Disneyland Hotels

[Kupiecb]

Hello, I am planning a vacation next year to California and Disneyland. I was wondering if anyone can give me their opinion on which DL hotel they like the best and why? I am planning on using my points.

Thanks

 

[OKW Lover]

We went to DL last year and stayed at Paradise Pier using points. We felt it was a good value.

But, after walking through the Grand Californian, we decided that we would stay there the next trip. Whereas PP is just a typical hotel, the interior of the GC is outstanding and very different. It's also a shorter walk to the parks (in fact, there is a direct entrance to DCA) and all the shops of Downtown Disney are right outside your door.

 

[disneydenisel]

We've stayed at the Grand Californian twice, loved it both times. That was when it was the only non-smoking hotel. I think that the others are now non-smoking, so we might consider the DL Hotel next time to save money. The rooms at the DL hotel are much larger and there is supposed to be pixie dust in the wallpaper .

If you have the points, go for the GC. Check on cash prices and discounts if you are going off-season. One time, we were able to get a theme park view room for $149, so we got two connecting rooms (see, already needing timeshare-like space back then ) for $298/night. We asked for a refrigerator and it worked out great! Enjoy your trip!

 

[boscoj]

Another vote for the GC...Just can't beat the location!!! Also, if you can swing it, try to get a DD view, you really won't regret it!

 

[chrissybear]

We stayed at the DLH and the GC. Both hotels are beautiful. We liked GC better than DLH because it was closer to the parks. The DLH is a great hotel and we liked it very much, it was just a longer walk.

 

[Honeymooner04]

We stayed at the PP in May and are staying at the GC in Oct on points. There really isn't a HUGE difference in points between the hotels and IMHO the GC is definately the best one. I can't wait to stay there!! It's a gorgeous hotel and you absolutely cannot beat the location!

Patty

 

[happyrebster]

WE have stayed at the Grand Cal twice on points -- both times were outstanding. Beautiful hotel, great location, fireworks views (or, in the case of park facing rooms, views of the Electric Parade), great character breakfast, beautiful pool. Great service, too. And the points chart has remained pretty reasonable -- we love it and plan to stay on points again.

 

[mwehttam]

DW and I stayed at GC last Aug (not on points) and loved it. It is an amazing hotel. We walked around the other two and DLH is nice; you get that "Disney" feel to it. PPH seemed just like a hotel. Remember, the PPH was purchased by Disney back in the late 90's I think and added the Disney touches.

Another possible postive about the GC is the pool hopping privlege. Staying there you can pool hoop to the other 2 hotels. Stay at DLH and you can only pool hoop to PP. Stay at PP and you can only go to that pool. I do have to admit though that we did not pool hope. Just always stayed at GC to use that pool.

-Matthew

 

[ACDSNY]

We love both the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel so for me it comes down to how many points I have to play with. If you're going during a time when the monorail is closed then I would go with the GC.

 

[schatterjee]

We stayed at the DL Hotel almost five years ago and I was pretty disappointed. The maintenance was poor. There was mold in the bathroom, a stain on the ceiling in the bedroom and it was a small room. It was a trip my son's godmother - a huge Disney fan - took us on and paid for (she insisted!) so I did not complain but I thought the hotel was not worth what I know she paid for it!

That being said maybe it was a room scheduled for revamping or something - that's not usually Disney's style.

 

[Fantasmic303]

We only visited the GC, but we did stay at the DLH last July for the 50th Birthday Party at Disneyland. It seemed that much of the hotel was refurbed, as the room and ground were beautiful, well kept, and typical "Disney".

The GC is very "grand", but we like the DLH. It just feels like Disney - I like knowing that it was a place Walt had a part in, but that's just me. There is a bit of difference in the walk, but it wasn't an issue for our family. I think you'll be happy choosing either hotel.

 

[Kupiecb]

Thank you all for your posts. I was leaning toward the GC and I think you all clintched it for me. Now lets hope I can book it for the time I want to go. I have never been to California, what time of the year is the best? I am thinking about March. Is the weather nice there in March or do you think to rainy.

 

[mikayla73]

We usually go end of May, first week of June. The weather is usually very nice and I don't think we have been rained on yet.

March would probably pretty good too weather wise, especially if you are from somewhere in the "north". DH was born and raised in So Cal, and he never owned a coat until he moved to PA. The only thing you may have to think about is spring breaks. Those usually start in March-April, so that could mean bigger crowds, that's why we go in May, before school is out and after Spring break

 

[OKW Lover]

Actually, Walt didn't have much input into the DLH. It was actually built by a developer (the name Wrather comes to mind off-hand, but I'll have to check that) who was acquanted with Walt. Walt spent his energies on building the park.

 

[funhouse8]

We stayed at the GC on points and I have to say. Wow, What a beautiful resort! We loved it there. Don't forget if you stay at this hotel you can go into the DCA early and do a power walk with a CM before opening time. It was great. We were also sllowed in an 1/2 hour early so we got to ride Soring in the front row. WOOHOO! Here is a picture from the pool area.

[/IMG]

And one of the Hotel from inside the park

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you like Wilderness Lodge, you'd love the Grand Californian. We stayed there in June for four nights and had a great time. We could look out our window and see the top of the Orange Stinger. Looking down, we watched a few weddings in the garden. It was very convenient to walk into DCA from the hotel. And with DTD right there, that was also pretty convenient.

We're staying in Paradise Pier in two weeks for another four nights (husband is running the DL Half Marathon). So I'll let you know how that compares.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We haven't stayed at the GC, but we have stayed at the PP twice. Both times we were upgraded to theme park view rooms, which were great. We found the PP to be as convenient as the DLH, if you didn't mind crossing the street and cutting through the GC lobby. Of course, the first time we stayed, the rear enterance to DCA was open, so it was really convenient.

The rooms at PP are very comfortable (even the HA room if you didn't need closet space) and the Lilo & Stitch breakfast is great.

-- Suzanne

 

[Meliechick]

We stayed at GC last January and it was well worth the points. You can't beat the location. It was my first time at DL and I couldn't believe how close the GC was to the parks and DTD. You won't regret spending the few extra points to stay there. The GC CM's were wonderful. We had issues with our tickets and they took are of it and looked up discounts that we could have received when we purchased the but didn't and applied the refund to our bill. We did not ask for the refund, they just did it.