*25th Anniversary Trip-Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier?*

[yupikgal]

We were considering staying off property, but decided that we want to stay onsite for our 25th. It's between Paradise Pier & the DL Hotel. Tell me why we should stay at your favorite & why? I need to book it by tomorrow, since we will be there this Friday morning the 8th! Thanks so much for your help!! We've stayed at both, but only once at the DL hotel, so I'm not as familiar. We will be at the parks for 3 days/3nights, but the first day we won't be able to take advantage of early entry since we will be flying in that day.

We are thinking premium view for both, which is about a $300 difference between the two. That isn't a huge consideration, honestly, so when you make your recommendation, that shouldn't be a factor, unless you have a compelling argument!

I do have a couple of other reservations booked off property (across the street) but seeing as it's such a special occasion, I think we would feel more special being on property instead of at a motel!

Thanks everyone!

 

[calilou]

I would definitely go with DLH. It's more of a classic Disney feel, has wonderful ambiance, great hang out locations and restaurants and the pool is superb. It wins hands down if money is off the table.

 

[Nonsuch]

Between those two, I'd choose the Grand California.

 

[mom2rtk]

DLH has more character. PPH is cheaper.

 

[mom2rtk]

Between those two, I'd choose the Grand California.

Are you buying?

 

[Whistlebee]

I'd pick DLH. There are a lot more public areas to lounge/hangout. Fun tiki bar at Trader Sams and nice outdoor fireplace. I like Paradise Pier too and am staying there this month but for an anniversary trip I'd definitely choose DLH. Paradise Pier feels like a hotel. DLH feels like a resort.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

DLH.

 

[yupikgal]

Thanks everyone!! Still a bit unsure about which hotel...it sounds like DLH is the stronger contender. I know that PPH does special things for anniversaries, not that I'm expecting anything, but should we book a standard view room in hopes of getting upgraded or just book the higher level to make sure?? The only time we ever stayed at DLH, we had a pool view from the Fantasy Tower. I would love to be in the Adventure tower, do they only have premium rooms there?? Since there is no breakfast included, we would probably be taking advantage of the early entry, so therefore maybe not eating a full breakfast...what the the choices for a quick "grab & go" meal at the DLH? I know PPH has some stuff in a little shop downstairs in the lobby area.

I'm kind of bummed that the weather forecast isn't as warm as I thought it was going to be, and also it is calling for some rain. Hopefully they don't cancel the fireworks or WOC! Since the weather will be cooler & rainy during our time there, do you think the crowds could be smaller than usual?

I'm sad that the railroad & jungle cruise will be down as well...but my beloved RSR, Soarin' and GRR will be up & running! We are heading to Vegas to finish off our trip after Disney, and I look forward to the warmer weather. Speaking of the rain in DL, I'm wondering if they may cancel the parades or anything else? I know they are closing the parks an hour earlier than normal anyway, at least on a couple of the days we will be there. I really hope they are wrong and that it warms up a bit, at least to the low 70's! I guess I'd better pack a rain jacket, just in case. We will just have to make the best of it, I guess!! It is Disney, after all!

 

[yupikgal]

 

[yupikgal]

Between those two, I'd choose the Grand California.

You know, I never considered this one, but if we were to choose Premium view at the DLH, the standard view GCH is only $47 more!

 

[yupikgal]

I just booked the GCH, standard view! Our first time!! So EXCITED!! I'm mainly happy at how much closer it is to the entrance than the other 2.

The reasons I wanted to stay onsite were to enjoy the early entry for 2 of our days, feel a bit more special since it's our "Silver" anniversary, have packages delivered back to hotel, and hopefully enjoy the grounds/amenities (room service?) although I know it's much more to stay onsite and doesn't include breakfast.

Does anyone know where they put us in standard rooms? Thanks!

 

[Nonsuch]

I just booked the GCH, standard view! Our first time!! So EXCITED!! I'm mainly happy at how much closer it is to the entrance than the other 2...

You took my advice
The GCH entrance to DCA is very convienient, but the main entrance is faster for EMH or regular park opening.

...Does anyone know where they put us in standard rooms?

The majority of Standard view rooms are at the front of the hotel, however there are also Standard view rooms in other locations throughout the hotel.
Let the hotel know you are celebrating your 25th anniversary in advance and when checking in.

Some room requests you might want to make:

• King bed (if party of 2). The room seems larger, since a sofa and coffee table replace the second bed.
• Near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose. These elevators are closest to the DCA entrance.
• Facing the park. While most rooms with a park view are Premium view, some are Woods or Standard (particularly on lower floors).
• High floor. Always a good request, but more important at the front of the hotel.

 

[yupikgal]

You took my advice
The GCH entrance to DCA is very convienient, but the main entrance is faster for EMH or regular park opening.

The majority of Standard view rooms are at the front of the hotel, however there are also Standard view rooms in other locations throughout the hotel.
Let the hotel know you are celebrating your 25th anniversary in advance and when checking in.

Some room requests you might want to make:

• King bed (if party of 2). The room seems larger, since a sofa and coffee table replace the second bed.
• Near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose. These elevators are closest to the DCA entrance.
• Facing the park. While most rooms with a park view are Premium view, some are Woods or Standard (particularly on lower floors).
• High floor. Always a good request, but more important at the front of the hotel.

Yes we did! With the small difference between the DLH premium view, which I was leaning towards anyway, I decided to take the plunge & go big! I am anxious to see the differences, since we've stayed at both the other hotels in the past, once at DLH, and several times at PPH. Each of them to me have special memories!
Thank you for all your information about GCH rooms/locations! Should I be calling now to try and request then? I hate to say this, but I don't know if I want King bed, due to a certain someone snoring quite a bit lately...I was hoping to get better sleep! to be on the safe side, I'll bring earplugs If that's what they give us! I have been in contact with someone who stayed there previously, and she showed her room views in pictures she sent, she said she was far from the lobby, but close to restaurants & there was a staircase that went down close to DTD, and she said it was very quiet down on their end. It looked like they had a partial park view too, I think they got upgraded from standard view! One poster said something about their room being right above a smoking area, which I absolutely do not want!! I think I'll call them now with my requests, and see about setting up a delivery for flowers.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Should I be calling now to try and request then? I hate to say this, but I don't know if I want King bed, due to a certain someone snoring quite a bit lately...I was hoping to get better sleep! to be on the safe side, I'll bring earplugs If that's what they give us!

It does not hurt to call now, and repeat requests while checking in.
King beds are rather rare, 2 queens are the most common -- request what you prefer.

...there was a staircase that went down close to DTD, and she said it was very quiet down on their end...

There is a exit only stairway to DTD, shown with red circle (between x448 and x450, floors 3-5)
(blue circle are the elevators)

...One poster said something about their room being right above a smoking area, which I absolutely do not want!!

That was likely rooms 2006-2011, since guests smoke near the large outside fireplace.
You could make "away from the smoking area" another request, which should be easily accommodated.

 

[Laundress]

Good Choice. You can't go wrong listening to Nonsuch. GC is a beautiful Hotel. I've used the red circled exit mentioned above. Very helpful.
Happy Anniversary

 

[frank430316]

Definitely let them know you are celebrating an important wedding anniversary. We went last year for our 42 anniversary and got a very liberal sprinkling of pixie dust! First night there were rose petals all over the bed and floor leading up to the bed and then the next night there were autographed pictures of my wife's favorite characters. All in all it made for a wonderful trip!