A Few Observations about DLH

[Sy-]

Does the GCH room feel a whole lot smaller?

 

[marlower]

Whats a check??? J/K... Really interested in the size differences in the DLH rooms vs the GCH rooms.. Some say they the differences are huge while some say it's just a couple square feet???

LOL! The room at DLH was bigger for sure, but the bathroom size makes up for that IMO. We do not have a sofa sleeper couch in the GCH room like we did in DLH. The bathroom set up is much better at GCH, we have a separate shower/toilet area from the sink/mirror area so this way someone can shower while another is getting their hair done etc. The lighting is just as poor over here at GCH though. The bathroom at DLH could realistically fit one person at a time. I have not been in the shower so not quite sure if the shower head is as low as it was at DLH

Up to $300 too... Enough for a cheeseburger, fries and even a large Coke at Hungry Bear in Critter Country!

Is there a refrigerator in your room at the DLH? If so, is it a small one like one you would take to college or is it the next size up, like in a DVC studio? Also, can you buy milk in the gift shop like at WDW? If so, do they just have individual sizes or 1/2 gallon size? Thanks!

Yes, there are fridges in both. Small dorm size fridge. We were able to put some water bottles and a six pack of beer in there. It got realllllly cold too.

Also, is there a small freezer with the mini fridge? I am interested in bringing ice packs to keep our drinks cool in our small cooler during the day. Which tower would you recommend as being the best one to request? We are scheduled to go in November. I keep toying w/ the idea of changing over to the GCH. I am very interested in the swimming pool situation at the DLH right now. Not the crowds, but the temperature. I wonder if they only heat them during the winter mos.

No freezer at GCH but sorry I cannot remember if there was one at DLH. Not sure which tower to recommend as I have only stayed at the Wonder, but the Wonder is nice. I think the Dreams is probably the most convenient as far as being close to the pool and close to DTD and the view from either side of that tower would be great I think. The pool was freezing!!! The hot tub was boiling hot!!! I say IMO, if you can afford GCH than go for it. If not you could consider a split stay like we did. But end with GCH.

 

[marlower]

Marlower Im sorry about everything but in all fairness, this is not a disney only issue...just about every large corporation you experience the same type of thing...no one has the same answer for you...you just have to find the person who is saying what you want to hear and get them to take care of it instead of doing it later with someone else seriously though...I personally dont like the Wonder or the Dream tower...Ive always requested to stay in the Magic Tower and have found the rooms in there much more appealing...let me also tell you not to even bother trying to compare GC to DLH...you cant...its in 2 totally different leagues...

on a positive note...its good though that you moved from DLH to GC instead of the other way around right???

You are absolutely correct!

It was such a good thing that we ended our vacation with GCH vs DLH. They are two totally different hotels. GCH is definitely more upscale and the location can not be beat. DLH is magical in its own right. I will choose GCH everytime

 

[marlower]

Does the GCH room feel a whole lot smaller?

To me, no it doesn't. I think it is the set up of the room and having the balcony to actually walking out onto makes it feel spacious. Oh and did I mention the flat screen tv!!! That is a bonus too.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I've enjoyed reading your comments. My DH and I went to DL for the 1st time together in early Jan. '06, and stayed at the DLH. We loved all the Disney touches of the hotel, and it was beautiful with all the Christmas decorations still up. Plus, we booked a std. room, but were upgraded to a corner upper floor room in the Dream (then Sierra) Tower overlooking the pool.

We have the opportunity to go back this fall over Halloween, and I'm torn with staying at the DLH again (and saving quite a chunk of $$), or going for the GCH. I was able to find a 15% off rate online for a room-only std. view at the GCH, and have that reserved. I was really hoping the AP7 rates would be great (I could save $$ by buying an AP just for me and getting the discounted rate), but the only thing available at the GCH for my dates is concierge, and I know we wouldn't be around the hotel enough to reap that benefit.

I hear most people compare the GCH to the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge in FL. That's a difficult comparison for me, as the GF is my favorite hotel in all of WDW (and I've stayed at most of them at this point), while I could be happy never staying at the WL again.

Decisions, decisions. I, too, am also a bit of a hotel snob, and did think our DLH hotel room was looking a bit worn 2.5 years ago. Do you think what you're experiencing at the GCH is worth a $147/night difference?

Enjoy the rest of your stay!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Also, forgot to mention that CM's don't seem to have the same stories. For example:

My DH and I always joke about this. You will never have a CM give you the "I don't know" answer. They want to give you an answer no matter what right or wrong

 

[grizbuzz]

This thread is making me question my decision to stay at Disneyland Hotel view room this September. We LOVE GCH but thought we'd give DLH a try, as we have two young boys who would like the pools and the rates are cheaper. Now I'm getting worried that we won't be happy there. Any recommendations on rooms we should request? Did I make the wrong choice?

 

[daneenm]

This thread is making me question my decision to stay at Disneyland Hotel view room this September. We LOVE GCH but thought we'd give DLH a try, as we have two young boys who would like the pools and the rates are cheaper. Now I'm getting worried that we won't be happy there. Any recommendations on rooms we should request? Did I make the wrong choice?

Personally, I am in the same situation and I am not worried. We have stayed at GCH the last several trips and decided to go back to DLH this trip. I love GCH, but the rooms are tiny and every theme park view I have paid for has been severely obstructed to say the least (like if you look between these branches in the tree, you will see the top of DCA).

I went through this same feeling last year when we visited WDW for the first time in 15 years. We stayed at YC but then I read review after review about how stuffy and run down it was. turns out...we LOVED it! I fit our family to a 'T.' We did not find it stuffy in the least, seemed must more relaxed than the 'more favored' BC and was simply lovely. So, you never know how it will be for your family until your try it.

We have not stayed at DLH in almost 10 years, but we liked it when we did stay, and there is a lot to be said for the price difference. My recommendation...stop comparing. They are different hotels with different merits. Go, enjoy your stay and then you will know for the next time based on what you are looking for in your trip which hotel meets that need best.

As an aside, in the DIS Unplugged Disneyland Podcast, Pete gave DLH high marks from his trip earlier this year. After listening to the show for a year and a half now, I know that he does not give good marks lightly. FWIW.

--Daneen

 

[Sherry E]

To me, no it doesn't. I think it is the set up of the room and having the balcony to actually walking out onto makes it feel spacious. Oh and did I mention the flat screen tv!!! That is a bonus too.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the GCH. I stayed there last December, but just today had to book my reservation for October using the PIN# discount offer floating around, and I was SO tempted to go with the GCH because of the convenience and how much I love it there, but instead had to go with PPH. I am aiming to do GCH at Christmas time.

Do you find - as my friends and I did at GCH - that the beds seem unusually high/tall? We did not notice this in PPH or even in the DLH in the past. But they were taller in GCH and I actually had to climb up on mine a little - and I am 5'5" tall! I couldn't just sit down on the bed. And when I did hoist myself up, my feet dangled a bit off the ground!

 

[jenpace]

I don't know if you can buy milk in the DLH gift shop but I know you can buy it in the Acorn gift shop in GCH - but you have to ask. They keep juice and milk and soda in the back room. Also, there are vending machines around that probably have some milk, but you are likely to pay an arm and a leg for a small amount that way.

Each morning at the DLH they offer self service coffee in the lobby areas of each tower. There's always plenty of milk and paper cups so you could take it up to your room.

Jen

 

[grizbuzz]

Personally, I am in the same situation and I am not worried. We have stayed at GCH the last several trips and decided to go back to DLH this trip. I love GCH, but the rooms are tiny and every theme park view I have paid for has been severely obstructed to say the least (like if you look between these branches in the tree, you will see the top of DCA).

I went through this same feeling last year when we visited WDW for the first time in 15 years. We stayed at YC but then I read review after review about how stuffy and run down it was. turns out...we LOVED it! I fit our family to a 'T.' We did not find it stuffy in the least, seemed must more relaxed than the 'more favored' BC and was simply lovely. So, you never know how it will be for your family until your try it.

We have not stayed at DLH in almost 10 years, but we liked it when we did stay, and there is a lot to be said for the price difference. My recommendation...stop comparing. They are different hotels with different merits. Go, enjoy your stay and then you will know for the next time based on what you are looking for in your trip which hotel meets that need best.

As an aside, in the DIS Unplugged Disneyland Podcast, Pete gave DLH high marks from his trip earlier this year. After listening to the show for a year and a half now, I know that he does not give good marks lightly. FWIW.

--Daneen

Thanks for the sound advice. I think I'll stay put. Called in today to request Dream DTD view room. Any tips on good things to do/see/eat DLH are appreciated!

 

[Lynzer Torte]

This thread is making me question my decision to stay at Disneyland Hotel view room this September. We LOVE GCH but thought we'd give DLH a try, as we have two young boys who would like the pools and the rates are cheaper. Now I'm getting worried that we won't be happy there. Any recommendations on rooms we should request? Did I make the wrong choice?

Don't worry. You will be happy there.

 

[marlower]

This thread is making me question my decision to stay at Disneyland Hotel view room this September. We LOVE GCH but thought we'd give DLH a try, as we have two young boys who would like the pools and the rates are cheaper. Now I'm getting worried that we won't be happy there. Any recommendations on rooms we should request? Did I make the wrong choice?

No, I don't think you made the wrong choice, you will have a fabulous time. The DLH is in a great location even if the monorail is down, it is a doable walk. How old are your boys? It seems that at DLH that the pool is more catered towards young school age and preschool children. Wish I could help with room recommendations but having only stayed at the Wonder, I have nothing to compare it to.

Personally, I am in the same situation and I am not worried. We have stayed at GCH the last several trips and decided to go back to DLH this trip. I love GCH, but the rooms are tiny and every theme park view I have paid for has been severely obstructed to say the least (like if you look between these branches in the tree, you will see the top of DCA).

I went through this same feeling last year when we visited WDW for the first time in 15 years. We stayed at YC but then I read review after review about how stuffy and run down it was. turns out...we LOVED it! I fit our family to a 'T.' We did not find it stuffy in the least, seemed must more relaxed than the 'more favored' BC and was simply lovely. So, you never know how it will be for your family until your try it.

We have not stayed at DLH in almost 10 years, but we liked it when we did stay, and there is a lot to be said for the price difference. My recommendation...stop comparing. They are different hotels with different merits. Go, enjoy your stay and then you will know for the next time based on what you are looking for in your trip which hotel meets that need best.

As an aside, in the DIS Unplugged Disneyland Podcast, Pete gave DLH high marks from his trip earlier this year. After listening to the show for a year and a half now, I know that he does not give good marks lightly. FWIW.

--Daneen

Great advice.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the GCH. I stayed there last December, but just today had to book my reservation for October using the PIN# discount offer floating around, and I was SO tempted to go with the GCH because of the convenience and how much I love it there, but instead had to go with PPH. I am aiming to do GCH at Christmas time.

Do you find - as my friends and I did at GCH - that the beds seem unusually high/tall? We did not notice this in PPH or even in the DLH in the past. But they were taller in GCH and I actually had to climb up on mine a little - and I am 5'5" tall! I couldn't just sit down on the bed. And when I did hoist myself up, my feet dangled a bit off the ground!

Yes, the beds do seem a bit high and I am 5'2" so no feet touching the ground here However, I took a shower this morning and the shower head is definitely higher than at DLH.

I've enjoyed reading your comments. My DH and I went to DL for the 1st time together in early Jan. '06, and stayed at the DLH. We loved all the Disney touches of the hotel, and it was beautiful with all the Christmas decorations still up. Plus, we booked a std. room, but were upgraded to a corner upper floor room in the Dream (then Sierra) Tower overlooking the pool.

We have the opportunity to go back this fall over Halloween, and I'm torn with staying at the DLH again (and saving quite a chunk of $$), or going for the GCH. I was able to find a 15% off rate online for a room-only std. view at the GCH, and have that reserved. I was really hoping the AP7 rates would be great (I could save $$ by buying an AP just for me and getting the discounted rate), but the only thing available at the GCH for my dates is concierge, and I know we wouldn't be around the hotel enough to reap that benefit.

I hear most people compare the GCH to the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge in FL. That's a difficult comparison for me, as the GF is my favorite hotel in all of WDW (and I've stayed at most of them at this point), while I could be happy never staying at the WL again.

Decisions, decisions. I, too, am also a bit of a hotel snob, and did think our DLH hotel room was looking a bit worn 2.5 years ago. Do you think what you're experiencing at the GCH is worth a $147/night difference?

Enjoy the rest of your stay!

Thanks! Only one more night here-teardrop! We stayed at WL at WDW last August and the GCH is very similar. The set up of the rooms is exactly the same and I feel like the lobby is very similar as well. The location of GCH is much better than WL is to the parks. I will admit that the DLH is a bit worn for sure but it just depends on how your attitude will be about minor things that show the wear/tear over the years. Is it worth an extra $147? I guess it must be because I am here now and not regretting my decision. I don't think I could have fit it in my budget to do all 5 nights here so it was a nice option to split my stay. I would highly recommend the split stay as you get the best of both worlds--DLH at a great price, still close to everything and then GCH that is outstanding. If you can afford to do all the nights at GCH than I would do that personally.

 

[minniecarousel]

Maybe because we were using DVC points and we insisted on a King-sized bed, but our DLH room was small! We had a desk with one chair - no couch. We're used to having a small table and 2 chairs at the GCH. I also missed the balcony that we've always gotten at the Grand.

I iamagine that the pool at the DLH would appeal to kids more. We avoided the Neverland Pool (not having little ones with us) but found the Cove Pool comfortable and at a good temperature (we went early afternoon, as lounges in the shade were hard to find later).

Like I said before, I don't think you could get a really bad room on-site (& if you think you get one that's crappy - compalin to the Front Desk!). If we weren't staying on points, I don't know if I'd spend the cash on the GCH!

 

[tidefan]

Maybe because we were using DVC points and we insisted on a King-sized bed, but our DLH room was small! We had a desk with one chair - no couch. We're used to having a small table and 2 chairs at the GCH. I also missed the balcony that we've always gotten at the Grand.

I iamagine that the pool at the DLH would appeal to kids more. We avoided the Neverland Pool (not having little ones with us) but found the Cove Pool comfortable and at a good temperature (we went early afternoon, as lounges in the shade were hard to find later).

Like I said before, I don't think you could get a really bad room on-site (& if you think you get one that's crappy - compalin to the Front Desk!). If we weren't staying on points, I don't know if I'd spend the cash on the GCH!

We were just there at the DLH and it makes me wonder if we were in the same hotel. We were in the Dreams tower overlooking the pool. We had a nice sized bathroom with a big double vanity. The toilet was in a separate room off of the bathroom. We were on DVC points and were given a King bed with a pull out couch. The room was huge. Also had a desk and 2 chairs in addition to the sofa and couch. Here is a pic of the room, then of the view.

Here is the opposite view of the room (BTW, sorry about the disheveled couch. I was checking to see if there was a pull-out bed in there. Sure enough, there was! Also, sorry about the wet towel residue on the couch...)

Reading this thread it makes me think that the setups are different in the 3 towers. We were in the Dreams tower and loved it. I'd stay at the DLH again in a heartbeat...

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

There are different rooms in the towers for sure. We've been lucky and have always gotten the ones with the big bathrooms, and the daybeds. The beds we've always had were sooooo comfy.

We love the DLH, always has a Disney magic feel to the place. Of course we love the GCH too. Can't go wrong with either honestly.

 

[BadDuck]

Wow that couch looks scary! It looks like it belongs in a Motel 6!

 

[marlower]

Obviously the bathrooms are different as ours just had one sink and very little vanity space all in the same room as the shower! Our bed at DLH was very hard, guess it could be comfy if you like that but the bed at GCH is softer and the sheets appear to be softer too!

I noticed this afternoon when arriving back to GCH, that there were baskets outside rooms with clean linens--our room was already made up. But it was so nice to see that not only were there clean sheets, towels etc but they actually had a clean shower curtain for each room too! I don't think I have ever seen a shower curtain changed out.

 

[Canyon girl]

Last Sept. we went to DLH. We had ressies for concierge but decided to check in a day earlier. We had a room in the Wonder tower. The floor that we were on reminded me of a dorm. The room was not what I would expect from DLH. Of course, when we moved to Dreams, our new room was much better. Could it be that not all of the Wonder has been renovated?

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Obviously the bathrooms are different as ours just had one sink and very little vanity space all in the same room as the shower! Our bed at DLH was very hard, guess it could be comfy if you like that but the bed at GCH is softer and the sheets appear to be softer too!

I noticed this afternoon when arriving back to GCH, that there were baskets outside rooms with clean linens--our room was already made up. But it was so nice to see that not only were there clean sheets, towels etc but they actually had a clean shower curtain for each room too! I don't think I have ever seen a shower curtain changed out.

Well, if you pay the full going rate for the GCH, they should change out the beds everyday too!

When we stayed at the DLH in June we had a full counter with mirror outside of our bathroom. It was a room by itself really. Then in the bathroom area was two sinks, the shower/bath, and the toliet was in it's own little room with a door. It was all quite roomy. There's only 3 of us though, so most of the time I think the room is large enough when others don't.

I agree with the PP though, maybe not all the rooms have been renovated?