Grand Californian vs. Grand Floridian

[tvwalsh]

Especially considering the number of points needed for each and the difference in seasons, (value, adventure, etc.) as well as the lower points for Friday and Saturday, I decided that the Grand Californian was the better choice!

Comparing the resorts based on your experiences, do you agree?

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I don't think I would base my decision on just the points, what about logistics, cost of airfare, ( I assume you are flying), is it easier to get to CA than FL??? Different parks? I have never been to Disneyland, but what do you want to do more, Disneyland or WDW??,

 

[gppnj]

It's really apples and oranges. I prefer the decor of the Grand Californian, but that's just a matter of personal taste.

 

[dsneygirl]

I prefer the GC. We stayed there just after DCA opening in 01 and are planning a trip in March. GF is too stuffy for my taste. Also being able to walk to 2 parks and DTD is awesome. GF although nice really didn't wow me.

 

[rickdeni]

Watch out where your room is at the Grand Californian. They gave us a room that was so far from the elevators that we only came down and went back up once a day. I did complain to no avail. I was not on points but paid rack rate. Would never go back!!! The room was more like the Wilderness Lodge (a little bigger) than the Grand Floridian (which is gorgeous). The access to the parks was good.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Watch out where your room is at the Grand Californian. They gave us a room that was so far from the elevators that we only came down and went back up once a day.

I heard the GC hallway joins the BWV hallway somewhere near Dallas.

MG

 

[disney-super-mom]

I heard the GC hallway joins the BWV hallway somewhere near Dallas.

MG

So that's why, when we were wandering, and wandering, and wandering the hallways to visit friends there, that we started hearing voices with a southern twang!

 

[darner]

sort of off the OP, but we've stayed at GC 2x and though really far from the elevator, they were really close to the stairwell... and the stairwell exited right at LaBrea Bakery...

sure stairs aren't for everyone, in fact in the 10 or so days we've stayed at GC, we've only seen one other family utilizing the stairs...


--
It's hard to compare GC vs. GF because of the total resort differences... never stayed at GF, but have stayed at DLH in Paris which is in the same class as these... very nice!

 

[Scratch42]

I heard the GC hallway joins the BWV hallway somewhere near Dallas.

MG

I'll have to check it out next week!

Wow, never thought I could go to WDW too!

janet

 

[JimC]

DL and WDW are very different environments. Even like rides are different between the parks. For example we actually prefer Pirates at DL with its New Orleans beginning, double drop to get outside of the berm and more interesting finale to the version of Pirates in WDW.

GF and GC are very different resorts as well. Consider GC more akin to WL in WDW in terms of theming. They shared the same design team, I believe. GF is stately where GC is just breathtaking.

You will enjoy either choice in resort and property. I would probably do DL since it is their 50th celebration and they have done some nice things for that. For a special treat stay on concierge floor.

 

[nickglover]

we were on the second floor on the end and used the outdoor stairs all the time for quick access to the parking across the road

the two properties are very different

GF, in my opinion, is more stately and elegant - it is a much larger property with lots of waterfront, more restaurants and two pools and water rentals available - it is on the monorail system, too - victorian

GC is more classy and compact - similar to wilderness lodge but smaller - craftsman architecture and style - nice general restaurant (storytellers) and a very fancy (I say exotic) gourmet restaurant (napa rose) - best advantage is it is built into California Adventure and you can enter the park from your own hotel entrance - also, the view of the park lights at night (either from a room or a common balcony on the 4th floor I think) is dazzling - all the vibrant colors and the crystal cathedral in the far background - just brilliant - you can also walk to DD, which splits DL and CA

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Because the DL resort is much more compact, I think you can "do it all" in a shorter vacation than WDW. Maybe that means a shorter vacation, maybe that means more down time at the resort, taking time to smell the roses, whatever suits your style. That said, I wouldn't book a shorter vacation over a weekend and plan to get a lot of rides done on Saturday! DL draws a much larger local crowd than WDW. If you've got a choice, make Saturday your "off" day.

If you haven't been to DL in a while, this is the time to go. I'd love DL in a thunderstorm dressed in a lightning rod. . . but the 50th makes it all the more magical.

Now that we're DVC owners, DL will be our shorter vacation destination on "point-short" years. If this is what we call a "disappointing" vacation, we are in pretty fine shape!

Happy planning!

 

[Dom262]

We have stayed at both hotels this year. My wife and I prefer the GC. we received better service and the hotel seemed to be cleaner.

 

[ceejay13]

We have also stayed at both and much prefer the GC. We have had 5 stays at the GC and love both the theme park and DD views. This is the only Disney hotel in the US that you can have a park view and we love looking out over Grizzly River Rapids and being able to see the hustle and bustle during the day and the quiet nights after closing. At Christmas time we like the DD view to listen to the holiday music and see all the decorations. It is also nice to have the entrance into DCA. We certainly enjoyed the GF but the GC was much more to our tastes.

 

[bfosbenner]

I am planning to be in the area the week of Aug 12 - 20 for the USA Water Ski Nationals in Bakersfield with my family. with dw,dd(9) and ds(11 months)
We want to stay at GC a few days as it will be our first visit west.

Would you all use points or cash? When is the best time to start searching for a good rate?
My use year is December so I can look at booking soon.

 

[CNMooner]

I've stayed at both the GC and GF and I think they are both worth your vacation time because they offer different experiences. I love DL resort-- we lived in Los Angeles for 10 years and we would go down there at least once a month. The GC is magnificent, though the rooms are only "ok." The Napa Rose is an amazing restaurant and I love the pools there.

The Grand Floridian is a beautiful property too, and we loved it there-- the location and the pools can't be beat.

Try both and enjoy!

 

[CarolA]

I much perfered the GC. I would stay there again, something I can't say for the GF.