Help me choose: GCH or DLH

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I often book a little staycation for Dapper Day weekend as I’m obsessed with the clothing and love to participate we see everyone all decked out.

We always stay at the DLH, which my boys love for the pool slides and light-up headboards in the room. Plus the Dapper Day Expo is here, so that has always been convenient.

But our last visit was sadly less than magical. The pools were so packed it was impossible to get chairs at almost any time of day, and the pools themselves were so packed with people it was just gross feeling (think Palm Springs Spring Break). I’m also a little tired of the only food options at the DLH (the Tangaroa Terrace/Trader Sam’s Hawaiian-inspired menu) and the construction going on right now makes the property look and sound less pretty.

I’m thinking of trying out GCH this time. It’s less than $100 more per night so I’m not considering cost, just the resort experience. I love the food options here (Craftsman and Hearthstone) and of course the proximity to the parks is appealing!

Dapper Day rooms are always standard rooms. At the GCH are these overlooking DTD. Any big negatives here? I hear the rooms are smaller than at the DLH?

What’s the pool situation been like lately? Super packed like at the DLH? Will my two boys (7 and 3) like the pools? Dapper Day is in November so I know there’s a chance it will be too cold to swim … how are the hot tubs?

Any other things to think about? I feel like it’s just one of those things, you have to try it for yourself. But I’m nervous to venture away from the hotel we have always loved.

 

[DizMe]

I'd go with GCH for all the reasons you stated. You used to be able to call and request a room upgrade with the Dapper Day rate. It's more than the standard room but not the regular rack rate. I'm not sure if they still do that though. Have fun!

 

[pharmama]

Dapper Day rooms are always standard rooms. At the GCH are these overlooking DTD. Any big negatives here? I hear the rooms are smaller than at the DLH?

GCH Standard View rooms are generally along the front of the hotel facing Disneyland Dr. looking out over the entrance drive area and potentially lower floors in some other areas. DTD view is actually an upgraded category (which some people do not like due to the noise). I just spent 5 days in a standard view room on the second floor (2260) that faced DCA but was basically behind Goofy's Sky School and overlooked the new PPH guest entry pathway to DCA. I did have peekaboo views of some of DCA (Golden Zephyr, tops of WOC fountains but it was definitely not a fancy view). I would guess higher floors of this same area would be considered theme park view. I did not have any noise issues from the park unless I opened the slider. It was pretty far from the lobby and parks though it was adjacent to a stairwell that I made good use of for exiting to walk to the convention center for D23. Personally, I didn't think the walk to the room was that bad and still liked the overall proximity to the parks of the GCH.

Overall the rooms tend to be a little smaller at GCH. That said, I've been in some pretty cramped rooms in Fantasy tower at the DLH (but also in some much more spacious ones in all 3 towers). I like that the sink area is separated (by a pocket door) from the toilet/shower at GCH as it allows a little more flexibility when multiple people are getting ready- we've only had a DLH room once- in Frontier tower- with a separate sink area but it was so cramped that only one person could be in the area and no one could access the closet if they were. One potential downside for GCH with your kiddos might be that almost all GCH rooms now just have walk in showers- no tubs. There is a handheld shower (in addition to a rain shower) in them but something to be aware of as it can be a little more challenging for bath time if they're used to a tub.

I didn't visit the pools but walked past the hot tubs multiple times this past weekend and they never looked too full.

I do love the GCH- I think it's worth giving it a try.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I'd go with GCH for all the reasons you stated. You used to be able to call and request a room upgrade with the Dapper Day rate. It's more than the standard room but not the regular rack rate. I'm not sure if they still do that though. Have fun!

Good tip, thank you!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

GCH Standard View rooms are generally along the front of the hotel facing Disneyland Dr. looking out over the entrance drive area and potentially lower floors in some other areas. DTD view is actually an upgraded category (which some people do not like due to the noise). I just spent 5 days in a standard view room on the second floor (2260) that faced DCA but was basically behind Goofy's Sky School and overlooked the new PPH guest entry pathway to DCA. I did have peekaboo views of some of DCA (Golden Zephyr, tops of WOC fountains but it was definitely not a fancy view). I would guess higher floors of this same area would be considered theme park view. I did not have any noise issues from the park unless I opened the slider. It was pretty far from the lobby and parks though it was adjacent to a stairwell that I made good use of for exiting to walk to the convention center for D23. Personally, I didn't think the walk to the room was that bad and still liked the overall proximity to the parks of the GCH.

Overall the rooms tend to be a little smaller at GCH. That said, I've been in some pretty cramped rooms in Fantasy tower at the DLH (but also in some much more spacious ones in all 3 towers). I like that the sink area is separated (by a pocket door) from the toilet/shower at GCH as it allows a little more flexibility when multiple people are getting ready- we've only had a DLH room once- in Frontier tower- with a separate sink area but it was so cramped that only one person could be in the area and no one could access the closet if they were. One potential downside for GCH with your kiddos might be that almost all GCH rooms now just have walk in showers- no tubs. There is a handheld shower (in addition to a rain shower) in them but something to be aware of as it can be a little more challenging for bath time if they're used to a tub.

I didn't visit the pools but walked past the hot tubs multiple times this past weekend and they never looked too full.

I do love the GCH- I think it's worth giving it a try.

Thank you so much for this! We aren't too worried about any kind of view, but quiet is key, so I think we would like these rooms.

My kids both take showers and they think a rain shower is exceptionally exciting, so this would work out perfectly.

 

[taaren]

I often book a little staycation for Dapper Day weekend as I’m obsessed with the clothing and love to participate we see everyone all decked out.

We always stay at the DLH, which my boys love for the pool slides and light-up headboards in the room. Plus the Dapper Day Expo is here, so that has always been convenient.

But our last visit was sadly less than magical. The pools were so packed it was impossible to get chairs at almost any time of day, and the pools themselves were so packed with people it was just gross feeling (think Palm Springs Spring Break). I’m also a little tired of the only food options at the DLH (the Tangaroa Terrace/Trader Sam’s Hawaiian-inspired menu) and the construction going on right now makes the property look and sound less pretty.

I’m thinking of trying out GCH this time. It’s less than $100 more per night so I’m not considering cost, just the resort experience. I love the food options here (Craftsman and Hearthstone) and of course the proximity to the parks is appealing!

Dapper Day rooms are always standard rooms. At the GCH are these overlooking DTD. Any big negatives here? I hear the rooms are smaller than at the DLH?

What’s the pool situation been like lately? Super packed like at the DLH? Will my two boys (7 and 3) like the pools? Dapper Day is in November so I know there’s a chance it will be too cold to swim … how are the hot tubs?

Any other things to think about? I feel like it’s just one of those things, you have to try it for yourself. But I’m nervous to venture away from the hotel we have always loved.

I honestly don't know if the pool situation is better at the GCH, our teens stopped enjoying the pools a few years ago so the adults have to drag them now, but when we have ... its always felt overly crowded to us at both the GCH and the DLH. (We like the pool slides so have only gotten cabanas at the DLH, and the last trip, those pools felt like swimming in people soup and the lines for the slides were ridiculously long, they need more capacity for that many guests to have a premium experience, but every time we passed by the GCH pools on our way to the room they looked just as crowded.) The distance makes the GCH better, especially with the new entrance by Goofy's Sky School. Our bell services guy told us we had to try it and boy was he right.

 

[tink89]

The pool at GCH was packed during our stay, but it was also very hot. We ended up going after 6pm when it cleared out a bit. I did like that pool closed late, DD14 liked the pool but prefers the slides at DLH. If there were no construction going on at DLH I would choose there because its our favorite. But given the construction situation, I would say go with GCH if money is not an issue.

 

[Geemo]

We have had a standard room that overlooked the Monorail. When the kid were younger they enjoyed watching it whizz by.

It was VERY Quiet as it went by. Only heard it if the sliding door was open and then it wasn't too loud.

 

[Whistlebee]

I absolutely love the GCH. I say absolutely yes, give it a try. I think the pools at DLH are better for your boy’s ages, but considering the construction at DLH, now is as good a time as ever to try out the GCH.

I’d request a room overlooking the entrance. These are standard rooms, they are in a great location, (no long hallways to navigate)! My favorite rooms are the woods/courtyard rooms near the Napa Rose elevators, but I was surprised that I didn’t mind the rooms over looking the entrance at all. Your boys might enjoy watching all the families coming and going from the balcony.

You just can’t beat the location, restaurant choices, touch of luxury, and balconies that GCH offers!

 

[Malcon10t]

If I have to stay at the Grand, I prefer the rooms overlooking the valet near the elevator. My daughter prefers the rooms in the 200 wing (odd numbers) closer to the DVC wing. They are standard, but have more of a woodsy feel and are close to the DVC elevators.

I prefer the DLH rooms, GCH is ok if just me, but rooms are small. And I prefer grabbing food in DTD.

 

[DLgal]

Try GCH! I think you will really like it. The rooms are maybe smaller (really depends, like at DLH, room size does vary at the resort). However, I find the layout of GCH rooms much better/more user friendly at GCH. I don't like the bathroom setup at DLH. Plus, the balconies at GCH extend your space to outdoors. The DTD view rooms at GCH are a mixed bag. You'll have a longer walk to your room from the lobby, and you will hear DTD noise even with the sliders closed. I prefer standard or Courtyard rooms here, personally.

The pool at GCH is great. It's larger than DLH in terms of actual pool size (there are 3 separate pools). The hot tubs are also larger and always nice and hot. I like the poolside service at GCH a lot more than DLH and the food options at the resort are so much better than DLH as well.

Overall, what you will love most about it will be the location. It really is so convenient to the parks and will make DLH feel like it's miles away. Try it!

 

[l4dyj8]

We have always had Standard Rooms and all but one stay was for Dapper Date rates

All of our rooms have been different. So unpredictable. We’ve gotten lucky with surprise view upgrades (twice overlooking CA … one facing the CA entrance and the other near Goofy). And the worst was facing the front. It was also smaller. I suppose you can request. I’m not picky on location, just the size of the room.

We have never done the pool at GCH in Nov.

 

[Pluto468]

After staying at Disneyland Hotel twice this year, I would suggest you try Grand Californian. The view/atmosphere is just very hit or miss with the construction going on. One of our rooms was great, but another was terrible and aside from spoiling the mood, it cost way too much for what we experienced. The GCH is supposed to be really nice, and the walk will be so much better. I bet the Dapper Day rates are good, too.

Side not- Have you chosen a Dapper Day outfit yet? I really want to go for that sometime! Love dressing up and seeing other people all fancied up

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Such great food for thought in this thread, I can’t thank you all enough for your feedback! I think I’m going to try the GCH this time!

Question, is it possible to watch WOC from the hotel somewhere?

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Side not- Have you chosen a Dapper Day outfit yet? I really want to go for that sometime! Love dressing up and seeing other people all fancied up

It will depend on the weather but I really want to wear this!

 

[BGinCali]

It will depend on the weather but I really want to wear this!
View attachment 703028

that dress is beautiful!

 

[DLgal]

Such great food for thought in this thread, I can’t thank you all enough for your feedback! I think I’m going to try the GCH this time!

Question, is it possible to watch WOC from the hotel somewhere?

Yes, there is a terrace up on the 5th or 6th floor on the DVC side that is open to anyone. There are some trees that impact the view, but it's a decent spot if you just want to hear the music and see the fountains.

 

[Pluto468]

It will depend on the weather but I really want to wear this!
View attachment 703028

Beautiful!

 

[shosh1530]

Sounds like you've already decided for GCH, but more vote for that option! We love GCH and usually get a Woods-Courtyard room. If they let you upgrade at the Dapper Day rate, they often are only $5-10 more. And I think a lot of standard bookings end up in Woods-Courtyard rooms anyway, so you may luck out.

We normally request to be close to the elevators. The only downside with GCH (beside the cost) for us is some rooms can be quite a hike. I forgot to put in the room request on our last trip and regretted it.

On our last trip in June, the pools were busy (hard to get a lounger in the afternoon prime time), but I never felt overcrowded in the actual pool. We enjoyed taking a swim every day. We've also used the pool in January. I found it too cold, but it didn't stop my kid from doing the slide while I enjoyed the hot tub.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

It used to be that some of the GCH rooms had bunk beds.

We’ve been DVC members since 2009 but we stayed in standard rooms quite a lot during the 2000’s. We stayed quite a few times on what I believe was the third floor. View outside was mostly of the parking lots but right outside the front door was a balcony area overlooking the main lobby that we liked to hang out at and listen to the piano player.