DLH or GC??

[amcsmom]

We are taking our kids (ages 10 & 7) to DL for the first time in October and want to stay at one of these hotels, but aren't sure which. I like the plushness of GC, but the DLH seems so much more "Disney". DL vetrans, please help us choose!!

 

[karylrocks]

GCH is gorgeous but I think your kids will enjoy DLH much more. It is really a fun theme with the pool and the shops and all the decor.

 

[rangermom]

We loved the DLH. There is a border on the wall of Tinkerbell flying through the room and the pixie dust glows in the dark. My DD loved it and when asked what her favorite thing about her trip was she said the hotel. My DS loved the pool.

Actually my kids just love hotels.

 

[l’amore bella]

I think the Disneyland Hotel would be a great place to stay for your first trip. There are little Disney touches all throughout the rooms and the pool is amazing. I have often seen characters wandering around in the lobby as well.

 

[Sherry E]

Well, the DLH has these:

(Although the ones in the photo are from PPH, but DH has them too). The GCH has H20 Spa products.

I used to stay at DLH all the time - until there was a PPH and then a GCH. They all have their pros and cons. Some folks say that the DLH is looking a little run down lately, but the grounds are still beautiful. It is the most 'Disney' out of all 3 hotels, that is for sure, and the price difference between DLH and GCH is usually substantial. I really like the GCH too, and would stay there more often if I could afford it, but if you have kids who really want to be immersed in Disney from beginning of the trip to the end, then DLH would be the way to go. The great thing is that no matter which hotel you pick to stay in, they are all close enough together that you can wander over to each one and have a look around or eat, etc. A lot of the things I enjoy about the GCH are things I can enjoy even if I don't stay onsite.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I absolutely love the DLH. I have stayed at GCH (and Paradise Pier too for that matter) and while the GCH is incredible and the details superb, I prefer the DLH. Above all the other Disney deluxe level resorts in both WDW and DL, the DLH has the Disney touches that are tasteful but so fun and whimsical. I enjoy the oversized, light, bright rooms and the pool area is great for kids. I also enjoy the grounds of the DLH, it has some things like the arcade (no arcade at GCH, not a biggie but my kids enjoy burning some quarters) and the remote control jungle cruise boats. I also think the DLH has better dining choices for a family.

You can't make a bad choice but for me, the DLH wins!

I'll also add that I very much agree with Sherry. I enjoy the craftsmen theming of the GCH and enjoy cutting through the lobby on my way to and from DCA to the DLH. I also enjoy eating at Storytellers and Whitewhater snacks. But those are things that don't sway me enough to stay there. I do think the balconies are a great selling point for the GCH, I wish the DLH rooms had them but I guess you can't have everything! I also think a big factor for me and the DLH is the bed situation. At the DLH you are guaranteed a third bed. Either a daybed or a rollaway (rollaways are free there). The GCH has some bunkbed and daybed rooms, however those are request only. If you don't get one, you get a sleeping bag if you need a third bed option. With two teens who can't sleep in the same bed, being assured one of them will have a comfy bed is a big plus for me.

I have never had a rundown room at the DLH but it is for sure older than the GCH. But in seven stays in the past five years, I've been happy with the rooms as far as the shape they are how clean they are.

 

[jenpace]

Our youngest two are also 10 and 7 y/o. I'm going to go against the grain and recommend the GCH over the DLH.

We've stayed at both hotels a few times a year for the past 6 years and we're just done with the DLH. It's worth it for us to spend the extra $$ to stay at the Grand Californian.

The DLH is in really bad condition with a lot of problems ranging from tattered wallpaper and stained carpeting to non functioning plumbing.

The added convenience of the GCH being so close to the parks and having it's own entrance to DCA is really important, especially after going on GRR and wanting a quick change into dry clothing.

The pool at DLH is nice and more themed but the ones at the GCH are pretty good too and each one has a fun water slide. I think your kids would enjoy either pool and the slides.

 

[lulubelle]

I love them both!

Don't want to repeat what the others have said (all valid points and facts), I would say if $$ were no problem, pick GC. With children involved, pick DLH. I had also never had a room I would even remotely call "run down" at DLH, but have read others opinion that stated that.

Have a magical trip whatever you choose!

 

[amcsmom]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful feedback. DH and I have not been to DL in over 10 years and I'm so glad I finally convinced him to go - before our kids are all grown up! (He really hates crowds and much prefers slower paced vacations!!)

I love hearing all the opinions -- thanks again!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We love the Disneyland Hotel! I feel the same as Amy--we love the light, oversized rooms and the disney theme. I think your kids will love it too.

Have fun!

 

[TahoeMom]

At the DLH you are guaranteed a third bed. Either a daybed or a rollaway (rollaways are free there).

Do you request a rollaway ahead of time? I too have 2 kids who can't sleep in the same bed so a 3rd bed would be great.

We have stayed in both the DLH and GCH - we love them both. The GCH has advantages with location - especially with the direct entrance into DCA. And it is a very nice hotel. However, the DLH is fun and very Disneyish. And we prefer Goofy's Kitchen to the other character dining restaurants in the hotels - although you can certainly eat there no matter where you stay. I don't think you can really go wrong either place.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Do you request a rollaway ahead of time? I too have 2 kids who can't sleep in the same bed so a 3rd bed would be great.

We have stayed in both the DLH and GCH - we love them both. The GCH has advantages with location - especially with the direct entrance into DCA. And it is a very nice hotel. However, the DLH is fun and very Disneyish. And we prefer Goofy's Kitchen to the other character dining restaurants in the hotels - although you can certainly eat there no matter where you stay. I don't think you can really go wrong either place.

You don't need to request the rollaway ahead of time. I have been told they have enough they can't possibly run out! Since you may end up with a day bed room, you can just play it by ear. Although, even in a daybed room, we have been known to get a rollaway (and the rooms are generally big enough to accomodate a rollaway and daybed since most of them are very large). The daybeds aren't as comfortable. The rollaways are full sized twin beds with a true mattress on them. So my kids prefer that over the daybed and my son is also too tall now for a daybed!