Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel? (Pool Pics Included)

[Lexxiefern]

We might be going to disneyland in March (DH has a conference). I have been trying to find good pictures of the pools at these hotels. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Specifically I am trying to see pics of the slides.

Also, which hotel would you choose? Grand Californian is so new and looks really nice, but Disneyland Hotel's pool looks really fun (we have a 4 year old).

Thanks for any help!

 

[only1mouse]

So, I can't help you with pictures. But I personally like the GCH and it's pools much better than the ones a the DLH. Certain things happened with certain small children both times we've been to the DLH pool which caused the pool to be closed down (yes, I know this has probably happened at the GCH but I've never experienced it myself).

You'll have a great time at whichever hotel you choose.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Here are some pics of the pools:

Grand Californian
Redwood Tree Slide

Disneyland Hotel
Skull Rock slide

Paradise Pier Hotel
Separate Slide from Pool

 

[dlgrammie]

I took my GD and DIL to DLR the summer of '03. We stayed on week at the DLH and used the 2 pools everyday. The main pool has a small slide for younger children, which you can see in pictures #1 & #3. It was very popular with the small set. I liked it because one of the few shaded areas (you can see it in pic #3) was right by the small slide. Of course, it won't be so hot in March and shade won't be a factor. The smaller pool is at the rear of the property, by the fitness center. It too has a shady area and is shallower than the main pool. It was less crowded and there were more families with small children at this pool. Both pools provide life jackets for the kids. I can see from the photos that the GCH pool seems to have one of these small fry slides, as well. It was a hit with the 5 and under crowd.

 

[grinningghost]

Those are great pics MJ. I'm going in March too. Will the weather be warm enough for swimming? Are the pools open then?

 

[Lexxiefern]

Thanks for the replies. Thank you so much for the photos Mary Jo! That was exactly what I was looking for. I am so torn! I think the pool at DLH looks really fun - but DH's business will pay for the hotel so maybe I should go with GCH since it is pricier?? (wouldn't be able to afford it on our own)

 

[got2travel]

Oh man, if you got someone else paying for, then GC all the way.

 

[RKB]

I think I heard somewhere that you can use the DLH pool if you are staying at the GC? Not sure if this is true, but you might want to verify. It would be cold walking back though - so maybe not practical. We just got back from the GC and loved it. The weather was cold and rainy so didn't swim (though some people were swimming!). Personally I was so busy at the parks that I wouldn't have had time to swim anyway. With a young child the California Adventure entrance from the GC is a huge advantage. We used it many times - my husband took our 7 year old back to the room numerous times for a rest or whatever. You are also very close to the playground (little bear area) of California Adventure. We were very happy with the hotel service, etc.. would definitely go back to the GC.

 

[Snurk71]

We've stayed and pooled at both GC and DLH. Pool-wise, DLH's pool is "cooler" with the Pan theme. But we thought the GC's pool was a better experience. There are actually two pools separated, with a small kiddie pool in between. The kid slide at GC seemed like a better slide than DLH.

Free-stay-wise, do the GC. It's always going to cost more than DLH. So you might as well maximize the free stay.

 

[Tink33]

March is unpredictable swim weather. I would choose the Grand Californian, especially if you aren't paying. The pool slide at the GC is a circular slide that winds around a redwood stump. The slide is traditionally less crowded than that of the DH.

 

[dsnylndmom]

My first thought was for DLH, since your child is 4 and would love the special touches at DLH, Pixie Dust glow in the dark border, Neverland Pool, etc etc.

BUT, if it's paid for go for GCH!!! Most defintely!! It's a gorgeous hotel and it's even prettier when it's paid for by someone else!

I say go for GCH!

 

[tvguy]

GC's big advantage besides location is IT'S SMOKE FREE.
Stayed there last visit. That would be my first choice.
Time before at Homewood Suites, because my cousin, her husband and 4 kids couldn't afford an Disney hotels......we were there for a week, and it would have added $2,000 to their bill. Homewood included breakfast AND a light dinner (taco bar, hamburgers, chili etc)
Time before at Paradise Pier, 4 weeks before CA opened, Our room overlooked the park.
And time before that, at DL.

 

[DiaDeGuadalupe]

Definitely the GC! It's soooo pretty inside and besides, you don't have to pay for the room

We'll be staying there in November so we'll get to see it all gussied up for Christmas!