Disneyland resort hotels

[Tabarr06]

How do the three different hotels (DH, GCH, PP) compare? All I really know between the three is that GCH is the most expensive and PP is the cheapest and is the furthest away. this is how we would be using it. We will be going in early July. We are looking to splurge for one night. We would check in at 3 and not go to a park that day. We would want to take advantage of the hotel amenities such as the pool environment and restaurants etc. then the next day we would go to California adventures. We will be going to Disneyland later that week. But staying near Newport for a family reunion.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We would check in at 3 and not go to a park that day. We would want to take advantage of the hotel amenities such as the pool environment and restaurants etc.

You may check in early (6AM) and take advantage of hotel amenities all day. Hotel lobbies and restaurants are open to all, but the pools are exclusive to registered guests. Pools usually open at 9AM.

GCH pool is currently under renovation, but should reopen in late April. GCH has a restroom with shower and changing area within the pool area, which might be helpful if you arrive early.

 

[illinidp]

If you really want an in depth comparison you could watch the 7 in 7 video podcast series from 2015.

 

[tiggeroo42]

I would definitely check in before 3. Your room may not be ready, but you can still enjoy the pool and other amenities while you wait. They will hold your luggage in bell services, and you can change in a public restroom. If you're wanting to stay onsite mostly to enjoy the pool, I would skip PPH. We thought the pool was just okay.

The GCH is currently under construction, and the pool is being redone. The pool should be done by July, but the hotel and lobby will be under construction. I would hate to spend all that money and not get to enjoy the beautiful lobby. The private entrance to DCA is so convenient, though!

The Disneyland Hotel is my favorite. I love the theming and the pool I feel is the most kid-friendly. Trader Sam's Tiki Bar is a fun adult hangout, but there is also Goofy's Kitchen on the other side of the pool for kids. There isn't a big lobby to explore like at the GCH, but the grounds are so beautiful that there is plenty to do and see to keep you busy! Have fun!

 

[BriannaRuth]

So you are only staying at a hotel one night and are staying near Newport for the rest of your stay? Not staying at one of the good neighbor hotels? Who will be with you? Are you checking in at 3 because that's check in time, or because that's when you're arriving in the area?

If it's just because it's check in time, I definitely agree -- go earlier. You may be able to check in earlier, but even if you're not, go to the pools, etc. Limiting your time at the hotel from 3 to evening, then going to DCA the next day is not a lot of bang for your buck at these prices. We have done a DLR hotel one night in the past -- but the way we did it, our non-park day was the day AFTER we checked in, so we had all day for the hotel, DTD, etc. They will hold your luggage for you at the hotel. If you wait until 3, you'll probably be headed to a very busy pool, btw. If you use the hotel amenities on a non-park morning, the pools will be less crowded and you'll have all day.

Anyway -- which one really depends who's with you and what you want to do. I've stayed at all 3. Obviously the GCH is closest and VERY convenient to DCA. If you have the $$ and are without small children, I'd probably go that route, particularly since you'll be at DCA the next day. Not sure what they're doing for the renovation, but the pools there have always been a bit more grown-up feeling than the other two properties. The common areas (lobby, etc.) are beautiful and you'd be close to Napa Rose if you want to do that. I think Napa Rose is easily the best restaurant in DLR. OTOH, if you have younger kids with you, I'd do the DLH. It's more "fun" feeling than GCH and kids love the pools there ... but they can get quite crowded in the afternoons. For the adults, Trader Sam's is a lot of fun as well. And kids can go to TS during the day. Personally I'd avoid the PPH, although I know there are some here who like it. To me it just doesn't have the magic of the other two hotels. It feels like a very average hotel that has some Disney branding stuck on it. Although you can get a GREAT view there of DCA for much less than you can at the GCH.

 

[Tabarr06]

So we are staying in Newport all week for the family reunion. We are coming from Oregon and are leaving a day early to try to visit California Adventure (Friday-Saturday ) on the way to Newport. One of the weekdays we are in Newport we are going to drive up and visit Disneyland. It is my wife and I and 4 young kids ages 8 to 7 months. It sounds like DLH is the best place for a young family. The pools sound great there. It's good to know that we can check in early. We are debating to forgo the park on Saturday if we are having enough fun at the pools. There is so much to do on the property that it seems like we could take a lot of the day Saturday and hang out instead of going to DCA. I appreciate the advice about not getting the bang for my buck with only staying there from 3 to evening. That helps a lot

 

[Traver Freeman]

I've never stayed at any of them, but as a passholder, we go to DL often and we kill time before the park opens walking around the DLH and take a break midday in the lobby of the GCH. I really like the pool and atmosphere of the DLH, but the rooms are probably better at the GCH maybe? If you're going to be out and about, then pick the DLH for the atmosphere. You can always go over to the GCH and sit in the lobby and listen to the piano music. There's a cartoon or movie on for kids to watch if they want to while you enjoy the ambience of the GCH.

 

[Sun_soakin]

We love all 3 Disney hotels and often have a hard time deciding; they each have pros and cons.
We also have 4 children (getting older now, 12-5), so from that perspective, the DLH pools are toughest for us. They have the best slides, but the pool area is spread out and usually feels the most packed. It's the least relaxing for us. PP pool is the most relaxing in that I can watch the baby pool and one slide from my lounger and its generally not as crowded. I've always liked the CGH pool, although I don't know if they are making any changes w/ the construction. Location-wise I put PP and DLH in the same category...even w/ the access change for PP, it's barely longer (and shorter on way back). You cannot beat the GCH location and with small children it is SO nice! It may not matter as much for you if your kids are in strollers and you aren't doing a lot of back and forth from the parks in this visit. For us though, that short walk back (w/o strollers these days) is wonderful. We also enjoy the balconies at GCH.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Not sure if this has been mentioned ... but most rooms at the DLH are a little bigger than rooms at the GCH.