Which are the best rooms and how do you get them at GCH?

[jsilkey]

We have reservations in early September for a 2 bedroom villa at GCH. What are the available rooms? Do some have views? "Buying" a view rooms with points doesn't seem to be an option, so how do you get them? Are there any upgrades that are available?

[GusMan]

While Im not too familiar with the GCV layout, I do see what you mean about how you cannot select a view when making a reservation. At least from the DVC Member site, that is.

I would make sure that any requests that you have are included in your reservation, such as room location, view preference, etc. The simpler the request the better your chances are of getting it. You may call Member Services back to add such requests in the ressie.

However, it still needs to be stated as a friendly reminder that no request is ever guaranteed. Being that GCV is one of the smaller resorts from a number-of-rooms perspective, you have to keep this in mind even more so.

Usually upgrades are not an option for members on points. However, when you check in, do talk to the Cast Member assisting you about your needs / wishes, and they usually will see what they can do with the inventory they have at that moment.

[jsilkey]

Last year we had a ground floor studio. I didn't like it as well, because the patio didn't seem like it was "ours", but rather an extension of the landscaping. We also didn't get much light directly to the room (blocked by upper floors), so it felt dark and dungeon-y. I requested an upper floor for this trip, but the person at Member Services couldn't/wouldn't tell me if there was anything else I should add to the request to get the "best" room. I tried some random internet searches, but couldn't really tell what types of views are available, and if they are accessible with points ressies, or not. Any additional info about what to ask for would be great.

Same too with check-in, I'm not even sure what might be available within the pool of similar rooms. I was hoping for some key words I might say to them....

I am sure whatever we get will be nice. I will be happy if they get us up a little higher and we get some light in the room Anyone know why it says sleeps 8 or 9? Are there different room layouts? Is one better than the other? We only have 6, so we will fit the room either way.

Would you recommend calling the sales guide (for info only), or will they not know about room designs?

[GusMan]

I dont think there are any "key" words that will get you something special. But using your example, if you dont want to be on the main floor, state such. For example, on my Hilton profile I have "High floor, away from elevator." And 9 times out of 10, my room is just that.

Others might be able to chime in with their GCV experiences on what kind of room they had, but even if you put "No main floor - possibly with a preferred view" you might get decent results. And like mentioned, do talk with the CM upon check in. Depending on what is available at that moment in time, they might be able to help. If the resort is pretty full up, though, there might not be much you can do.

I dont really think Guides would really have much more info - you would be better off talking with a MS Cast Member.

[Toocherie]

Hi there--having stayed at GCV many times, ask for a Paradise Pier view on an upper floor. If you get it, you overlook DCA and hopefully have a good view to watch the World of Color from your balcony. Be warned--however--that I only get it about half of the time because as GusMan said the view is not guaranteed. The other view which is nice is the one overlooking the Grizzly River Run area. But frankly, even the pool view isn't all that terrible. I agree about the ground floor rooms---especially the ones overlooking the pool.

[BGLeduc]

Hi there--having stayed at GCV many times, ask for a Paradise Pier view on an upper floor. If you get it, you overlook DCA and hopefully have a good view to watch the World of Color from your balcony.

If that does not work out for you, there is also a great viewing deck on the DVC wing that overlooks WoC, and is complete with music piped in. I would not suggest that this would be your only viewing of WoC, but it is a nice low key alternative to viewing the show versus the normal viewing areas. When we last visited in 2011, we first saw the show from the deck, then took advantage of the fast pass distribution for GC guests and saw the show from the normal viewing area.

Brian

[jsilkey]

We did the dining package from Ariel's Grotto (that is gone now) for WOC on the past 2 trips, with really nice views both times. We might do fastpasses on a less busy night, but it isn't huge for us this trip. My mom is traveling w/ us this time, and for some reason absolutely detests the WOC show. Everyone else likes it, so this may be an option for us. Thanks!

We have all seen the nighttime shows at WDW & DL, as well as the nighttime parades. She has always been a fan of the shows & various entertainment. It is really weird she detests WOC. I think she might have a bad attitude about it because there is no seating. She plans very carefully to be eating at Epcot during the show and prefers the WDW Fantasmic. I don't think it is because she NEEDS to sit, as she is happy to wait in lines, but that she associates a good show with seating, in some weird (warped) mindset :P

[CADisneyFam]

just wanted to follow this thread as it interests me too