DLH vs. GCH

[Mackysmycat]

Ok this is my last post about this, I promise. But I just can't decide which to book for our hotel. We have stayed at GC and loved it - haven't stayed at DLH yet.

For those who have been to one or the other, can you help me make a decision?

 

[cyndisun]

It's a very personal choice. But the reason I like the GCH, besides the theming, is the access to DCA. DS's favorite ride is Grizzly Rapids. He can ride it a bunch of times in a row (single rider) and then come back sopping wet and change.

I'm not sure if that is an issue for you, but I thought I'd mention it.

What a great dilemma to be in though!

Have fun!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

It's hard to be GC's location. We planned on staying at DLH in October since we stayed at GCV and PP in January. DH said last night that he would rather stay at "his GCV studio" again. Lol--guess he made our decision already, lol.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We have LOVED our stays at DLH but we've LOVED our stays at GCH a bit more. We adore the location and closer proximity to the parks. We feel the walk from DLH is a bit far. We really enjoy the theming of GCH and being able to be at the pool, head out that gate, ride on GRR and then come back to the pool. So fun!! We also really like Storytellers and White Water Snacks.

The rooms at DLH are larger and have the daybed, so if your family needs the extra space, then you might like DLH better. It's also brighter over there,
GCH has a darker feel to it.

Here is what I know for sure: When you are staying at DLH and walking back to your room after being in the parks for many hours and you are TIRED, you will wish you could turn into the GCH and be home and not have to continue that long walk!! LOL!! At least that's what happened to me. I will admit, though, that new pool at DLH is calling my name. If an awesome water park type of pool is important to you, then I'd try DLH.

I really don't think you can go wrong between either of them, I honestly feel you'd enjoy both. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mackysmycat]

Thank you. These are exactly the replies that I am looking for. I still have no idea what to do - but have a day or two before I want to book, so will keep checking this post for more feedback.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

What about a split stay? We do them at DW and are going to do our first split stay at DL in June. Not sure how many nights you will be there, but it may be worth it to be able to check out DLH for the first time and also spend time at what you know and love, GCH.

We love split stays because it's like two vacations in one!

 

[jacs1234]

On our last trip of 12 nights, we spent 6 at the Grand and 6 at DLH. We had a view at the Grand of the Grizzly river rapids, we woke up to the music and sat on our verandah at night watching people come and go. I totally adored my stay there. Then we moved to DLH and it was gorgeous, their shop was better and I liked their coffee shop, but it seemed so far away compared to the Grand and it just couldn't beat sitting on our verandah at the Grand. We are planning another trip and we will stay at the Grand the whole time. I am glad we tried the Disneyland hotel, we had a gorgeous view from there and if we hadn't of stayed at the Grand first we would have been so thrilled. Does that make sense?

 

[JJBeans]

How far is the walk from the Hotel to the parks?

 

[llump41]

One thing I consider is the upgrade possibility. I could do concierge PPH but only a regular room DLH.

 

[nana50]

I have stayed at both recently and if you have children I suggest the DLH. If it is just adults definitely the Grand. The new reno at DLH is fantastic. Come on people, it isn't that far. You can always take the monorail to Disneyland. The Grand is closer to CA but it is within site of the the DLH so it isn't that far apart.

 

[DizMe]

I never know how to answer this. I love both hotels. I prefer the rooms at DLH and I like its simplicity. By that I mean that it doesn't twist all over the place--everything is laid out nicely in a way that makes sense. GCH is a little bit of a maze IMO. I like the grounds at DLH better but the lobby at GCH is a really nice place to hang out and is close to places in DTD I like (Hagen Daaz & Marcelines!). DLH is also nicely located next to DTD and is very close to RFC, the monorail, and used to be Compass Bookstore. Rumor has it that Compass is going to be either Starbuck's or Earl of Sandwich--I haven't kept up on what the latest news on that is--so that's nice, too. And I LOVE Trader Sam's! The DLH gift shop, as a PP mentioned, is superior to the one at GCH but then GCH is right next door to World of Disney.

The upshot is, each is fabulous in its own way. I think a lot of people prefer GCH, without realizing it, for the "elite" factor. Honestly, the proximity thing is very minimal IMO. You add maybe 3 minutes by staying at DLH; if you have an outlying room at GCH, the walk to DL is no shorter. It is a nice convenience to have the DCA entrance, though.

See...no help from me!! I've stayed at both hotels numerous times and I still have trouble picking one when it's time for a trip!

 

[Mackysmycat]

Hmm. Not sure about a split stay. We're staying 7 nights but I think I'd just want to settle in and stay in one place...

We had a view at the Grand of the Grizzly river rapids, we woke up to the music and sat on our verandah at night watching people come and go

That sounds wonderful. Do you remember what room number it was?

Ok geez - I still have NO idea what to do, even with all these great responses! lol

 

[FanniesDisney]

I have stayed at the GCH 3 times in the last 6 years and I love it. I love it's proximity to everything, the lobby is fabulous and Storyteller Cafe is a favorite. But the one downfall is the size of the rooms. My two guys are big now and although we don't spend much time in the room it is cramped. This fall we are considering getting out of our comfort zone and staying at the DLH because of the size of the room. I'm nervous and I'm sure I will have proximity envy when I'm near the GCH as well as a sense of disloyalty ;-). As to distance well my boys are big now so if I get tired one of them will have to carry me! The tables will finally be turned!

 

[Mackysmycat]

We booked our vacation package yesterday, with DLH, knowing we can switch it to GCH if we want to. But I have to decide FAST. Like now. We've stayed at the GHC and didn't have any problem with the room size, so that's not an issue. I like how close it is, it's just the new water slides at DLH that are pulling me that way. Everything else pulls me to the GCH. So it's just - are the slides really that worth it - that's what I need to figure out!

 

[taaren]

We have stayed at both. (Well, the Villas at the GCH) For a longer stay definitely GCH. Simply for the proximity, the luxury, not having to walk as far, particularly to the private gate to DCA.

DLH to me works great for a weekend trip ... a quick magical escape from reality with the extra bit of Disney-ness and when you want to embrace the nightlife at DTD, but walking through the DTD every day for 7 days? Nope, GCH.

Only thing that would sway me are the slightly larger rooms at the DLH if I had a larger party (ie. 5 people would be more comfortable in a DLH room vs a GCH room ... 4 people would be slightly squishy in a GCH room but would still be okay).

 

[Mackysmycat]

We are a family of 4 and do not feel squished in the room. We have decided on the GCH again. Phew - glad that's done!