Disney Hotels in California.

[Skallywag]

Just wonder if anyone could help us with information on these hotels. We are hoping to book one prior to our panama cruise next year but are confused by all the different locations.

Of the three hotedls we rather liked the Grand Californian but would welcome advice. Also what are the best rooms to ask for and what extras do you receive with the Concierge service and is it worth the points.
thank you for your help.

 

[Chic]

The Grand Californian is absolutely fabulous. There are basically 3 category room types: Standard view(Parking Lot, pool, or courtyard), Downtown Disney view, and Theme Park view. I personally prefer the Downtown Disney view but the most expensive is the Theme Park view. This view overlooks California Adventure, not Disneyland. I've never used my DVC points to stay here. Instead, I've always received great rates and free 3 day park hopper tickets for each person staying in my room from www.getawaytoday.com I haven't found any agency that can match their rates. Hope this helps.

 

[drag n' fly]

The GC is the nicest. The theme park view is breathtaking at night. This is what concierge offers..

• an extra $150 per night (plus 15% sales tax) on top of room rate
• Access to the Craftsman's Club on the 6th floor (open from 6:30am to 10pm)
• Access to the Club Patio on the 5th floor
• Continental breakfast in the Craftsman's Club from 6:30am to 10am
• Wine & cheese reception in the Craftsman's Club from 5pm to 7pm
• Nightly turn-down service
• Complimentary beverage service in the Craftsman's Club throughout the day (coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks)
• Exclusive elevator access to the Craftsman's Club
• DVD Player in each room
• Complimentary movie rentals
• Table games available for use in the Craftsman's Club
• Complimentary fax services in the Craftsman's Club
• Dining and tour reservation services
• Children's storytelling – "Tales from the Hearth" (hours vary)

Is it worth the points? I have no idea as we are dvc wannabe's. I am sure the the vets could answer that though.

 

[ACDSNY]

I love the style of the GC; however, the rooms are slightly smaller than the DLH so that might be a consideration depending on how many people are traveling with you. I've used points for a few of our trips since we typically travel in the off season, Sun - Thurs so the points were the better deal.

 

[Skallywag]

Thank you so much for your help everyone it is so appreciated There are just the two of us travelling and I do not like the high rise buildings and this hotel looks nice. Just have not been able to find exactly what you get for concierge and thank you so much for that information too.

Will have a go on that website and see what prices they come up as.

Thank you once again.
Brenda

 

[DIS-NH]

Recently back from a few days at the DLH. We loved it. Using DVC points we got a standard view (looking out to the parking lots, and partial view of DCA and I could also see Angels Stadium in the distance). The room was nice, clean and comfortable. We were in the buiding farthest from the DTD walkway, and were still only a 5 minute walk to the monorail station. We did not care about the view, but had the option of getting a room that looks out onto DTD and the parks. I know this would have used more points but I'm not sure how many more.

Speaking of the monorail....It was very nice to have the transportation that close. You will not need to wait in the long (very long) lines at the park main entrance, and it's a nice 5-8 minute ride into Tomorowland. Also, the hotel is directly next to the ESPN Zone and the Rainforest Cafe (I highly recomend the RFC for breakfast !!).

The Peter Pan themed pool is very nice, but can also be very crowded. There is a nice large queit pool area located near the business center (this is a convention hotel...) that was always empty.

The Character Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen was top notch. There are clear differences in the food offereings at the buffets as well as throughout the parks. Many more fresh food and fruit available in CA.

Enjoy

 

[disneymom8589]

The GC is gorgeous with subtle Disney theming. DLH has more of a Disney feel to it. I haven't been to Paradise Pier since they remodeled, so I can't give you much information on it. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, though!!

 

[beachblanket]

I love the style of the GC; however, the rooms are slightly smaller than the DLH so that might be a consideration depending on how many people are traveling with you.

I can second this. My family of four stayed at the GC in park view room in August 2003. Compared to every other Disney room or villa we'd ever stayed in, it was not just "slightly" smaller, it was tiny.

Also, be warned that "park view" is a code for "you can see someting in California Adventure, but it is often a quarter mile away over a line of dumpsters."

 

[DaveT1]

We stayed at the GC and really liked it. We had a Downtown Disney view and it was nice. I wouldn't sweat it too much though as we weren't in the room much and could have gotten by with anything. Walking into both parks from here was super easy.

On to better things, eating...... we really enjoyed our dinner at Blue Bayou. Food wise it was some of the best we have had, on par with California Grill and Jiko, you can request a table by the water if you are willing to wait. Just make sure you make a reservation if you want to go here as we went offseason but they were turning people away if they didn't have one.

Dinner at Steakhouse 55 was good also, but not as good. The breakfast was wonderful there though and we walked over quite a few mornings to the DLH just for that.

 

[dwelty]

I can second this. My family of four stayed at the GC in park view room in August 2003. Compared to every other Disney room or villa we'd ever stayed in, it was not just "slightly" smaller, it was tiny.

Also, be warned that "park view" is a code for "you can see someting in California Adventure, but it is often a quarter mile away over a line of dumpsters."

Beware, I don't know exactly why he posted this picture, but this IS NOT a picture taken from the Grand Californian. In addition, the rooms in the GCH are exactly the same size as the standard Wilderness Lodge rooms or Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms, as well as the same basic layout. (Same person designed all three locations). Also, there are no dumpsters between any GCH room and a park view.

 

[StormalongKay]

Our family of 5 stayed in the GC for 3 nights last month. It was our first visit to DL and during my planning, I leaned toward the GC as well but was open to the other Disney hotels.

We were very glad we went with the GC. Only took a standard view room, and didn't use my points. We had a view of the monorail passing the outside of the building, which my kids loved. It wasn't noisy so it didn't bother us. The kids loved the bunk beds with trundle in the room. My husband and I loved the whole feel of the resort.

The pool area was something special. The main pool has a redwood water slide and some currents in the water. The lounges near the pool are some of the comfiest on Disney property.

Another thing you should consider is that the resort has a direct entrance to CA - right off the lobby. On our day in CA, we dodged back into the room before riding Grizzly Rapids and put on our bathing suits. Getting off, we went straight to the pool Very convenient!

We love our DVC rooms - but were pleasantly surprised by the GC!