Disney Hotel Opinions

[Blackunicorn]

Well, I was planning this year's vacation at PPH, as usual, when my hubby dub threw me for a loop and suggested that we go ahead and stay at the Grand Californian. I've been pushing to try the DLH, but, wow! The GC! It would be a heck of a way to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Here's what I'm hoping to get help with: What hotel do you like? Why? (I'm really interested in hearing all the reasons why.) Are there certain things that would help make our 15th special? Are there any advantages to staying there for a family with kids of 11 and 6?

And I've heard conflicting things about these hotels. Is parking free at all of the hotels? Is pool hopping allowed at all of the hotels? Does the GC have a good view in all of the rooms, or do you have to pay extra for a view? I've heard that some of the rooms have balconies--is that true? We've previously been cheap travelers (as cheap as you can at a Disney property, anyway!).

 

[JC Butterfly]

Well the advantages to staying there are that you literally can't get any closer to the theme parks. This is the most beautifully themed resort in my opinion. You would have to pay a little more to get a "theme park" view but I imagine that all views in this hotel are quite lovely due to the landscaping.

I don't think pool hopping is allowed but you probably wouldn't want to leave this pool area anyway!

Also, I thought that the balconies weren't the kind where you can stand outside on them but rather there is a door that opens to the outside and you can look out (from inside your hotel room).

There is a Romance Package add on that includes a spa visit an evening out to dinner, two pins, etc but I don't know what the cost of the add on is.

Otherwise you could certainly make your own arrangements at the spa or romantic dinner if you prefer.

When you stay on property you have access to the vacation planners who can arrange for gift basket delivery, flowers, gifts, etc that would help make the 15th anniversary special. Arrange for child care if you are comfortable with such a thing.

 

[p-nut]

WE have stayed at all three Disneyland hotels. Just got back from Grand Californian and I have to say it is my favorite. We had a standard view room. Our view was of the monorail going by. We did have a balcony we could sit on. If I had my choice I would not stay any where else. I like the restaraunts. I like the closeness to the parks and downtown Disney. I love the atmosphere. The piano player in the lobby, the fire place. It is beautiful. Parking is included in the hotel fee(which is added to your bill) unless you use valet.

 

[Blackunicorn]

Parking is included in the hotel fee(which is added to your bill) unless you use valet.

What is the hotel fee? I haven't paid that at the PPH.

 

[karylrocks]

I thought that all the DLR hotels had the hotel fee; I know that the Disneyland Hotel does. You have probably paid it without realizing it was an extra charge since it is added to your bill along with tax.

 

[Blackunicorn]

Okay. I did some research at disneyland.com, and all of the hotels have a $10 per day "resort fee" which includes, among other things, parking and a newspaper. I wasn't able to find any information on the cost for valet parking at GC. I used DVC points last year, and I wasn't asked to pay one penny for a resort fee, so either it's included in the points, or it wasn't in effect then.

 

[boscoj]

I know that if you book through certain travel agents like getawaytoday.com, they negotiate with the hotels to waive the parking fee. Their packages are fairly reasonable!

 

[Az Pirates]

Okay. I did some research at disneyland.com, and all of the hotels have a $10 per day "resort fee" which includes, among other things, parking and a newspaper. I wasn't able to find any information on the cost for valet parking at GC. I used DVC points last year, and I wasn't asked to pay one penny for a resort fee, so either it's included in the points, or it wasn't in effect then.

It's been awhile since we stayed at the GC, but valet parking was $12.00 per day - that is in addition to the $10.00 resort fee and any tips for valet service.

As for views, I don't remember how they have it structured price-wise, but you could get a view of DCA, a view of the pool area, a view of the courtyard where the monorail goes by, or a view of downtown Disney.

When we stayed at the DL hotel last weekend we were told we could use the pool at the GC - but only because parts of the pool area were closed at our hotel. Normally I don't think pool hopping is allowed.

 

[only1mouse]

Grand Californian is definitely our favorite! The hotel itself is beautiful and the closeness to the parks is unbeatable. This is the only Disney hotel that you have a balcony, and there was two chairs and a small table. We paid for a Standard View room and asked for an upgrade when we arrived - we did get a DTD view and it was great to sit on balcony and watch everyone down below. Whitewater snacks is a wonderful place. The lobby is gorgeous!! to say the least. The pools were relaxing and fun - one does have a slide for the kids. As for pool hopping - I've heard mixed, but we were able to hop to the other two hotels if we chose to, whereas the GCH pools are exclusive for GCH guests (DLH and PP could pool hop, but they could not use GC), again this was in 2003 and things may have changed.

It is more expensive, and when my friend and I started making our "moms" only trips we were cheap - stayed offsite, couldn't imagine paying more than 100/night for a room - We stayed at the PP last year and weren't happy at all - we've been spoiled now and it's hard to NOT justify it! We won't stay anywhere other than the GCH!!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Well, upon further discussion, everyone likes the idea of staying at GC, but no one likes the prices.

Now the family is split straight down the middle between the DLH and PPH. Some people feel that they know and like the PPH, and aren't willing to try anything new. >>>Sigh<<<

 

[karylrocks]

I have stayed at the PP (when it was Disney Pacific) and visited the DLH. We got such a good deal at the time for PP so we stayed there instead of DLH, but I sure wish we could have stayed at DLH. I have wanted to stay at DLH since I was a kid, and this trip we are definitely staying there. The theming is so beautiful, and the Neverland Pool! You have already tried PP; I vote for DLH. OK, so my vote doesn't count in your family, but in mine it counts 51%, and everyone else together gets 49%.

 

[safetymom]

The PP is like an overpriced no name hotel. We didn't care for it. The rooms had a nautical theme but not much in the rest of the hotel. No onsite laundry, the food was limited in the restaurant.

 

[GrumpyCAdad]

I have stayed at PP and GC, and we are staying at the GC again April 10-13. My family loved it when we stayed there last time.