I've never stayed in the
Disneyland Hotel, we've always stayed at the Grand Californian - which I know inside out and upside down, making booking decisions easy. But the kids are a bit older now, so it's not as important to be right next to the park, and I'd like to try the Disneyland Hotel. Unfortunately I'm totally clueless on the booking options and details.
- Are the rooms and suites the same (I know decor and style is different) - meaning the size and beds etc?
- What are the different bed configurations and square footage?
- What is the price difference? I can see prices for only standard rooms right now due to some special they are doing through April.
- What is the best view?
- In the GC we like Downtown Disney view because we were able to see the fireworks, Can you see the fireworks from DLH?
- If the monorail is used for DL entrance, where is the entrance to CA - and how far is it?
- If you've stayed at both hotels what did you like better at DLH?
- What was your favorite thing about DHL?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
1. No. DLH has many different room sizes and configurations. The majority of rooms will have 2 queens and a daybed and will be larger than most of the GCH rooms. There are different suites and several sizes of those; they tend to cost a lot and it's cheaper to book 2 rooms.
2. Square footage is ~350-400 for a standard room (some are larger than others), I think. There's a map with that info and I'll see if I can find it. As I said above, most rooms will have 2Q + daybed, but there are king rooms & suites plus some oddball tiny rooms.
3. Price depends on a lot of things. There is an AP rate, a
AAA (or other discount) rate, rates through websites such as Getawaytoday or Expedia, promotional deals, etc. Keep an eye on this board for info on the best deals.
4. The best view is subjective, but I like the DTD view from the Dreams Tower. The other view I like is pool view from Dreams or Magic Towers. My least favorite is the Wonder Tower, but it has its fans because there are beautiful waterfalls in front of it. It's furthest from everything, though.
5. Yes. There are fireworks views from all 3 towers if you get the right room. I would say Magic and Dreams would be your best bets. One of the reasons I like Dreams DTD view is because you also get a nice view of the fireworks if you're high enough (we had an excellent view from the 7th floor--not sure how high up the view starts).
6. Use the GCH entrance or go on through the main gate. It's not that far to me, but others say it's a trek
7. I've stayed many times at each one and DLH is my favorite in many ways. I love the eating options, the price is better, the ambiance is more Disney, I love the grounds, I love the history and all of the memorabilia around the hotel, love that there are characters walking around, prefer the pool area, I like Compass Bookstore steps away, like the monorail and RFC close by, I enjoy the gift shops and I think DLH is more friendly. I love lots of things about GCH, too, but overall I think DLH is better at all of the above.
8. They have always gone the extra mile for me. Things happen, and how a hotel deals with problems tells you a lot about that hotel. I had a sink back up and got some really great perks out of it (upgrade, family FPs, free character meal for 5). I was given the wrong room (tiny double bed room) and the manager put us in a family suite with view. I booked concierge and they called the day before our trip to say that the lounge was getting some repairs so they moved us to GCH concierge. None of this was done after a lot of complaining on our part, it was just the way they chose to stave off any potential discontent. I am so impressed with a hotel that treats its guests that way.
I hope you have a great trip!
