The walk from PPH to the main entrances to the parks

disneyfirsttimer18 · Mar 31, 2015

We stayed at DLH on our recent trip. Loved it! Even the walk back at night was worth it. Anyway, we're planning our trip for next year. DH has been dead set on GCH, I was sold on it at first, but the cost and look of the rooms has me totally against it. The cost isn't even worth the location for me. The lobby is absolutely beautiful, but I can go sit there for free if I really want.

So, how far is the walk from PPH? Further than DLH or about the same? TIA.

lorijohnhill · Mar 31, 2015

You will get opposing opinions on this question. To me, the PPH seemed farther than the DLH. DLH is a straight shot through DTD. PPH you either cut over to DTD (where the walk starts for DLH) or cross and cut through the GCH.

PatMcDuck · Mar 31, 2015

It actually is a little shorter than the walk from DL Hotel. Of course from DL Hotel, you walk past the monorail, which may be an option if you are going to DL, and want to enter thru Tomorrowland. (sometimes I want to enter and walk down Main St!)

From PP, most guests walk across the street and cut thru the lobby of the Grand Californinan. I love PP, and usually try to get the upper level theme park view rooms, they are amazing.

Malcon10t · Mar 31, 2015

I am not a fan of PPH overall, but the walk (going thru GCH) seems shorter than DLH. YMMV

ParkHopper1 · Mar 31, 2015

It is actually shorter to the PPH than the DLH...but to get to the PPH you leave the "bubble" that is the resort and DTD so it may "feel" longer. You have to exit out the front of the GCH hotel and walk across the street. Only adds a few minutes to the walk from the Grand. I stay at both frequently and can say I have had rooms in the back far hallways of the Grand that feel longer than walking to the PPH!

figment_jii · Mar 31, 2015

It's about 0.27 miles from the DLR Main Entrance/Esplanade to the GCH lobby and another 0.21 miles to the PPH lobby (so a total of 0.48 miles from the Esplanade to the PPH lobby, if you cut through the GCH). It's about the same to the main entrance of the DLH (0.51 miles). All in all, it's probably not enough of a difference that most folks would notice (in terms of distance or walking time).

MommyJKM · Mar 31, 2015

Leave it to Figment to have the exact mileage :sunny:

I agree that PPH kinds takes you out of the "Disney Bubble" with the walk across the street. I'd stick with DLH

Actually, I'd rethink GCH. The location IS actually worth it. We looooove staying there.
Either way,
Enjoy!!

Amommy21 · Mar 31, 2015

We never felt PPH tok us out of the Disney bubble. The main thing PPH lacks is a good lobby gathering area. Very un Disney like in that regard but then again it wasn't originally a Disney property.

The rooms are also generously sized and that's nice.

disneyfirsttimer18 · Mar 31, 2015

Thanks everyone. The walk to DLH really wasn't bad, we were in the Frontier Tower. I'm sure we will cut through the GCH, the lobby really is awesome. We rode the monorail from DTD into Tomorrowland once, really just so we could say we rode it.

Sherry E · Mar 31, 2015

Amommy21 said:
We never felt PPH tok us out of the Disney bubble. The main thing PPH lacks is a good lobby gathering area. Very un Disney like in that regard but then again it wasn't originally a Disney property.

The rooms are also generously sized and that's nice.

Yes -- I agree with all of this. I never feel taken out of The Bubble when staying at the PPH, but I realize that the "Bubble feeling" can vary from person to person.

You're absolutely right -- the lobby is not particularly inviting or cozy (although the sea/sun/surf theme is cute) in terms of tables and chairs and places to gather. It's not that the lobby is a deterrent -- it's bright and cheery and shiny, but it doesn't lend itself to comfort and relaxation in the way the GCH does or even the DLH does. The nearest collection of chairs and tables is just off of the lobby, at the Surfside Lounge.

The walk is not bad at all (in my opinion), and it's quite pleasant when cutting through the GCH lobby. I think that distances can tend to seem longer to some folks than to others, but once I got used to the walk I never thought of it as being far because I was still on Disney soil and seeing Disney things on my way to the parks or Downtown Disney.

tyler D · Mar 31, 2015

We will be staying there end of April. I guess we will go through the GC for DCA EMH.

ParkHopper1 · Mar 31, 2015

tyler D said:
We will be staying there end of April. I guess we will go through the GC for DCA EMH.

But cut through the GCH lobby then use the DTD entrance and through the Esplanade to the main gates. The DCA entrance from the Grand can get REALLY backed up in the AM since they only have a few turn styles and EVERYONE staying at the three resort hotels thinks it is a shortcut!...nope, not for EMH!

bumbershoot · Mar 31, 2015

lorijohnhill said:
DLH is a straight shot through DTD.

Once you get from your building. That adds time and distance. And DTD isn't straight, LOL. Drives me bananas, all the curves you have to walk through.

disneyfirsttimer18 said:
The walk to DLH really wasn't bad, we were in the Frontier Tower.

OK, Frontier Tower! That, I know.

Used mapmyrun over several trips.

Frontier Tower to the center of the esplanade by way of DTD (cutting in front of Adventure Tower): .55 mile

Frontier Tower to the center of the esplanade going out the *back* of the building, then along the sidewalk, and crossing over to the Grand: .55 mile

PPH to the center of the esplanade following Disney's signs (takes you alongside of DLH and allll the way through DTD): .63 mile

DLH (from the hat) to the center of the esplanade (ignores the time it takes to get from your tower): .43 mile

PPH just outside the doors to the center of the esplanade going through the Grand: .47 mile

I love PPH the best. DLH is right up there, after their renovations (which I was initially very much against). The Grand isn't even third for me in the DLR area.

l4dyj8 · Apr 1, 2015

Agree on the above that say PPH feels closer than DLH. But honestly it's not that much. We always go through GCH which makes the walk pleasant. After you cross the streetfrom PPH you are always greeted by the CM at the gate. So I feel like I'm still in the Disney Bubble. You are walking alongside other guests and CMs.

Yes, the lobby isn't much. But it's not a lobby to hang out in either. The rooms are nice. We have actually relaxed and grabbed a cocktail at GCH while DD watches classic disney cartoons. We are stil DLR guests and welcomed to lounge in the other lobbies.

MeishkaD · Apr 1, 2015

Have you considered a DVC villa rental at GCH? I was running numbers and for our upcoming trip with the family it looks like the price would be about the same as DLH for the small studio. I found the information Tom Bricker posted on his blog (Disney Tourist Blog) really helpful in explaining how points rentals work.

DG24 · Apr 1, 2015

There is one other walk to dtd from PPH that no one ever mentions, which I feel is closest. When you walk out the front of PPH and walk to the light, instead of walking across to the grand, walk across to the parking lot (so straight) and walk across the parking lot, it is a small one, I think it is self parking for the grand. On the other side of the parking lot is a path, if you take that path between two buildings, you come out, Lego store is on right, and movie theatre is on left. I believe that puts the monirail right in front of you.

When we stayed last time, several years ago( but we leave in 2 weeks for PPH), we found the walk thru the grand very unsettling to us. Very weird to us to have to walk up to the valet parking every day, and to walk past the security stopping cars. Once inside we felt out of place, lobby always crowded, people checking in, hallway down to Disney crowded, and we went on a low time. To us and I know this is personal, it took away the Disney bubble because we felt out of place, now we have stayed at the grand and love it, but there is a difference if it is not your hotel and you borrow it to get thru it. Personally I think we all need to fight for the private PPH enterence back.

If we walk the back door out we felt it was a longer walk to dtd but a very nice walk and did not take you out of the bubble. It had you walk up to dlh and kept you in the Disney bubble, and added maybe 2 minutes to the walk. By walking the other way, across a parking lot, did take you out of the Disney bubble, but actually was much shorter and got you to the monorail. So in the morning we went the back door and around, staying I. The Disney Magic, but for breaks, naps, back to conceirrge for snacks, back for a swim, we took monorail, walked down between the movie and Lego and went across parking lot, many time at night when tired we did this also.

Try it when your tired next time and see what you think.

Sherry E · Apr 1, 2015

I wouldn't personally do that walk described above ^^ because I have no interest in entering DTD at that specific point, by the Monorail and near the theaters (unless I had a reason to go to the Disneyland Hotel or to Earl of Sandwich directly from the PPH) -- but it may be a great option for some folks. I want to turn onto DTD at the spot with the shortest distance to get to Disneyland's front gates -- and that would be at a spot that spills out from the GCH. I still prefer just cutting out the front of the PPH, crossing the street (Disneyland Drive) at the light/corner, and walking into the GCH. The GCH Valet folks and the person at the security gate are very used to people from the PPH walking into the GCH, every day, all year long. They don't care. In fact, I am usually greeted with a friendly smile and a hearty "Good morning!" from whichever GCH staff/Cast member happens to be standing around on the foot path. They also get extra business at the GCH gift shop, restaurants and lounges from the people who mosey over from the PPH as well. It's all good.

GatorChris · Apr 1, 2015

It's a shorter walk to DCA if you use the GC entrance. However, it's a little bit longer to get to DL unless you're at the very North end of the Fantasy or Frontier towers. We were in the Adventure tower, so the walk was definitely shorter - but not enough to make a big difference. And I'll agree with leaving the "bubble" at PP. When you cross the street and walk by the trash area of GC that stinks like rotten soda, you leave the bubble. You might as well save some cash and stay on Harbor. You can stay at Fairfield, which is a nicer and pricier hotel for much cheaper, and have the same distance to walk with the same bubble problem.

We preferred the DLH a lot more than PP. It's more expensive, yes, but it feels Disney. GCH is just too expensive for my budget.

tyler D · Apr 1, 2015

True you can save cash but you can't get the EMH for DCA which is what some people love. I've never stayed in a DL hotel so that's our reason to staying at PP

Amommy21 · Apr 2, 2015

Sherry E said:
Yes -- I agree with all of this. I never feel taken out of The Bubble when staying at the PPH, but I realize that the "Bubble feeling" can vary from person to person.

You're absolutely right -- the lobby is not particularly inviting or cozy (although the sea/sun/surf theme is cute) in terms of tables and chairs and places to gather. It's not that the lobby is a deterrent -- it's bright and cheery and shiny, but it doesn't lend itself to comfort and relaxation in the way the GCH does or even the DLH does. The nearest collection of chairs and tables is just off of the lobby, at the Surfside Lounge.

The walk is not bad at all (in my opinion), and it's quite pleasant when cutting through the GCH lobby. I think that distances can tend to seem longer to some folks than to others, but once I got used to the walk I never thought of it as being far because I was still on Disney soil and seeing Disney things on my way to the parks or Downtown Disney.

The lobby is practically non existent as far as Disney goes. I guess places like Animal Kingdom and The Grand spoil you for that inviting, come in and enjoy yourself feeling. If you ever have to wait around to meet up with someone it's a lovely place to be. At the PPH it's like your waiting for a shuttle to the airport. It's too bad Disney couldn't give the main lobby a better lay out. The whole thing really spoils a lot for me. But we were surprised how large the rooms were and I get why a lot of people like it. I would totally stay there again.

DG24 said:
There is one other walk to dtd from PPH that no one ever mentions, which I feel is closest. When you walk out the front of PPH and walk to the light, instead of walking across to the grand, walk across to the parking lot (so straight) and walk across the parking lot, it is a small one, I think it is self parking for the grand. On the other side of the parking lot is a path, if you take that path between two buildings, you come out, Lego store is on right, and movie theatre is on left. I believe that puts the monirail right in front of you.

When we stayed last time, several years ago( but we leave in 2 weeks for PPH), we found the walk thru the grand very unsettling to us. Very weird to us to have to walk up to the valet parking every day, and to walk past the security stopping cars. Once inside we felt out of place, lobby always crowded, people checking in, hallway down to Disney crowded, and we went on a low time. To us and I know this is personal, it took away the Disney bubble because we felt out of place, now we have stayed at the grand and love it, but there is a difference if it is not your hotel and you borrow it to get thru it. Personally I think we all need to fight for the private PPH enterence back.

If we walk the back door out we felt it was a longer walk to dtd but a very nice walk and did not take you out of the bubble. It had you walk up to dlh and kept you in the Disney bubble, and added maybe 2 minutes to the walk. By walking the other way, across a parking lot, did take you out of the Disney bubble, but actually was much shorter and got you to the monorail. So in the morning we went the back door and around, staying I. The Disney Magic, but for breaks, naps, back to conceirrge for snacks, back for a swim, we took monorail, walked down between the movie and Lego and went across parking lot, many time at night when tired we did this also.

Try it when your tired next time and see what you think.

We did this one a few times while staying at PPH. DS loves the Lego store and of course that monorail is great. But a lot of times there were fences and gates strewn about that made the walk feel like you were sneaking through a back yard. It's all totally sidewalks and all... but it's just weird. I think people like going through The Grand because it just feels like your in the park already.

Now, when we stayed at PPH the pool was closed for refurb. SO we had to go over to Disneyland Hotel Pool. That felt like leaving the bubble because you had to go across the parking lot in your swim cover up. and then back soaking wet. But since that is probably not a usual thing I don't usually mention it. But it does make you realize how everything is actually laid out to walk through there.

Because the pool was closed they bumped us to a concierge room. I would never pay for that service because it isn't worth it to our family. But people rave about it at the PPH. So we made our best efforts to enjoy it ... which sometimes meant running through the park to get dessert or something. That's annoying and I would never pay for that. But it was nice to see what the fuss is about. AND it was nice to grab water bottles on our way out of the hotel.

GatorChris said:
It's a shorter walk to DCA if you use the GC entrance. However, it's a little bit longer to get to DL unless you're at the very North end of the Fantasy or Frontier towers. We were in the Adventure tower, so the walk was definitely shorter - but not enough to make a big difference. And I'll agree with leaving the "bubble" at PP. When you cross the street and walk by the trash area of GC that stinks like rotten soda, you leave the bubble. You might as well save some cash and stay on Harbor. You can stay at Fairfield, which is a nicer and pricier hotel for much cheaper, and have the same distance to walk with the same bubble problem.

We preferred the DLH a lot more than PP. It's more expensive, yes, but it feels Disney. GCH is just too expensive for my budget.

Ugh, the Fairfield is not as nice as then PPH and for us it feels TOTALLY out of the bubble. The Fairfield feels like a motel to me. That said I would stay there again for a quick weekend trip or if traveling with others who don't want to pay a high hotel bill. But at that point there are MUCH nicer places on the ART route you might as well check out.

The walk from PPH to the main entrances to the parks

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