Disney Land Resorts Question

[RLAlden]

We're planning a trip to CA next summer. Has anyone stayed at the Disney California resorts, using points or with cash? If so, how do they compare with WDW Resorts? Is it as big a benefit to stay on the grounds (early entry, transportation, etc...) out there? Also, are all of their rooms studio-style, or do they have some that could sleep 5-6? Thanks...

 

[mistyron]

Just got back from Disneyland. We stayed at the Grand Californian on DVC points. Don't recall the exact number of points required. This resort is fabulous. The NAPA Rose restaurant was great. Both parks are within walking distance. We didn't use the monorail b/c it was so close. The hotel has a direct entrance through downtown disney and also a direct entrance to California Adventure. I highly recommend it.

 

[Jimbo]

LuxuryLink (www.luxurylink.com) is a high-end travel auction suite. They often auction off packages for the Grand Californian. We've bought a Scotland and a Bermuda package from them, so I know that they are very reputable.

In fact, I see they have a three-day package up for bid right now at http://www.luxurylink.com/Auctions/Auction.phtml?id=43679

 

[allforpooh]

We stayed at the Grand Cal in April for Spring Break, they were having a special pay for 3 nights get 4 nights(tickets included) so it was a better deal for us at the time to pay cash. We loved GC it has a perfect location and it has the feel of the WL at WDW.

We also got unlimited fastpasses with the package so we didn't have any problems riding the most popular rides as much as we wanted.

My DD loved the evening story telling in the main hall...


Denise

 

[allforpooh]

Just an additional note, it is my understanding that the Disneyland Hotel has much larger rooms. We had 4 in our room at the GC myself, DH, DD 17, DD10 and we had plenty of room. The room we had was similar to a deluxe at WDW.

Denise

 

[La2kw]

We live 90 minutes from Disneyland, so have stayed at all the resorts more than once. The only one built by Disney is the Grand Californian. The other two were built by other hotel companies and bought by Disney a few years ago. I would recommend the Grand Californian to anyone who is used to WDW since it is the only one of that caliber. The other's are fine, but not what you are used to if you are a WDW veteran. Disneyland is in an urban area, so is very different than WDW. Your best transportation option is walking, and the Grand Californian is smack in the center of things, so it's not a problem. Even though it is surrounded by theme parks and Downtown Disney, you will be surprised how quiet and relaxed it is. I do recommend a room overlooking the "Brisa Courtyard" or DCA. The ones overlooking DD can be loud (picture the boardwalk resort built on top of DD instead of the quiet Boardwalk, and that's what you get).

If you have kids, there are rooms with a bunkbed and a small trundle that will sleep 5. These are great rooms. The service is very much like concierge and includes coffeemakers, robes, and even turndown service in the standard rooms.

Napa Rose, Storyteller's Cafe (great buffet breakfast with Chip & Dale), and Whitewater Snacks (fast food) are all very good places to eat. DD is right outside the hotel and has additional choices for dining such as HOB, RFC, and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (which I recommend).

 

[ceejay13]

We have stayed at the GC 4 times, so it's probably evident that we love the hotel. One time we used points and the others we paid cash. We have also stayed at the DLH (Disneyland Hotel). The DLH rooms may be slightly bigger but I agree with the other posters that the GC is a much better choice. We have had a DD view twice and a theme park view twice. Both are great and really immerse you in the magic of Disney. Last December we had a DD view and when we opened our patio, you could hear the Christmas carols and you could watch the shoppers. They had the lobby beautifully decorated and Santa was out with the kids. The theme park view is probably my favorite, however, as you can watch the goings on at DCA night and day. When the patio is closed the rooms are very quiet, so you don't get any outside noice. As stated previously, Napa Rose is a great restaurant if you want something special. Being able to walk out of your hotel and into the park is something you can't even do at WDW. I love my DVC resorts at WDW, but the GC is my favorite Disney hotel. I like it even better than the GF. We are going back next spring and can't wait.

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by allforpooh
We stayed at the Grand Cal in April for Spring Break, they were having a special pay for 3 nights get 4 nights(tickets included) so it was a better deal for us at the time to pay cash. We loved GC it has a perfect location and it has the feel of the WL at WDW.

We also got unlimited fastpasses with the package so we didn't have any problems riding the most popular rides as much as we wanted.

May I ask where did you find this package? Was it through a travel agent or was it limited to certain people? It does sound great!

 

[emacman]

I've stayed at all three on cash never used points. I think Grand Californian is very comparable to grand Floridian. Disney land is like Poly, Contemp, Wilderness Lodge. Paradise Pier is like CBR, DXL, CSR, etc.
All are worth the money with the prime reason location, location, location! You can literally enter Cal. Adventure from GC.
Additionally there is a really neat charm to DL that WDW doesn't seem to have because of size. Good luck!

 

[Hulabaloo]

We were there in Feb for three days, We used points and it was a little steep, but well worth it, great resort reminds me of the wilderness lodge a bit and the storybook cafe was great, and it is a character breakfast with no extra charges....

you just order off the menu, or you can eat their buffet. much cheaper than wdw character dining, the express entrances to downtown disney and california adventure sure are nice.

enjoy