Disney Hotel vs Grand California for Honeymoon

[DreamtheImpossible]

*Note: Oops, *Grand Californian

Hi everyone! My fiance and I are getting married in March 2013 (March 2nd) and would like to celebrate with a Disneymoon! We'd likely be gone the 4th-9th...problem is, we're not sure which hotel is best suited for our needs!!!

Here's some of the things weighing in on us.

-Proximity both to main gate and to the monorail. (I ALWAYS start my vacation walking beneath Walt's sign.)

-Rooms: Prettier? Larger? More comfortable?
-Possible views
-Price? (Yes...GC is more expensive. )
-Pool!
-Romantic atmosphere...

And anything else that you lovely DISer's can think of.

Thanks!!!
Dream

 

[taaren]

The GCH is closer to the main gate and has its own gate to CA. You can't beat that for distance.

The rooms at DLH are larger (except for the villas at GC). I think the GC rooms are prettier but they're both beautiful, one is craftsman decor and the other is more "Disney" emphasis. Either way you can get a DTD view or a pool view ...

Pool at DLH now that its been renovated is nicer. I much prefer the slides over there, they're fun and tall!

Honestly, for a honeymoon I'd go with the GCH (might even want to think about renting a villa reservation from a DVC member [not me] if price is a concern since you're more than 11 months out). Its the more "adult" of the two, more elegant, and more romantic, with a spa on property, etc. Disneyland Hotel my DS5 loved, but it has that fun, kid feel to it (though there are some very elegant and understated touches).

Both are great choices though with fabulous service and will leave you feeling pampered. You really can't go wrong between the two.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Honestly, for a honeymoon I'd go with the GCH (might even want to think about renting a villa reservation from a DVC member [not me] if price is a concern since you're more than 11 months out). Its the more "adult" of the two, more elegant, and more romantic, with a spa on property, etc.

A 1-bedroom villa would make an excellent honeymoon suite
Renting points is not only more economical, but also the only way book specific dates far in advance. Points can be rented directly from owners, or through third parties (like board sponsor David's Rentals). VGC can be booked 11 months from the check in date, so book 1 month from now.

 

[DreamtheImpossible]

How much more expensive are the villa's per night??

 

[taaren]

How much more expensive are the villa's per night??

Villas usually rent at $10-$12 per point. It looks like the week you want is Magic Season, and studios run from 26 points for a week night to 32 for a weekend night. Here's the points chart. One bedrooms are 52 points for weeknights that week. So a studio could run you from $260 to $312, depending on the price you agree on with the owner, possibly somewhere in the middle. No housekeeping, but that is taxes/parking/etc inclusive.

 

[tdashgirl]

I would also vote for GCH over DLH for a honeymoon

 

[Nonsuch]

How much more expensive are the villa's per night??

What is your hotel budget?
When estimating costs, remember hotel rooms have a 17% room tax and rented points do not.

Renting points a villa is often cheaper than paying cash for a similar hotel room
A studio villa has a better floorplan than a standard hotel room, and most studios have a view (including one of the best views of any room in the resort).
A 1-bedroom has a better floorplan than a 1-bedroom hotel suite, with 2 full baths and a full kitchen.

 

[redboxcar]

I might as well jump on board here and agree with the previous suggestions.

I would vote for the Villas at Grand Californian because it does have a touch more romance, plus renting points from a DVC member could save you tons of money!

 

[Disneyland1084]

Once you stay at the Grand Californian hotel, there's no staying anywhere else. I've stayed at the DL hotel a few times over the years and never really cared for it, but it may be better once the renovations are done.

 

[krispin41]

I've never stayed at either, however (Only the PP), the GCH is GORGEOUS. To add a bit of romance, you can add an in-room celebration. I have a link to ours in my signature. My last trip was my DHs first, and our first anniversary. He was really surprised to say the least!!