Originally Posted By SuzieQ Yes, they will have autographed pictures waiting for you. Call Vacation Planning. They'll ask for names and favorite characters, so the signature is personalized. I've had them both left in the room and picked up at the desk upon check-in. I've even had them done for my parents when they were staying at the hotel. Once, the pictures weren't there so I called VP and they delivered pictures to my room by the following morning. Vacation Planning will also make your dining reservations for you. If they do, you should receive a personalized itinerary at check-in. The Grand will leave a little newsletter type thing in your room each day. It will list any special things for guests, such as napkin folding classes, etc. Sometimes, they have special sessions for Grand guests at Build A Bear before it opens to the public. I've also seen it done for Libby Lu. There is also a free daily tour of the hotel that is open to anyone whether they are staying at the hotel or not. Remember that you can see up and down DTD from your balcony. So even if your view isn't totally exciting straight out, all you have to do is turn your head One LPer got sleeping bags from the Grand and their kids had a camp out on the balcony! LOL
Originally Posted By nurselisa SuzieQ you ROCK!! You are like a walking talking guide book. I love ya!! Thanks.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ You are most welcome! Remember, too, that the Grand has it's own entrance to DCA. It's quite handy for a last ride of the night or just before nap to be Grizzly River Run. Get sopping wet, the walk into your hotel! If the kiddies are sleeping or taking down time in the room, you can leave one parent in the room while the other sneaks out for a GRR ride - they have single rider, so it makes getting on quick The Grand has also been known to have guests meet at the hotel's entrance 30 minutes before park opening then escort them to Soarin' for a ride. Check with the desk or Vacation Planning for these little things. It might be in your little newsletter, too.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ There are so many fun, free things to do with your kids in the parks *sigh*. Mine is grown I remember taking my nephew up to the wheelhouse to drive the Mark Twain and he insisted upon being called Captain Nick the rest of the day, LOL. I still have my son's Captain's certificate.
Originally Posted By debtee I just remembered..Yet another feature I love from staying at the Grand, is that any shopping you do while in the parks, can be shipped back to the hotel free of charge for you so you don't have to carry bags around all day! You just collect them from the concierge the next morning. All of the on-site hotels offer this feature and it's been a great service for us to take advantage of.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Just thought of this....last time we booked through Expedia and when DH called VP (we had the phone #) he was told to call the regular PS phone line for dining and Fantasmic. We usually book directly with the hotel and use VP. We were at the Grand on DH's birthday so I just went to the front desk (like SuzieQ mentioned) to ask for the balloons. The CM asked for his name and what his favorite character was and came back out with the balloons, a birthday button and an "autographed" picture of Goofy. She also said they would deliver them if I'd preferred. Just FYI if anyone doesn't use VP or forgets to set it up ahead of time. We have also done this at the PPH.
Originally Posted By nurselisa How do I get the "vacation Planning" phone number? Just goto the Grand's website?
Originally Posted By queenbee We are on our way to DLR on Wednesday so I happen to have the contact information right here. Phone 714-300-7526 or email vacationplanning@disneyonline.com
