Another DLH or GCH thread... which to choose?

[pmaurer74]

We are staying about June 6-13 give or take a day. Still uncertain whether we will stay the whole wee or 4 nights at DLR and 3 somewhere else like Huntington Beach or San Diego. We LOVE Disney and have been to WDW 7 times. The kids are 6 (during trip) and almost 9. DH wants to stay on property since it is the main reason we are making the trip out to CA. We are from Pittsburgh. I would like to see some of California though, mainly a beach or two. I am not sure whether to make the drive to San Diego.

Anyway, we love the Wilderness Lodge so therefore the GCH appeals to us, the price does not. Assuming not deal comes out (though still hopeful for the beginning of June). Here are the pluses and minuses that I have seen regarding both places.

DLH PROS:
- less expensive
- more appealing pool
- the room and cool headboards

DLH-CONS:
- buildings are date
- no balcony
- lobby is not as nice.

GCH:
- location
- lobby
- architecture
- balconies

I am leaning towards GCH because that is where I want to stay but I have a few questions. I have read that you can use any of the pools on property, meaning we could use the DLH pool but this has been inconsistent information. Do all the rooms at GCH have balconies (important to me), do all the rooms in DLH have the headboards with the fireworks? What are the themes int he towers, or are all the rooms the same? Also how many does each place sleep? I saw that there is a pullout under the bunk beds in the GCH, are all the rooms like that? Do you have to pay extra for the 5th person? We do plan to be in the room in the afternoons and use the pool a great deal. oh and internet is VERY important as I have to work while on vacation. I have heard it is not very good at DLH?

This will likely be our only trip to DLR so I had thought of doing a split stay, 4 nights in one and three in the other.

TIA!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

Okay your pros and cons:
-i don't feel that the DLH feels outdated at all. Not sure why you feel that way
-if you can afford a suite, some of the suites have balconies at the dlh
-the lobby at the GC is beautiful. However, if you were to stay at the DLH, you would go through the lobby to get to CA park a lot anyway since this is the fastest way to get there, so you would still be anle to enjoy its beauty.

-yes all the headboards at the DLH light up
-no you are not allowed to poolhop. This is frowned upon. But, many people have been able to rent cabanas at a different resort and enjoy their pools that way
-the three different towers at the DLH are themed to Adventureland, Frontierland, and Fantasyland. This means that the music, decor, and plants inside and around each tower are themed accordingly. It is really quite neat, and as a side note; there is a free 1 hour tour offered called the "happiest hotel on earth tour". It is available to all onsite guests and it takes place at the DLH. It is quite interesting because it tells you some of the history of the hotel and offers some interesting tidbits.
-not all rooms at the GC have bunkbeds. You need to request them. Remember, a request is not a guarantee. My kids loved the bunkbeds. they don't have them at home, so it was quite a novelty for them.
-no you don't pay extra for a 5th person
-i have also heard about problems with the Internet at the DLH. I personally have never had a problem though in all our stays. It was always fast for us.

Out of the 2 our family likes the DLH better. However, the woodsy feel doesn't really appeal to me. I found the DLH to be much more magical. if you are torn, i think your suggestion of a split stay is perfect. We have done this before, and bell services at the DLH were more than happy to move our luggage to the GC. It was an easy process. Staying onsite is a wonderful experience, hope your vacation is magical!

 

[sgrap]

We love, love, love GCH ! Kids do too! The proximity is the best perk.

 

[Heymy]

We love the DLH and GCH for different reasons. Most importantly if you want to stay at the GCH, then that's where you should stay!
I personally like the DLH a bit better because it feels more Disney to me. We have only stayed there once since the refurb and my kids were in love with the headboards. We weren't able to enjoy the pools and slides, so that's a big excitement for us during our upcoming stay. As a family we are a little obsessed with Trader Sam's, so it'll be nice to go when we want and not have to schedule it. For me, it's all about nostalgia, we always stayed at the DLH when I was a kid. But the hotel is the furthest of the 3, we don't mind because we love Downtown Disney.
The GCH is lovely. We've stayed there when my folks join us because it is so close. I've heard complaints about some of the rooms being so far away but we've always been connected to a handicap room and those are right by the elevators. The pools are nice but nothing spectacular in our opinion. Food options are great for adults, just so so for our kids. The main reason I won't stay there anymore is the last visit we had a disturbing experience with a cast member at check in. It all worked out in the end, but it left a very bad taste in my mouth.
As for discounts, I'm not holding my breath....so the best deal right now is 15% off through Orbitz. Every little bit helps.
I'm sure you will have a magical trip!

 

[SeaDis]

I have read the daybed rooms at GCH do not have balconies. Basically the balcony space is included in the room to make it a little bigger. You definitely want to call the hotel direct and request the bunk bed room on your reservation. Because you have 5 on the reservation, you should have "some" priority for a bunk bed room (I've been told). It also helps to plan your flights early, check-in early, and tell them you will wait for the room you want. Yes, there is a trundle under the lower bunk. Kids love the bunk bed.

Whether or not there are room specials coming, you can use the Orbitz coupons through Jun 30th for 15% off at either.

 

[Nonsuch]

I have read the daybed rooms at GCH do not have balconies. Basically the balcony space is included in the room to make it a little bigger...

The 39 Daybed rooms (2 queens + daybed) are larger than regular hotel rooms, all have balconies.
They are all located at the front of the hotel and classified as Standard View.

 

[Nonsuch]

...internet is VERY important as I have to work while on vacation. I have heard it is not very good at DLH?

Both hotels have free WiFi in both the rooms and public areas, generally quite reliable.
There is also wired ethernet in the rooms, so you can plug in your laptop (or create a private wifi network).

 

[Gardengirl605]

We love the GCH too. It makes the trip so special. We love the proximity, feel and pool area too. The pool lounges are great for taking a little afternoon nap.

 

[pmaurer74]

For now we chose to go with DLH. We may change it later. Any idea of when these resorts usually fill up by? Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[SeaDis]

Wow, thanks for correction! I was misinformed and begging not to get a daybed room. Although I will still try for the bunkbed.
Your maps are awesome, thanks!