Disneyland Hotel vs. Grand Californian

[bearette]

I've stayed in all three. Paradise pier, for the money I would stay off site.

in the summer, DH because it has a better pool and you can taken the monorail into Disneyland and you can cut through the GCH to use Their entrance, though if you have a lot of stuff or a stroller I don't recommend it as they search you going into the hotel and then again going into the park.

GCH if you can afford it during the holidays, as it has the best decorations and location. In winter for the better pool (jacuzzi) and Christmas atmosphere you need to be at GCH. I stayed in January and while I wouldn't say it was warm I could swim. (From CA so I still thought it was cold, but on a warmer day you can get in the main pool.)

 

[avalon451]

We’ve stayed at both- our first family trip was GCH. Then I had several solo or couples trips where I stayed across Harbor. Then, our last family trip last September, we did DLH. I loved them both, but I gotta tell you, the walk to and from DLH was a killer. It probably seemed worse because it was so hot that week- mid to high 90’s- we were usually sweating by the time we got to security. I’m in great shape, so it wasn’t that- it just seemed so far especially after a long day. But, we had nice rooms, good service, and really enjoyed the pool area and restaurants. If I had younger kids for whom the pools were a big draw, DLH would probably be my choice.

If I had unlimited funds, I’d stay at GCH. But it just kills me to pay $500- $700 a night for a 2 queen room. Especially when I can stay across the street, which depending on the location of your room at GCH, could be even closer, for less than $200 a night.

 

[interstate70s]

I've stayed at all 3. Paradise Pier never again! Grand Californian is my favorite but the Disneyland Hotel is great too. I like the Disneyland Hotel in the summer for its tropical vibe but the Grand Californian no contest around the holidays. As far as the walk, DCA is closer at the Grand. But depending on your room location the difference to Disneyland could be negligible between the two. Also, Our family usually walks in the morning from the DLH but you can take the monorail back for breaks. I've stayed at a lot of hotels on Harbor usually between the Tropicana to as far as the Grand Legacy so being close is important to my family and the DLH doesnt feel like that much of a hike to me.

 

[PrinceEricsBich]

I've only stayed at Paradise Pier but I visited DL Hotel and GC. GC imo was the only hotel that was on par with the WDW resorts which are very themed out and immersive. It was beautiful plus I really liked Napa Rose for dinner.

I also ate at Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam's at DL Hotel which I really liked but you can easily do that while staying at GC. If I had to pick one, it would be GC =)

 

[MrsSLF]

I love this thread and I'm still, probably too optimistically, holding out hope for our August trip to DLR. This was a topic I toyed back and forth with, too ultimately deciding (based on feedback) that DLH would be best during the summer because of the pools.

 

[xWilliam]

The walk to the parks is only about 5 minutes more than the walk from the DLH -- you'll walk from the PPH to the DLH bag check into DTD. No cutting through the GCH to get to DTD without a current GCH room key or a confirmed reservation at one of the GCH TS restaurants. However, you can cut through the GCH from DTD on your way back to the PPH.

Are you sure? I've only ever stayed at the GCH, but I'm local so I visit often, sometimes stay off-site on katella Blvd, and regulary cut through the GCH when walking. The only restriction is that you can't use the DCA entrance in GCH until 10am-ish unless you are staying at ANY of the on-site hotels. Pool hopping is even allowed as long as you are staying onsite.

Back to OP. Personally my vote would be the GCH. I've never stayed in the other two, but DLH feels like a Hilton with Disney touches (which is nice, but you can also stay at the Hilton across the street, same vibes, and it's cheaper) and paradise pier is fine, but it's not as nice as GCH

 

[cruisehopeful]

Are you sure? I've only ever stayed at the GCH, but I'm local so I visit often, sometimes stay off-site on katella Blvd, and regulary cut through the GCH when walking. The only restriction is that you can't use the DCA entrance in GCH until 10am-ish unless you are staying at ANY of the on-site hotels. Pool hopping is even allowed as long as you are staying onsite.

When was the last time you did that? It seems like it's been a couple years that they've been checking and only allowing people staying at GCH to enter in through the front. I do believe when I stayed this past Feb, I was able to walk from my car, which was parked in the self parking lot across the street. I don't recall anyone checking to see if I was staying there, but I was dragging luggage, so I think I looked like I was a hotel guest.

Lots of people have reported on here that they were turned away from cutting through GCH when staying at Paradise Pier. Since I didn't see that happening in February, I wonder if they stopped doing that.

 

[xWilliam]

When was the last time you did that? It seems like it's been a couple years that they've been checking and only allowing people staying at GCH to enter in through the front. I do believe when I stayed this past Feb, I was able to walk from my car, which was parked in the self parking lot across the street. I don't recall anyone checking to see if I was staying there, but I was dragging luggage, so I think I looked like I was a hotel guest.

Lots of people have reported on here that they were turned away from cutting through GCH when staying at Paradise Pier. Since I didn't see that happening in February, I wonder if they stopped doing that.

Last time I cut specifically through the front was during the last D23 expo, and before that probably in October 2018 when I got dropped off at the light in front of GCH by an Uber and walked in. I have done it a few more times but I can't recall when.

I can recall one time I was turned away, even though I had a Napa Rose reservation, must of been 5+ years ago, and the reason was that somebody was having a business conference and only hotel and conference guests were allowed through the front, not even restaurant guests.

Unless I was going to the pools, I've never been asked to see my room key once you're inside

 

[mentos]

Last time I cut specifically through the front was during the last D23 expo, and before that probably in October 2018 when I got dropped off at the light in front of GCH by an Uber and walked in.

I tried Uber to GCH one time recently (last 6 months) and they were definitely checking, even handed the Uber driver a pre-printed mini-map of how to get to the Harbor drop off point.

Pedestrian cut-through, I feel, is intermittent. Sometimes, there's enough guest traffic through the hotel key locked sidewalk door that I have no need to pull out my key (when I'm going to my car parked across the street at self-park).

But it's also situational, if your party is 1-2 adults and you fiddle on your phone until someone walks through the locked gate... chances of you being stopped are close to nil. If you've got a stroller loaded up wearing a fanny pack (don't laugh, I have one) and your party is 4-5 large...it's pretty obvious you're cutting through.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Are you sure? I've only ever stayed at the GCH, but I'm local so I visit often, sometimes stay off-site on katella Blvd, and regulary cut through the GCH when walking. The only restriction is that you can't use the DCA entrance in GCH until 10am-ish unless you are staying at ANY of the on-site hotels. Pool hopping is even allowed as long as you are staying onsite...

The "official" policy is that only GCH guests with a valid room key and those with a confirmed TS reservation at the GCH can use the front entrance. How strictly that policy is enforced depends on various factors. People need to be prepared to be turned away if they do not meet the above criteria. If they are allowed to walk in without being checked, fine. If they are stopped, at least they were warned. This has been the policy since the security rules changed in 2017.

 

[cruisehopeful]

But it's also situational, if your party is 1-2 adults and you fiddle on your phone until someone walks through the locked gate... chances of you being stopped are close to nil.

People walking through were very frequent when I was there in Feb. The person manning the booth when I arrived just told me to self park across the street and walk back. She didn't say anything about a locked gate and since I hadn't checked in, yet, I wouldn't have appreciated being locked out when I walked back with my luggage. I was fortunate that there were actually quite a few workers going through the gate when I walked up, so I caught a "ride" in with them.

 

[Cory's Gal]

We were lucky enough to stay at the Disneyland Hotel this past March (checked out on the 11th...just in the nick of time!). We had a lovely stay. I got a great discount through Costco and from the moment we checked in we loved it all! Now, my kids are 15 & 12 so they are 100% able to keep up with DH and I. Every CM was so pleasant. We had a great system in the morning, mobile order Starbucks (closest one to the DLH), easy through security, pick-up our coffee and enjoyed the morning walk with music! We utilized the monorail whenever we headed back for a swim or at the end of the night. The grounds are beautiful day & night as well. Kiddos swam everyday, we felt there were plenty of chairs and space. Goofy is the lobby everyday We had a great stay and we definitely stay there again (with a discount!)

 

[mentos]

People walking through were very frequent when I was there in Feb. The person manning the booth when I arrived just told me to self park across the street and walk back. She didn't say anything about a locked gate and since I hadn't checked in, yet, I wouldn't have appreciated being locked out when I walked back with my luggage. I was fortunate that there were actually quite a few workers going through the gate when I walked up, so I caught a "ride" in with them.

Even with the luggage, they're pretty good with faces... I'll just wave and they'll open up the gate.

Actually, I don't know if they're good with faces, maybe they just assume a guy with luggage is coming to stay at their hotel and not cutting through, hahah.

 

[ENC]

I love this thread and I'm still, probably too optimistically, holding out hope for our August trip to DLR. This was a topic I toyed back and forth with, too ultimately deciding (based on feedback) that DLH would be best during the summer because of the pools.

I’m right there with you. We too are hoping the park opens by August. That’s when my reservation says I have to be there.
One other charming aspect of the DLH are the amazing topiaries in the shape of Disney characters.

 

[asharerin]

DLH club level is our favorite. Pools are not heated but the hot tub is! Dole whip floats with bacardi in the hot tub is heaven. Bottomless mimosas overlooking disneyland in the morning is worth the price of admission. The staff bend over backwards for you. The hotel has a very distinct styling which you will either love or hate - very old school disney. If you love watching those youtube home videos of disneyland in the 50s and 60s you will love the atmosphere of DLH. GC has a more modern and lodgy feel. The lobby at Christmas time is a must but you don't need to stay there to enjoy that. It will probably come down to what sort of styling you prefer and how you connect personally with DL.

 

[AlohaNow]

If fall Dapper Days is a go, I think we're going to book at GCH. This thread has been super helpful in making our decision, so thank you everybody! I've done a little bit of research and it looks like typically the holiday decorations would not be up by our November 13 check-in date. It would be a bummer to just miss the holiday stuff, but I still can't complain, because this will probably be our only time staying at GCH!

 

[Fauntleroy]

GCH is no doubt the superior property- but IMHO there is still just something classic/throwback about the DLH. Even with all the changes, remodels, etc. DLH at the end of the day is where the whole idea of combining a Disney theme park vacation with an overnight stay started. Again- been massively altered through the decades, etc. but there’s a history to that area that’s pretty special. The vintage DLH signage w/monorail is iconic- and not hard for a Disney die-hard to be in that environment IMHO and start thinking about Walt, Jack Wrather, and maybe their parents, or even grandparents at this point having had their 1st Disney vacation somewhere nearby. It’s a slice of Americana- as is DL in general...

 

[HappyThoughtsTees]

We stay at GCH every Thanksgiving week through our DVC contract, we look forward to that every year.

When DW and I were much younger and much poorer (and when so-cal passes were $99), we would walk into the lobby during the holidays, sit there, and pretend we were guests. It's special for us, and I feel lucky we can afford to stay here.

I met my high school ex-girlfriend at the DLH lobby. She was mean to me. Enough said.

Personal feelings aside, here are my brief/random thoughts:

GCH

1. Private entrance to DCA is a huuuuge benefit. Roll out of bed and go on Soarin'? Sold! It even gives us extra time the morning of check-out day without having to leave the room/store luggage.
2. Craftsman Grill (former Whitewater Snacks) near the pool has really good food (easy to take away and eat in the room). The burger is great.
3. There's a Peloton in the fitness center (so does PPH, but I've never used that one)
4. It can be noisy - for the DVC wing, it backs up against DCA and if there are musical performers, you can definitely hear it. If you are early risers/early to bed with kids, consider DLH or do as much as you can to pick your room.

DLH

1. Pools! But, maybe not in November.
2. The light up headboard and the music box music is reason enough to book DLH.
3. It's more Disney-ish, if that's important.
4. The walk through DD isn't that bad, but I'm also the guy who said a pro to GCH was having a Peloton on site. Haha. It is longer, though... but to me it's better than walking the esplanade and crossing Harbor Blvd.
   1. I'm always torn between staying at GCH over the summer (less walking in the sun) vs. over the holidays (decor).
5. Closer to Earl of Sandwich - IMO best value for the money on-site for food.

Hi! Do you happen to know if you can bring your own peloton shoes and clip in at the Grand Cal fitness center? We forgot to check last time we were there!

 

[UnpokemonMom]

I met my high school ex-girlfriend at the DLH lobby. She was mean to me. Enough said.

Cruella?

 

[cherice95403]

I’ve stayed at both. I prefer the Grand for proximity. DH feels too far, but I love the theming and the rooms feel bigger. They are both great, but Grand is my preferred. Im here now and this trip is the first time we’ve stayed off property and it has really influenced our joy. I won’t stay off again.