Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian

[ParkHopper1]

Also have any of you dined at Napa Rose and if so what did you think of it.

Best food at the resort.

 

[whoever]

Funny, the only time I even popped back to the hotel to drop something off was when we stayed at PPH. Our room at GCH was almost at the very end of the last hallway so it seemed SO far!

I've been pretty lucky with room locations at the grand. Twice now I've stayed mere steps from the DCA entrance and LOVED this aspect.

 

[meggles]

For all of you who have stayed at GCH did you guys spend alot of resort time, and if so what did you do and enjoy. Also have any of you dined at Napa Rose and if so what did you think of it.

We did spend a fair amount of time doing resort-y things. My kids loved the little chairs and cartoons in the lobby, they did the scavenger hunt and disney trivia games (hint: do the little mermaid trivia during EMH when you can ride a few times in a row with zero wait), we got food and drinks from the Hearthstone and took them to the area in front of the big fireplace, and we enjoyed the pools and hot tubs. Planning on doing a movie night, mandara spa, and possibly Pinocchio's workshop/Napa rose date next time.

The difference between staying onsite and offsite is incredible. I didn't get it until we stayed at the Grand. Now the parks and DTD is just half the experience. I totally understand the "disney bubble" idea now. Can't wait to get back...unfortunately not until next fall...

 

[MommyJKM]

For all of you who have stayed at GCH did you guys spend alot of resort time, and if so what did you do and enjoy. Also have any of you dined at Napa Rose and if so what did you think of it.

We stay at GCH 50% because we like spending time there and 50% because of proximity. Usually fly in a day before we even go to the parks. In warmer times we do a cabana at the pool (make sure you book as soon as you know your dates), Daddy naps and DD5 and I go to the Mandara for pedicures, dinner at Napa (Chef's Counter IS amazing, but if we have my DD we just do lounge or standard seating) and either movie on the lawn as PP said or WOC viewing area with a glass of wine brought from Hearthstone Lounge.

The next morning I like to do the free yoga on the lawn class or the private walk through DCA (don't forget to leave your phone in the room) before heading to Early Entry. A lot of people don't like the GCH entry but I've never encountered a line that took longer than 15 minutes. It's a great way to grab your WOC Fast Pass if not doing a dining package.

In cooler months the day before park day it's lovely to hang out in the lobby and get hot chocolate and appetizers from Hearthstone. There's also the Art of the Craft Tour (make sure you book ahead of time so they don't cancel it) and at Disneyland Hotel the Happiest Hotel on Earth tour.

In warm months, the afternoon break for swimming is just beyond convenient! It's amazing how much time you save walking only upstairs to change.
In cooler months a nice nap. If no nap, we can leave and go upstairs and change into warm clothes in less than 10 minutes, so I don't have to bring anything with me to the parks.

Another great perk (at all DLR hotels) is sending your purchases to the hotel for the next day pick up. We're out of stroller age so it's nice not to have to drag bags of souviniers around the park.

I'm also a REALLY big fan of GCH door ordering room service. They have a doorknob hanging menu and you choose what you want and hang it outside and the next morning at your chosen time the breakfast and hot coffee come! It's our family's way of getting going quicker in the morning. My DD watches the Princess Channel and eats while we adults get ready. Then you bypass the line at Hearthstone for coffee.

Guess what my vote is?

 

[sparkysfriends]

Grand Californian is my favorite.

 

[IronCloud]

All of your experiences at GCH sound great! So, is the walk across California Adventure a free activity or is it like a tour, also is the WOC viewing area for everyone or just DVC?

 

[whoever]

All of your experiences at GCH sound great! So, is the walk across California Adventure a free activity or is it like a tour, also is the WOC viewing area for everyone or just DVC?

The WOC viewing deck works for anybody with a GCH room key. The view is not so great though. Check out my 2011 TR in my sig for some pics for reference.

 

[Metalliman98]

The only problem with PPH are the elevators, only one bank of elevators for the entire hotel. When it gets super busy, sometimes CMs will take you to the service elevators.

This. We've stayed at PPH before.....never again, because of the elevators. The wait in the morning is ridiculous, and God help you if you are staying between 3rd and 6th floors. You can easily wait 10-15 minutes before getting an elevator that isn't full. And of course, there are stupidly no stairs to walk down.

Never again. Even if it was free.

 

[arcadiandj]

Data point of one: GCH. Will do DLH over thanksgiving. My wife wanted to do GCH again, because of the proximity-if you want a nap, it's so close, you don't lose much time at all. But when we began to talk to others about the other on property hotels, we began to rethink the value. GCH is quite expensive. For now, what I liked/didn't like:

The rooms were great-a tad on the small side, but really everything about the decor was lovely and very well done. The bathroom was particularly nice. And I really loved the balcony. A very nice place to sit, play some music while the family did their outing prep, and a great way to just soak in the California weather. A nice view of the grounds and the monorail as well. There was a bit of a walk to the room, but I only mention that because others have. It didn't stick out to me before. Lots of lovely chocolates given out by housekeeping to help us feel special. And the product was nice as well-a very special scent.

The grounds were awesome. Very high end and remarkably themed. I enjoyed looking at the architecture, furnishings, etc... which help make the experience special. The bar is very nice and of course the restaurants are really something. My sister and her boys loved the Storyteller's cafe, They were surprised by character interactions and the food was perfect for the boys. The boys and I spent some time at the pools one day, and you could totally make a day of that, but I kept thinking that I wouldn't be going to DL to spend time at a pool. My wife and sister spent an afternoon at the spa and said nothing but good things about their experience, although I get the impression the experience was miniature in comparison to other experiences my wife has discussed out here around Phoenix.

What I didn't like? Nothing really comes to mind other than the price. The proximity to the park is it's strong point in my opinion, but this year, we will be trying some other hotels that are also close, and given that I go to DL for the parks, I'm guessing I'm not going to be tempted back to GCH anytime soon. So I guess if you can afford it, GCH will shine. More on DLH soon

 

[MommyJKM]

All of your experiences at GCH sound great! So, is the walk across California Adventure a free activity or is it like a tour, also is the WOC viewing area for everyone or just DVC?

The DCA walk is an early morning exercise walk through DCA before the park opens. It's really a lovely way to start your day. The music is on and some of the rides are being tested and you're the only people other than CM's in the park! They do NOT let you bring your phone for pics so that's why I said leave it in the room.

The WOC balcony is for all GCH guests. As @whoever said, it's not an ideal way to see it, but if you've seen WOC before and just want the sounds and light it's a nice spot.

 

[KalamityJane]

I'm glad you asked this We usually stay at the Grand in the DVC wing, but have stayed DLH before. If you have a standard room at the GCH, ask for a room on the bottom floor in the DVC wing. It's not well known but there are standard hotel rooms there that face Goofy's coaster and are SUPER convenient. No wait for elevators, no walking through endless hallways and that wing is newer so the rooms are not as worn. I LOVE the convenience of the Grand with kids. We spend more time at DCA, so it works well for us.

DLH I think we hit at the wrong time, I was 5 mo pregnant, it was super hot the few days we were there and the walk felt endless. The water in the pools was really cold despite the heat outside too. We did love the huge rooms in comparison to the GCH, and Tangaroa Terrace, cheap, great food. The kids loved the slides, it was just pretty cold for me personally. It wasn't as bustling as GCH lobby, it felt a lot quieter and more sterile (I know!!).

We do have a stay booked at the DLH end of January so here's to hoping we have a better experience.

 

[meggles]

If you have a standard room at the GCH, ask for a room on the bottom floor in the DVC wing. It's not well known but there are standard hotel rooms there that face Goofy's coaster and are SUPER convenient. No wait for elevators, no walking through endless hallways and that wing is newer so the rooms are not as worn.

This was exactly where our room was! We were on the second floor and our balcony looked over DCA right by Goofy's. We could see partial views of Mickey's fun wheel and silly symphony swings in addition to some of the WOC lights at night. It was a lovely room, elevators were the fastest I've experienced in any hotel ever, and was a short jaunt up from the pool and lobby. Highly recommended!!

 

[cruisehopeful]

For all of you who have stayed at GCH did you guys spend alot of resort time, and if so what did you do and enjoy. Also have any of you dined at Napa Rose and if so what did you think of it.

I have stayed a handful of times and hardly spent anytime at the resort. We really just used the room for a shower and a snooze. So, I now stay in much cheaper places and just go there during the day for a drink and to visit the gift shops. I haven't eaten in Napa Rose, yet.

The main thing I miss about staying there is when we get soaked on Grizzly Rapids - it was really easy to go change clothes and come right back. I'm sure I'll stay there again sometime in the future.