Grand Californian-tell me it's worth it

ImDMous said:
Meh, we stayed there once. The lobby is lovely and I love hanging out at the Hearthstone, but you can do both of those without staying there. I would much rather have that $1000 for other things like dessert parties, special dining, etc. The rooms are tiny and we are really there only to sleep.
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Agree -- 100%. The common areas are fantastic. Go visit them. But the rooms are merely average/good. Save your money. Seriously.
 
I've had friends stay there and they love it. They also have money to burn. I'm more in the middle of "middle-class", so it doesn't make sense for us to stay there. Shoot, I had a hard time paying $200/night for the DLH last year (convention price). But that's just me. If you've got the cash, do it. It's probably the one place at DLR where you feel in the Disney Bubble. You certainly don't at the DLH or PPH.
 
I am another one who doesn't believe the cost involved delivers the value thatyoupaid.

I would book something nice at WDW, but at Disneyland, I would opt for the Sheraton Park or similar Hotel.

Disney doesn't guarantee a specific type of room, such as a King Bed, while even the cheap Hotels/Motels will do it. Room Service is limited at the GCH. At the Sheraton Park, I can watch the Fireworks if I get a room facing the parks. Has a nice Club Level for extra perks.

I can go do some nearby shopping and dining, and not pay the "Disney" tax for being on property.

I just don't see the value, where I can pay a lot less for more.
 


If you had access to all the amenities like the pool etc and there wasn't construction, I'd say yes but because that's not the case I vote no. Have you looked into the prices at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier? We just had a fabulous stay at the PPH! I was very pleasantly surprised.
 
WonkaKid said:
We only stayed there once about seven years ago. I don't recall having a balcony...
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Our room had a sliding door that opened to a "balcony" that you could basically step out on to, but that was it. It had a view of other people's rooms. We closed the door right up and never looked out that way again.
 
I'm sure you've had plenty of input but I wanted to add mine for others who may be reading this thread to help them decide.

If you are a Deluxe hotel person who likes to take advantage of the resort amenities, then I would definitely recommend the GCH. It was the best Disney deluxe hotel we've experienced. The convenience is fabulous. The pool is wonderful. I love the big cushy chairs for the parents while the kids swim.

For comparison, we've stayed at AKL, BLT, and WL. The GCH had the best location and theming of all four.

But given its hefty price tag, I would not recommend it if you're not going to use all of the resort amenities.

i suggest that you put the money aside for a return trip to DL after the construction is finished at the GCH.
 


Yes the Grand Californian is expensive as is the rest of the Disney Hotels but if you often DO DISNEY VACATIONS and you have money for the long haul THEN i suggest getting into Disney Vacation Club if not now but someday soon! We took the plunge almost 10 years ago and have NO REGRETS!!!!I have just spent the last 2 months on overnight stays HOTEL side while have four more 2 day stays scheduled in the villas at GC for the months of April, June, July & August!!! This is pairing it with AP's since we live nearby. If your splurge is once in a life time also go for it but if not the neighboring hotels are just as GREAT but better on price if the parks are the only thing that interest you and not any type of pampered feeling by Disney 24/7 .
DVC has also got us to WDW 5 times plus a short Disney Cruise , 1 week at Aulani Disney Hotel and 1 few days in a Vegas timeshare !! Although that was just extra given to us when we purchased our VGC points thru Disney and was just OK.
We've also seen some Disney movies 1 week before national showing (watched Dr. Strange recently) and did a for DVC members ONLY a FREE evening in California Adventure Park! ( This happens more times for the MK in WDW than out here....)

I know that was a lot to take in but it does get you thinking " HOW MUCH DO we SPEND when you LOVE DISNEY!!! "
 
I really love the Grand, and bought VGC specifically to stay there, but it might not be worth it with the pools closed and the renovations. For my extended family it's worth it - easy access for nap time for the kids, and my brother and I would eat at Napa Rose every night if it were up to us. Storytellers is a nice character breakfast without having to go far, and I always get a massage at Mandara. Honestly though, if you want the Disney Magic, the Disneyland Hotel is the best place - but the Grand is a lovely lodge and the service is great.
 
I wanted to add that if staying at GCH means not doing other things, than I retract my previous statement. If it just means you save up a little more money and still get to do fun things, than go for it! Splurge. If it's either stay at GCH or do character meals and/or dessert parties or parade viewing dining packages - I'd stay off site, because I see A LOT of value in doing those things.

I have stayed off site once and on site twice - at both DLH and GCH. I utilize the heck out of MM hours, so that's valuable to me. And while DLH was awesome - that walk through DTD can feel long, especially if you're doing a mid day break.

When I stayed at GCH, I popped right in when I got soaked on Grizzly. And after WOC, I got to avoid the vast majority of the cattle call crowds by using the GCH exit. I also had to go back and make a couple work calls during the day. I found the convenience really, REALLY nice.
 
I have stayed at GC and VGC, and loved it. I also have stayed 3-4X each at Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel, and loved those as well. PP is right across the street from GC, it is so close. DL Hotel is further away, but has such special charm I did not mind walking a little further. (disclaimer, I stay at VGC on points and I am a CM so I do get discounts on the rooms, so it would not be AS much more $$ for me--- $1000 is ALOT of $$)
 
I really love the GC. It's pricy but worth it for the years we only go one time. I have slight mobility problems so the short walk is great and makes mid-day breaks easy and quick. I'm a shopaholic so package delivery is a great perk. EMH is sooo worth it. Add in that you don't have to pack everything and the kitchen sink in a huge backpack and/or stow in a locker because it's all right there in your room just a short walk away.
 
I've stayed at the GCH and love it. If you can afford it, then do it and enjoy!

Location can't be beat. Lobby is beautiful. And I love walking through there to go to our room and just be going straight upstairs rather than back outside for more walking.

Is it overpriced? Yes. Don't do it if you can't really afford it. Don't do it if you'll resent having less money to spend elsewhere.

But if you can afford it without stress then go for it and savour it.
 
On those dates I think you are really going to want that early entry. Personally id stay concierge at the dlh over the gch though. For the same reason everyone else gives. The rooms are tiny. Not sure how many people in your party but if it is more than 3 the gch is tight. In a two queen room there literally wasnt enough room for a twin air mattress except in one spot the required it to go under the table. Add no pool and the dlh wins easily
 
Although we haven't stayed at GCH, we have recently stayed at PVI, and it was wonderful!

PVI was good value for its location, room size, decent breakfast and wifi availability. We had a look around the lobby of GCH during our trip and it looks lovely just from that perspective, but the price difference is kind of crazy!
 
GeneralTso said:
Very jaded opinion here because I love the place. For us, it's worth it.
The old girl is in some desperate need of upgrading and maintenance though.
The shower situation is silly--scalding hot or freezing cold. It depends on what room you get. We've had a terrible shower twice recently.
The lobby is stunning, especially during Christmas time. The location can not be beat.

If the money part is the stress, I wouldn't do it.
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We stayed at the GCH almost every year since 2001 and never had a problem with the shower. If you do stay there ,avoid getting a room overlooking DownTown Disney. Too noisy. We got one once and the constant drum beating was annoying. When I asked at the front desk they said it goes on until 10pm. I said that was unacceptible and they moved us to a quiet location, Courtyard view where the monorail passes thru. If that week is as busy and crowded as Christmas week , then you will appeciate having EMH and you can`t beat the location. It doesn`t rain much at DL but this is the rainy season.
If this is your once and only visit to DL and you don`t stay at the GCH , you may leave wishing you had.But I agree with GeneralTso if the money is an issue.
 
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hjgaus said:
Yes the Grand Californian is expensive as is the rest of the Disney Hotels but if you often DO DISNEY VACATIONS and you have money for the long haul THEN i suggest getting into Disney Vacation Club if not now but someday soon! We took the plunge almost 10 years ago and have NO REGRETS!!!!I have just spent the last 2 months on overnight stays HOTEL side while have four more 2 day stays scheduled in the villas at GC for the months of April, June, July & August!!! This is pairing it with AP's since we live nearby. If your splurge is once in a life time also go for it but if not the neighboring hotels are just as GREAT but better on price if the parks are the only thing that interest you and not any type of pampered feeling by Disney 24/7 .
DVC has also got us to WDW 5 times plus a short Disney Cruise , 1 week at Aulani Disney Hotel and 1 few days in a Vegas timeshare !! Although that was just extra given to us when we purchased our VGC points thru Disney and was just OK.
We've also seen some Disney movies 1 week before national showing (watched Dr. Strange recently) and did a for DVC members ONLY a FREE evening in California Adventure Park! ( This happens more times for the MK in WDW than out here....)

I know that was a lot to take in but it does get you thinking " HOW MUCH DO we SPEND when you LOVE DISNEY!!! "
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Can I ask if you financed it or had the cash to purchase outright? We are a Disney every year kind of family (sometimes WDW, sometimes DL) and I've thought of getting DVD, but I can't do the outright purchase. I'd have to finance, which I've read ppl be negative about.

As for GC hotel, I've only been in that gorgeous lobby. For me, the 1000 would cover food, souvenirs, etc. We stay at HOJO when we go to DL. Ten min walk from park and the most comfortable beds ever. I even looked at the type and bought as similar as I could for home. Sooooo comfy. It was super clean and good size rooms too. I think they have park or firework view options. I didn't get that, but I think it's an option.
 
For your travel dates, both parks will be really busy because a lot of schools are still out for Christmas break. That being said, an extra $1000 is a lot of money. I think that you should stay at the hotel you already have reservations at. That extra $1000 could go toward a nice lunch or dinner at Napa Rose (which is in the GCH). It also leaves $$ left over for a special dining package meal at Blue Bayou or Carthay Circle. You could also splurge on the dessert package for World of Color. You could all of those and still have $$ left over.

And with that left over $$, you could go to the Disneyana shop on Main Street or Off The Page at DCA and get a really special piece of art work to take home with you to commemorate your trip.
 
Tattylou said:
Can I ask if you financed it or had the cash to purchase outright? We are a Disney every year kind of family (sometimes WDW, sometimes DL) and I've thought of getting DVD, but I can't do the outright purchase. I'd have to finance, which I've read ppl be negative about.

As for GC hotel, I've only been in that gorgeous lobby. For me, the 1000 would cover food, souvenirs, etc. We stay at HOJO when we go to DL. Ten min walk from park and the most comfortable beds ever. I even looked at the type and bought as similar as I could for home. Sooooo comfy. It was super clean and good size rooms too. I think they have park or firework view options. I didn't get that, but I think it's an option.
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Tattylou,
We made the decision to become DVC way back in 2007 when my husband had a few work conventions at WDW and we did a tag along! We had soo much fun that we thought to investigate ironically through THIS message board about DVC resales & using with money we had remaining from refinancing for improvements. Please let me remind you that BACK THEN resale purchases were mostly treated the same as buying direct BUT NOT ANYMORE!!! We also purchased The Grand Californian points DIRECTLY from Disney with their loan in 2009 which has been paid off for 2 years now. We are NOW grandfathered in the " ANY DVC SALES FROM MARCH 2011" will be considered part of the direct purchase.
So the extras such as the Disney cruise with points or the reservations with ANY Disney Hotels side (not villas) with points WILL NOT be available to DVC resale purchasers. THIS IS NOT REALLY such a BIG DEAL if all you want is to STAY in the villas for all your trips but I believe whatever you decide it should BE what's best for you and your family.
There is NEVER anything wrong with just saving up whatever you can for a yearly vacation to Disney if by that time it was everything you wanted & loved!!
ENJOY LIFE!!! :flower3:
 
Hated it. Hated it hard. Worst Disney hotel stay on either coast. Aggressively disinterested CMs made it feel very not magical. DLH is much, much better.
 
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