DLH concierge or GCH standard? Pool hopping really allowed?

[ahill004]

Which would you choose? Also, is is true that disneyland allows pool hopping between the disney resorts?

 

[Angel Ariel]

Which would you choose? Also, is is true that disneyland allows pool hopping between the disney resorts?

Personally, I"d probably choose GCH standard, just because I'd really like to stay in that hotel someday. It looks beautiful!

as for pool hopping, I haven't stayed on-site at DL, but pool hopping is NOT allowed in WDW...and I doubt DLR is different on that matter. But I could be wrong.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

They may let DVC members pool hop like they do at WDW but as far as I know the only time they let normal hotel guests pool hop is when the pool at their hotel is being refurbished or worked on.

As for which hotel would I stay at? I would probably do GCH standard just because concierge doesn't seem like a good value IMO. Other people like it but it doesn't seem worth it to me.

 

[blackjackdelta]

From what I understand there is no pool hopping unless mone of them is down. Last August that was the way it was.

Jack

 

[NewbieMouse]

Disney's official line is no pool hopping (3rd FAQ from the bottom):

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/help/detail?name=ResortHotelsFAQPage#qa4

Not sure if this is true in practice, but I would err on the safe side and not do it.

I've never stayed at either but I faced this kind of dilemmas as well. I chose the DLH as I think it will be more *magical* for the kids (non-concierge, I don't think it's worth it for us IMO - not big eaters here). But if it was just me and DH I'd probably choose the GCH. I guess I'll find out in about of month if I still think I made the right choice!

 

[bumbershoot]

Having stayed both of those places/categories, I'd do DLH concierge. Bigger room.

And NO, there's no pool hopping at all at DLR, not since '07 when the wording on the website changed (used to be Grand guests could go anywhere, back when we were booking our Sept '07 vacation in March). Unless the pool at your hotel is closed.

 

[ahill004]

Good to know about the pool hopping. I am well aware of WDW's policies on this but I read on another site (sorry!) where someone was saying that was a benefit of going to DL and staying at DL hotels. I don't think we would do it anyway because we most likely just want to stay at the pool at our resort for so we are close to the room. It was more of a curiousity - so thanks for answering that one!

I did read that DLH rooms are bigger which would mean a lot to us with two kids BUT I do kinda wonder about the true value of staying concierge. And the GCH looks sooo nice.

 

[sierranevada]

I love, love, love the GCH!! BUT... in your case, I would say do DLH concierge! You have 2 kids and I think the DLH is more "magical!" Here is what I wrote in another thread:
There is something about pulling up to the hotel with the topiary Mickey greeting you, Disney music playing in the check in lobby, the Neverland themed pool with a projection of Tink at night, the disney decor in the room, Tinkerbell dust on the wallpaper border that glows at night (leave curtains open during day and lights on for all while to charge the dust -these are the old rooms) the new rooms have an awesome LED fireworks display in the headboard!, Mickey wake up calls - make sure the kids answer, sometimes Characters in the lobby, walking through DTD on the way to the park or taking the monorail. It always makes me feel like I never leave the park. You can call ahead of time and ask for autograph photos of the kids's favorite character to be ready for them when you check in. On the pool issue, just be aware that if they are not strong swimmers, they will not be able to go down the big slide - they can not wear life vests on that slide and you can not wait for them at the bottom. But if they are not big slide users, it should not affect you. You will need to get to the pool area early afternoon to find some chairs - the DLH pool area fills up fast. And Crocs Bits 'N Bites is a great snack/lunch area by the pool - the nachos are big enough for a family to share. They also have a little snack shop that sells sandwiches, etc. and the coffee shop is good for a quick snack.

If you stay concierge at DLH, it does increase the likelihood of you getting one of the new renovated rooms - the started on the Dreams Tower first which is the Concierge tower. You can have a nice drink and appetizers in the concierge lounge and watch the fireworks from the floor to ceiling window (lounge in on the top floor).

And request a 2Queen/day bed room at the DLH - they are 50 sq ft larger than the other rooms.

Others have answered your other question but just to confirm, they do not allow pool hoping unless your pool is "down". The DLH pool is awesome!

Have fun!

 

[Tonyspad]

Do all double queen rooms include a daybed?

 

[DizMe]

I would definitely choose DLH concierge!

With 2 kids, you'd get a lot out of the food offerings, the rooms are bigger, and the "feel" of the hotel is nicer for families, IMO.

I love GCH, but I prefer DLH in many ways, particularly with kids. Throwing in concierge would certainly steer me in the direction of DLH. The lounge is being renovated so it will be interesting to hear how it has been upgraded.

Most of the 2Q rooms at DLH have a daybed. Most of the rooms at GCH do not.

 

[ahill004]

Well...concierge is all booked during our stay! So now with that out of the question I have to decide between a resort/pool view at DLH or standard at GCH. The price difference is not an issue so it is really whichever hotel is better for us. I really LOVE the location and look of the GCH. And I love, love, love the bunk beds (kids are REALLY into them). But the DLH pools look really nice for kids and the lady on the disney hotline sounded more pro-DLH for little kids. I am so indecisive on this!!!! Help! Dh is NO help. He just told me he does not care. I can choose. I want someone else to choose!

 

[NewbieMouse]

I really was exactly where you are right now. The bunk beds and location are the precise things that hang me up on this one - this decision still wakes me in the middle of the night! Ultimately I chose the DLH because I think for my kids first visit the Disney touches will be really special for them. I also considered that I couldn't guarantee the bunk beds, and could get a crappy location in the GCH. I know I can also get a tower I don't want in the DLH, but I went for the upper resort/pool view to increase my chances. When they're a little older, maybe we'll try the GCH.

It's a toughie, I know. It's probably not the last time you'll go - try to choose one and be at peace with it