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