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View Full Version : Santa at Grand Californian anyone?



socaltexan02
12-22-2005, 09:25 PM
We've yet to see Santa this year, as my 3 yr old and I have been sick for a week! Anyway...DH and I were discussing going to the mall tomorrow or tomorrow night and then he remembered the one in the GC. (He and DD passed by and waved earlier this month, but didn't stop for an official visit.) Is it something that a non-hotel guest can do? And, is it a free photo op Santa or is it like the malls (or like in Disneyland) as far as paying for pics go. I understand he's only there in the evenings. If we wanted to just go in and see him...is it best to park in the lot at Downtown Disney? Is the lobby of the GC close to that lot (my mom will be w/ us, she has bad knees and while she CAN walk long distances would strongly prefer not to).

Thanks in advance. :)

Osky
12-22-2005, 09:41 PM
We were just there a few weeks ago. We really feel that this is the best Santa in the resort, and was not crowded mid-week. I do not know what it was like on the weekend. So to answer your questions:

Is it something that a non-hotel guest can do?
Yes. If I lived in the area, I would probably take my kids there instead of going to a mall.

And, is it a free photo op Santa or is it like the malls (or like in Disneyland) as far as paying for pics go.
Absolutely. You can take all of the pictures you want with your own camera. You can look at the pictures that they took and purchase them if you like, but there is no obligation.

Is it best to park in the lot at Downtown Disney? Is the lobby of the GC close to that lot (my mom will be w/ us, she has bad knees and while she CAN walk long distances would strongly prefer not to).
Sorry, I cannot answer this one. I have never parked in the DTD lot.

Here are a few pics I took with Santa.
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345507-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345537-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345577-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345622-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345657-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345738-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345796-M-1.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/48345847-M.jpg

biolabetty
12-22-2005, 11:27 PM
When we've parked at the Downtown Disney lot, we came into DTD between ESPN Zone and the Rainforest Cafe. That would be quite a distance for someone who is having difficulty walking. Plus, you aren't always fortunate to find a parking space close up, unless you use the valet parking, but you still would enter into the area at the same location.

socaltexan02
12-23-2005, 06:14 AM
Thanks! If we decide to go (and kids feel well enough) I can always drop my mom off at the lobby, then park.

disneyhound
12-23-2005, 07:53 AM
Santa lives in the North Pole, everyone knows that...

princess fiona
12-23-2005, 12:58 PM
Hi, we are here at DGC right now, staying until 12/25. Santa is here but like the other poster said, only in the evenings. It is like the malls where they have official photographers there but I'm sure you can also take your own photo.

sierranevada
12-23-2005, 06:26 PM
I have to say that the Santa at the GCH is one of the most authenic ones I have seen! I love that his clothes are more a deep maroon instead of the "Coca Cola" red that you see everywhere (yes, I know, that is why they put Santa in red to begin with!).

socaltexan02
12-23-2005, 10:23 PM
We went and it was such a great night!! We got there around 6pm, there was no wait...just 1-2 people in front of us...in fact I was still getting my camera out when it was our turn and my 3 year old ran to him. LOL Missed that photo op! He was a very authentic Santa and very nice and patient w/ the kids. He said to my DD "my you've grown since I saw you last year!". Very cute. Then, just as we left Santa and were going to wait for our pics, the carolers showed up, so we had a great time watching them while we waited for our pics to be ready. Then headed to Rainforest Cafe for dinner (we'd put our name in before heading to the GC) - perfect timing all round. We give the GC Santa a big thumbs up.

(And, yes Disneyhound, we know he lives at the North Pole...but he just makes the rounds this time of year. :D )

Oh and I agree, I like his dark red/maroonish suit!