Grand Cal hotel ???'s

[Disneyland1084]

I've read on quite a number of threads where people have said Grand Cal is good for families with babies and teenagers, and that DL is the best for young kids...I've booked a trip to DL for next summer at the DL hotel since Grand Cal wasn't affordable. I'll have my DD who will be 1. ..Eventually I would like to stay at the Grand Cal. My question is, what's at that hotel that makes it nice and enjoyable for kids? Thanks!

 

[linklewtt]

The Grand Californian has a good kid's program I think and an excellent pool. They have a great restaurant called the Storyteller's Cafe or something like that and it's just all around a great hotel.

The Disneyland Hotel is great as well. And to be honest you probably won't spend too too much time in your hotel room. Also the hotels (all 3) are in walking distance anyways, so you can always visit another one whenever you want. I also think that you're allowed to swim in another hotel's pool even if you are staying at a different one. But for sure you can eat at any hotel restaurant you want.

 

[slp87]

After staying at both within 7 months, I agree that they're both great. I don't see that either has anything that makes it better for kids of a certain age. Many people talk about the theming at the DLH, but other than the tink border and a few other touches, I didn't think it was better than GCH. What makes the GCH better for me is the location and feeling as though you are right in the middle of it all.

 

[Amy&Dan]

GCH is great location wise. Its so easy to go in for a quick nap or rest. For teens the theming is less cute/Disneyish, the pool is not Peter Pan themed which I guess some teens might find annoying and its right inside California Adventure so thats nice since that park has lots to offer for teens. Personally for my family (kids are 10 and 12 now) the DLH fits our needs better. The rooms are bigger and the DLH guarantees either a rollaway or daybed whereas at the GCH you might end up with a sleeping bag. Since I have a boy and girl too old to sleep together now its nice to have a real third bed option. Also the bunk beds at the GCH would not be big enough for any child over 5 feet tall whereas the rollaways at the DLH are more like a full size twin bed. The only thing the GCH has over the DLH for my family is the location and the balconies the rooms have. Other than that its the DLH all the way for us.

 

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

We like both and have stayed at both within the past year. GC has it all over DLH in the location. It's such a lovely short walk back from DL at the end of a long day when the little ones are tired and there's a hotel entrance right in DCA that makes it even closer! We also find the rooms suit us better at GC. We get the bunk beds (DD is over 5'5" and sleeps comfortably) and there is plenty of play space for DS to play on the floor or they can pull out the trundle to watch movies. I like having the balcony to go out and have a glass of wine or cup of coffee and read my book.

In terms of theming, the DCL pool has the pirate ship but we like the GC pools better. The lounge chairs with their 6" cushions are SO much more comfortable than the chairs at DCL! Goofy's Kitchen at DCL is more cartoonish and whimsical whereas Storytellers at GC is more elegant. Both have excellent food.

You can't go wrong at either hotel.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Brother wants to take 4 adults and 2 teens to GC. Any tricks to the trade how to reap discounts for late Aug or 2nd week of December.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Judy from Boise]

for a 1 yo nothing! The motels across the street would be just as good, and save lots of $$$$$

 

[GailT]

If your daughter is going to be one I really don't think it matters to her where she stays. I just got back from the GC and I loved it for many reason one of them being the the closness to the parks, DTD. If you can afford it I would stay there that would be a good thing for you to go back and forth to the room if she gets tired or crankey. I didn't have little kids but I did take note of the kids program they had with different activities for them to do. I dont know if I helped but no matter what you do have a FUNtastic time

 

[Lostgirlz]

I have heard that Disneyland Hotel is best for people with younger children, as the Grand Cal is more for adults since it is geared more towards the Spa experience.

 

[Vanvmom]

I'd love to stay at the GCH (I've seen the rooms, and the location is great). For the time you actually spend in the room, I prefer Candy Cane Inn. We don't do the pools, spas, etc. on our Disney trips - we go for the parks. We did Disney when my youngest was 4 months, as well as when he was 1 year, 2 years, etc. We got great service at Candy Cane, and it is a closer walk than the Paradise Pier.

If cost is a factor, stay at a good neighbor hotel. If not a factor... Grand Californian! If you've only been to WDW, you won't really understand the park difference between WDW and DL until you see them. Everything is MUCH closer together at DL, no busses to catch, no late hours only available to resort guests (even the early hours option is available for good neighbor hotels depending on who you purchase your tickets through - AAA offers it).