joseph821
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2007
Hi all,
I want to thank everyone who helped me and answered my questions and showed support. Because of all of you, I had a great trip.
I arrived on Wednesday, August 9 at 10:30AM took an early 7AM flight out of JFK to LAX and left in the early evening on Wednesday, August 16th for a red eye flight from LAX to JFK.
I flew on American and the flights were good.
I stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel in a Woods Courtyard room. (Observations and comments on hotel are also in a separate thread and in GCH Thread.)
Cast Members: Every cast member was wonderful and very friendly. Whenever I made a request like row 1 on Pirates or row 1 on Matterhorn, I was happily accomodated. SInce I was a single traveler, I felt like the cast members went above and beyond in their friendliness. Party of 1 cast members do not hear that often. The cast members at the Blue Bayou, especially Danny were great. I found the cashiers at the food places were awesome. The hotel cast members were great. The gift ship cast members were awesome. The cast members at the DIsneyana shop at Main STreet should be highlight as great. I ordered several collectibles, a framed lithograph, glasses and other souveniers to be shipped and they were so nice and accomodating. Shout to Jeremiah who works Mr. Toad and was so great to me. I got to ride Mr. Toad in Mr. Toad's car. I had three great encounters with Jeremiah in Fantasyland. The ladies who work the treats counters in the Candy Palace are so so sweet and nice. Overall, the cast members were great!!
Food:
Reservations table service restaurants:
Blue Bayou:
I ate at BB twice. I checked in at 1040AM for my 11:00AM reservations on both days. I was the first person to checkin and I asked for a water side table. I got a water side table for each luncheon. My first luncheon I was at table 112 which is a table for 2 on the far right side with a great view of the bayou and pirate boats...very nice. On my second luncheon, I was at table 72 which is a table for 2 which had a great view of the bayou and a riverboat and the pirate boats. Kudos to cast member Danny who assured me I would get a water table. Kayla is also awesome. Checkin was very easy. I recommend you checkin early. Most of the 11:00AM lunch reservations got water side table and the table are assigned by the time you check in. Be sure to checkin with the cast member, give your number for the text and checkin on the app as well.
For my first lunch, I ordered the corn polbano fritters. Very tasty and nice. Good flavor and you get 4 fritters with a delicious sauce and grated cheese. I ordered a Monte Cristo that came with 3 pieces accompanied with preserves in a cup for dipping with homeade potato chips with a remolaude dipping sauce. The sandwich was excellent was light and fluffy. The potato chips were awesome as well as the dipping sauce. I ordered the chocolate coffee tart for dessert. Very rich and delicious! For my second luncheon, I had the gumbo which was very awesome as well as the Monte Cristo and chocolate tart. Overall, the food was excellent. The service was great. I took my time for each luncheon - about 70 minutes. I did not feel rushed. My water and Diet Coke were always refilled. Highly recommend Blue Bayou!
Cafe Orleans:
I ate at CO once for lunch. I got the Haunted Mansion Price Fix for $45 which includes a choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and a beverage. I ordered the panzarella salad which was awesome. I got the Monte Cristo 3-cheese with pomme frites. The MC cheese had 2 pieces with the pomme frites. It was awesome. There was a cup of preserves for dipping. The pomme frites wer delicious. I got the Haunted Mansion candle for dessert. It was very nice. The custard was rich and everything was very tasty. I recommend CO. Service was awesome/ My water and Coke Zero were always refilled.
Storytellers Cafe:
Breakfast. Great buffet. Lots of pastries and muffins. Ordered an omlette with ham, cheese and onions. Very tasty!! The fruit selection was awesome. Lots of bacon and sausage too!! Sweet and smooth orange juice. Service was great. Recommend SC for breakfast. I had a 9AM breakfast - went after early entry and doing most of Fantasyland at DL.
Dinner Buffet. Great Buffet. Lots of chicken dishes. Great prime rib. Tasty mac and cheese. There was a delicious pasta with cream sauce and andouille sauage. Great mashed potatoes. Delicious mixed vegetables. Bread and rolls were tasty. Lots of salads, cheese and fruits. Cookies, cupcakes and bread pudding. Well worth it even for one person. Attentive and great service. Highly recommended.
Lamplight Lounge:
Brunch: I had a 11AM reservation. Checkin was very easy. Got a great seat at the bar. I ordered the New York Avocado Toast (I am from New York - Long Island
). This was the best avocado toast ever!!! Loved the sourdough bread, the piquillo butter sauce, the steak and the pickled red onions...nice argula salad and very delicious confit potatoes. Well woth the $28! Great view from the bar! Got OJ and a Diet Coke too. Very attentive server and cast members. I got a free donut as well. Thanks!! Highly recommend LL for brunch!!
Carnation Cafe:
Dinner: 520PM. Checkin was easy and was seated early. I ordered the Patty Melt with fries. It was tasty but a bit to greasy for me. I ate 1/2 of it. The Carnation Cafe is nice. I should have gotten the Chicken with vegeatbles. I also got the potato soup to start. Very tasty!!
Overall I had great experiences at table service restuarants.
Counterservice: I loved the Chicken Fusili at Alien Pizza Planet so so good...had it twice! The double cheeseburger and crinkle cut fries at SmokeJumpers are the best at the Resort..Had the cheeseburger with fries and loaded onion rings at Hungry Bear which was very good. I had the Pork Wontons at Lucky Fortune..so good and addicting. I enjoyed breakfast a few times at Galactic Grill: loved the breakfast burrito, the bagel sandwich and the french toast sticks. Red Rose: Did not enjoy the tater tots at all..the Breakfast sandwich was ok I preferred the Bonjour (American) Breakfast. Tasty!! Enjoyed my hot dog and filmstrip fries at Award Weiners, Loved the BIg pretzel with beer cheese cause at Prym's Kitchen. Enjoyed the frozen lemonade with raspberry Splash....I enjoyed the Craftsman grill for their American breakfast and their chocolate croissants!! Ordered the gray gateau dessert ay Red Rose as a treat...delicious. Enjoyed the chocolate chip and double chocolate cookies at Trolley Treats and Candy Palace. Loved the popcorn too!!! I was planning to get ice cream but I was never in the mood now that I am home I want it. LOL.
World of Color Dessert Party.
10:15PM Show.
I got to the checkin in at 715PM. Checkin in began at 8pm. We were told to come back at 915PM to line up. They did not take us back to the seats until 945PM until they cleared and cleaned all the tables from the first show. The couple in front of me wanted a hightop table. I wanted a low top table. I got the second table in the middle in front of the roped off circle which had no one in it. The view was awesome. I shared the table with two sisters visiting from Seattle. We had a nice conversation. The dessert plate was awesome. I got 2 Diet Cokes and a water. My server was very attentive to me and I tipped her after the show. I took the rest of my treats back to GCH in a box had it for breakfast the next morning. I loved the WOC One show very modern. Loved the music! Highly recommend!
Plaza Inn/Magic Happens Parade Luncheon: I had a 1PM luncheon. The food was great. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes plus vegetables were great. I did not taste the short rib, looked good though. The dessert was a berry vanilla custard with blue frosting...gross! I prefer chocolate. We were told that the parade viewing area opened at 6. I was there at 540PM. There were 2 familes ahead of me. I immedaitely went to the right for the shaded area...I sat right now on the curb. Great spot. The parade viewing area is in from of the flag pole. The cast members at check in were nice and they do watch people that did not pay try to sit and they immediately tell them to leave...2 women tried and a family and they were told no. Loved the Magic Happens Parade and the music. The lunch was $45 and worth it to get the spot and not having to stake out a space earlier. Recommend it. The only thing I did not like was the dessert.
Walk with Walt Tour: Tour guide was awesome, friendly and informative. Loved seeing Walt's apartment. A nice photographer tool my picture in the apartment which he downloaded to my App. Enjoyed the cookie and my Diet Coke on the patio! Recommend.
Attractions:
I had a 5 day Parkhopper with Genie + for my first 5 days - this 5 day ticket came with my Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package. I bought a 3 day Park Hopper with Genie + for my last 3 days. I loved using Genie. I used the LL for the extra money always for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway which I adored!! I also used the LL for extra money for Rdiator Springs a few times...well worth it. I used LL for the extra money once for Rise of the Resistance and once for Millenium Falcon. The attractions were good but I only rode each once. I like Star Wars but I though Galaxy's Edge looked like a Morrocan bazzar marketplace....I rode Guardians -once during early entry...ok not a fan preferred Tower of Terror and Webslingers once duriearly entry and rode once..I beat the three teenage boys in my car and they were shocked. I loved Monsters Inc. Little Mermaid, Soarin and Luigis in DCA. I rode everything in DCA as well.
In Disneyland, I loved all of Fantasyland especially Alice, Matterhorn, Casey Jr, Snow White, Peter Pan and Toad. I loved Autopia which I had not been on in years! Went like 5 or 6 times. Loved the Disneyland Railroad and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Enjoyed the walkthrough in Sleeping Beauty Castle. LOve Love Haunted Mansion and Pirates. Indy was cool. Always enjoyed Big Thunder. Love Love Matterhorn especially the Fantasyland side. Enjoy Small World. Tiki Room is great as well as Jungle Cruise. Pooh is a great attraction too. LOVED Mickey and Minnies' Runaway Railway always used LL extra money for that rode like 10 times! Jungle cruise and Roger Rabbot were cool. I did not almost every attraction execpt Tom Sawyers Island and Gadget Coaster. The Mark Twain boat ride was refreshing and relaxing.
I recommend using Genie + and the LL additional $$ selections. Genie + is easy.
The crowds for my trip from August 9th through August 16th were low to moderate, the weekend was slow, Monday the 14th was the busiest day but not that busy. LA schoold started on Monday and OC on Wednesday and most Key holders were blocked. Loved evenings at DL.
Grand Californian Hotel:
Some observations on the hotel:
I arrived at GCH on Wed. 8/9 at 11:30AM PST after a early morning 7AM EST flight.
First off, the minute I arrived, I steped out of my car service sedan, I was escorted by a friendly cast member to check-in. There was no line. I was greeted very professionally. Very friendly cast member. Check-in was a breeze. My room was ready. I had a 3rd floor Woods Courtyard room equidistant to the main lobby elevator bank and the Napa Rose elevator bank.
A cast member walked me to the mainy lobby elevator bank.
My room was easy to find.
The room was beautiful. 2 queen sized beds and a day bed. I loved how woodsy with a touch of Disney Chip and Dale added. I loved the pictures on the walls depicting DCA.
View: Nice view of trees and a rooftop.
The room was immaculate. Loved the TV with my name listed. I took a quick shower and changed and prepared to head over to Disneyland.
Very quiet room!!
I loved Acorn Gifts....perfect for soda and water. Got my DL calendars for next year. Had to buy a fanny pack there since upon arrival my old fanny pack broke. Only $30 and it was nice.
Storytellers Cafe: Loved the dinner buffet on 8/9. After a long morning flight and some time at DL, I headed there. The food was awesome! My server was very attentive and friendly. Also went to breakfast buffet on tuesday 8/15 after early entry, the food was great. Had an omlette made to order. Loved all the muffins, fruit and cheese. Very impressive breakfast buffet.
Pool: Awesome pool. Loved it!!
Napa Rose: Did not go but always busy when I went past.
Craftsman Grill: Picked up grab to go breakfast a few times awesome! Also picked up a few snacks!! Great!
Room Service: Ordered room service breakfast twice. The food was great. Hot and on time!!! Ordered for 5 to 5:30AM. it was there 515AM both times.
Housekeeping: The housekeeping staff are awesome. I left a $15 to $20 tip a day. My room was so clean. I also asked for extra pens and got them. The second housekeeping service later in the day with turndown was awesome too. I ran into housekeeping staff twice because I dropped off stuff, went to pool, changed, or went back to room to rest, I tipped them then.
Bell Service: The cast members were friendly when I called to have my bags stored upon early check out. I called at 7:30AM and the cast member was there at 735AM. When I was ready to leave to be picked up to go to LAX, the cast member went to get my bags and within 5 minutes, another cast member brought my bags to me. Very friendly and efficient.
Checkout: Got an email to checkout and pressed on the link and checkouted and told them I was checked at between 8 and 830AM.
I loved the main lobby, the piano, the fireplace and the chairs and the lounges. The hotel felt like I was in the California forest. The decor was very subtle. Loved it.
CA Adventure Gate: Got there for my 1 early entry to DCA at 6;15AM. I was number 1 in line. Loved the gated. Used it almost all the time when coming back to my room. Even when I was leaving Disneyland I would go through DCA and use te gate....shorter and less people than going through DD.
Early Entry DCA: Security was a breeze...was to the front of the line after ticket scanned. Did Guardians, Webslingers and Soarin in first 30 minutes.
DL/DD gate/Disneyland Early Entry: For my 5 early entry days, I got there by 6:15AM...one day I was first in line. Once I was second. I was always near the front of the line. Sometimes. 4 people ahead or six. My advice is get there by 615AM to 6:20AM. The majority start to arrive at 630AM. Getting through security was a breeze. Walking through DD to DIsneyland was easy. I always started at Gate 7 or 8 or Gate Number 12. I was always like at the front of the line so the Disneyland gate cast member scanned my ticket before letting us in. The gate opened at 720AM sometimes 725AM. I walked down Main STreet...veared right and walked toward Plaza Inn, past it then there were cast members with signs DL Hotel Early entry. You had to scan your hotel room key ticket. I was always at the rope or second row to get into early entry.
Early entry at DL is so worth it. One morning I was Number 1 for Peter Pan. I outran a nice lady carryinng her toddler daughter!! We laughed. I told her I was sorry. I got there before her..we laughed when she arrived...she had a 35 pound weight her daughter on her!! I wished them a great day and ride on PP. She did the same to me. I always went to PP first. Within the first 30 minutes, I always did PP, Alice, Tea Cups, Dumbo, Snow White and Toad. Then At 8AM, I finished Fantasyland in its entirety with 40 minutes..riding, Casey, Storybook, Matterhorn (Genie + for 8 to 9AM), Small World, Carousel, Castle walkthrough and Pinocchio.
One early entry morning Matterhorn was open so I did that before 8AM. So be on the lookout sometimes, Matterhorn is open before 8.
I always made a Genie + selection when I got into DL or DCA at early entry.
Overall, I loved GCH. Early Entry is so worth it!!!
PS There was a fire alarm at 4:50 AM on Sunday August 13. I went outside and through the main lobby to main entrance pullup area. It lasted 10 minutes then we went back in, I get up at 5AM so it was my alarm. While waiting for DL early entry at the DL/DD gate at GCH, a cast member told me there was some slight smoke near a 6th floor vent that triggered an alarm sensor..but they could not find the source but they tripped the alarm for the entire hotel.
I loved my trip.
Thanks for reading my bible.
Joe
PPS HI. I also forget to comment on the people/tourists at the parks. Everyone was nice. I meet many people and chatted with them. Very friendly. The local So Cal people and Key holders were especially nice. Foreign tourists especially from Asia and Europe were very polite, nice and respectful. Much better mix of people and nicer than WDW. Coming from NYC/Long Island Metro area and living on Long Island, I notice these things.
I want to thank everyone who helped me and answered my questions and showed support. Because of all of you, I had a great trip.
I arrived on Wednesday, August 9 at 10:30AM took an early 7AM flight out of JFK to LAX and left in the early evening on Wednesday, August 16th for a red eye flight from LAX to JFK.
I flew on American and the flights were good.
I stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel in a Woods Courtyard room. (Observations and comments on hotel are also in a separate thread and in GCH Thread.)
Cast Members: Every cast member was wonderful and very friendly. Whenever I made a request like row 1 on Pirates or row 1 on Matterhorn, I was happily accomodated. SInce I was a single traveler, I felt like the cast members went above and beyond in their friendliness. Party of 1 cast members do not hear that often. The cast members at the Blue Bayou, especially Danny were great. I found the cashiers at the food places were awesome. The hotel cast members were great. The gift ship cast members were awesome. The cast members at the DIsneyana shop at Main STreet should be highlight as great. I ordered several collectibles, a framed lithograph, glasses and other souveniers to be shipped and they were so nice and accomodating. Shout to Jeremiah who works Mr. Toad and was so great to me. I got to ride Mr. Toad in Mr. Toad's car. I had three great encounters with Jeremiah in Fantasyland. The ladies who work the treats counters in the Candy Palace are so so sweet and nice. Overall, the cast members were great!!
Food:
Reservations table service restaurants:
Blue Bayou:
I ate at BB twice. I checked in at 1040AM for my 11:00AM reservations on both days. I was the first person to checkin and I asked for a water side table. I got a water side table for each luncheon. My first luncheon I was at table 112 which is a table for 2 on the far right side with a great view of the bayou and pirate boats...very nice. On my second luncheon, I was at table 72 which is a table for 2 which had a great view of the bayou and a riverboat and the pirate boats. Kudos to cast member Danny who assured me I would get a water table. Kayla is also awesome. Checkin was very easy. I recommend you checkin early. Most of the 11:00AM lunch reservations got water side table and the table are assigned by the time you check in. Be sure to checkin with the cast member, give your number for the text and checkin on the app as well.
For my first lunch, I ordered the corn polbano fritters. Very tasty and nice. Good flavor and you get 4 fritters with a delicious sauce and grated cheese. I ordered a Monte Cristo that came with 3 pieces accompanied with preserves in a cup for dipping with homeade potato chips with a remolaude dipping sauce. The sandwich was excellent was light and fluffy. The potato chips were awesome as well as the dipping sauce. I ordered the chocolate coffee tart for dessert. Very rich and delicious! For my second luncheon, I had the gumbo which was very awesome as well as the Monte Cristo and chocolate tart. Overall, the food was excellent. The service was great. I took my time for each luncheon - about 70 minutes. I did not feel rushed. My water and Diet Coke were always refilled. Highly recommend Blue Bayou!
Cafe Orleans:
I ate at CO once for lunch. I got the Haunted Mansion Price Fix for $45 which includes a choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and a beverage. I ordered the panzarella salad which was awesome. I got the Monte Cristo 3-cheese with pomme frites. The MC cheese had 2 pieces with the pomme frites. It was awesome. There was a cup of preserves for dipping. The pomme frites wer delicious. I got the Haunted Mansion candle for dessert. It was very nice. The custard was rich and everything was very tasty. I recommend CO. Service was awesome/ My water and Coke Zero were always refilled.
Storytellers Cafe:
Breakfast. Great buffet. Lots of pastries and muffins. Ordered an omlette with ham, cheese and onions. Very tasty!! The fruit selection was awesome. Lots of bacon and sausage too!! Sweet and smooth orange juice. Service was great. Recommend SC for breakfast. I had a 9AM breakfast - went after early entry and doing most of Fantasyland at DL.
Dinner Buffet. Great Buffet. Lots of chicken dishes. Great prime rib. Tasty mac and cheese. There was a delicious pasta with cream sauce and andouille sauage. Great mashed potatoes. Delicious mixed vegetables. Bread and rolls were tasty. Lots of salads, cheese and fruits. Cookies, cupcakes and bread pudding. Well worth it even for one person. Attentive and great service. Highly recommended.
Lamplight Lounge:
Brunch: I had a 11AM reservation. Checkin was very easy. Got a great seat at the bar. I ordered the New York Avocado Toast (I am from New York - Long Island
). This was the best avocado toast ever!!! Loved the sourdough bread, the piquillo butter sauce, the steak and the pickled red onions...nice argula salad and very delicious confit potatoes. Well woth the $28! Great view from the bar! Got OJ and a Diet Coke too. Very attentive server and cast members. I got a free donut as well. Thanks!! Highly recommend LL for brunch!!Carnation Cafe:
Dinner: 520PM. Checkin was easy and was seated early. I ordered the Patty Melt with fries. It was tasty but a bit to greasy for me. I ate 1/2 of it. The Carnation Cafe is nice. I should have gotten the Chicken with vegeatbles. I also got the potato soup to start. Very tasty!!
Overall I had great experiences at table service restuarants.
Counterservice: I loved the Chicken Fusili at Alien Pizza Planet so so good...had it twice! The double cheeseburger and crinkle cut fries at SmokeJumpers are the best at the Resort..Had the cheeseburger with fries and loaded onion rings at Hungry Bear which was very good. I had the Pork Wontons at Lucky Fortune..so good and addicting. I enjoyed breakfast a few times at Galactic Grill: loved the breakfast burrito, the bagel sandwich and the french toast sticks. Red Rose: Did not enjoy the tater tots at all..the Breakfast sandwich was ok I preferred the Bonjour (American) Breakfast. Tasty!! Enjoyed my hot dog and filmstrip fries at Award Weiners, Loved the BIg pretzel with beer cheese cause at Prym's Kitchen. Enjoyed the frozen lemonade with raspberry Splash....I enjoyed the Craftsman grill for their American breakfast and their chocolate croissants!! Ordered the gray gateau dessert ay Red Rose as a treat...delicious. Enjoyed the chocolate chip and double chocolate cookies at Trolley Treats and Candy Palace. Loved the popcorn too!!! I was planning to get ice cream but I was never in the mood now that I am home I want it. LOL.
World of Color Dessert Party.
10:15PM Show.
I got to the checkin in at 715PM. Checkin in began at 8pm. We were told to come back at 915PM to line up. They did not take us back to the seats until 945PM until they cleared and cleaned all the tables from the first show. The couple in front of me wanted a hightop table. I wanted a low top table. I got the second table in the middle in front of the roped off circle which had no one in it. The view was awesome. I shared the table with two sisters visiting from Seattle. We had a nice conversation. The dessert plate was awesome. I got 2 Diet Cokes and a water. My server was very attentive to me and I tipped her after the show. I took the rest of my treats back to GCH in a box had it for breakfast the next morning. I loved the WOC One show very modern. Loved the music! Highly recommend!
Plaza Inn/Magic Happens Parade Luncheon: I had a 1PM luncheon. The food was great. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes plus vegetables were great. I did not taste the short rib, looked good though. The dessert was a berry vanilla custard with blue frosting...gross! I prefer chocolate. We were told that the parade viewing area opened at 6. I was there at 540PM. There were 2 familes ahead of me. I immedaitely went to the right for the shaded area...I sat right now on the curb. Great spot. The parade viewing area is in from of the flag pole. The cast members at check in were nice and they do watch people that did not pay try to sit and they immediately tell them to leave...2 women tried and a family and they were told no. Loved the Magic Happens Parade and the music. The lunch was $45 and worth it to get the spot and not having to stake out a space earlier. Recommend it. The only thing I did not like was the dessert.
Walk with Walt Tour: Tour guide was awesome, friendly and informative. Loved seeing Walt's apartment. A nice photographer tool my picture in the apartment which he downloaded to my App. Enjoyed the cookie and my Diet Coke on the patio! Recommend.
Attractions:
I had a 5 day Parkhopper with Genie + for my first 5 days - this 5 day ticket came with my Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package. I bought a 3 day Park Hopper with Genie + for my last 3 days. I loved using Genie. I used the LL for the extra money always for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway which I adored!! I also used the LL for extra money for Rdiator Springs a few times...well worth it. I used LL for the extra money once for Rise of the Resistance and once for Millenium Falcon. The attractions were good but I only rode each once. I like Star Wars but I though Galaxy's Edge looked like a Morrocan bazzar marketplace....I rode Guardians -once during early entry...ok not a fan preferred Tower of Terror and Webslingers once duriearly entry and rode once..I beat the three teenage boys in my car and they were shocked. I loved Monsters Inc. Little Mermaid, Soarin and Luigis in DCA. I rode everything in DCA as well.
In Disneyland, I loved all of Fantasyland especially Alice, Matterhorn, Casey Jr, Snow White, Peter Pan and Toad. I loved Autopia which I had not been on in years! Went like 5 or 6 times. Loved the Disneyland Railroad and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Enjoyed the walkthrough in Sleeping Beauty Castle. LOve Love Haunted Mansion and Pirates. Indy was cool. Always enjoyed Big Thunder. Love Love Matterhorn especially the Fantasyland side. Enjoy Small World. Tiki Room is great as well as Jungle Cruise. Pooh is a great attraction too. LOVED Mickey and Minnies' Runaway Railway always used LL extra money for that rode like 10 times! Jungle cruise and Roger Rabbot were cool. I did not almost every attraction execpt Tom Sawyers Island and Gadget Coaster. The Mark Twain boat ride was refreshing and relaxing.
I recommend using Genie + and the LL additional $$ selections. Genie + is easy.
The crowds for my trip from August 9th through August 16th were low to moderate, the weekend was slow, Monday the 14th was the busiest day but not that busy. LA schoold started on Monday and OC on Wednesday and most Key holders were blocked. Loved evenings at DL.
Grand Californian Hotel:
Some observations on the hotel:
I arrived at GCH on Wed. 8/9 at 11:30AM PST after a early morning 7AM EST flight.
First off, the minute I arrived, I steped out of my car service sedan, I was escorted by a friendly cast member to check-in. There was no line. I was greeted very professionally. Very friendly cast member. Check-in was a breeze. My room was ready. I had a 3rd floor Woods Courtyard room equidistant to the main lobby elevator bank and the Napa Rose elevator bank.
A cast member walked me to the mainy lobby elevator bank.
My room was easy to find.
The room was beautiful. 2 queen sized beds and a day bed. I loved how woodsy with a touch of Disney Chip and Dale added. I loved the pictures on the walls depicting DCA.
View: Nice view of trees and a rooftop.
The room was immaculate. Loved the TV with my name listed. I took a quick shower and changed and prepared to head over to Disneyland.
Very quiet room!!
I loved Acorn Gifts....perfect for soda and water. Got my DL calendars for next year. Had to buy a fanny pack there since upon arrival my old fanny pack broke. Only $30 and it was nice.
Storytellers Cafe: Loved the dinner buffet on 8/9. After a long morning flight and some time at DL, I headed there. The food was awesome! My server was very attentive and friendly. Also went to breakfast buffet on tuesday 8/15 after early entry, the food was great. Had an omlette made to order. Loved all the muffins, fruit and cheese. Very impressive breakfast buffet.
Pool: Awesome pool. Loved it!!
Napa Rose: Did not go but always busy when I went past.
Craftsman Grill: Picked up grab to go breakfast a few times awesome! Also picked up a few snacks!! Great!
Room Service: Ordered room service breakfast twice. The food was great. Hot and on time!!! Ordered for 5 to 5:30AM. it was there 515AM both times.
Housekeeping: The housekeeping staff are awesome. I left a $15 to $20 tip a day. My room was so clean. I also asked for extra pens and got them. The second housekeeping service later in the day with turndown was awesome too. I ran into housekeeping staff twice because I dropped off stuff, went to pool, changed, or went back to room to rest, I tipped them then.
Bell Service: The cast members were friendly when I called to have my bags stored upon early check out. I called at 7:30AM and the cast member was there at 735AM. When I was ready to leave to be picked up to go to LAX, the cast member went to get my bags and within 5 minutes, another cast member brought my bags to me. Very friendly and efficient.
Checkout: Got an email to checkout and pressed on the link and checkouted and told them I was checked at between 8 and 830AM.
I loved the main lobby, the piano, the fireplace and the chairs and the lounges. The hotel felt like I was in the California forest. The decor was very subtle. Loved it.
CA Adventure Gate: Got there for my 1 early entry to DCA at 6;15AM. I was number 1 in line. Loved the gated. Used it almost all the time when coming back to my room. Even when I was leaving Disneyland I would go through DCA and use te gate....shorter and less people than going through DD.
Early Entry DCA: Security was a breeze...was to the front of the line after ticket scanned. Did Guardians, Webslingers and Soarin in first 30 minutes.
DL/DD gate/Disneyland Early Entry: For my 5 early entry days, I got there by 6:15AM...one day I was first in line. Once I was second. I was always near the front of the line. Sometimes. 4 people ahead or six. My advice is get there by 615AM to 6:20AM. The majority start to arrive at 630AM. Getting through security was a breeze. Walking through DD to DIsneyland was easy. I always started at Gate 7 or 8 or Gate Number 12. I was always like at the front of the line so the Disneyland gate cast member scanned my ticket before letting us in. The gate opened at 720AM sometimes 725AM. I walked down Main STreet...veared right and walked toward Plaza Inn, past it then there were cast members with signs DL Hotel Early entry. You had to scan your hotel room key ticket. I was always at the rope or second row to get into early entry.
Early entry at DL is so worth it. One morning I was Number 1 for Peter Pan. I outran a nice lady carryinng her toddler daughter!! We laughed. I told her I was sorry. I got there before her..we laughed when she arrived...she had a 35 pound weight her daughter on her!! I wished them a great day and ride on PP. She did the same to me. I always went to PP first. Within the first 30 minutes, I always did PP, Alice, Tea Cups, Dumbo, Snow White and Toad. Then At 8AM, I finished Fantasyland in its entirety with 40 minutes..riding, Casey, Storybook, Matterhorn (Genie + for 8 to 9AM), Small World, Carousel, Castle walkthrough and Pinocchio.
One early entry morning Matterhorn was open so I did that before 8AM. So be on the lookout sometimes, Matterhorn is open before 8.
I always made a Genie + selection when I got into DL or DCA at early entry.
Overall, I loved GCH. Early Entry is so worth it!!!
PS There was a fire alarm at 4:50 AM on Sunday August 13. I went outside and through the main lobby to main entrance pullup area. It lasted 10 minutes then we went back in, I get up at 5AM so it was my alarm. While waiting for DL early entry at the DL/DD gate at GCH, a cast member told me there was some slight smoke near a 6th floor vent that triggered an alarm sensor..but they could not find the source but they tripped the alarm for the entire hotel.
I loved my trip.
Thanks for reading my bible.
Joe
PPS HI. I also forget to comment on the people/tourists at the parks. Everyone was nice. I meet many people and chatted with them. Very friendly. The local So Cal people and Key holders were especially nice. Foreign tourists especially from Asia and Europe were very polite, nice and respectful. Much better mix of people and nicer than WDW. Coming from NYC/Long Island Metro area and living on Long Island, I notice these things.
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