TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

[Radiobarry]

Just a quick heads up that the TV series "Great Hotels" is repeating the episode featuring the Grand Californian. In my opinion, while the show's host is a wee bit perky, the show was pretty well done and is worth seeing either again or for the first time.

It's being repeated on the Travel Channel Sunday morning at 6:30 AM...that's the time I get it on my satellite but the time could be different on cable systems..."check local listings..."

--Barry

[Sosai X]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

[Gemini Cricket]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Samantha Brown has the best job ever.


Did you guys know that the Grand Californian gives tours of the hotel every now and then? The tour is free and it takes you around the GC talking about its architecture and design. I talked to a CM in one of the gift stores about it. You should check it out. I haven't been on it, but I heard it's cool.

[Barbaraann]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

I love Samantha Brown. She is my hero. She shows us all how we can travel alone, and have a blast.

I have seen the show she did about the Grand Californian Hotel, and I enjoyed it very much. My grandson wants to stay at that hotel. I am planning on taking Sean to Disneyland in June. I am opting for a stay at the Disneyland Hotel instead, since the future of that hotel is in question.

When I was at Disneyland in August, I passed through the Grand California Hotel several times. I visited the Hearthstone Lounge, Storyteller's restaurant, and relaxed in the lobby.

[RobotMirror]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Yes, I love me some Samantha Brown! I don't think she's too perky, but I'll look out for this episode. I hadn't known about this until your post. Thanks Barry!

[Villains Fan]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Samantha Brown has the best job ever.


Did you guys know that the Grand Californian gives tours of the hotel every now and then? The tour is free and it takes you around the GC talking about its architecture and design. I talked to a CM in one of the gift stores about it. You should check it out. I haven't been on it, but I heard it's cool.

I have been on this tour (I think it's actually given every day). It's about an hour long and worth every second. It goes into detail about the decor and building of the hotel. It really makes you appreciate how much thought, detail, and work went into this hotel. I highly recommend going on this tour, expecially if you're going to stay there.

[Loomis]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

I love Samantha Brown. She is my hero. She shows us all how we can travel alone, and have a blast.

At least with a camera crew, anyway.

I do like Samantha Brown, I must admit. I used to watch that show a fair bit when I had access to the Travel Channel (or the Aussie equivalent - it is subscription cable only here).

It is lovely to be able to travel around the world vicariously. That's why I visit forums like this!

[Opus1guy]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

She shows us all how we can travel alone, and have a blast.

Actually, she hardly travels alone. Here's a shot of the crew that accompanies her on her travels:



She is a super lady and a very hard worker! I got to meet Sam very early in her "travel" career when she was filming her "Great Hotels" episode on the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. It may have even been before her first episode actually aired. I certainly didn't know her show before I met her there.

Being somewhat of a world traveler myself for decades, we've talked a few times over the years and I still often provide an assist and advise to her advance travel planning team at PineRidge Film and Television (the production company), based out of Jacksonville, Florida. Great group of folk!

I think she makes it all look so wonderful and easy on-the-air...but to produce these shows and make it look that easy, is a ton work. As this recent "wrong shoes" shot of her heel will attest:



Ouch!

I've suggested that her next series be "Samantha Brown's Wines of the World" which would be visits and experiences with winemakers, their families, and the regions they produce in...all over the world. If she ever did it, I sure wouldn't mind being a "technical adviser" on that one!

My favorite picture of her might indicate that some more advice on "pacing" during an extensive wine tasting, might be in order however:





Anyway...I'm a big fan too. In addition to her series, she's also done several one-shot shows. One of my favorites was "Girl Meets Hawaii." All her shows are such fun.

And a little confession. There may be more to my attraction to Ms. Brown than just travel. You see, my honey and her look very much alike (except for hair color). Everyone says they could be sisters! My honey started out a bit cold on Sam...but now she totally loves her and the shows. I hope the two of them get to meet someday. I bet they'd really hit it off.

[frecky]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Ill actually be at disneyland while this airs, ill see if someone can tape it for me.
And thanks for the info about the tours, I had no idea they did this!

[Aristocat]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

I really enjoyed Samantha Brown on Great Vacation Homes...cool show. I think that may have been her first Travel Channel series.

Oh, and I'll be at the Grand Californian in...28 days!!! w00t!

[Wotan]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

I've seen this show, and it's pretty good, although she only gets a short, quick glimpse into the suites, which are spectacular. We nearly rented one of the smaller ones, once upon a time.

They do offer daily tours of the GCH, and my wife has taken it, and says it's fantastic. The next time we go, I'll try to join her.

[PirateMickey]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

I've seen her in the WDW Christmas special and another one covering the Hotels of WDW.

Nice shows.

[fastpassmountain]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Samantha Brown is hit or miss for me. I enjoyed the special, although I think the editing was a bit sloppy. As with many programs highlighting the DLR, there's often a sense that park hopping or even land hopping is instantaneous. That all said, I do think the portions filmed in the Grand Californian (and not the parks per se) make it worthwhile.

[~xxBooxx~]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Right on! So gonna watch it!

[thmar]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Thanks for the info...:thumbup:

[Radiobarry]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

Samantha Brown is hit or miss for me. I enjoyed the special, although I think the editing was a bit sloppy. As with many programs highlighting the DLR, there's often a sense that park hopping or even land hopping is instantaneous. That all said, I do think the portions filmed in the Grand Californian (and not the parks per se) make it worthwhile.

Good points. I did not mean to anger the "Samantha Brown Lovers Alliance" by saying she's a bit perky...which, by the way, is not necessarily a bad thing.

But having watched the show again today, I've never seen someone get quite so excited about the vanity sink separated from the shower, or a coffee pot in the room (fairly standard these days, in the nicer hotels).

I mean she could have gotten excited about the Bambi shower curtains...



(Yes, I actually took pictures of our shower curtain. Make of that what you will.)

Still, I agree that the segments about the hotel itself were right on the mark. We stayed there for a night about six weeks ago.

The only complaint...the actual plain old rooms are not nearly as spacious, to be kind, as the suite she had.

And again the bit about being on a ride, and relaxing poolside five minutes later does require some imagination as well.

But overall, it's a nice presentation about a wonderful hotel in the middle of a theme park that's across the way from the greatest one ever.

--Barry

PS to Opus1...great post and inside look at Samantha and her show.

[DisneylandorBust]

Re: TV Special On Grand Californian To Be Repeated

I love Samantha Brown and I love her show!! And this episode is my favorite!!!!!!