Disneyland onsite hotel choices - please give me your recommendations - TIA

[jaysue]

Going to SoCal mid August to very early September

Flying into LAX (there are no directs into SNA from Toronto)

Myself, DW, two DS's - older will be almost 8 and younger just over 4 yrs old

Should we have DL at the start or end of our trip - thinking about crowds, weather etc.

We are planning on going to San Diego as well - the train from near LAX to San Diego looks like a nice option and then rent a car in San Diego and return it before taking the train back to Anaheim Station and then to DL (or some reverse order) - has anyone taken the train and if so thoughts and opinions?

Finally, which of the 3 onsite hotels should we choose for our stay (likely 3 nights)

Cheers
jaysue

 

[dizzyami]

The only part I can answer on is the hotel choices. We absolutely love the GCH - but it is pricey. To us we love being inside the DCA park. We were going to stay at the DLH on our upcoming trip - but got such a good deal on the GCH that we are going to make our 3rd trip to the hotel - and just couldn't not stay there again! If price is an issue - we adored the PP - and had no issues with the hotel at all - just like the feel of the GCH better. We actually have never stayed at the DLH - October was going to be the time - but again, we are going back to the GCH.

 

[GailT]

I can only give advice for the one I stayed in and LOVED LOVED LOVED it, the GC. If you can aford it the experoemce is well worth it

 

[Lives4Disney]

Just jumping in... I have the GCH concierge reserved for our March trip and was wondering WHAT exactly do you guys love about GCH? I am really waffling about this reservation, but booked thru AAA and cancellation fees apply.

I guess what is really getting me is we are a family of 5 and I love the WDW monorail resorts due to the larger rooms and location & view, too, of course - but mostly the little extra room space . I like the patterns and prints and colors of the WDW resorts room decor too, but the GCH (from pics) looks kind of bland with the beige walls and dark halls. I keep hearing GCH rooms are small, halls are long and dark, concierge staff isn't too great or helpful, and more. I read about 1/2 and 1/2 as far as either people love GCH or prefer DLH. I think my kids would definitely prefer DLH, but it wasn't available during our stay at the time I booked.

I am just unsure (I HATE the unknown), so subscribing to hear more comments about the 3 resorts. I like to feel confident that I made the best choice.


Lives4Disney

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Just jumping in... I have the GCH concierge reserved for our March trip and was wondering WHAT exactly do you guys love about GCH? I am really waffling about this reservation, but booked thru AAA and cancellation fees apply.

I guess what is really getting me is we are a family of 5 and I love the WDW monorail resorts due to the larger rooms and location & view, too, of course - but mostly the little extra room space . I like the patterns and prints and colors of the WDW resorts room decor too, but the GCH (from pics) looks kind of bland with the beige walls and dark halls. I keep hearing GCH rooms are small, halls are long and dark, concierge staff isn't too great or helpful, and more. I read about 1/2 and 1/2 as far as either people love GCH or prefer DLH. I think my kids would definitely prefer DLH, but it wasn't available during our stay at the time I booked.

I am just unsure (I HATE the unknown), so subscribing to hear more comments about the 3 resorts. I like to feel confident that I made the best choice.


Lives4Disney

I havent stayed at the GC yet but will be next weekend (2/9-2/10) and I will take pics of the room and let you know what I think...I have stayed numerous times at the DLH and for OP, having 2 small ones I would recommend DLH...I love that hotel...I too was going back and forth whether to stay at DLH or go with GC because the AP rates are so good right now...in the end I decided on going with GC because I have never stayed there and it is the closest of the 3 to the park..Im not doing concierge but I have no doubts that they are fine...I wouldnt worry about that part...I have heard there are long hallways but again, that wouldnt deter me...I will post back about the rooms after I get back

 

[Lives4Disney]

I havent stayed at the GC yet but will be next weekend (2/9-2/10) and I will take pics of the room and let you know what I think...I have stayed numerous times at the DLH and for OP, having 2 small ones I would recommend DLH...I love that hotel...I too was going back and forth whether to stay at DLH or go with GC because the AP rates are so good right now...in the end I decided on going with GC because I have never stayed there and it is the closest of the 3 to the park..Im not doing concierge but I have no doubts that they are fine...I wouldnt worry about that part...I have heard there are long hallways but again, that wouldnt deter me...I will post back about the rooms after I get back

Thanks so much!! That would be awesome. I am just nervous & don't want to be disappointed. This DL trip is a first for us, so I have no idea what to expect all around.

Lives4Disney

 

[dizzyami]

Just to precursor - I really try to not thing of anything negative while at Disneyland - so my views my be slightly distorted . Our family though absolutely loves the GCH. While the rooms may not be huge, our travel party has never had any complaints - and it is three adults and two kids - and we have never had any problems - and will be back for our third trip. To me nothing beats the location - since we like to spend our afternoons at DCA - it is right there - we can hit the room - and the concierge lounge. Our Oct trip the concierge staff was awesome - there were two people there the whole time on the floor - and they were great!! I have heard so many great things about the DLH that we were definitely going to try it out - but when I was able to get a good rate I could not bring myself away from the GCH. The decor is Disney - not super bright - but Disney - and for some reason has never been an issue for us. While we too have never been too far down the hallways - the hotel itself is not THAT big - so I have never seen it as an issue...but then again, I did have the Disney glasses on!!

 

[tinkermell]

Thanks so much!! That would be awesome. I am just nervous & don't want to be disappointed. This DL trip is a first for us, so I have no idea what to expect all around.

Lives4Disney

I don't know what to be worried about. The GC is beautiful! Love the atmosphere. Very warm and inviting in the lounge area. Of course we were there over Christmas and they had the huge fireplace going. That might not be appreciated in August for jaysue. Anyways,would compare it to the WL in WDW. Haven't been inside a room at WL, so dont know the differences there. The bathrooms are big at the GC. There are 2 sinks with lots of space around, and the shower and toilet are separated from them. Long hallways? Most big resorts I've been to, have all had long hallways, so I'm a little confused on that one. I also love the local! Just steps into DCA and just a short walk down DTD to DL. Can you tell I want to go back?

 

[Lives4Disney]

I don't know what to be worried about. The GC is beautiful! Love the atmosphere. Very warm and inviting in the lounge area. Of course we were there over Christmas and they had the huge fireplace going. That might not be appreciated in August for jaysue. Anyways,would compare it to the WL in WDW. Haven't been inside a room at WL, so dont know the differences there. The bathrooms are big at the GC. There are 2 sinks with lots of space around, and the shower and toilet are separated from them. Long hallways? Most big resorts I've been to, have all had long hallways, so I'm a little confused on that one. I also love the local! Just steps into DCA and just a short walk down DTD to DL. Can you tell I want to go back?

Yes, you sure do sound like you need to go back!

Ok, I don't mean to be a downer...I am just going by stuff I have read and seen on this board that has left me less than thrilled. I know it sounds like I am being negative, but I don't mean it to come across that way. I feel like I am paying too much (package thru AAA that is costing me $4k for 4 nts with 5 day hoppers) and I am not a cheapy....I always stay concierge at WDW - usually at the Grand Floridian, but I KNOW I LOVE that place KWIM? (I bet you feel that way about the GCH )

Just hope I made the right choice. Sounds like GCH is a well loved resort. I just needed a peptalk, lol. Having trouble getting excited about this trip and I can't pinpoint why other than the "Unknown" factor.


Lives4Disney

 

[victorandbellasmom]

I think you'll enjoy GCH, it's our hotel of choice when finances permit. My kids are 5 and 8 and there are quite a few activities geared for kids at GCH, like the Grand Scavenger Hunt, ee to build a bear, storytelling by the hearth, and chocolates on your night stand during turn down service(my kids loved coming back from the park at night and finding their chocolates). I believe there's also a few teen activites as well. The rooms may not be as big as DLH, but it fit our family fine as we always have gotten a bunkbed room. The staff is pleasant and very accomodating and we've never had a bad experience there. We love the pool, slide, hot tub and White Water Snacks and have always come back for an afternoon swim when the parks get busy. DLH is an older hotel but it still has a lot of disney charm. You'll usually find a character in the lobby during check in time and pixie dust on you room walls is a great touch. The Neverland Pool is amazing, although it can get really busy. There's waterfalls, koi feeding as well as driving jungle cruise boats on the grounds and is conveniently located at the end of downtown disney. We've not styaed at PPH, but are considering it for our trip at the end of Feb.

 

[jaysue]

Thanks for the info and opinions

cheers
jaysue

 

[Amy&Dan]

I love the DLH its very special to us. In five stays there we have had nothing but great service, lovely, clean rooms and just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I find it to be very charming but the oversized rooms are also a plus. And each room comes with either a daybed or a free rollaway. We also love the Neverland Pool area and the dining choices of the DLH.

However, the GCH is wonderful too. The rooms are smaller than the DLH but not overly so. And most come with a nice sized balcony. The GCH feels a bit more deluxe in that they do a nightly turndown service and the lobby is huge and has that awesome themed "wow" facotr the WDW deluxes have. The GCH rooms I would not describe as drab or plain. Its about the craftsmen style so the woods are dark. Some rooms have some very nice Disney prints on the walls, our didn't because of the bunkbeds. Whitewater Snacks at the pool is a wonderful place to grab a quick but very good bite to eat. And that pool area does have a waitstaff that circulates to bring you food or drink. The DLH has a bar and a take out place for food but you have to get it yourself. And the GCH has a location that I don't think any other Disney hotel at either DL or WDW can touch. So while I do prefer the DLH a bit, the GCH is by no means a second choice to me.

Lives4Disney: I think you will have a great time at DL. I frequent both DL and WDW (we own DVC and love our stays at SSR). I don't find DL a pale comparison, its charm, compact size and the Walt factor are all things WDW does not have. It doesn't have that completely removed from the world, huge resort feel but its still a wonderful place to vacation, relax and enjoy Disney charm and service. Just don't get too hooked into the comparison game and you will be fine. I think the GCH can hold its own with WDW deluxes. The halls are long, very similar to Boarwalk and AKL. But the lobby will really remind you of WL, but less woodsy and more craftsmen. Its truly spectacular!

 

[dizzyami]

Yes, you sure do sound like you need to go back!

Ok, I don't mean to be a downer...I am just going by stuff I have read and seen on this board that has left me less than thrilled. I know it sounds like I am being negative, but I don't mean it to come across that way. I feel like I am paying too much (package thru AAA that is costing me $4k for 4 nts with 5 day hoppers) and I am not a cheapy....I always stay concierge at WDW - usually at the Grand Floridian, but I KNOW I LOVE that place KWIM? (I bet you feel that way about the GCH )

Just hope I made the right choice. Sounds like GCH is a well loved resort. I just needed a peptalk, lol. Having trouble getting excited about this trip and I can't pinpoint why other than the "Unknown" factor. Lives4Disney

Hopefully your experiences will be as good as ours - every trip my brain kicks me for the months leading up - asking why I agreed to spend that much - we always have a wonderful time - and come time to book the next trip - there we are again!!! I just hope you have as great a time as our family always does!!

 

[tinkermell]

lives4disney, If you are used to staying at the Grand Floridian, then yes the GC is darker than you're used to. It's just a totally different atmosphere. By the way if you are going to San Diego, go to Coronado Island and see the Hotel Del Coronado. The Grand Floridian looks just like it! BEAUTIFUL!! Have loads of fun!

 

[tinkermell]

I also forgot to add that you're probably a bit down because you love WDW and are not going there this time? And you don't know what to expect? And you ARE spending alot of money. Amy and Dan were right. I think you will be surprised and love DLR. It's just in a different atmosphere once again. But if you stay onsite, which you are, you will be totally immersed in Disney. Maybe even more than WDW, because you never have to drive or take a bus anywhere. EVERYTHING is right there at your fingertips practically. DTD is beautiful and fun. Right there also. Just step out the exit from the GC and you are there! Smaller than WDW, but has a nicer selection of stores in my opinion. In that I mean that there are more stores besides just Disney stuff. Anymore questons..just fire away!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I also forgot to add that you're probably a bit down because you love WDW and are not going there this time? And you don't know what to expect? And you ARE spending alot of money. Amy and Dan were right. I think you will be surprised and love DLR. It's just in a different atmosphere once again. But if you stay onsite, which you are, you will be totally immersed in Disney. Maybe even more than WDW, because you never have to drive or take a bus anywhere. EVERYTHING is right there at your fingertips practically. DTD is beautiful and fun. Right there also. Just step out the exit from the GC and you are there! Smaller than WDW, but has a nicer selection of stores in my opinion. In that I mean that there are more stores besides just Disney stuff. Anymore questons..just fire away!

You hit the nail on the head, lol. I am already plotting how to get myself to WDW in July. AND I was just there for 8 nts over Christmas!!!

Thanks so much for all the great info on the resorts!! I checked again and no DLH for us - it just isn't available so the decision is made - GCH! I live in a craftsman/mission style house in the woods so WL just never appealed to me (too much like being at home vs vacation!) The GCH lobby looks stunning. I always loved the WL lobby. I can't have bunks because my youngest is 6, then 10, & 16, so I was concerned about the bed layout, too. I have a visually impaired daughter (dd10)so I was worried about the darkness of the resort & hallways but I think we'll be fine. (she has her special lights at home due to our house being on the darker side) It just comes down to the unknown and do I want to spend all that money on something I am not jumping up and down excited about??!! Well, it is going to happen as is, so I need to rev myself up for DL vs WDW. I am just feeling moody.

Thanks guys!

Lives4Disney

 

[honeymom]

We've stayed at both. We did prefer the GCH. We actually didn't like the DLH. It just didn't live up to our expectations (of being really Disney). The theming at DLH was pretty plain. GCH had better service and better location. The craftsman look does have a more woodsy feel. To me it was a more serious upscale version of WL at WDW. But, WL has Whispering Canyon and the lake to lighten it up. My only complaints about GCH is that they should figure out a way to lighten up the atmosphere (not the colors) in the lobby and the price paid vs. the space given.

I really wasn't too into our last trip - I just really prefer WDW. But, I have to admit that I had a good time this time. It won't be WDW, but I lowered my expectations, planned a little better and enjoyed it. But, of course, now that we are back I am really itching to go to WDW again.

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

I would suggest that with young kids, you start with San Diego and then end the trip with Disney. I'm afraid that San Diego might be a bit less exciting for your kids, even with the zoo, and you will want to end on a high note. As far as hotels, I would walk through the GCH and maybe have a meal there, but it is pretty $$$. I would consider Paradise Pier. IMO the DLH is showing its age...

 

[lisah0711]

Another vote for Grand Californian -- location can't be beat. And yes, it is similar to the Wilderness Lodge IMHO

 

[jaysue]

Thanks for the advice all - much appreciated

So far we have:

First 3 nights at the St Regis in Dana Point (Monarch Beach), California - staying on Starwood Points

Next 3 nights we did pick the GCH - we used our DVC points from Vero Beach and Saratoga Springs to pick up the 3 nights - let me know if the Disney California Adventure view is worth the extra points/dollars

That leaves another 7 nights to decide between going North or South California - it looks like an amazing state and probably can't go wrong either way!

Cheers
jaysue