Disneyland hotels

[neen70]

I remeber vaguely hearing that there is some reduction in points at the California resorts - does anybody have any information about this and has anyone stayed in these resorts. Which one do you recommend. Thanks in advance for your input

 

[MaeDisney]

We stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel about a month ago. And we thought it was nice. They have a special entrance for hotel guests which leads you right into California Adventure. I've never stayed at VWL, but I've read a lot of posts where it says that the general "feel" of GC is similar to VWL.

You would probably get more info at the Disneyland forums and the Disneyland Trip Reports.

 

[MrShiny]

The point charts on the member site have the updated points for DL. They are lower, and you can now book and stay there within 60 days of the end of your use year.

I've stayed at all 3 DL hotels (DLH in '97 and '05, PP in '03 and GC in '01). The only one that comes close to what you expect in a Disney hotel (judging from WDW) is GC. The other two are excellent hotels, but not themed really.

The GC is Arts and Crafts style. A little more modern than WL, but definitely woodsy. More Frank Lloyd Wright than Paul Bunyan.

The DCA view at GC is great - like a postcard of Paradise Pier. The drapes do block out the neon and the windows do block the sound, in case that's a concern!

The thing at DL is you are paying for quality and "Disney-ness" rather than that plus location, as you do at WDW. That is there are some very nice, very cheap motels a shorter distance to the gates of DL than any Disney hotel, so as much as 1/4 the price. So just don't be disappointed that you won't be in the closest hotels (although no one can beat GC's entrance to DCA. PP does have a back door into DCA too, but you need to cross the street to get to it.)

I'd definitely do GC if staying on points. If that's an issue (not enough points or booked) DLH will no disappoint, just a little less "Disney." PP is nice, but I would rather save the points and book it for cash, or stay at the Del Sol on Harbor for a lot less.

If you haven't been to DL lately (or at all), you'll love how the place looks. They redid about every square inch for the 50th, and have been keeping it up ever since.

 

[fishermouse]

If you haven't been to DL lately (or at all), you'll love how the place looks. They redid about every square inch for the 50th, and have been keeping it up ever since.

We were there in October for the first since 96 and I could not agree more. Everthing looks brand new yet still has the old charm. We go to WDW a couple times a year but something about DL is special,would recomend everyone go at least once. Was not impressed with CA. maybe because I don't have any children at home, all grown up have to wait for grand kids I guess. There is a monorail entrance in DTD just a short walk from DLH. which is where we stayed in Oct. really enjoyed it but op are correct that it is not really a "theme" resort like we are used to DVC'ers are really quite spoiled.

 

[La2kw]

I remeber vaguely hearing that there is some reduction in points at the California resorts - does anybody have any information about this and has anyone stayed in these resorts. Which one do you recommend. Thanks in advance for your input

We have stayed at all 3 Disneyland hotels numerous times. Grand Californian is the only resort of the same caliber as WDW's deluxe resorts. It is more upscale than the WL, and is an excellent resort. Disneyland Hotel is also nice and has larger rooms, not to mention a lot of history. But it wasn't built by Disney and has a plainer feel to it. Paradise Pier is also a hotel that was not built by Disney and was retrofitted with a theme. I would only spend points at the Grand Californian, I don't feel the other two are really worth the points they charge.