Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel?

[dizney1]

Can anyone offer some advice as to which hotel to stay at. Is the Grand worth the extra money? We're traveling with a 4 year old and 1 year old so convenience is very important, but the Disneyland hotel appears to be a little more kid-oriented. Also, does anyone know where I can get the best rates (hotel & 5 day park hoppers). I was going to book through AAA but if I can get a better deal somewhere else I'll do that. Thanks for your help!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>The Disneyland Hotel is more kid oriented, and lighter in theming, which I think kids prefer...

Having said that... The kids are going to have fun no matter what you do, and if mom & dad are happy, they are happy. Nothing beats the convenience of popping into the Grand Californian when the kids are sleepy, wet & in need of a change of clothes, or at the end of a long day. It's the closest hotel to the parks, with it's own entrance right to California Adventure (which happens to have a lot of areas where little ones get wet).

 

[disneydenisel]

We just stayed at the GC in March with our 2 and 5 year-olds. It was very convenient to go back to the hotel for a nap, or if we forgot something. One night, the kids fell asleep and I went off to the parks by myself for the fireworks and Electrical Parade. Another night, my husband went down to get a fastpass for Soarin' and came back in a few minutes (we had a view of Grizzly
and Soarin'). We had breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen in the DLH and it wasn't too far from the parks, and it is less expensive to stay there. We liked the non-smoking aspect of the GC though, and will stay there again and again until our kids are a bit bigger.

We booked through an AP discount, which I would recommend if you will be staying for awhile. It can save you a lot of money. The APs have gone up a bit though, so I guess it depends on when you are going and if the AP rates are even available. We ordered our tickets and AP through WDTC but you can get them at a Disney Store or AAA office too (not the AP though).

 

[ceejay13]

I am also a GC fan, but I do think the DLH is more kid oriented. We just got back from a week at the GC and loved every minute of it. There were plenty of kids looking like they were having a great time. The convenience is incredible. We even found it quicker to go through DCA when we were heading for DL. There's nothing like getting soaking wet on Grizzly River Rapids and then going right into the GC and changing. We had a theme park view and you can't get that at WDW. Even though we live in Kansas, one of us buys the premium AP just for the discounts. Not just for the hotels but for almost every shopping and dining experience you get 10 or 15% off. We had a great visit and I'm sure you will also no matter which hotel you choose.

 

[Michelle2]

This is just my opinion, but this is the order I liked best of all 3, even though I liked them all and would recommend staying at any of them rather than offsite. The only downside I can think of this one, is that you have to park your car all the way over at the Paradise Pier's parking lot, so it was a pain if we forgot or needed something in the car. (But it is nice to have the parking far away from hotel too.)

1 GC- great convenience with young kids! Like the above posters said, it made a world of difference for the afternoon naps and breaks that kids need. So close to BOTH parks! That, to me, was invaluable! I have heard it compared to a cross between the GF and WL, and I would have to agree. It is DL flagship resort, so they really went all out to make it really regal!

2. DLHotel - it is more kid-oriented. Great place, and to me, it seemed like all the fun stuff was going on over there! It is a quick walk through DTD from the GC, so that is always fun. It has a alot of Disney sentiment, and history.

3 Paradise Pier - A little farther, and a little smaller, and a little bit more contemporary. Not as much of the whimsical Disney feel, but still very convenient to the parks,and always the choice for me if the other ones were booked. Of course at the time I stayed there, they only had the DLH and PP. Now, GC is the place for me!!

 

[BTMichael]

Originally posted by Michelle2
The only downside I can think of this one, is that you have to park your car all the way over at the Paradise Pier's parking lot, so it was a pain if we forgot or needed something in the car. (But it is nice to have the parking far away from hotel too.)

Are you saying that GCH guests can park in the PP parking structure? I got the impression last year during our stay at the GCH that it wasn't allowed. Having stayed a handful of times at the PP (Disneyland Pacific Hotel), we came to appreciate the covered parking during our 4 to 6 day stays.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I wouldn't think that the Disneyland Resort would encourage parking in other lots. Once you get into the parking area, you need your room key to get into the actual lot.

With the total refurbishment of the Paradise Pier Hotel, I would think that they would want that covered parking area exclusively for their guests.

 

[adznyfan]

while this is a little off hotel choice just wanted to recommend AAA for your trip esp if you're staying onsite - a AAA exclusive is unlimited fastpasses which is a real benefit if you're going at a busy time of year

just wanted to put in my 2 cents