We have stayed both on site and off, and I can honestly say there is no comparison, especially if you can afford staying on site. The convience of walking back to your room quickly for a rest or out to downtown disney for a quick snack or dinner is great and the magic never leaves you. We stayed at GCH about 2 years ago for the first time, not a park view, and after we did we bought into the DVC program because we just couldn't imagine not staying on site again. We love, love, love our DVC villas. Between a park view and a standard, unless you get a prime park view (and it is a gamble - some are prime and some are just ok with more of a peak of the park) and you are back in your room a lot to enjoy the view, I would go with a standard view, it is just a view looking out towards the Pier and
Disneyland Hotel or I believe it can also be a courtyard view where the monorail rolls through (this view looks very relaxing but not the view we had). We have never done the Downtown Disney view and if noise is not an issue I think it might be a fun room to have, especially on the weekend when the music is playing downtown and you are sitting on the deck enjoying a glass of wine after the kids are out for the night.
We too will be there at that time, we arrive on the 10th of June and are staying until the 27th in a 2 bedroom Villa, if you want come take a peek of the view and let me sell you on the DVC program.

Don't forget the 6th floor World of Color viewing deck that is available to all hotel guest with your room key, it isn't the same as watching from the ground but it is a worth trying once and on the 4th or 5th floor there is a terrace that looks over the pools and Calif. Adventure park towards tower of terror/grizzly river run that is covered (I believe) with several tables to sit and enjoy a dinner, a snack or just visit and take in the view, you must walk around that floor to find it though, kinda tucked away. There is also a fire place that is in the lobby or on the back side of that area there is a nice little cove outside with a fire and some seats to sit and visit. Ok I guess I have gone on enough, enjoy your visit......
