1st time Disney Land Vistor Question

[roadrunner77]

Hello,

I am a WDW passholder planning my 1st trip to Disneyland. I just have a couple of questions.

1) I am planning to go the Week of Dec 1st - 7th. This week at Disney World usually isn't that crowded. Is it the same at Disneyland?

2) My Mom and Dad will be joining me and would like to stay at Grand Californian. In your opinion is it worth the extra money to stay there or is Disneyland Hotel just as good?

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[skiingfast]

You should consider if upgrading you WDW AP to a Premier would be worthwhile. At DLR this will give you good discounts: 20% off tours, 15% off dining and 2o% off merchandise in addition to park admission.

1. Crowds patterns at WDW corrospond well to DLR. The one difference is because of the huge amount of local at DLR the weekend will be very busy.

2. The GCH is the equal to the DGF. It has a lodge theme of course. The DLH is a tower hotel, with Disney themeing. It's very nice but not a sprawling hotel resort like you find at WDW.

There are many reasons to stay at one or the other. For your visit I would choose the DLH.

 

[roadrunner77]

Cool Thanks for the info. I will check into the pass upgrade

 

[Jana0326]

That time of the year shouldn't be too busy, with the exception of weekend. I think staying at the GCH is well worth the money. The hotel itself is great, but it also closer to the parks.

 

[roadrunner77]

Thanks for the info. We will plan other stuff for the weekend and head to the parks on Monday. Thank you for your help.

 

[KCmike]

Stay at the Grand Californian if you can swing the $$$. It is far and away better in my opinion. Location, location, location.

 

[8timesblessed]

We are planning to be there the same time and are staying at the GCVillas. We love the location, it's just so close to everything. Remember that fireworks only go off on the weekend so if you want to see those you need to plan. Sunday night is usually really good, the locals go home early and the park empty's out so you can get a better spot for parades and fireworks.

It's a Small World and Haunted mansion both get holiday overlays and we loved it last year!

My DH and I went last year Dec 8-11 and I think the park was open til midnight each night.

 

[skiingfast]

GCH...but it also closer to the parks.

Grand Californian... Location, location, location.

This is one thing I would not consider to be a benefit to the OP. Sure it's about half the distance. But on a visit with lots of time, low crowds and shorter hours, there is less need to do everything faster. Or need midday breaks from getting up early and staying up late.

 

[Disneylandfanatic]

Depending on what time of year you go, fireworks are not necessarily always on the weekend....Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the first week in December should have weekday holiday fireworks since it is the holiday season, the park will also most likely stay open until 12, as opposed to off season weekday hours....But I could be wrong....if someone can chime in...not sure if they always have fireworks because I go alot on weekends, or if its the whole high season, off season thing.

 

[disneychrista]

The first weekend in December will generally be the Candlelight Processional. Unlike WDW this is held on one weekend (2 shows each Sat & Sun) and will make Main Street very crowded/congested.

 

[KCmike]

This is one thing I would not consider to be a benefit to the OP. Sure it's about half the distance. But on a visit with lots of time, low crowds and shorter hours, there is less need to do everything faster. Or need midday breaks from getting up early and staying up late.

I don't think its a need to do things faster, its just a luxury to have things close. I personally don't care for the long walk to Disneyland Hotel. Given that though I would rather make that walk than say to any hotel on Harbor. Plus the hotel is just so much better than DLH or PP. They don't feel like a "resort hotel". Just my opinion.

Also when you get done with a long day or just done with World of Color I would rather being walking back to my room at GC then making the long trek to DLH.