GCH dilemma

[doombuggy]

OK, my plans have been finalized and I bought a plane ticket from MCO to SNA for my DL trip 2/23-27/08. My next step is booking a room for my 4 night stay (I am going out for a special event & could not get more time off than that). What are your thoughts on these two choices:

1) Entire stay at GCH, standard view = 111 points (I am using my DVC points)

2) Saturday night DLH standard view then GCH DTD view for remainder of visit = 111 points

I got a decent price on airfare, but the flight out from Orlando on Saturday 2/23 is at 6:30am, so it will be a long day. The special event takes place on Monday night.

What are your thoughts? Thanks!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Since you're only staying for four nights you probably don't really want to move to a different hotel. I would opt for standard view at GCH for the entire stay.

 

[Amy&Dan]

For that short of a stay, I would just stick with the standard view at GCH. I don't think the DTD view is worth switching around. It can also be a bit noisy with all the entertainment at night and they play rather loud music all day long. That is one premium view I would never pay for, theme park yes, DTD no. Actually my brother booked the standard view and ended up getting the DTD view. Not sure if this was an upgrade or if some standard views have a view of DTD. His room was on the far end, near the tram stop from the parking garage. Our standard view at the GCH was lovely, we faced the courtyard and the monorail whizzed by. Very quietly, it nevered bothered us at all and the courtyard was beautiful with lots of trees.

I love the DLH, its my favorite but moving around for such a short stay would be no fun. And since both hotels are so close, you could still dine at the DLH, shop at thier shops and enjoy the grounds, its only a five minute or less walk from GCH. My favorite way to use points at Disneyland is in the premium view rooms at the DLH, but that's just me. I actually enjoy being on the pool side in a high floor room.

I stay on points at the DLR and I will tell you there is no pool hopping for anyone at Disneyland, on or off points. Just thought I would throw that in, you probably aren't even thinking along those lines but we were and found out the hard way!

 

[nurse.darcy]

I would NEVER switch hotels for that short of stay, especially since the hotels are SOOOOO close together. As far as standard views go at GCH, its a garden or courtyard, DCA, or DTD, depending on what's available. Since there is no "parking lot" at GCH, the only real parking lot view is over DTD to the parking lot. . .lol.

Truthfully, I prefer to stay across Katella at the Hilton with a Disney View. WAYYYYYYY cheaper and a great view of the fireworks and lights.

 

[doombuggy]

My thinking was to stay in the same "points spending" frame (leaving some points left over in case mom comes for a visit next spring) but getting the most for my buck (so to speak). I thought with a DTD view, I would get to see fireworks from my room if I wanted. but if it's noisy, I might pass. I have gotten used to the quiet again since I moved to an orlando suburb about 13 months ago.

Keep the opinions coming, gang. Regardless, I will stay on site, since I have the DVC points to use. I don't use them here to much...

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I would NEVER switch hotels for that short of stay, especially since the hotels are SOOOOO close together. As far as standard views go at GCH, its a garden or courtyard, DCA, or DTD, depending on what's available. Since there is no "parking lot" at GCH, the only real parking lot view is over DTD to the parking lot. . .lol.

Truthfully, I prefer to stay across Katella at the Hilton with a Disney View. WAYYYYYYY cheaper and a great view of the fireworks and lights.

Our view there in October was more of a parking lot view. We had a view of the front of the hotel. Which is of the parking lot right in front of the hotel and across the street. We were able to see the tail end of DTD and other two hotels. I still enjoyed the view honestly (neat watching people check in and leave). But yeah it is a parking lot view I guess.

 

[CoolPool]

I'd opt for option 2. You get the general feel of DLH and then you get the fireworks view (DTD) at the GCH plus the step up in overall ambience. It would be a quick painless change walking from the DLH to the GCH in the morning. I mean, you'd walk that way anyway, going to the parks.

 

[lovedoggies]

Another vote to just go with the standard view at Grand Californian. We had a std view and it was fine. We could see the front entrance, the monorail, a tiny part of California Adventure, the Disneyland Hotel, and city lights. Loved this hotel!

 

[biolabetty]

When I book a standard GCH view, I request that it face the courtyard rather than the city. They usually can accommodate you, but sometimes they have no choice but to give you a city view. The courtyard is very quiet, and when they have the fireworks, they pipe the fireworks music into the courtyard, so you may not be able to see them, but you can hear the music quite well. Of course, they also play the music on the tv in your room, but I enjoy hearing it outdoors.

 

[doombuggy]

Thanks for the advice, biolabetty. Looks like I am going with the standard view...will try calling member services later today to book!

PS: Biolabetty, does that mean you went to Biola? I have a cousin who graduated from there and her sister is there as well (a senior, I think, how time flies)....

 

[MamaKate]

I know you've already made your decision, but I just wanted to add that the DTD view isn't noisy, unless you have your balcony door open. I'm a light sleeper and I don't remember hearing anything. Also, we enjoyed seeing the fireworks from our balcony. Their not as good as seeing them in the park, but at least your in the comfort of your own room.

We've stayed in all views and none are noisy as long as your balcony door is shut.

We also enjoy the courtyard view with the monorail zipping by.

 

[GailT]

I would stick with the standard view at GC. That hotel has everything going for it, the location, the abience, clean, overall it is spectacular
Have a FUNtastic trip no matter what you chose

 

[grizbuzz]

Another vote for standard view. I don't like the DTD view...too noisy and too far a walk. (we found it a little noisy even after shutting balcony door during day for naps) I think the courtyard standard views are quite nice and peaceful. Or you can request a lower floor room facing Grizzly River Run -- it's obstructructed so we've gotten it as a standard room. Just ask for not too far from elevator, as you can walk and walk and walk to get to your room at GCH.

 

[biolabetty]

Thanks for the advice, biolabetty. Looks like I am going with the standard view...will try calling member services later today to book!

PS: Biolabetty, does that mean you went to Biola? I have a cousin who graduated from there and her sister is there as well (a senior, I think, how time flies)....

Yes, I graduated from Biola, only 6 minutes from Disneyland by freeway! I spent way too much time at DL while I was going there, and had a lot of friends who worked there that would sign me in. Ah, the good old days.