GCH or PP?

[Lady V]

Hello! Which resort would you recommend for a first timer at DLR? We will have two kids (ages 7 and 9). The rooftop pool looks cool. Is the GC similar to the Wilderness LOdge at WDW? Thanks...

 

[nunzia]

The DLH is more Disney themed and I hear the pools are great there. GC is much less Disney in your face, but it's my favorite on site hotel. The location is unbeatable. I have never been to Wilderness Lodge, but although the two have a similar look, it's been reported that GC is more upscale, like Grand Floridian. If you want more Disney themeing, the DLH is probably your best bet. I don't care for towers, so that's another plus for the GC for me. PP I see as afterthought theming, since it didn't used to be even affiliated with Disney. It's also the furthest away from the parks.
So..nutshell
DLH Hotel: theming
GC: location and beauty
PP: still on site but cheaper

 

[Lady V]

How far away is PP?
The nights I need only have GCH and PP available...

 

[dbanzai]

PP is kinda in a corner between GCH and DLH. It's not too bad of a walk, either going out the back entrance past the DLH and to the monorail. Or you can cross the street and walk through the GCH. I'm walking without kids, but I don't think it'd be that bad.

No matter which hotel you choose, you really can't go wrong.

 

[avalon451]

If money is not a big issue, I'd go for GCH, every time. Especially with little ones, it's a closer walk. We went for our first time in March and loved it. I'm taking DD13 again in October (because she got sick and missed most of the first trip) and we're staying offsite at HoJo's for $75 a night-- first time at GCH was great, but it's gotta be a little less money from now on, I think.

 

[lisadoll93]

My kids love the camp hotel (GCH) but next time they want to stay at the river hotel (PP).

Our vote GCH

 

[yipee]

We stayed at both in one trip, and we absolutely loved them both, but if money weren't a factor we would choose the GCH hands down every time! The pool is awesome, the location fantastic and the ambiance really makes you feel special. Our kids LOVED the bunk beds. Once we went and rode the GRR 3 times, got soaked and were freezing (this was Dec) and we ran back to the hotel in a matter of minutes and jumped in the hottub! (we had our bathing suits on underneath) Our kids are the same age as yours. The only thing they noticed was that the pool at the PPH was much warmer than the one at the GCH. But the pool area is much nicer at the GCH.

If the prices are crazy over the summer, though, I would have no problem recommending the PPH. We would definitely stay there again if cost was a factor. No problems at all with the hotel or it's ambiance and service. Hope this helps!

 

[PrincessIM]

We stayed at PP last year and are returning again this year. Yippe is correct - the pool is much nicer at the GCH and if money isn't an issue I would definately say stay at the GCH. The difference in price for us is the price of 4- 6 day park hopper passes. My kids were 2 1/2 and 6 and my 6 year old loved the water slide. DS was happy playing in the kiddie pool. I did not find the walk to Disneyland far at all. PP is situated kitty corner to GCH. You cross the street walk through the front entrace of GCH and follow the route that guests of the GCH would take. DS (2 1/2) was able to walk it no problem but most times we stuck him in the stroller to get there faster.

 

[shyboy72]

This is my fiance's account, but after looking at this post I had to say how nice
the GCH; it is beautiful. If you have young kids who are just going to bypass the
way the hotel works and if it is cheaper at PP, then go there. I have to say that
GCH is more geared towards adults though, but the hotel is very close to the park. It
saves on your feet overall. Its your choice though

 

[Lady V]

Well I am using my DVC points so money is not an issue. MY kids do love the DVC hotels and love good pools. Normally at WDW we are in DVC rooms which are similar to the deluxes. I am willing to stay either place and I just want the right choice!! I think the rooftop pool at PP sounds neat but I also have heard the pool at GC is nice. I am so confused!! My kids are 7 and 9 and we will do pool time so any extra input would be great. Thank you all so much!!

 

[shyboy72]

Well I am using my DVC points so money is not an issue. MY kids do love the DVC hotels and love good pools. Normally at WDW we are in DVC rooms which are similar to the deluxes. I am willing to stay either place and I just want the right choice!! I think the rooftop pool at PP sounds neat but I also have heard the pool at GC is nice. I am so confused!! My kids are 7 and 9 and we will do pool time so any extra input would be great. Thank you all so much!!

I can't really give an opinion of PP's pool but the one at GCH is great. There is also a slide there so your kids will love it. Its just all convenient because the walk is short, so you guys will get to the pool faster after leaving he park. goodluck choosing !!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Given your history of WDW properties I would probably say the GCH, esp. given you are staying on points.

I do enjoy the Paradise Pier Hotel. The rooftop pool is sort of neat although its on a lower floor so you don't have magnificient views or anything. It is a nice place to watch the fireworks at night. The slide is pretty much identical to the clown slide at Boardwalk so that is very fun for kids. However, the pool itself is lackluster, it just doesn't have much in the way of personality. And every time I stay there the bar has been closed and there have been no food options. If you enjoy spending time at the pool and enjoy having a quick snack or burger, go with GCH. Whitewater Snacks is one of the best cs options at DL and its right there, they will bring you food and drink or you can get it yourself. The pool also has a nice theme going, a nice slide and some incredible views of the Paradise Pier area of DCA. At night its really lovely. Overall the theming of the GCH is more like what you are used to at WDW. It is very similar to WL, whereas the PP Hotel wasn't built by Disney and is really just a highrise hotel with some fun Disney and Beach touches in the rooms. No grounds, limited food options and more of the feel of a Marriott. I would suggest maybe going over there one day for breakfast, they have a really fun character meal with Lilo and Stitch. I also suggest you check out the Disneyland Hotel for a meal or just to look around. Its my favorite of the three at Disneyland but since its not available for your dates I can't recommend that one to you! And I have to say, as much as I love the DLH, GCH is really more of a typical, Disney themed, wow factor hotel probably because its the only one at DLR that was designed and built by Disney. And it has some very nice dining options and again, that location is fantastic. You will be in sheer heaven with how easy DLR is compared to WDW as far as park hopping and going back and forth from the parks to your hotel.

Paradise Pier's rooms are nice and oversized and they all come with a couch that makes into a bed. However, GCH rooms are more themed, they have balconies and you get things like turndown service and of course the primo location. I also have found GCH to be even more deluxe in feel than the WDW deluxe's in that the linens and towels are much nicer than the WDW hotels. The rooms are smaller than PP's but the hotel itself is much nicer. And much closer.

The main reason for me to pick the PP is for the savings. Since you are staying on points, GCH would be my hands down pick.

 

[Lady V]

thank you all sooooooo much!! I am going to make the call now!!
oh yea---I am going with GCH!!!


Edited to add....I am now booked!! Very excited....so much to research.....I feel so knowledgeable about WDW but clueless on DL!!! This will be Exciting!!!!

 

[dbanzai]

Cool, as a fellow DVCer, last weekend I used my points for a GCH DTD view room. I couldn't have been happier. I was able to watch the fireworks from my room and have the sound piped in via the tv. The points cost wasn't bad for it either.