DLH or GCH for quick 2 day trip?

[Disney1976]

Hi all,

My wife and I are going on the DCL Mexican Riviera cruise in March, and will be arriving a couple of days early to do Disneyland/DCA. Right now, it looks like we'll get in too late on 3/4 to do anything, so we'd really have one full park day, and plan to buy a 1 day/1 park hopper to just hit the highlights in both parks, including WoC at DCA.

My question is this --since my wife and I want the "full experience" we'd like to stay in one of the Disneyland resorts, and we are trying to decide between the newly remodeled rooms at DLH or GCH (and yes, I know it seems silly to spend money on the hotel, but hey, life is short). The price difference between a new room at DLH and a standard room at GCH is pretty negligible, around $60.

So, which would you choose? Being a Florida resident and AP holder at WDW, GCH sort of strikes me as a cross between Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Floridian. Not sure I'm enjoying the theme as compared to the new rooms at DLH, but I know pictures don't always tell the full story, either. Is service about the same at each hotel? Can you get room service at both even late at night, since our flight gets in late?

Is the construction around DLH so much of a mess it would interfere with things?

I know, lots of questions. But, hoping you experts of DL can offer your wisdom and expertise. Thanks!

 

[CrazyDuck]

GCH... It's closer (no matter what room you get)

 

[CA Disney Fans]

I would go with the GCH. I have stayed in the hotel and villas and loved it.

I believe room service stops at midnight.

 

[lapdwife]

GCH is our second home. GCH does have a Wilderness feel. It's everyone's favorite for a reason. Everything is top knotch, down to the personal products they give you. (Bring your own shampoo if you're going DLH.) The new rooms at DLH are pretty cool. Unless youre in the tower being worked on, the construction really isn't a bother this time of year. It's a hike but still closer than any hotel at WDW to the park.

 

[aristocat65]

I'll agree with GCH. You are right that it is similar to WL, though I'd describe it as more refined and upscale. Not as "rustic", more craftsman, less cowboy. For a one day visit it so nicer and close.

I was also torn between the DLH and GCH as I love the look of the new rooms at DLH, but it seems a little much to pay with all the construction going on at the hotel. I'll wait until it is all done and then stay there.

 

[Canadianfamily]

We had planned to stay at the DLH before our cruise in Feb but with the construction we decided to switch to a room at the GCH. It wasn't a huge price change and like you, we want the full experience. I've been looking through the GCH super thread and the photos look amazing, I'm glad we switched.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Without a doubt, GC! I've stayed at both and in the scenario that you are describing, I would book GC over DLH in a heartbeat. Trust me when I say YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!

Yes, the rooms at DLH are larger and newly renovated, but there is something very special about GC. And, the close proximity to the parks is absolutely fantastic! Sooo perfect for you and your wife.

Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[Disney1976]

Thank you all for the wonderful advice! It seems that everyone agrees on GCH, and there's obviously a reason for that. And the close proximity to the parks will be nice.

Very excited for this trip --wasn't planning on Disneyland until 2012, but got a great TA rate on the MR cruise, and can't pass up the opportunity. Just a few months away!

I'm going to be spending lots of time in the Disneyland thread, for sure.