DLH or GCH

[cari12]

I was wondering what your thoughts are comparing these 2 now with the DLH refurb. We are starting to think about an upcoming trip in Oct 2012 and are weighing the options on where to stay. Definitely want to be onsite.
DLH now has the refurbished rooms and the new pool area which DD8 and DS6 will love to check out (everyday!), especially the new waterslide. And their prices are not a huge amount lower than GCH now.
GCH has the option of bunkbeds for the kids -but can you get these guaranteed? Or is it luck of the draw? Here there is also the special DCA entrance and since CarsLand and the new Little Mermaid ride and the UP redesigned Red Creek Trail (not sure if that name is right) will be musts as they were not there when we went in 2009.

 

[sonnyjane]

Obviously the GCH is typically much more expensive, but I will say that of the three DLR on-site hotels, DLH is actually the FARTHEST from the parks. I used mapmyrun.com when deciding between PPH and DLH for a recent stay and found that DLH is farther away from the esplanade than PPH if you walk through the GCH lobby. So, if distance is an issue, for sure pick GCH. I'd choose GCH in a heartbeat if I could afford it. It is SO CLOSE!

I will say that the entrance into DCA from GCH can be used by guests of all three on-site hotels, not just those of GCH, so don't use that as a determining factor. I used it several times last week when I was staying at Paradise Pier.

 

[jetskigrl]

We are big fans of the GCH hotel. I have only stayed at DLH one time and the experience paled in comparison to our GCH stays. We love the pool area at GCH and the easy access to DCA. Once we were sitting out by the pool, threw on coverups, grabbed our FPs and ran over to ride GRR. We got totally soaked, walked back to the pool area and jumped right back in the pool

But that being said, I have a reservation for DLH for Labor Day (and the two days after) just to experience the remodeled rooms and new monorail slide area. I'm hoping that stay will change my mind a bit about the DLH But for now, GCH is still our favorite.

In 2012, the pool area at DLH should be finished so that will be a plus for that hotel. But given the things you want to enjoy at DCA, having the park entrance right there in the GCH would be very nice also.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either Sorry, I'm not help whatsoever, am I?

 

[nottellin']

We have stayed at all three on site hotels and the DLH is our favorite. Our children are about the same age as your and they love the thumbing and the pool at DLH. GCH just didn't seem as magical to them.

Btw, the new rooms at DLH are really great, they are also way bigger than the ones at the Grand.

 

[cari12]

We have stayed at all three on site hotels and the DLH is our favorite. Our children are about the same age as your and they love the thumbing and the pool at DLH. GCH just didn't seem as magical to them.

Btw, the new rooms at DLH are really great, they are also way bigger than the ones at the Grand.

Bigger than the ones at GCH? Funny, from our last stay at DLH, I did not think the rooms were "big". GCH rooms must be really small.

 

[rramstad]

GCH rooms are fairly small.

If you ask for bunk beds when you make a reservation at GCH, they will give you a reservation for a room with bunk beds. I can't imagine them revising or canceling that reservation without letting you know. If you are paranoid, you could call them the afternoon before arrival and double check they have your reservation correct -- at that point they should have an actual room assigned. (This is what I was told by a reservation person back in May when making reservations for our trip in July.)

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We did a split stay at both in June. We got a refurbished room at DLH and were pleasantly surprised! Even my DH said that DLH is a nice alternative to the Grand now. Our kids LOVED the water slides at DLH and the adults enjoyed Trader Sams bar while the kids were sliding!

We love the closeness of the Grand, and the beauty of the hotel. I liked the size of the room better at DLH, and we got a room with 2 queens AND a pull out daybed- which was a huge bonus for our kids who were tired of sharing a bed! I had booked the room using DVC points that were going to expire- booked a standard room- I don't know if the daybed meant it was a deluxe room, or if we just got lucky.

I guess I would say if your trip will include more time in the room/pool, then pick DLH. If you will be in full commando mode and want quick access to your room, then pick GCH.

Either way it's a great choice!

 

[rentayenta]

There is nothing like walking off GRR and right into your hotel to change. Well, I guess watching WoC from your patio is pretty cool. GCV all the way!

 

[Disneyland1084]

Once you stay at the Grand Californian hotel, there's no staying anywhere else.

 

[cari12]

There is nothing like walking off GRR and right into your hotel to change. Well, I guess watching WoC from your patio is pretty cool. GCV all the way!

Can you see WoC from the GCH rooms? That would be an additional bonus to not have to fight the crowds for that.