Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel?

[mrswh]

I am a DL newbie and all I know about these hotels are from the reviews on tripadvisor.com. From what I can tell, Grand Californian is more of a luxury hotel and is closer to the theme parks. We have two kids (who will then be 1 and 2) and proximity to the parks (so we can go back to the room for a nap) is huge. (At Disneyworld we'd get into the car to drive back to our off-property hotel for a nap, and the kids would sleep 15 minutes in the car, and then wake up when we got to the hotel, which didn't work out too well.) We also prefer higher end hotels, so it sounds like the GCH is more our style. It looks like the price difference between the two hotels is about $100 per room per night (we'll get two rooms). Is the proximity and luxuriousness of GCH worth the extra $200 a night? Anything else that should weigh into our decision?

 

[honeymom]

We prefer the GCH to the DLH. However, even though you pay more, your room is smaller. But, we just found it to be a nicer hotel and the location can't be beat. The service was also head and shoulders above the service at DLH.

 

[GretchenLovesMickey]

Hi... location of DH not as great ... that is for sure... but fun for the kids... activities, etc.... just thought I'd mention it. Stayed there myself as a kid... great memories!!

 

[MATTERHORN]

I know you said your kids are little (post yesterday about suites!!) and I just want to make sure you know they WILL NOT gurantee you adjoining rooms. Now if you are like DH and I and don't mind sleeping apart on vacation, then that would work. But if not, there's really no way to make sure the kiddos would be right next to you!!

But if that's not a concern, I would take the Grand anyday. I have stayed at both twice and it's my favorite. The kids love it too!!

Andrea

 

[honeymom]

I think the GCH will go out of its way to give you connecting rooms. We couldn't switch bed configurations to the type of beds that we wanted because the only ones available were part of a connecting room situation and they wouldn't split up the people that needed a connecting room. I don't know if I am making sense, but the end result is that if you tell them the kids ages, there is no way they will split you.

 

[tinkermell]

I think the GCH will go out of its way to give you connecting rooms. We couldn't switch bed configurations to the type of beds that we wanted because the only ones available were part of a connecting room situation and they wouldn't split up the people that needed a connecting room. I don't know if I am making sense, but the end result is that if you tell them the kids ages, there is no way they will split you.

I agree! If they knew the circumstances, they would definately put you in connecting rooms. As far as location? It can not be beat. Just a short walk to DL, and steps into DCA. The hotel is also beautiful and a very warm atmosphere. I do think that the DH is more Disney themed and has more fun stuff, but if you want a nicer room and local, then do GC!

 

[Pirate-Emery]

When I went last November (05), the GC gave us two sets of connector rooms.

So, yeah, they do that good.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I guess I was the only unlucky one then because both times they would not give us adjoining rooms! Just didn't want the OP to absolutely count on it just in case!!


Andrea

 

[mrswh]

Sounds like the Grand Californian is the better choice. Can't believe they can't guarantee adjoining rooms. We could do a suite but the two rooms seems a better deal . . . assuming they are connecting. We will be there during the week in early June, so not sure how full the hotel will be then.

I have seen a few references to activities at the hotels - anyone have any details on that?

Thanks!!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We've had adjoining rooms in GCH, that was in like 2002.

Unfortunately we've always gotten adjoining rooms in the DLH. I say unfortunately because we usually get some pretty rude loud family that thinks it's okay for their kids to scream at 1 am! Grrrrrr

If money isn't an issue GCH all the way! We love the DLH and stay there every year.

 

[Amy&Dan]

The GCH or any other Disney hotel will not guarantee adjoining rooms. They will certainly do their best but if you check in on a day when they are all gone, you will get separate rooms. Early June is a busy time, but again it all boils down to what they have in inventory the day you check in. The GCH almost always sells out on weekends, in fact all three onsite hotels do.

I prefer the DLH, and I have always had wonderful customer service in the five stays I have enjoyed there. Also, the larger rooms cannot be beat. However the location of the GCH truly sets it apart. It is more deluxe in feel, they offer a very nice turndown service which is great since not only do they turn down, they will put out fresh towels if you need them as well as empty the trash and replace any toiletries you used. The whole hotel (lobby and rooms) is beautifully themed unlike the DLH which is an older hotel with lots of Disney touches but not that over the top theming that the GCH and the WDW deluxes have. I actually think the rooms at the DLH are better set up and prefer the decorating since I like light and bright, not the darkness of the furniture and draperies in the GCH. The GCH rooms (at least most of them) have balconies which is another huge plus.

The GCH has a walking tour, storytelling by the fire and probably some other things.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, they both have their own unique charm, advantages and disadvantages.

 

[HeatherAnn23]

We were at the GCH last Spring with my 5 year old and 11 month old - and the proximity just can't be beat. It was so nice to be able to get back to our room so quickly when sleepy - and we loved eating at Whitewater snacks. We had the worst scenario of my husband coming down with the flu literally our first hour there after driving 15 hours. I popped in and out of the parks with the kids and it was so easy. We are NOT a family that can generally afford to splurge like this - but it was fabulous - and it spoiled me for life.

 

[Adi12982]

If the kids out number the parents, at least at WDW, we have ALWAYS gotten ajoining rooms, because they are too young to be across the hall somewhere (I don't have kids, but my cousin has 4). Also, you may want to mention it when booking and call ahead/fax the request. Although it may not be guaranteed, they will try their best to be sure you get what you want/need

 

[Judy from Boise]

Please remember that adjoining and connecting mean different things to the person taking the ressie. Do you need a room next door that you access through the exterior hallway, or do you need a connecting room accessed through the interior of each room.