Any one stay at any Disneyland hotels?

[Friend Owl]

We are taking a trip to Disneyland next year. Does any one have any info on any of the 3 hotels that are offered? We are a family of 5. I see that the Californian has a 1 & 2 bedroom suite. Do our points only cover a standard room? MS said that all rooms sleep 5 but gave me the impression it was a standard hotel room. Any info/recommendations is most welcomed. Thanks

 

[Lurker Geoff]

My family of 5 (at the time... we now have 6) stayed at the Grand Californian last fall. That place is AWESOME!!! It reminded me of a smaller version of the Wilderness Lodge in Orlando.

We had a 4 year old, a 2 year old and an infant and stayed in one of the standard studio hotel rooms. We used their pack n play for the baby and had the older kids share a bed.

While we fit in the room fine for sleeping, it was a bit cramped with all of our luggage. I can't complain because we spent most of our time away from the room. We did overlook downtown disney (very cool) and the hotel is walking distance to both MK and CA.

They have a nice themed pool and the character breakfast (i forget the name of the restaurant) was great (Chip & Dale ~ but when you go with kids any CB is great )

I highly recommend Toontown at the MK if you have small children (the one at Disneyland is much better than in Disney World) and we had a ball at California Adventure as well. They have a Bug's Life themed area for kids that is pretty cool.

I can't say I know much about DVC point exchanges for the standard rooms (we paid cash), but I've heard that it's never a great deal to use points for hotels.

Don't know about the other hotels, but I would DEFINITELY stay at the Grand Californian again.

Good Luck!

Geoff

 

[Dizzie]

We stayed at the DisneyLand Hotel in a standard room on points last October. We are a family of 5 (kids 7,4, 1). The room was clean and fairly large, we weren't cramped at all, even with the PNP for the baby. DL hotel also has a themed pool and a character breakfast, bedtime stories on the waterfall, etc. We enjoyed the stay. While we were riding Soaring Over CA, my DH took DS into the Grand California and he said that next time we would stay there based on the lobby theming. All of the hotels are within walking distance to both parks and DTD is right next to the hotels. We will probably go back in Feb 04.

I haven't seen anything about using points for the suites but it can't hurt to ask MS about it.

Enjoy!

 

[AZKathy]

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in 2000 on points. We are a family of five and we got this cute suite that had two queen beds, a day bed, and a wet bar area with a fridge. It was older, but clean and neat. This was before the Grand Californian opened during all their construction. The Neverland Pool was great area; I did find the pool on the chilly side for me, but the kids did not mind the temperature.

 

[SharonS]

I have stayed at both the DL hotel and the Grand Californian. I definitely liked the Grand better. It does remind you of WL, as it is the same architect. The rooms are bigger than WL.

I believe the rooms at the DL hotel are larger than at the Grand. DL has more of a themed pool. Grand has it's own entrance to California Adventure. It is quicker to walk to DL than take the monorail. Monorail more convenient to DL from DL Hotel.

The points to stay at any of the hotels are expensive. I did stay a few nights at the Grand on points. I think for our next trip out there I will try and get a discounted room and pay cash.

 

[dcmmgw]

You didn't say how old your kids are, but we stayed at the Grand Californian in 2001. At the time, you could only get a standard room on points. I think now, you can get larger rooms for more points. We are a family of five also with three DS's who were 16, 14 and 9 at the time. While the Grand is definitely a beautiful hotel and oh so convenient to California Adventure, the rooms were way too small for our family. We were sooo cramped and we kept tripping over each other. The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel are much larger and would probably be a better choice if your kids are older. If they are little, than I'm sure the GC would be fine. They have rooms with triple bunk beds, but there is a size limit on them (they are not regular twin bunks, they're shorter)

 

[TnRobin]

We also stayed at the Grand Californian. It was awesome. We had a standard room with bunkbeds. It had a queen bed for the adults. a Set of bunk beds and a twin size mattress trundle bed (which stored under the bunks). this set up gave us more floor space.

I would stay at the Grand Californian on points any time.

 

[JimC]

We have been to Grand Californian twice, once with DCA view and once with DD view (that also gave us perfect view of the DL fireworks). The hotel is fabulous, but pricey. The theming is as good as any at WDW, even AKL. The private entrance into DCA is nice. Wait to you see the lobby!

We plan to return in 2005 and might use points. Check out the concierge service as well. I am not sure which is the better deal.

I think you can only get standard rooms with the various views or concierge level. I don't believe that suites are available with points, but it never hurts to ask.

Young kids might enjoy the DL Hotel more as I believe its pool area is the best and largest of the three (5000 sq ft pool with 100 foot slide and a pirate ship). The DL hotel has the largest rooms. Ask about concierge level there as well.

I would check with Dreams Unlimited to see what kind of rates or package they can get you. Its likely to be a better deal than using points.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Friend Owl]

thanks to all who answered! We have 3 DD (15,13,8). My husband thinks we'll end up getting 2 rooms. Too many hormones for him in one room! I'll keep you posted.

 

[RLevy29]

We stayed at the Grand Californian and it was well worth the points. We had a standard view room which overlooked the monorail. The GC is right inside California Adventure and a 5 minute walk to Disneyland Park.

 

[castleri]

Stayed at GC and DLH -3 days each in 2001. Had standard room at GC and while the whole place is impressive and wonderful would take DLH if we go again . The GC room was two beds and they sent up an air pad (not mattress) and sleeping bag - the mini frig was stocked with only room for 1-2 sodas extra at most. I went to the desk at the DLH and requested a rollaway be added to the ressie the first night we stayed at the GC and was told no problem and no extra charge. The room we eneded up woth had two queen beds and a full size day bed so we ended up sending the roll-a-way back. It also had the wet bar and a wonderful view overlooking the pool and wedding areas. Glad we tried the GC but wouldn't pay the extra again for it. Everything there is within easy walking distance so didn't find one to be more advantageous that another.