Expert Opinions Please DLH or GCH?

[M3mom]

I know this probably has been a topic a billion times but I really am looking for expert insight on why our family of 5 (myself, DH, DSs 12,10 and DD 5) should choose one over the other (DLH or GCH). The cost I can budget around so not a factor. Slide at DLH will probably be closed (I’ve been told by DLH) as trip is early May. Thanks in advance!

 

[gottalovepluto]

GCH if the kids want a slide.

The remodel has brought a lot more daybeds to GCH so that shouldn’t be an issue and the beds being high means there is lots of space under them for luggage storage which helps compensate for the smaller size of the room at GCH vs DLH

 

[M3mom]

Good points! Thank you!

 

[M3mom]

Other opinions please!

 

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

Our first pick is always GCH. The proximity to the parks and atmosphere is unparalleled. The only we reason we would prefer DLH is for the pool so if the slides are closed that would make our choice for us. We love the remodel and agree that there is a lot more space now in the GCH rooms. In November, we ended up with a 2 queen with the chair that pulled out into a bed. It was perfect fit for our 4 year old and my 11 year old even slept on it one night.

 

[tink89]

I would always choose DLH. It is my favorite. It's just much more magical and Disneyish to me. We stayed there last month with construction going on, but it was just DH and I. That being said if we go back with DD during the pool closure I would have to book GCH. The lobby in GCH is truly beautiful and so is the pool. How many days are you going? I know many do a split stay with offsite but what about a split stay with onsite?

 

[azdisneylover]

If you think your family will love riding Grizzly Rapids, I would suggest staying at GCH. The entrance into the hotel is across from the ride, so, you can get soaked, go back to your room, change and be right back into the park! Whitewater Snacks is a wonderful place in GCH to feed the family and not completely empty your wallet! Seriously, there is a variety of foods that everyone can find something to eat for each meal. The only drawback is they close at 9pm.

 

[pharmama]

GCH hands down. I do love the Disney magic, theming and history of the DLH but the GCH is still my favorite. The GCH is so beautiful and you simply cannot beat the proximity to the parks.

 

[M3mom]

Thanks for everyone’s input. We are staying 5 nights - We could do a split stay but I’m thinking fam would hate packing up mid trip - even though I wouldn’t mind it. I am sold on Whitewater Snacks as I just love having that option for everyone’s different appetites, also like proximity. Why is DLH pool better? Bigger? Deeper? More activities?

 

[twodogs]

Here is a very recent thread on this very subject that might help:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/grand-california-hotel-vs-disneyland-hotel.3732362/

 

[twodogs]

I would not do a split stay. Just pick one and go with it. We have stayed in both, and much prefer GCH for the reasons stated in the other thread. Both are great hotels, we just prefer GCH.

 

[dreeger]

When cost is not a factor, we stay at GCH hands down. The proximity to the parks can't be beat. We stayed at DLH this past weekend because there were no rooms available at GCH, and while I love trader Sam's and steakhouse 55, the rooms felt dated compared to GCH (since they've been recently remodeled), and we never had hot water during our showers, at least not in the morning. DLH is in serious need of some upkeep.

 

[Malcon10t]

I know this probably has been a topic a billion times but I really am looking for expert insight on why our family of 5 (myself, DH, DSs 12,10 and DD 5) should choose one over the other (DLH or GCH). The cost I can budget around so not a factor. Slide at DLH will probably be closed (I’ve been told by DLH) as trip is early May. Thanks in advance!

Everybody has their personal views. For me, the GCH rooms are too small. No way I would do it with 5. The DLH rooms are larger. (PPH rooms are the largest.) Yes, you can put your luggage under the beds but it really doesn't help IMO. My kids an dI prefer the DLH. I like the little touches in the room. I like meeting the characters in the hotel lobby. Grandkids love the Tea Cups in the lobby. And the new Tangaroa Terrace menu looks great!

 

[M3mom]

All good points. Thanks for the tips. I’m still deciding. I really like a warm shower.....

 

[DizMe]

We're a family of 5. We prefer GCH and the size of the rooms works fine for us. We used to prefer DLH when the kids were younger, but once they were past 10 years old, they all preferred GCH (parents too).

 

[VandVsmama]

Normally, I'd say DLH. But because of the slide closure, go with GCH. Side benefit is it's closer to both park entrances.

 

[M3mom]

We're a family of 5. We prefer GCH and the size of the rooms works fine for us. We used to prefer DLH when the kids were younger, but once they were past 10 years old, they all preferred GCH (parents too).

Curious as to why kids changed their minds?

 

[DizMe]

Curious as to why kids changed their minds?

They no longer cared about Goofy walking around the property; they preferred the pool and slide at GCH, and they loved the huge, beautiful lobby. They thought it was so cool to have the entrance to DCA and they preferred the feel of GCH once they were older. Also, and this is probably not typical, but they loved the old look of the DLH with the fairy-tale theming in the rooms--there was a Tinkerbell/pixie dust border around the top of the walls that would glow for a while after you turned out the lights, cool 4-poster beds, more whimsical and charming decor, and you could open the sliding doors back then (both a plus and a minus). None of us like the remodel as well. It's very trendy post-modern and probably appropriate for DLH's beginnings but I find it pretty meh. We aren't huge fans of the monorail slide, either, since we're all past the point of wanting something like that. We preferred the old pool, the waterfalls, and the gift shops that went out over the water.

Edited to add that the youngest (twins) are turning 16 in a few weeks. Honestly they don't care where they stay as long as they get to go! But we are a family that prefers onsite as often as we can.