Grand Californian vs DLH with Toddler

[sydangel68]

Hi, since reading that the monorail will be closing for refurb after Labor Day, we've decided to change our reservation from the DLH to the GCH.

Will our toddler (who will be 2.5 years old) enjoy the hotel? What are the things that we shouldn't miss at this hotel? What is the pool like for toddlers?

We've stayed at the DLH before (2003), but really don't know what to expect at the GCH.

Is there a particular room type that gives us more space in the room? I was thinking a King Room, then DS could sleep on the sofabed. Would the Queen room with the bunk beds be a better option? He doesn't sleep well with us, so will need his own bed.

Also does anyone have the email address for vaction planning? I can't find it anywhere.

Appreciate your advice.

Thanks
Angela

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I thought the DTD monorail station was about the same distance from the DLH and GCH? But I haven't been there (yet!), and you have...

We have two sons aged 5 and newly-2. We chose the DLH because it seems to be the hands-down favorite among parents with small children (I'm thinking 6 and under, I guess.) Between the pool, koi pond, waterfall, sand area, beautiful grounds and RC boats on property, there is a lot to keep the interest of little ones. My understanding is that the rooms at the DLH are also a bit roomier than at the other 2 onsite hotels.

We were planning to get a King room with a crib brought in. The reasoning is that DS5 can sleep on the sleeper sofa, DS2 in the crib, and we'll be in a King bed knowing that eventually at least one of the boys will wind up in bed with us.

If your DS2.5 is used to sleeping in a bed, I would think the sleeper sofa would be fine for him. My DS2 is a climber, so I wouldn't do a room with bunk beds for fear he'd keep trying to climb to the top.

I would looooove to stay at the GCH someday, it looks so gorgeous and seems to offer a lot of activities for slightly older children, with a scavenger hunt, the Pinocchio's Workshop and other daily items.

The email address for vacation planning: vacationplanning@disneyonline.com

 

[sydangel68]

Thanks for the info. The DLH is at the other end of Downtown Disney, so normally you would take the monorail from the DLH to the parks or walk through DTD. The GCH is actually right be the entrance of both parks, but closer to to DCA, it even has an entry directly into DCA which is specially for hotel guests.

DS is only turning 2 at the end of May, so similar age to your DS. We want to be able to come in and out of the parks quickly for naps if he is tired. Thinking it will be too far to go to the DLH with a cranky/tired toddler who hates his pram. At least DH can always carry him back to the GCH.

We figure we can always visit the DLH and enjoy all it has to offer without staying there. If the Monorail was going to be working, we'd definitely stay there instead as its less money and I agree has alot to offer for under 6s. DS loves monorails, so he would have got a buzz riding it.

The other reason for staying at the GCH is that DH and I can take turns returning to the room with DS, whilst the other stays at the parks and rides the scarier attractions.

DS is still in a crib, but is too big for the pack 'n play cribs, so we are planning on the sofa bed and hope to have him used to sleeping in a bed before then. He sleeps on a little camp cot at daycare everyday, so it shouldn't be too difficult. Thanks for the tip on the bunk beds, didn't think of that, DS is a climber too!

Have a great trip.
Cheers
Angela

 

[boosmom96]

I don't believe there are sofa beds at the GCH. The room layouts are - 1 king or 2 queens or 1 king with bunk beds. I'm pretty sure that the only way to get a sofa bed is to book an artisan suite or larger. The rooms at the GCH are somewhat smaller then the DLH. The walk from the DLH is really quite short.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi there - I had a standard view room - 4101 -- and we had two queens and a sofabed - the room seemed bigger than the regular rooms with two queens. It may have been the same size, but it did feel bigger. Loved that location.

I think the GCH is a good choice. It's a lot closer to the parks, and if your little one wants to play in the water areas at DCA, it's just a short walk to go change his clothes.

 

[sydangel68]

Thanks for the info. I sent an email to Disney Vacations and they advised that only the Standard rooms have a daybed. The Downtown Disney view which we have booked doesn't have this option. I will request either 2 Queen beds or 1 Queen with bunks.

What is the best way to get your preferred room request? Is there a protocol that works better than others?

I have sent an email asking them to put my preferences in the booking, but how do I guarantee to get it?

Cheers

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I have sent an email asking them to put my preferences in the booking, but how do I guarantee to get it?

You did the right thing.

I also called (the DLH) with our room specifications, and they put the information on the booking, but said they could not guarantee I would get what I requested. When I called a few days before we were to arrive to confirm our PSes and booking info, the CM reminded me again that they could not guarantee the room request. So just hope for the best!

 

[boosmom96]

I have sent an email asking them to put my preferences in the booking, but how do I guarantee to get it?
Cheers

I was told by a CM that they do the actual room assignment 3 days before your arrival. I've always called to confirm my request at this time. While they do always say they can't guarantee it, I've always gotten what I asked for. It also helps if you check in early in the day. (I know that's not always possible.) That way, you have the possibility of switching rooms if the one you were assigned does not fit your needs.

 

[sydangel68]

Hi thanks for that info. I will definitely make sure I call them 3 days out.

Our flight from Sydney arrives into LAX at 9.30am and we are picking up a Hertz rental and heading straight to the hotel. So we will definitely be early for checkin.

We are hoping DS has a good sleep during the drive to anaheim, as we plan to have lunch at Storytellers or Goofy's when we get there, especially if the room isn't ready.

Cheers
Angela

 

[CalGal]

I also think that GCH is a great choice for you. You'll save lots of steps staying at the GCH, and its a lovely hotel. I agree that it would be nice to take a stroll over to the DLH, but I don't think a 2 year old would miss anything staying at the GCH over the DLH.

Twice I've called 3 days before my arrival, and both times gotten a room location exactly where I wanted. Be warned that many of the DTD rooms are a bit of a walk from the elevators. You might want to request a room that is not too far removed from the elevators.

Have a great stay!

 

[sydangel68]

Thanks for the tip about the elevators. I have heard that too.

We are actually hoping that we might manage a Resort View as a possible upgrade, I am good at getting upgrades. Last time at the DLH we had a std room and got upgraded to a DTD view. I have no hesitation in asking IYKWIM.

Othewise we might even consider upgrading the room when we get there and paying if it means being closer to the lift and also a view of the parks. This far DH can't justify the cost, but once we get there I know I will be able to convince DH to spend the extra $$$.

Cheers