February 2011- help!

[Canadianfamily]

I realize it is early to start planning a trip for Feb 2011 but really have no idea where to begin. I've been checking the boards for a while but have decided it's time to join in!

My family has been to Disneyland a number of time but not for a few years. Last summer we did WDW and a cruise and loved both, we're now hooked back on Disney! (By the way, I checked the boards A LOT for our WDW trip and it made a huge difference, so thank you!)

We have two daughters who will be 17 and 20 when we go. We love that even though we're older than most families at the park we still have a great time. Everyone is now old enough to be responsible for their own bag and snacks and we can spend all day in the park without anyone getting cranky (for the most part at least, haha!)

I'll also throw out there that we're going to do a Mexican Riviera cruise after our stay at Disneyland, so we'll only need a hotel for three nights, which makes splurging on a hotel for the three nights ok.

Here where it gets tough. We stayed at the Poly at WDW and loved the convenience and the benefits of a Disney hotel. As such, my husband is convinced he wants to stay at another Disney hotel on our next trip. I'm so torn between the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. Where are they located (how far of a walk?) and is there a monorail line to take? Do you notice a large age difference between the two? We love all things Disney so having a well decorated lobby/room is wonderful. And are there any renovations that will be completed by the time we're there? I've seen different posts about renos but can't find a finish date.

We also are thinking of doing Goofy's kitchen but can't decide between breakfast and dinner. Does the menu change a lot? (my eldest daughter REALLY wants some pb&j pizza!)

Thank you so much for your help, I can't wait to hear your opinion!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

Hi and welcome to the posting part of DIS! I have to say I go back and forth between the 2 hotels EVERY time...but alas always go back to the DLH!

For me, it is the commnets about the DLH having larger rooms and the simple fact that it is much more magical...I LOVE that the characters walk around, I love the pool, I love that the shampoos, etc. have MICKEY on them. Also, since we go to Goofy's it is right there at the DLH so you can change if you spill (which I always do). Plus, really, it is less expensive! So, I think it depends on what you want....more fancy-less disney or more disney (that was the break down for me)

One of these days I will go for the GCH!!!

 

[Canadianfamily]

Thank for your reply!

I've been leaning towards the Disneyland Hotel, I was talking with my daughter and she has memories of going to Goofy's Kitchen probably 10 or 12 years ago when we stayed off site and it seemed like such a magical place.

Do you know anything about the renovations they're doing? Or if there is another thread about this (which it always seems like there is, everyone is so on top of things!) where I could find it?

 

[disney4metoo]

The Grand Californian Hotel is my preference. We have a 20 year old and a 18 year old and they prefer The Grand Californian too. It is a little closer to parks than the DLH and the park views of the hotel are beautiful. Here is a picture of the pool view. The same architect who designed VWL, and AKL designed GCH. There is also a private entance into California Adventure from the GCH.

 

[DangerMouse]

By the time you go, I would bet that most of the rooms at the DLH will have gone through the recent refurbishment. The new rooms are just GORGEOUS, and much larger than the rooms at the GCH. With 4 of you in one room, I would pick the DLH. I like the convenience of the monorail to take back to the hotel at night. (I prefer to go through the main entrance gates in the morning).

Also, you can enjoy the private entrance to DCA through the GCH even though you are a guest at DLH. And you can spend some time in that gorgeous lobby as well without paying the extra cost of staying there.

I'll go see if I can find some pics of the new rooms at the DLH.

 

[Canadianfamily]

I've found a few photos online of the renovations at the Disneyland Hotel but was wondering how likely an upgrade to a reno'd room is? Is there anyone who has been recently that knows?

Thanks!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I am pretty sure it will be complete or almost complete by 2011!

 

[Canadianfamily]

Excellent! Having a view room isn't as important to us, we just like a nice hotel. If most of it will be done by the time we're there then we'll be good.
Thank you!