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DVC Grand Californian Resort & Spa

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Mon, 05/07/2012 - 12:23
Kristen K.'s picture
Kristen K.
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DVC Grand Californian Resort & Spa

banana I'm so excited!! Tomorrow I get to check in at Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa. banana

We own here, but I haven't stayed yet! It's just a small 25 point contract so we don't get to visit very often. We figured we could do a small trip to California every third year using 75 points and it would be a fun change from WDW. I try not to mingle those points with my WDW DVC points so that we can stick with that schedule.

I've only ever been in the lobby at this resort and it seems to be so amazing and elegant. I love the Arts & Crafts style that it represents. Even though there will just be 4 of us, the kids and I have a 2 bedroom Villa! I requested a theme park view and I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for that one. I want to watch World of Color from my balcony! crossfingers

I have grocery delivery scheduled to arrive around 7pm, and we'll be eating at least 4 meals in room. Mostly breakfasts, but on our Non-park day I ordered a couple of pizzas and some bags of cesar salad for lunch. This will be the first time that I really put our kitchen to work on vacation. It will be a new experience for sure. Any cooking on vacation tips would be much appreciated!

I'm looking forward to sharing pictures with you!

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Mon, 05/07/2012 - 13:25
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Kristen, I am really looking forward to reading all your comments and reports prior to our first ever trip to DL at the end of this year and the beginning of next year. Having never been, I have a lot to learn.

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Mon, 05/07/2012 - 15:24
scrappy
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I know nothing about DL. Really looking forward to your trip report and pictures from your trip.

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 02:49
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clapping clapping clapping

Can't wait to hear all about it Smile

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Wed, 05/09/2012 - 04:28
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Just a Couple of Lobby Photos. I find this property to be absolutely stunning.

DSC00283 DSC00284

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Wed, 05/09/2012 - 13:03
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We have a really amazing theme park view in this room:

DSC00312

Yep, that's right outside my bedroom window.

There's only one problem that I've discovered. It's crazy loud outside at night when you've got a theme park view. Imagine a road service crew right outside your house all night long. It was sort of tough to sleep. I simply Need more coffee!! Which is currently brewing, so it's all good.

Wed, 05/09/2012 - 13:05
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That is an amazing view! Have fun at the park today!

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Wed, 05/09/2012 - 13:07
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This is so neat! I'm really interested in seeing this hotel as well. I love Arts and Crafts. It sort of reminds me of a more refined Wilderness Lodge.

As for vacay cooking, we do it frequently. It sounds like you already have your plan in place, but I would stick to super simple meals, and have the kiddoes pitch in for built in togetherness, which will have the side effect of making things go faster!

Can't wait to hear and see about your trip!

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Wed, 05/09/2012 - 13:11
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I would agree that it's like a more refined Wilderness Lodge. They really drew from the same time periods, just focusing on different regions. There's a huge Frank Lloyd Wright and William Morris influence to the building here. The pool area is stunning too. I went for a dip in the hot tub last night, but didn't get pictures yet.

Wed, 05/09/2012 - 13:30
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Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! This only whets my appetite for my first ever DL trip coming up. Keep the pics coming.

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Thu, 05/10/2012 - 03:09
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What an amazing view and that hotel looks amazing Smile

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Thu, 05/10/2012 - 13:44
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Here are picture of our room. If you ever have the chance to stay here I highly recommend it. The resort is stunning, the room is more than comfortable. It sleeps 9, however I think it would start to feel crowded at about 6 adults. We haven't had any problems with the room at all. It's quite simply lush.

Living Room & Kitchen
Kitchen
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Master Bedroom
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Dedicated 2nd Bedroom
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DSC00332 DSC00333

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 16:27
BuffaloBill
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FLW influenced is an understatement.
Are you going to hit any of the restaurants in the hotel?

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 17:57
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We've stopped by White Water Snacks and they've got a great selection as far as counter service goes. Very yummy, Tori got a Mickey Mouse shaped soft pretzel w/ melty cheese.

We don't have plans to eat at the others, but I've done Storytellers Cafe before and it's awesome!

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 19:32
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That balcony would have been a great view for a web cam!

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Thu, 05/10/2012 - 23:44
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It is Smile World of Color at 8:45 PST

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 00:09
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Glad you are having such a good time.
Time for a little confession here from me....for some reason I was expecting the Grand Californian to look like the Grand Floridian. I was very shocked to see it looks like the Wilderness Lodge. Shame on me for not knowing this.

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 02:51
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scrappy wrote:
Glad you are having such a good time.
Time for a little confession here from me....for some reason I was expecting the Grand Californian to look like the Grand Floridian. I was very shocked to see it looks like the Wilderness Lodge. Shame on me for not knowing this.

LOL....I was thinking the same thing....and every time I read it out of habit I read Grand Floridian

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Fri, 05/11/2012 - 02:52
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Your room looks amazing and huge....I love the way they do the hide away bed....and what a view....I have the camera up and running...hope to be able to watch world of color about an hour from now Smile

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Fri, 05/11/2012 - 02:56
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My web cam is designed for 10-15 feet viewing, so it's not the greatest view or World of Color, but it's so much better than nothing! We're leaving for dinner, so I'll turn the sound on for you. Smile

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:09
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We are watching it right now....it's crazy how well i can hear the music and see it....we have it up on our big screen tv

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Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:27
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That was awesome! I've never seen World of Color before!

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:27
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Jess wrote:
We are watching it right now....it's crazy how well i can hear the music and see it....we have it up on our big screen tv

Yeah.... we put it on my TV and it was wonderful! I bought a great webcam... keep hoping for a Savanna view to use it!

But thank you so much for putting it up!

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Fri, 05/11/2012 - 05:39
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Oh I'm so glad that you got to see it!! My pleasure!

We got back from dinner and the connection to the hotel WiFi had gone down, so I was worried.

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 09:12
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The GC is beautiful, isn't it? Your room is gorgeous and what a wonderful view you got!

We love going over to the hotel on a random evening and just sitting in the lobby, enjoying the view, and people watching. It is sooooo gorgeous.

DVC question for you: My husband and I have been known to take a "local vacation" for one night. We've done so at the Grand once before, prior to buying into DVC. I'm not sure we could justify spend points to stay so near to home, but from your pictures, your place is gorgeous! What is your room classified as? Two bedroom? It seems huge! Enjoy!

- Dreams

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 15:56
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We're in a dedicated two bedroom villa. Room number 5500 to be exact.

I'm all for using DVC points locally for late nights, early mornings, and when you want to drink, but never have to worry about driving. Smile At home I'm always the designated driver, but at Disney I don't have to worry about paying attention because I know that I won't be getting back in a car for any reason. Plus, sometimes you just want to take a mini-escape even if you're still close to home!

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 19:30
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Kristen K. wrote:
...dedicated two bedroom villa. Room number 5500 to be exact...

Thanks!

Kristen K. wrote:
Plus, sometimes you just want to take a mini-escape even if you're still close to home!

Exactly! We tell no one where we are, only that we will be gone for one night, and if there's an emergency, do not hesitate to call our cell phones. We don't think anyone has any clue how close we really are. wink

I'm going to have to look at the points chart for that villa. Might be our new escape. Thanks, again, and I hope you are still having an amazing DLR visit!

- Dreams

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 23:38
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Thanks Dreams, we're having a GREAT time! We spent the morning at California Adventure and had so much more fun than I expected to! We're back in the room for a break and then off to Disneyland for Fireworks tonight!

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 01:52
JeffC
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WOW that looks awesome!!! Your room and the hotel pics are amazing!!! Thank you for sharing. Now I want to go to DL clapping clapping clapping

What a fun view from your balcony!

yay yay yay yay yay

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 12:09
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Wow, Kristen, I just love your pics! Thank you so much for sharing. It looks just beautiful.

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Tue, 05/15/2012 - 00:46
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Wonderful pictures of the resort. Awesome view.

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