DLH or GC?

[Malcon10t]

I really like the DLH the best. I keep trying the Grand, and each time I complain to myself about the smaller room, the wandering hallways, the lack of Disney theming, etc... And I ask myself "Why do you keep doing this??"

Everyone has different things they prefer or need in a room. Personally, DLH suits us better.

 

[Aladora]

How was Pinochio's Workshop for your kids? DH and I have reservations at Napa Rose one night for just the two of us, so we'll be taking advantage of that with a 7 and 9 year old. I'm a little worried there won't be other kids there and that they'll be bored, because it always seemed pretty empty when we passed by last year.

We have used Pinocchio's Workshop twice for our son. Both times there have been a couple of other kids but not many. There are tons of things for the kids to do, even without a lot of other kids. Sadly, DS is getting to old to go there (he turns 11 in July) but he is getting mature enough to come with us to NR for dinner...not quite ready for the chef's counter yet though!

 

[Skiton]

We have used Pinocchio's Workshop twice for our son. Both times there have been a couple of other kids but not many. There are tons of things for the kids to do, even without a lot of other kids. Sadly, DS is getting to old to go there (he turns 11 in July) but he is getting mature enough to come with us to NR for dinner...not quite ready for the chef's counter yet though!

We're doing Chef's Counter. I'm super-excited!

 

[cmph]

We have used Pinocchio's Workshop twice for our son. Both times there have been a couple of other kids but not many. There are tons of things for the kids to do, even without a lot of other kids. Sadly, DS is getting to old to go there (he turns 11 in July) but he is getting mature enough to come with us to NR for dinner...not quite ready for the chef's counter yet though!

There were NO other kids when mine were there, actually! LOL!

Mine were actually fine with being the only ones. They did a few crafts, but mostly wanted to play air hockey and video games - which they were happy to be able to monopolize. I think a few kids would have been fine with them, but they probably would have complained if it was packed and they didn't get to do what they wanted. Totally depends on your kids. The staff said it's completely hit or miss in terms of how many kids are there.

 

[cmph]

Thanks, this is a nice summary. We also had the bunk beds when stayed at GCH last year, but we had a standard-view room and boy, was it a hike. Seemed to take forever to get there from the lobby. (Everything seems like it takes forever when your kids are exhausted, I know.) Everyone is saying that the DTD view we would be able to get is as far or farther than where we were last year, so I feel like being in the Adventure tower at DLH might make it a wash, in terms of distance. Is there no bar service at the DLH pool? DH and I did enjoy relaxing with a mojito by the pool while the kids swam.

How was Pinochio's Workshop for your kids? DH and I have reservations at Napa Rose one night for just the two of us, so we'll be taking advantage of that with a 7 and 9 year old. I'm a little worried there won't be other kids there and that they'll be bored, because it always seemed pretty empty when we passed by last year.

Wanted to reply to the room part. We only paid for a standard view. I don't know where we were originally assigned, but when she said "two queens", I asked for a room with a bunk bed so the 10yo (girl) wouldn't have to share a bed with her 7yo brother. That request had been noted on the res, but of course there is the whole "we can't make any guarantees blah blah" bit. It was a couple minutes walk from our elevator to the Downtown Disney / Disneyland path, but like I said, right be the CA entrance. Also very close to the restaurants. I honestly didn't realize it was an upgrade until you said that about the standard view. Guess we lucked out!

 

[Aladora]

We're doing Chef's Counter. I'm super-excited!

We've done it twice and both times were totally worth it! I posted some pics to photobucket after our second dinner there, send me a pm if you want to see them!

If you are a wine drinker, definitely do the wine pairings!

 

[Skiton]

We've done it twice and both times were totally worth it! I posted some pics to photobucket after our second dinner there, send me a pm if you want to see them!

If you are a wine drinker, definitely do the wine pairings!

Oh, we will! We were supposed to do it last year, but our youngest got sick and we had to cancel. Stupid question, but how do I send you a pm?

 

[Aladora]

Oh, we will! We were supposed to do it last year, but our youngest got sick and we had to cancel. Stupid question, but how do I send you a pm?

Just click on my name to the left of this post and then click on "Start a Conversation"

 

[mattykin]

I have never stayed at GCH but sitting by the pool of DLH right now and love it. Room is large and has a pull out bed for my son so my daughter has her own bed. Check in was a little rough but they have definitely made up for it. The grounds are beautiful as is the pool. Overall very happy here

 

[BriannaRuth]

Is there no bar service at the DLH pool? DH and I did enjoy relaxing with a mojito by the pool while the kids swam.

How was Pinochio's Workshop for your kids?

They have waiter service at the DLH pool; you can also go get a drink at Trader Sam's and take it back out to the pool. For the amount you'll be saving not staying at the GCH, you could get a cabana for half a day as well!

My kids have done PW a couple of times and have always enjoyed it. It hasn't ever been very busy but that doesn't bother them. There's stuff to do and one time when my youngest went by herself and there was NO ONE there, the attendants played with her.

 

[emmybee]

We stayed at the GCH for the first time this past Oct and loved it. It was brutally hot, and I really appreciated our Courtyard room that remained in the shade. It was right around the corner from the Napa Rose elevator, so it was super convenient to get to when we staggered back to the room to take a break from the heat. Our kid was the Only One There when we took her to PW while we had our chef's counter dinner at NR. It inwardly made me sad, but when we picked her up it was clear she had a blast! She had 3 grown-ups to play with, and I imagine, attend to her every need. I would love to stay there again, especially if hot weather is expected.

 

[Thometake]

We have stayed in and love all 3 Disney hotels for different reasons, so it's really a matter of taste...

Paradise Pier is the least expensive, but the high floors have a great view of DCA. It's the furthest from the parks, but manageable if you shortcut through GCH. The pool has a big slide and they have a cute Pool Party to add a little Disney fun for the kids. The PCH Grill at PP is good and other than during character dining, is probably the least crowded restaurant in the entire resort. I would say that this hotel is the best choice for budget-conscious families with older kids who want a taste of the magic.

DLH is the granddaddy, and nicely appointed after the refurb they did a couple of years ago. The rooms here have the most theming. There's great history (and a great free hotel tour, if you want a break from the parks or are a true "Mouse-head"), and the pool and slides keep the kids thoroughly entertained. Steakhouse 55 is fantastic any time of day - dinners are delicious, and breakfast is to die for (but be prepared to pay for the yum). Goofy's is great for character dining (kids love the buffet area that's just for them, and parents appreciate all the characters who come to your table). Trader Sam's is one of our favorite spots in the entire resort for drinks (the others are the lounge at Carthay Circle and the bar at Napa Rose - all three have great bartenders, but Sam's has great kitschy character). Often on weekend evenings there are a pair of Hawaiian musicians who play and sing on the patio at Sam's - they are so good that I can close my eyes, sip a Mai Tai and almost feel like I'm in the islands. Overall, this hotel is the most Mouse and the best choice for families who want complete immersion in the magic.

GCH is our personal fave because we are So Cal natives and love the Craftsman style. If you have the time, take the free hotel tour - they give you great insight into the architecture and design of the Grand. We love the touch of magic in the rooms and the lobby that feels like a giant living room (neither of the other two hotels have such a grand indoor gathering space), and as mentioned by others, the bunk bed rooms are great for a family of 4 and the proximity to the parks is a huge bonus. The bar area has sofas, is spacious and relaxed. The Storytellers cafe has really good food (especially love the corn chowder) and if you want to treat yourself to a culinary experience, dinner at Napa Rose is a must. I believe this hotel is best for families with very young children (easiest to get to/from for naps and quick-changes), kids who can't share a bed (bunk-bed rooms), and adults who want a more refined atmosphere with only a hint of pixie dust.

Hope this is helpful.