GCH in late July or PP in early June

[rlduvall]

Being a DVC member using points, I tried to get my family and I into a studio at GCH anytime in June - of course, no luck. I have waitlisted, but don't have my hopes up and would just as soon get my plans solidified. I was able to get 3 nights for late July at GCH, but could use my points at PP pretty much anytime in June for the same amount of points. We will be coming off a 7 night family vacation to Southern California, thus why only the 3 nights.

Would you stick with the GCH late July portion for the longer hours, but bigger crowds [and yes, I have studied Hydro Guy's wonderful tips] or would you go with PP in early June to avoid the heavy crowds, but potentially have shorter hours?

Is GCH much more nicer than PP?

Thanks!

[I have also posted this on the DVC board]

 

[Raindown]

Is GCH much more nicer than PP?

[I have also posted this on the DVC board]

Despite being close by, I have stayed at all three hotels. Is the GCH nicer? sure (perhaps only subliminally). That doesn't mean the PP isn't. Honestly, by the time I make it back to the hotel any bed is wonderful. I would take PP over a non renovated Disneyland Hotel room. This is all from the point of view of someone just spending a night or two there. I don't use amenities and usually don't eat there. I'm usually there just to crash after spending all day at the park.

 

[mjtjrhicks]

We've stayed at all three hotels and we actually go back to PP more often than the others. Although people complain that it's the farthest, we just go out the lobby, walk across the street, and enter thru the GCH to get to Downtown Disney, the monorail, and DCA. The hotel is nice. Never eaten at the restaurants but have visited the bar - which is nice enough. The things we like most about the PP over the other 2 hotels are that you can get a room with a great view of DCA - which the kids really enjoy. They even have some rooms now with views of WOC and in-room music - though I don't know how good the view of the show is. The other thing we prefer at PP is it has the longest waterslide of any of the pools at the 3 hotels - a plus with kids. Plus it's themed a little more toward kids with a big statue of characters in the lobby and a movie room that looks like a beachscape with a sandcastle. Another bonus to PP is that it is super easy to self-park and the garage is attached to the hotel. Might not be a big deal for you, but we find it convenient. We don't really use many of the hotels' amenities when we go to DLR so I can't give you a comparison of those items, but all in all we like it.

 

[Dobie]

The crowds in July are really not that bad because of the AP blackouts. I would pick July over June in a heartbeat. And we Dobies LOVE the GCH!!!!

 

[Raindown]

We've stayed at all three hotels and we actually go back to PP more often than the others. Although people complain that it's the farthest, we just go out the lobby, walk across the street, and enter thru the GCH to get to Downtown Disney, the monorail, and DCA. Another bonus to PP is that it is super easy to self-park and the garage is attached to the hotel.

I agree. The parking at PP was really easy and close. Even though it may be the farthest, the walk really is a piece of cake. I took that little path into downtown disney. Easy, and it is not like you have to cross a street or anything. It really isn't that much further than the Disneyland Hotel which I thought was close. I'd stay there again.

 

[taaren]

Since you're probably used to bussing back to AKV, the walk to PPH will seem very short and easy. But the VGC is much nicer and the private gate into DCA is awesome. Never been in July so can't help you there, but light crowds and temperate weather in early June are nice (I hear July can be very hot). AP blackouts never seemed to keep crowds low to me since the one or two blackout days I bought on my Deluxe AP on the weekends still seemed busier than the weekdays with no blackout. But that's just my perception. Good luck making a choice! We pick by season first ... keep in mind you could always rent your points and pay cash or save the points and stay at a Good Neighbor hotel, several of which are also nice.

 

[rlduvall]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. If only I could make a decision when it comes to Disney fun. My head says avoid the super busy time and go with Paradise Pier, but my heart keeps crying out for GCV.

 

[Disney Princess]

We haven't stayed at PP, so I am not voting AGAINST that. However, I am voting FOR the GCH. The location makes it so convenient for park going. We think the resort is beautiful and enjoy every moment there. I would go with your heart and go in July!

 

[HydroGuy]

The crowds in July are really not that bad because of the AP blackouts. I would pick July over June in a heartbeat. And we Dobies LOVE the GCH!!!!

My thoughts exactly.