Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian

[Collmal]

For us we love both, so now this is how we decide: Summer = Disneyland Hotel Winter = Grand Californian

That is a great idea! We may have to adopt that rule as well.

We have young kids still (one in a stroller), so the walk from DLH seemed very long. However, we normally stay at GCH, so that was our basis for comparison. When they are older like your boys, I think that will be less of an issue. I liked the much larger bathrooms at DLH for getting ready in the morning, and the water slides were so much fun! But I missed having a balcony like we do at GCH. We tend to spend a lot of time out there; during midday breaks and after the kids go to bed. It is also nice to walk off GRR soaking wet and walk directly into your hotel to change clothes!

 

[gottalovepluto]

It is also nice to walk off GRR soaking wet and walk directly into your hotel to change clothes!

LOVE that part about GCH! It's one of my favorite rides but I loathe walking around in wet clothes.

 

[larryz]

GCH has Disney theming in the rooms, but it's pretty subtle. DLH theming is a lot more obvious.

 

[Dukland]

I always stay at the GC only because we are DVC members and stay in a villa. I've stayed at the DLH many years ago, before the refurb, and thought it was nice. The GC is similar to the Wilderness Lodge at WDW, which is our home resort. You mentioned you're from the East Coast and if you go to WDW more often than DL, the Wilderness Lodge can give you a similar experience. I like the access to California Adventure from the GC. DLH is not that far away. Look on a map, you'd get a better idea. Friends of ours go to DL at least twice a year and always stay at the DLH and are always very pleased.

Is DVC worth it? I might look into that and try to talk my dh into that.

We stayed on property for the first time last month, staying at Paradise Pier. So, we've actually never stayed at GC or DLH. My vote would be for the GC because it is a very nice hotel (although, again, I've never been in the rooms) and because it's the closest to the parks.

Our first night walking back to PP, as we walked through GC to get there, my dh asked, "Why didn't we stay here, again?" We were dragging after a full day in 105 degree heat.

I found that the exclusive access to DCA from GC is not worth it, to us, at park opening. Both MM days we had at DCA we went to use the GC enterance. The first time it was all 5 of us and we waited in a large group of hotel guests. The second time it was just dd and I. I took one look at the huge line and detoured to the front of the DCA entrance. We were in front of the rope for several minutes before the large group of people from GC finally arrived to crowd in behind us.

It was definitely useful at all other times, though.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

When traveling I enjoy nice hotels so DVC is perfect for us. It's more than paid for itself. And getting to stay at the grand every time we visit the parks is so nice knowing it doesn't 'cost' us anything.

 

[Nonsuch]

Is DVC worth it? I might look into that and try to talk my dh into that.

Ownership at VGC has been great, and certainly "worth it"

Buying at VGC makes the most sense for guests that:

• Usually stay onsite (particularly GCH)
• Are able to plan DLR visits 11 months (or at least 7) in advance
• Visit DLR at least every 3 years

Learn more on the DVC forums and the VGC superthread

 

[cherice95403]

We are hands down Grand fans for three reasons:

1. LOCATION! I love being able to walk right in and out of the park. It's also a plus that the entrance is right in front of the rapid ride so if we get too wet, we can change.

2. Bunk beds. I have two kids (6, 8) and they LOVE sleeping in the bunk beds.

3. It's a beautiful, soothing ambiance. I just feel relaxed when I walk in. The DLH is more Disney, but we are in the park all day. We are definitely getting enough Disney.

 

[gmi3804]

Grand fan here. I think it's the most sumptuous and awe-inspiring Dianey property on either coast (with the runners-up being Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary at WDW). There's nothing like being able to walk right back in after two hours on your feet at WoC at the end of a long day. The "secret exit" deposits you right at the West Esplanade security check, and the decorative arts all around the property are simply gorgeous. Service glitches aren't the norm, and the rooms are exceedingly comfortable. Its theme is pure California. It offers a peaceful oasis away from the parks and it's coziness is miles away from the hustle-bustle of surrounding Anaheim.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

This coming February we are making our first trip to Disneyland since around 2000. We've been to Disney World four times in that span, staying at Port Orleans River Side, Polynesian and Yacht Club (twice). We were going to stay offsite at Disneyland but I'm thinking we may just splurge and stay at either DLH or GCH. For about the same price we can get a standard view room at GCH or a "premium" view room at DLH. Trying to decide between the two. Will just be my wife and I.

 

[disneyfan64]

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel last December and we loved it. We will be staying at the Grand Californian in August, so I can't say anything about the rooms yet. I would recommend Disneyland Hotel just because it was perfect for us and our family.

 

[thewelts]

We are a small family of three (our son is now 10). We rent DVC points and stay at the VGC in a studio unit. We have stayed at the Grand Californian 3 times and DLH once. We prefer the Grand for its location and DVC rooms. As many have stated, once you stay onsite, it is difficult to consider any other options.

Renting DVC points requires a lot of planning and research. We booked and paid for our upcoming December 2014 trip in January.

We have been thrilled with our trips!

 

[hjgaus]

Is DVC worth it? I might look into that and try to talk my dh into that.



Heck ya it's totally worth it ..... as I now sit in villa #3500(although not high enough for WOC) looking straight at the park view hearing people screaming from the fun rides!!! This is my 5th and final stay here @ VGC for this year & will NEVER regret being a DVC member!!!
I love the choices of cooking in a full kitchen/bbq (Made carne asada @ outside grill) or ordering room service (which we actually just did tonight - Pinacolava from bar?) As well as SO MUCH SPACE in the 2 bedroom!!
My older kids at 17 and 21 STILL enjoy being here which makes the villas a bonus for ALL!!!