Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I just shared the submarine site with a friend bragging how I'm going to do it the next time in Hawaii. He responded back that he's done it with a full description of the experience. I'm so jealous.
Originally Posted By tashajilek I almost book the Submarine tour myself. We decided on the night drive with Manta Rays on the Big Island instead. Maybe next time I will go for it.
Originally Posted By believe >>>>>> I stayed at the GCH 2 yrs ago when my son was 18 months old. Being in close proximity to the parks when you only get a couple of hours at a pop was totally worth it for me. Also, the lobby of the hotel had a HUGE Christmas tree with equally HUGE presents underneath that we used to get some really great family pictures. Also, there was carolers decked out in 19th century outfits that I saw multiple times during our stay, a magician, an area where kids could watch old mickey cartoons, and a piano player that sang carols while he played. I also really liked the folk singer who sang with everyone around a HUGE fire while everyone sat in rocking chairs. O did I mention that SANTA was there? (the fact that my son wanted nothing to do with him is beside the point), but those are just a few of the differences.<<<<<< As an FYI, it is free and open for anyone to go to the lobby of the GCH and enjoy all the offerings they have in the grand lobby. You can even take a nap on those nice comfy sofas by the fireplace, TV, or by the piano, or anywhere. So, if you're on a budget, book a room at the Motel 6, and when you need a break from DL in the middle of the day, just take the relatively short walk to the GCH lobby. And, as a bonus, they have really nice bathrooms. Sorry, no showers
Originally Posted By RedRider "As an FYI, it is free and open for anyone to go to the lobby of the GCH and enjoy all the offerings they have in the grand lobby. You can even take a nap on those nice comfy sofas by the fireplace, TV, or by the piano, or anywhere." Good to know, Thanks!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I have always wondered if you could literally camp out all night in their lobby... that's how comfortable it is. But security cameras and security officers are everywhere. Plus it is always crowded. Don't forget they have an outdoor fireplace immediately on the flip side of that indoor fireplace with rocking chairs. and the hotel bar nearby.
Originally Posted By RedRider I don't remember that one for some reason. We walked into the bar, but I don't remember the fireplace. Either way I wouldn't have seen it had I stayed at another property because my son would have been sleeping off property.
Originally Posted By rtjl72 sorry- no answer to the bar question. i have been off in las vegas- gambling college money for my children away, so i have not seen this post before tonight. actually, they (the kids) are both post college and working on their masters, so off the payroll. (well, as much as i spoil them still-not really off the payroll- lol!!!) but, there i go off topic. sorry!! after this lengthy read- these are my thoughts- you know when you go through the gates of dl- do you get goose bumps? is it all you can do to keep from crying when leaving the park on your last day? or, maybe even shed a few tears entering on your first day? well, if you can say yes to any of that- then you probably can't explain why. it is just the magic- i don't have any other word to use for whatever that feeling is. i have it- my dh does not. neiher of my kids have it- and i oh so tried to have them catch it as children. (as much as an iowa mom can expose her kids to dl- which was only 1 time a year). but, that same feeling transfers over to me when staying at the dlh. it is a high for me. it is comforting and gives me warm fuzzies. i want it and like the way it makes me feel. and i can not explain any part of those feelings. so, i say- you are on vacation- don't sell the farm (by the way, i am not a farmer)to finance your trip, but do what makes you happy!!! i cannot justify dlh for cp this year. i will instead find more fun haning out a bit closer to friends at hojo"s. and the whole time i will tell myself i am saving money so i can bring the whole tribe back with me the next time. (my dh and i treat the whole family- kids and gk for a total of 12 now- when we can. next planned trip for summer 2016.) i will miss you dlh...
Originally Posted By mhartman47 Hey Everyone, My husband and I usually stay in Garden grove for cheaper rates and often will escape to GCH for a break. Usually I have a book and through the magic of Wifi my DH will watch an episode of a tv show on our tablet. As long as you are not rude to others, Disney seems pretty relaxed about hanging in the hotel lobby.
