Compare Disneyland Hotel with Grand California

DVCfan7

Earning My Ears
Joined
Nov 9, 2023
Messages
18
Hi, would anyone give me some tips/hints on which resort would be better? I've found that both are similar in cost/points when added in taxes. Thank you.
 
Hi, would anyone give me some tips/hints on which resort would be better? I've found that both are similar in cost/points when added in taxes. Thank you.
Disney’s Grand Californian is currently under refurbs, so if you’re looking at the better option from that standpoint, you may want to go for the Disneyland Hotel.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is more of a celebration of the state than Disneyland Hotel, which leans more on elegance rather than theming. Grand Californian also has an exclusive DCA entrance, which will remain open even after Pixar Place Hotel closes its entrance. Disneyland Hotel doesn’t have that.
 
It depends on what your priorities are. I think most people will recommend the Grand if it is affordable.
  • GCH is closer to the parks with an entrance directly from the hotel into DCA. DLH is farther away - You'll either walk through Downtown Disney to access the parks or take the monorail from DTD to Tomorrowland in Disneyland. The monorail at Disneyland is an attraction, not a mode of transportation. It doesn't run before park opening or when it is hot outside (no AC).
  • Many with small children prefer the pool at DLH.
  • Some complain that the lobby in GCH is more crowded and noisy.
  • Some complain about the walk from DLH to the parks.
 
I assume you’re talking about the DVC accommodations.

We prefer the rooms themselves at Disneyland hotel however everything else at grand Californian.

It is very true that when you factor in point cost and the transient tax they are very close.
 

better is so determinate upon what is important to YOU

I've stayed at both and here are my PERSONAL thoughts

pros to DLH:
bigger rooms that feel real magical with light up musical headboards and the dark blue carpet
love the tropical theming around the pool and the food options from the pool service better
better pool with a better slide (monorail slides)
the magical nostalgic feel and pictures around the lobby
whimsical

cons to DLH:
the walk is longer and at the end of the night you really feel it
the pool scene is overall louder by far

pros to the Grand Californian:
the rooms are plush and the views are better from most (woods/courtyard view, i.e. monorail view and sometimes a great partial theme park view, i.e. DCA)
the overall feel of the hotel and lobby feels more all encompassing and the lobby feels like a place to spend time
proximity!!!!! private entrance to DCA and very close to the entrance to DL
for me, the staff is better/more friendly here
the pool is very relaxing, better loungers and also better cabanas (I have only had a cabana at the GCH but from pics and videos they look way nicer than the DLH cabanas)
there are REALLY good restaurants
viewing decl into DCA/World of Color
the smell

cons to GCH:
expensive

overall, the FEELING, unmistakable vibe that exists and permeates your psych and soul at the GCH is undeniable
 

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