on the wrong days (it's not offered daily). I think Movie night is a weekly thing? Not sure if it happens more frequently than that--they had set up an inflatable outdoor movie screen by the outside fireplace (other side of the wall of the lobby fireplace), had blankets, sleeping bags, and I believe pillows set up for the kids. I had my kids in their pajamas for this, since it was offered right around their bedtime (they were 4 at the time) so we stayed only for half an hour.

Also, here's the Superthread about the GCH
http://www.disboards.com/threads/grand-californian-super-thread-updated-11-7-13.2396588/

 

[Jerryp49]

You will get your room keys as soon as you check in even though your room may not be ready until 3pm. When EMH is at 7am we try to check in around 6am so that we can take advantage of that early entrance which will be for DCA on Sunday. You need room keys to use the EMH. If you can afford it, the kids will love the characters breakfast buffet at The Storytellers Cafe near the pool. If you say you are celebrating a birthday they will bring you a cupcake with a lit candle and sing a birthday diddy.

 

[jina]

FYI we were at GCH last summer during that same 2nd week of August - for whatever reason isItPacked marked that week as less busy than all the other weeks in the summer. And perhaps for that same reason they made that entire week a 9am regular open, 8am EE. Not sure if they'll do that again this summer. We were really looking forward to some 7am EE's but oh well -it's still worth doing but not quite the ghost town people talk about.

Agreed with posters who suggest checking in as early as possible. We were doing a HoJo's split stay and went to GCH at 7am to check in, did 8AM EMH then went back to HoJo's at 11:30am for noon checkout, cabbed it w/ our stuff to GCH and by luck our room was ready so we dropped off our stuff and hung out at the pool for a couple of hours before heading back over to the parks (oh, and I ran from the pool out to GRR to grab a fastpass we were able to use when we were done swimming). You can check in as early as 6AM.

I find to make most use of the GCH experience is to (1) use the EMH, (2) make sure you have breaks to play at the pools (3) use the DCA entrance (except at park open/EE time) to run in and out for quick fun at DCA - the Redwood Creek Trail is just to the right of the entrance and we love going there with DD5.

We did Storyteller's character breakfast last week after the Neverland 5K -we were staying at HoJo's but figured since we were at DCA at 6:30am may as well just go hang out at GCH until 7 and grab breakfast. It was very nice there although the on site guests were all freaking out because they wanted to rush out for EE so if I were ever staying there on site I'd probably grab the last reservation for breakfast (late morning), eat a light breakfast and do EE, then go back to the GCH for the late breakfast. Our breakfast on the other hand was very relaxing as the place emptied out for EE and we got a lot of character interaction for our extra 45 minutes we lounged in there until making our way over to regular rope drop at the non-EE park (DL as it was a Friday). We've also had nice lunches and dinner's at Storyteller's but no characters.

We got AP's on that trip and have stayed only at HoJo's since then as we can go on twice as many trips by staying there. Once our AP's are done I hope we will get to do DLH someday as well as GCH again.


have a great time!

 

[Cats2]

Even if your room isn't ready with an early check in, you can leave your luggage with bell services and then have them deliver it when you get to your room (or you could swing by and pick it up yourself). As for why mid August might be rated low crowds, I think the SoCal AP's become unblocked the following week and some of the schools begin their academic yr right around that time. For example, my kids will be starting the new school yr on Aug 12. It's transitioning to off-peak time.
We were there the 1st wk of Aug last yr, for a short trip, and I really don't recall the park hours. We've typically gone in mid May, due to timing of birthdays, good weather, avoidance of Spring break & summer vacation crowds, and have had to accept that weekday EMH would be at 9AM for most days-the weekend 7AM EMH were great though. Early start in parks, lunch, afternoon nap, pool time, dinner, and then to bed (when the kids were younger) or back to parks as the kids got older. Using the GCH entrance was nice for those short pops back into the DCA for dinner or walking around.

 

[ParkHopper1]

The biggest advantage of the GCH is proximity. You don't have to pack clothes with ya, you can run back to the room for a quick rest or to refresh...you do not need to be in a rush to get anywhere. I love staying there cuz I can just wander to DTD in the am and grab a coffee or Jamba Juice in DTD then head back to the room before hitting the park.

Some of the hidden gems the the GCH are Whitewater Snacks which is a great counter service place that is never packed. They have great breakfast options as well as some light groceries that you can take back to your room.

Other underrated place is the Hearthstone Lounge off the lobby. Great place to relax and grab some beverages or light food.

The DCA entrance is great...except for park opening as other have said. If you are going to DL, the Grand lobby to the esplanade is almost identical walking time if you go through DTD or through DCA.

 

[calilou]

You've received great advice! I second it all! When you check in the front desk will give you a printed schedule for all of the hotel activities that are scheduled that week. Take advantage of these even if it means less time in the parks. You may even be able to call and get a copy of their general schedule emailed to you in advance? I've never tried this but have thought about it. If you can splurge for a cabana half day. Worth it! We love Storytellrs Cafe for dinner - good menu, reasonable.

 

[SixteenFeet]

Wow, thank you all - this is SUPER helpful!! We're looking forward to the splurge! We've previously stayed at the DLH so cutting that walk in half already sounds so nice It actually makes me think we might be able to skip the stroller this time (our kids are 6 but are TERRIBLE walkers). Though we may still rent one just in case...

I'm also kind of excited that it might not actually be as crowded as I think. We don't mind shorter park hours...our kids aren't early risers or night owls anyway.

 

[babyatlas]

awesome advice - follow it all.

something fun to check out for the kids....we had heard that you could write a letter to your favorite Disney character and give it to the front desk. one day we went down and they didn't really seem to know what we were talking about but gave us some letterhead and crayons. my girls each wrote a letter, handed it to the concierge and I honestly thought they went straight into the garbage can....BUT...
my youngest wrote a letter to Aerial and later that day there was a signed Aerial 8x10 photograph waiting for her in our room. my oldest daughter wrote a huge fan letter to Darth Vader - later that day we received a call that Darth Vader wanted to meet her personally. she was chosen to participate in the Jedi Training Academy and after the show we were escorted to a roped off one-on-one meet and greet with Darth Vader and two storm troopers. it was an amazing experience - truly - Disney magic! enjoy.

 

[MommyJKM]

We only stay at GCH and after your stay you will see why...just a great experience!
Here are my favs:
- The morning exercise walk in DCA before park opening (make sure you leave your phone in your room)
- The free morning outdoor yoga class on the lawn
- Free projected Disney movies on the lawn in the evening
- Call the day before and ask to have some "Magic" waiting for the kids when you check in. They will ask the kids favorite characters (and have a signed photo and pin waiting at check-in for them)
- At check-in there are old Disney movies playing on a tv with little kid sized rocking chairs for them to wait while you sort out the room
- My Dad loves to do the washcloth design class where they teach you how to make an animal out of a washcloth. Anytime my parents have guests over there is a washcloth swan waiting for them on the bathroom sink
- The storytime at the fireplace (evenings around 5 and 7pm - that weekly schedule at check in will tell you)
- Stopping into Hearthstone in the morning on the way into the park for a Joffrey's coffee (not Starbucks burnt flavored coffee) and no crazy line
- We love to use the pre-order breakfast room service. You leave the menu on your door handle the night before with a time you want breakfast and they bring it the next day at your chosen time. It makes getting ready so much faster for us. And they will give you free water and extra coffee (again Joffrey's) and if you ask a to-go coffee cup.
- Von's delivery. We get waters, milk, healthy snacks to take in the park, energy bars, fruit, etc. They will hold it all for you at the Bell Desk until you arrive.
- My niece loves the hour early into Build-A-Bear store. It's a pretty fun experience even if you aren't purchasing anything.
- The hour early into the Anna & Elsa boutique at DD. Again, even if you are purchasing one item, it's fun to skip the hassle of the crowd
- Leaving DCA in the evening to change into warmer clothes, grab the stroller, get the glow ears or glow sticks for nighttime...and it only takes minutes not an hour!
- Package Delivery service. Everything you buy in the parks you can have sent to GCH instead of carrying all day. Be aware it doesn't arrive until the next morning so if you are leaving one day at 7 or 8am don't do it the night before. We've never had an issue though.
- We like to order the Mickey Rice Krispies, Mickey cookies and chocolate covered strawberries from room service for a specific delivery time with a note to our room and it's only about $3 to $5 per cookie/krispie/strawberry and the kids LOVE to arrive back to the room to a treat! They think Mickey sent it to them!
- Mandara Spa!! I've been known to sneak out of the park and get a foot massage and pedicure and meet the family after at Fantasmic!
-Eat at the Chef's Tasting Counter at Napa Rose and take advantage of Pinocchios Workshop as someone said above. (don't have to be staying at the hotel to do this but it's great to just walk downstairs and have an amazing unique meal and be able to walk the kids back upstairs after in a matter of minutes)
- They do still do the Art of the Craft tour - you have to book a specific time though. It's a nice experience. You can also ask nicely if you can see any of the signature suites. We got to see the Arcadia on our first tour and we booked it the next trip because we loved it.
- We like to get a drink at Hearthstone and walk up to the 6th floor WOC viewing patio
- The concierge can make you reservations at any DL or DCA restaurant but also at DD restaurants. We always forget to and they usually can get us into Catal/Uva Bar easily.
- Ask for a Park View when you arrive, if you don't want to pay the upgrade it doesn't hurt to ask. The smells and sounds will just make you smile

- Enjoy! Your family will be happy there just because of the location and immersion into Disney. Have fun

 

[Rjmdds]

Great info. Thanks!

 

[disneygal922]

- My Dad loves to do the washcloth design class where they teach you how to make an animal out of a washcloth. Anytime my parents have guests over there is a washcloth swan waiting for them on the bathroom sink

- Von's delivery. We get waters, milk, healthy snacks to take in the park, energy bars, fruit, etc. They will hold it all for you at the Bell Desk until you arrive.

The fact about your dad enjoying the washcloth design class totally made me smile. I also love these classes and have never thought to actually use them at home!

Von's delivers? That is good to know. I was going to pack some granola bars and goldfish in our checked bags but now I might just order for delivery so I can get some fruit and milk for my daughter!

 

[Malcon10t]

We love the wash cloth classes too. My daughter shows them to her class and helps them learn also.

 

[MrDisneyFan]

We love the GHC because of so many reasons, the afore mentioned points. So great and convenient and beautiful! We never use the GCH entrance for EMH or if we are getting to the park 1st thing - especially if we want to do RSR. But for the rest of the day coming in and out is awesome. We like to head out an extra few minute early to stop by starbucks in DTD right on the way to the park.

Be warned - once you stay you will always want to stay in a resort hotel! We flip flop between resort hotels but after going once just to try it out I haven't been able to stay off property again!!

 

[MommyJKM]

The fact about your dad enjoying the washcloth design class totally made me smile. I also love these classes and have never thought to actually use them at home!

Von's delivers? That is good to know. I was going to pack some granola bars and goldfish in our checked bags but now I might just order for delivery so I can get some fruit and milk for my daughter!

Dad is pretty cute with the washcloths, he actually knows how to make a few things now that he's taken the "course" a few times but he really loves to show off the swan

Vons delivery is a saving grace for us!! You get free delivery the first order. The prices aren't spectacular but it's really worth it to us to have groceries waiting when we arrive after a long day of travel. Your perishable items will be in a separate bag and Bell Services refrigerates them for you. We usually have bottled waters left over after the trip and leave them for the Bell Desk/Valet and they are appreciative of it.

 

[SixteenFeet]

Dad is pretty cute with the washcloths, he actually knows how to make a few things now that he's taken the "course" a few times but he really loves to show off the swan

Vons delivery is a saving grace for us!! You get free delivery the first order. The prices aren't spectacular but it's really worth it to us to have groceries waiting when we arrive after a long day of travel. Your perishable items will be in a separate bag and Bell Services refrigerates them for you. We usually have bottled waters left over after the trip and leave them for the Bell Desk/Valet and they are appreciative of it.

Are there minifridges in the rooms at GCH? We always do this when staying at DLH and it's SO NICE.

 

[sgrap]

Are there minifridges in the rooms at GCH? We always do this when staying at DLH and it's SO NICE.

Yes, minifridges but no microwaves. There are coffee makers, though. We always do the Vons order and it is great. We get milk, juices, sprite, diet coke (hubby is an addict), yogurt, bagels and some fruit. I think it pays for itself in what dh would spend on diet cokes if we bought them at the resort.

We always have cans of soda left, but we donate them to the bellhops to put in the break room. They always seem happy to take them.

 

[kelly3kids]

You all have made me so excited for our 8 day stay at GCH. We only want to do the parks for 3 days because there are so many other things we want to do. It is probably going to be very busy because it is June 28-July 5 but I don't care. We have been to the parks many times before and really want to take time at the resort. I can't wait and this thread made me even more excited. Yay! Thanks.