Grand Californian. Did I pick the wrong hotel?

[gmi3804]

OP, which "appearances" are you trying to keep up? You're at friggin' Disneyland!

I'd draw the line at pajamas in public restaurants, however.

On the other hand, a wise man once observed, "I can't decide whether people who wear pajamas in public have given up on life or are living it to the fullest."

 

[DizMe]

I recently stayed at DLH in a very nice room. I didn't like it as much as GCH because I prefer the bathroom configuration at GCH When you have multiple people getting ready in the morning, having a sink vanity outside the main bathroom is really helpful!! I think the rooms at GCH are just fine, but they usually give me what I ask for (area over Napa Rose; very quick and convenient access to everything). DLH has larger rooms but it isn't a significant difference for us. I do really like the huge windows in the DLH rooms, though, which is part of what makes the rooms seem bigger and at GCH, the "sunken" feel of the sliding door, which doesn't let in much light, is part of what makes those rooms seem smaller. We don't spend too much time in the room itself but do spend time at the hotel so the grounds and public spaces are key items. I like the public spaces at GCH and park proximity (see above note about wing over Napa Rose), love the outdoor spaces at DLH, and hate PPH spaces (what little it has). DLH, IMO, has a very boring lobby. I really don't like what they've done to the entrance--not a big fan of that '60s modern look myself--and aside from the cute teacup chairs, there is nothing to draw you to spend any time in the lobby. It's nice that they have characters walking around, which I have not really seen at GCH. I did find our tower/ room at DLH this time to be showing wear, which surprised me. Our headboard didn't work the way they used to and things weren't in prime shape (we were in Adventure Tower, DTD view). Not bad by any means, but it has definitely lost its "newly refurbished" look. I stayed at GCH in Dec. and it was in about the same shape. Both DLH and GCH have nice dining/lounge/snack options. Both have great proximity to restaurants and stores in DTD.

Either DLH or GCH would be a great family choice, IMO. I just would never recommend PPH in your situation. It's nice if you're wanting Disney but not wanting to pay a little more, but it really hasn't anything much to its credit besides the park views, which are awesome. The rest is just a standard hotel with some Disney touches. No grounds, average pool--nothing special IMO. I've only stayed there twice and have no intention of returning. I've stayed probably 15 times at GCH and about the same or a little more at DLH. I can never decide which of those two I prefer because each has its own merits and detriments.

*edited to add: some people consider the balconies at GCH to be a plus. DLH did away with its balconies, thus eliminating the sliding door. You can't open any of the windows now. I used to like pulling the couch over in front of the big sliding door and opening it to listen to the sounds and watch the fireworks (if in a room that worked for that). However, I don't care for the balconies themselves that much so I don't consider a balcony a big plus. They scare me with little kids. I was reading the paper once on the balcony at GCH and one of my toddlers came out, climbed onto the other chair and was on the table reaching for the railing when I discovered what she was doing. I locked that slider up for the rest of the trip! We were on the 4th floor. I'm a little surprised they have a table and chairs against the railing with the number of kids that must come through there, but I'm not blaming the hotel. I wasn't paying attention and it scared the life out of me.

 

[kkmcan]

We aren't fancy people but we loved our stay at GCH. I think you said the magic words though.... about needing a rest and swim in the afternoon. Its super nice sitting on those comfy loungers by the pool. If you didn't take an afternoon break then I would say no. But the GCH is right there! So easy to go back and forth to the parks. Nice pool area for your relaxing afternoon. Add a balcony by the monorail and you're good to go! Ask for a room near the pool or whitewater snacks and you could end up with a room overlooking DTD, the pool area or the monorail. We loved sitting out on the balcony in the morning as we drank our coffee watching the monorail go by and California Adventure getting up and running. Doesn't hurt to request.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

OP, which "appearances" are you trying to keep up? You're at friggin' Disneyland!

I'd draw the line at pajamas in public restaurants, however.

On the other hand, a wise man once observed, "I can't decide whether people who wear pajamas in public have given up on life or are living it to the fullest."

I agree - I see people wearing pajamas in hotels at breakfast all the time - classless! No one over the age of 3-4 should be wearing pajamas as clothes.

 

[Heymy]

You will be just fine! I only bring flip flops and tennis shoes to Disneyland and we've eaten at the Chef's Counter at the Napa Rose. Even when we don't stay there we love to take a break at the Hearthstone Lounge. My kids are a little younger and this time they've begged to stay at DLH. They are desperate to check out the Monorail slides. We don't mind that it's a little further because we love going through Downtown Disney. Enjoy your trip. It's really nice to use the hotel entrance when you've soaked yourself on Grizzly River Run.