DLH vs. GCH in March for young kids with midday break

[ParkHopper1]

Thanks again everyone! Is Courtyard view worth the upgrade of only $100 for the length of stay? Or do folks have a preference for standard rooms?

100% IMO...the Courtyard with the monorail running through is one of my favorite locations.

Standard room overlooks the the front parking lot and entry way but they sell FAR more standard rooms than they have in inventory so there is good chance that you would be upgraded to something better like Courtyard view...but for $100 total I would lock that in!

 

[twodogs]

Having stayed in all 3 resort hotels with our kids and family, hands down GCH Woods/Courtyard view is our favorite! Great decision and have fun!!

 

[DizMe]

I always book a standard room and request "close to an elevator" because I don't care about the view as much as I care about the location. I don't want to be far from an elevator and I hate those wings that seem to go on forever, especially when you're going back after a long day in the parks.



But the Woods/Courtyard is definitely awesome.

 

[Geemo]

Thanks again everyone! Is Courtyard view worth the upgrade of only $100 for the length of stay? Or do folks have a preference for standard rooms?

The map I have attached has three numbers for rooms. Add the floor level to the first three and that will be the actual room number.

Be very careful of which Courtyard view area you are placed in! Our first time staying at GCH we were on the fourth floor in connecting rooms around 4163 & 4164. The walk to get to the rooms was brutal after a long day in the parks. It doesn't look bad on the map but it was. Now I always ask for a room near the lobby elevators.

Standard rooms will overlook Disneyland Drive and the entrance to the hotel. Lower floors will hear the noise of that area. But it's not as bad as the walk to rooms 4163 & 4164.

I would upgrade if you can get near the elevators. Your kids will love watching the Monorail wiz by. My grandkids had housekeeping bring them the sleeping bags and they would nap out on the balcony waiting for the Monorail to pass by. Not sure if sleeping bags are still a thing.... That was 25years ago!!

Happy planning and enjoy the trip when it's time.


If my map is outdated would someone please let me know. It's from 2018. Thanks

 

[Minnie1222]

Are you suggesting that the family actually put the little kids in a room by themselves and four adults in the other room, or is this just a booking trick?

This "trick" only works if you have ONE adult traveling with multiple minors. It's not a trick. It's a necessity for households that only has one adult. You have to call, and Disney would give you "guaranteed" connecting rooms.

 

[neverlandsky]

A BIG thanks to this thread, we booked GCH over DLH. It's our first time ever staying on property. Our kids are grown. However, DH likes his midday breaks & naps. Booked the recommended woods/courtyard room.

 

[Mardigras2025]

Sorry to bring this back to life one more time - does anyone’s opinion drastically change on two courtyard hotel rooms at GCH vs. two new studios at Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Same answer? Location, location, location, bubble, overall vibes trumping the new studios? Particularly for any breaks or back and forth needs? Villas seem to have a bit more as far as kitchen goes, but not sure how important that is.

Obviously fell in love with the idea of GCH rooms and it’s fine for our budget, and have it booked through a Costco package. But there is studio availability for DVC points rental at VDH (surprisingly). We would save a little bit of money depending on which configuration we do, but in the grand scheme of this overall trip maybe not a game changing amount.

 

[Jojo Cat Lady]

Sorry to bring this back to life one more time - does anyone’s opinion drastically change on two courtyard hotel rooms at GCH vs. two new studios at Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Same answer? Location, location, location, bubble, overall vibes trumping the new studios? Particularly for any breaks or back and forth needs? Villas seem to have a bit more as far as kitchen goes, but not sure how important that is.

Obviously fell in love with the idea of GCH rooms and it’s fine for our budget, and have it booked through a Costco package. But there is studio availability for DVC points rental at VDH (surprisingly). We would save a little bit of money depending on which configuration we do, but in the grand scheme of this overall trip maybe not a game changing amount.

My issue is the distance. DLH is MUCH further from the parks. I was exhausted and not sure I could even make it that far. If you are planning on breaks, don't even think about changing from GCH. Every time you are leaving the parks, you will pass GCH and wish you were there.

 

[neverlandsky]

Sorry to bring this back to life one more time - does anyone’s opinion drastically change on two courtyard hotel rooms at GCH vs. two new studios at Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Same answer? Location, location, location, bubble, overall vibes trumping the new studios? Particularly for any breaks or back and forth needs? Villas seem to have a bit more as far as kitchen goes, but not sure how important that is.

Obviously fell in love with the idea of GCH rooms and it’s fine for our budget, and have it booked through a Costco package. But there is studio availability for DVC points rental at VDH (surprisingly). We would save a little bit of money depending on which configuration we do, but in the grand scheme of this overall trip maybe not a game changing amount.

I'm interested in this too because I'm thinking about changing because they are newer. But the distance and the monorail being down is making me think I should keep GCH.

 

[Brian Noble]

Per google maps, it's a little over a half mile from the Esplanade to the DVC tower. It's not nothing, but it's also not crossing the Sahara.

 

[ilovebassets]

Sorry to bring this back to life one more time - does anyone’s opinion drastically change on two courtyard hotel rooms at GCH vs. two new studios at Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Same answer? Location, location, location, bubble, overall vibes trumping the new studios? Particularly for any breaks or back and forth needs? Villas seem to have a bit more as far as kitchen goes, but not sure how important that is.

Obviously fell in love with the idea of GCH rooms and it’s fine for our budget, and have it booked through a Costco package. But there is studio availability for DVC points rental at VDH (surprisingly). We would save a little bit of money depending on which configuration we do, but in the grand scheme of this overall trip maybe not a game changing amount.

We just came back from a four night stay at DLH. We didn't think it was far at all from the parks and had zero issue with either taking the monorail from Disneyland Park or walking back from either park to our room for midday breaks (with three kids--youngest is 6). Like none. My personal opinion is that the distance between the two hotels is negligible if you don't have mobility issues. We went to the Grand Californian for dinner one night after the parks. It felt like a similar walk. Both are squarely "in the bubble" (unlike Pixar Place which we walked to just to check out.)

Another thing--we only went to the Grand Californian once, but it felt very crowded in the lobby area and there were long security lines as we entered (for the people going the other way) and when we went back into Downtown Disney. The security lines walking into Downtown Disney from DLH were always only 0-2 people and much faster. DLH public areas (lobby, coffee shop, etc) always felt relaxed, calm, and uncrowded to me. YMMV.

 

[Minnie1222]

I've only stayed at GC and it does feel a lot closer to the esplanade, especially after a long day of walking. I think the walk from the esplanade to DLH takes about the same time as the walk from Spaceship Earth to the Skyliner, with GC at the vicinity of Canada. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[PiratesOfTheSea]

Sorry to bring this back to life one more time - does anyone’s opinion drastically change on two courtyard hotel rooms at GCH vs. two new studios at Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Same answer? Location, location, location, bubble, overall vibes trumping the new studios? Particularly for any breaks or back and forth needs? Villas seem to have a bit more as far as kitchen goes, but not sure how important that is.

Obviously fell in love with the idea of GCH rooms and it’s fine for our budget, and have it booked through a Costco package. But there is studio availability for DVC points rental at VDH (surprisingly). We would save a little bit of money depending on which configuration we do, but in the grand scheme of this overall trip maybe not a game changing amount.

If the bubble feel is important to you then there will be a better than 50% chance that you will be disappointed by your VDH room view. The location of the tower pretty much means that only a small number of VDH rooms (the ones facing the Monorail Pool) won't be mostly the neighborhood bordering DLH. None of them will be standard studios and they account for less than half the "Preferred" studios in the tower. Most of the "Preferred" studios are actually facing the Palette Pool which is small enough that you will have mostly a city view once you get more than 5-6 floors up. The kitchenette is a nice to have but it was probably the one thing we could have done without when we had a VGC 1BR in the fall. If you are already OK with the cost of GCH Courtyard rooms, I'd stick with that as you are all but guaranteed a room that keeps you in the bubble.

 

[Pluto468]

Sorry to bring this back to life one more time - does anyone’s opinion drastically change on two courtyard hotel rooms at GCH vs. two new studios at Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Same answer? Location, location, location, bubble, overall vibes trumping the new studios? Particularly for any breaks or back and forth needs? Villas seem to have a bit more as far as kitchen goes, but not sure how important that is.

Obviously fell in love with the idea of GCH rooms and it’s fine for our budget, and have it booked through a Costco package. But there is studio availability for DVC points rental at VDH (surprisingly). We would save a little bit of money depending on which configuration we do, but in the grand scheme of this overall trip maybe not a game changing amount.

I'd still stay with GCH, but I can understand the temptation to try those brand new suites, especially if you'd use the kitchen.

As far as views/bubble feel....

My view at GCH was standard and overlooked the driveway and Pixar Place. It was quiet and had pretty trees right outside the balcony so it was very pleasant.

On the other hand, once we stayed in a huge 2 bedroom suite at DLH and our view was pretty gross lol. The city, the vast parking lot and construction at the time. We were in Frontier, which is right next to the new villas.

My other DLH stays have all been in Adventure tower, with nice views of the pool or DTD.

As someone else mentioned, while DLH is a longer walk, it's not the worst walk on earth. But if you're planning on multiple breaks GCH is the way to go because it will be much easier. And when you're going to DCA it's ridiculously easier.

 

[tink89]

We have stayed at both many times. The GCH has proximity and that is all. And depending on where your room is it can still take as much as DLH. We had always stayed at DLH and one time we decided to stay at the Grand because well it was so nice during Christmas time. And yes it was nice but we preferred the DLH.

DLH
Way better pools. My kid has preferred the DLH pool from age 3-16. Not once have they said they like GCH pool better.
Less people walking around and just overall less noisy.
Rooms are way bigger.
coffee shop, restaurants on property. two stores.
It is about 12-15 min walk. It is 5-7 min longer walk than GCH

GCH
Proximity to DCA. It can take longer to get to DL depending where your room is.
the Lobby is amazing, but always packed with people. Many who are not even staying there.
While walking to the pool or to eat you will have to walk through so many people who are in the looby or eating.
downtown is just right outside.
The rooms are smaller.


We will only choose GCH if we know it will be very hot or we are going 2 days so need as much time saving as possible. All other times every single person in my family prefers the DLH.

 

[DizMe]

I know I've already answered you previously, but I thought I'd point out a few things.

I would go with 2 adjoining rooms at GCH over a 1-br family suite at DLH. The main reason is that in a 1-br suite, you will have 4 people sleeping in the bedroom and 2 people sleeping on a sofa bed.

I *personally* don't care to sleep on a sofa bed, and I wouldn't expect my parents to take the sofa bed, which likely means 4 adults in the bedroom in the DLH suite, which I would really dislike. The one bedroom suites at DLH generally have 1 bathroom but sometimes there is a 1/2 bath. 2 rooms at GCH will have 2 full baths.

With 2 adjoining rooms, you will have real beds for all (though one of the kids might be on the day bed or a sleeper sofa if the kids don't want to share a bed) plus the grandparents can have one or both of the grandkids stay in their room if and when they like. It gives you more privacy.

I *personally* wouldn't care for the VDH studios for that many people nor do I like the location.

But the downside to 2 rooms at GCH over the suite, though, is that you won't have a kitchenette or a large living area. Some of those older DLH suites have beautiful large windows, which is also really nice.

 

[Mardigras2025]

I know I've already answered you previously, but I thought I'd point out a few things.

I would go with 2 adjoining rooms at GCH over a 1-br family suite at DLH. The main reason is that in a 1-br suite, you will have 4 people sleeping in the bedroom and 2 people sleeping on a sofa bed.

I *personally* don't care to sleep on a sofa bed, and I wouldn't expect my parents to take the sofa bed, which likely means 4 adults in the bedroom in the DLH suite, which I would really dislike. The one bedroom suites at DLH generally have 1 bathroom but sometimes there is a 1/2 bath. 2 rooms at GCH will have 2 full baths.

With 2 adjoining rooms, you will have real beds for all (though one of the kids might be on the day bed or a sleeper sofa if the kids don't want to share a bed) plus the grandparents can have one or both of the grandkids stay in their room if and when they like. It gives you more privacy.

I *personally* wouldn't care for the VDH studios for that many people nor do I like the location.

But the downside to 2 rooms at GCH over the suite, though, is that you won't have a kitchenette or a large living area. Some of those older DLH suites have beautiful large windows, which is also really nice.

Thank you! Our kids will likely jump in bed with adults at some point, even if they start on the pull out / day bed. They are just co-sleepers still at this age once the clock strikes midnight…

We were just talking about the kitchenettes. How the microwave, toaster, dishes, etc. would be “nice to haves” but we wonder how much we would actually utilize it for a three day trip. Could be a requirement for a group of 6 at Disney world for 7-8 days, but maybe not here. Do the GCH rooms at least have a mini fridge for a few yogurts, smoothies, maybe some fruits and vegetables?

 

[Jojo Cat Lady]

Thank you! Our kids will likely jump in bed with adults at some point, even if they start on the pull out / day bed. They are just co-sleepers still at this age once the clock strikes midnight…

We were just talking about the kitchenettes. How the microwave, toaster, dishes, etc. would be “nice to haves” but we wonder how much we would actually utilize it for a three day trip. Could be a requirement for a group of 6 at Disney world for 7-8 days, but maybe not here. Do the GCH rooms at least have a mini fridge for a few yogurts, smoothies, maybe some fruits and vegetables?

GCH rooms have a mini fridge and a Keurig coffee maker. On our last trip we discovered a small room just down the hall with vending machines and microwaves. Had never noticed that before. Not sure of the location or how far it may be from your room but it is an option.

 

[twodogs]

One other major consideration for my family is the cancellation policy of renting DVC points versus a hotel reservation. For many DVC rentals, you can't cancel for a refund unless you take out separate trip insurance. Something to consider at these prices.

 

[PiratesOfTheSea]

Thank you! Our kids will likely jump in bed with adults at some point, even if they start on the pull out / day bed. They are just co-sleepers still at this age once the clock strikes midnight…

We were just talking about the kitchenettes. How the microwave, toaster, dishes, etc. would be “nice to haves” but we wonder how much we would actually utilize it for a three day trip. Could be a requirement for a group of 6 at Disney world for 7-8 days, but maybe not here. Do the GCH rooms at least have a mini fridge for a few yogurts, smoothies, maybe some fruits and vegetables?

Yes, GCH rooms have a mini fridge (but no freezer). We used the kitchen for quick breakfasts before heading out for rope drop but otherwise we mostly stuck to snacking or QS in the parks.

Also for Courtyard view rooms I wouldn't worry too much about the walk since it's mostly DTD view rooms that have the furthest walk. General advice is to ask for a room near the Napa Rose elevator.