Grand Californian vs Disneyland Hotel

[Kiann3]

Ok DH and I have stayed at the DL and PPH in the past with the kids. This time we are going by ourselves. I am debating if it is worth the extra money to stay at GC?

Besides the beauty of the hotel inside what are the differences from the DLH vs GCH? I admit we stay in the parks from open to close, so basically it is just a place to sleep for us.

Also does anyone know if the dreams tower will be open by March?

Thanks for any information.

 

[Sherry E]

I am going to move this thread over to the main Disneyland planning forum so it will get more attention.

 

[azdisneylover]

The big thing I can say from staying at the PPH, is when you get off the Grizzly Rapids, and if it is at night, or on a cool day, it would be better to be staying at the GC rather than DL because the exit is RIGHT THERE by the ride! So you can go to your room, have a quick change, and head back to the park! From what I read on the boards is you do not get the Mickey head shampoo bottles at GC like you would at DL or PPH. If I could, I would stay at the GC, myself, just because the closeness to the room and being able to get out of cold wet clothes fast!

 

[DizMe]

Well....it depends on a lot of things! First, what rates are you looking at for both hotels? Second, what do you like in a hotel? Third, if the hotel is just a place to sleep, why not try a Good Neighbor hotel?

I have to tell you that I almost always opt for a resort hotel, but I'm NOT a "hotel-is-just-a-place-to-sleep" person. I want the atmosphere, goodies, and onsite amenities if I can get them. But I do understand that not everyone shares that opinion and if I did not care about it myself I'd happily save my money by staying off site.

I personally love the DLH and would most often choose it over GCH. Why? Because (a) it's cheaper, (b) it has more of a Disney feel to me, (c) the rooms are bigger and brighter and (d) I like the eating and shopping options better. I also prefer the grounds. GCH has the most awesome lobby, but the rooms aren't better (IMO). You are likely to get saddled with a room that requires a huge amount of walking to get anywhere, which takes away the advantage of being closer to the parks. GCH has the big advantage of the back entrance to DCA, but again, if your room is in one of the back wings it can take about as long to get to that entrance as it does from DLH. DLH has the monorail, which while not exactly onsite is only a very short distance away. DLH has a more welcoming feel and you can pop down to the lobby of any of the towers for free coffee in the morning (better than the stuff you can make in your room). If you want to go concierge, the price is MUCH better than GCH.

Occasionally, though, I like to stay at GCH but I can't exactly put into words why. I think it's kind of a snob appeal thing. I think it feels fun to stay in the ritziest hotel, which defies any kind of logic but there you have it. It's a great place for a romantic time because it's more geared for adults than DLH. The Hearthstone Lounge is a great place to relax, have a drink, and talk. There is a fireplace there and it's cozy with nice chairs, sofas, and even games. You can also go into the main lobby with it's giant fireplace and enjoy the atmosphere there. I like to run over to Haagen Daz and get a sundae which I bring back and eat in front of the fireplace .

So...it basically depends on what you're looking for and how much you want to spend to get it.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Since you are a "just sleep in the hotel" person, stay off site - find a nice, safe place for a lot less $$$. Anyone can enjoy the "Great Hall" at the GCH, take a mid day break or visit in the evening and enjoy that space ~ I didn't care for our room there ~ dark & woodsy, my fave of the 3 DLR hotels is DLH, GCH is my least fave (party do to it's cost $$$).

 

[Sherry E]

I agree with everything DizMe said, so I can't add to much to it! I am also not one of the 'hotel-is-just-a-place-to-sleep' people. I like being onsite and if money were never an issue, it would be onsite for me all the way, every time. I could jump around and stay at any of the 3 hotels, as I enjoy them all for different reasons. When I stay at PPH, I still go to the GCH and enjoy the atmosphere (and the comfy chairs!) and, during the holidays, watch the carolers perform and listen to the pianist and the guitar player entertain with holiday tunes. But we also always end up roaming around the DLH property en route to or from Goofy's Kitchen, and there are some great things to enjoy on the grounds there. As previously stated, it mainly depends on what you look for in a Disney hotel and what your price range is.

 

[Kiann3]

I agree with everything DizMe said, so I can't add to much to it! I am also not one of the 'hotel-is-just-a-place-to-sleep' people. I like being onsite and if money were never an issue, it would be onsite for me all the way, every time. I could jump around and stay at any of the 3 hotels, as I enjoy them all for different reasons. When I stay at PPH, I still go to the GCH and enjoy the atmosphere (and the comfy chairs!) and, during the holidays, watch the carolers perform and listen to the pianist and the guitar player entertain with holiday tunes. But we also always end up roaming around the DLH property en route to or from Goofy's Kitchen, and there are some great things to enjoy on the grounds there. As previously stated, it mainly depends on what you look for in a Disney hotel and what your price range is.

Ok I guess maybe I am not just sleep at the hotel. I do enjoy and want my Disney experience with my hotel, LOL. I have to admit I enjoy the atmosphere staying on property. I have stayed once off property and it did not feel right.

I also enjoy having my packages sent to the room. I really want the GC because we have never stayed their. I just can not justify the extra $400 for the 5 days. Plus I love my room having the view from the dreams tower at Disneyland and the feel of Disney in the rooms at both PPH and DLH. Must admit it help to know that the CGH is not as much the Disney touch, I like having the Mickey or Tinker Bell items in the room.

I was looking at our family pics from this summer at the DLH and must say I would love to enjoy the water falls again. Not to mention I love the entrance of the DLH.

Thanks for the input

 

[CrazyDuck]

I love GCH... It's proximity to the parks is the biggest plus... After a long day or a soaking on GRR it is nice to be able to get back to the room quick. If you stay in the east wing (above world of disney) you can use the fire escape to get to the espalande quick since it empties out next to labrea bakery. One thing I dont like about DLH or PP is they are very tall which means long elevator rides. I'm not a big fan of riding in an elevator that stops on every floor as more and more people try and squeeze in. Yes this elevator is full but I'm sure you can squeeze your double wide baby stroller in here. Most of GCH is a pretty short 6 floors so the elevator rides are much more plesant (quick). Also white water snacks is in the building

 

[nunzia]

I love GCH... It's proximity to the parks is the biggest plus... After a long day or a soaking on GRR it is nice to be able to get back to the room quick. If you stay in the east wing (above world of disney) you can use the fire escape to get to the espalande quick since it empties out next to labrea bakery. One thing I dont like about DLH or PP is they are very tall which means long elevator rides. I'm not a big fan of riding in an elevator that stops on every floor as more and more people try and squeeze in. Yes this elevator is full but I'm sure you can squeeze your double wide baby stroller in here. Most of GCH is a pretty short 6 floors so the elevator rides are much more plesant (quick). Also white water snacks is in the building

I think that's why I don't care for the DLH and PP also. Im not a big fan of hotels with big towers. When I was a little kid we stayed at the DLH(in the 60's) and I remember the day we left they had a fire...that whole high rise thing and fires spooked me (maybe I watched Towering Inferno too much). I do like the grounds at the DLH, but for some reason the style of the Grand just keeps me wanting to stay there. I've never stayed at PP so really can't say anything about it. I don't think the rooms at the Grand are small or dark.
I say give it a shot and see how you like it!

 

[stampinshauna]

I agree that the GCH has a little less of a Disney feel, but we love it. It seems so peaceful and relaxing to us. If you haven't tried it, maybe you should and then you can decide what you like best. We love how close it is and we feel like we are staying in a nice place. When we stayed at the DLH after several stays at the GCH, we realized how much we do love the GCH. The rooms at the DLH just felt like regular hotel rooms with a little Disney theming. I love the calm music they play as you walk around the grounds. I feel like it is an escape from the busy noisy world. I love the big lobby, the pools, and the dark wood they use in the decor. We were so excited when they added DVC units, so now the GCH is "home" away from home.

 

[Kiann3]

I agree that the GCH has a little less of a Disney feel, but we love it. It seems so peaceful and relaxing to us. If you haven't tried it, maybe you should and then you can decide what you like best. We love how close it is and we feel like we are staying in a nice place. When we stayed at the DLH after several stays at the GCH, we realized how much we do love the GCH. The rooms at the DLH just felt like regular hotel rooms with a little Disney theming. I love the calm music they play as you walk around the grounds. I feel like it is an escape from the busy noisy world. I love the big lobby, the pools, and the dark wood they use in the decor. We were so excited when they added DVC units, so now the GCH is "home" away from home.

I have decided to go for GCH since we will have no kids with us and this is my honeymoon trip We deserve it after 18 yrs So what area would I ask for to stay closest to the entrance to the CA?

Thanks

 

[franandaj]

If you are staying in the Villas you will be at the farthest point from the entrance to the park. The Villas are in the new section which you can find pictures of from the air in the Owners Thread of the Grand Californian Villas. There are not any booking categories, but you can request a theme park view which will give you a view of DCA.