Hilton Anaheim vs GCH advice

[lisalawless1979]

Long time lurker, very infrequent poster

I'm stoked about a last-minute trip we're taking (2 early 30s, 1 10yr DD) to Disneyland next week! I love going to the Disney parks and take any excuse to go - to the chagrin of my DBF

We are currently booked in a standard room at GCH for 3 nights (26th - 29th). Got a good rate from Expedia, but can cancel up until the 23rd. Flying in to LAX, renting a car and driving late Thursday night so we can begin parks Friday morning (just a 2 day pass). Flying out of LAX Sunday afternoon.

We're picky with hotels, and consider it worth the extra money to be comfortable, convenient and pampered a bit. I care more about the "Disney immersion" experience than either of my DBF or DD DBF cares about the quality of beds and room service. DD cares about a pool. This is why GCH is such a great option!

However! I just saw the Hilton has a deal where we can get a park view room with balcony for 3 nights at *half* the price of GCH. That's $400 we could be spending at Napa Rose or other treats. The beds look comfy, and pool looks fine for DD. I wouldn't have the immersion experience but a nice view is a trade off - plus I would use the money for other experiences. The hotel is mostly for sleeping given the short time frame we're there, though we were looking forward to using the pool/power napping mid-day at GCH considering how close it is. I'd be willing to change to Hilton if I felt like the amenities (comfy bed, nice rooms, room service, service, etc) were at least as good as GCH (hopefully better). I know the lounge won't be as nice.

For those who have stayed at Hilton - would you say the rooms were as nice as GCH? I've stayed at HOJO, Minage and GCH at DLR (Poly and WL at WDW) in the past. I wouldn't stay at HOJO or Minage again unless I was on super budget weekend. The beds and linens and motel atmosphere didn't work for me.

We have WOC preferred dining and Plaza Inn character breakfast already reserved, and I'm not sure I can get them awake early enough for MM on Saturday. Even though I love the separate entrance, it isn't a requirement, more of a "nice to have". Depends on crowds that weekend.

My other concern is getting to/from the park. Since we'll have a car, is driving + parking any faster than taking a shuttle? Considering the money we're saving, we would valet.

I've been pouring through these forums, the reviews, and I appreciate any additional insight considering these specific requirements. Thank you!

Past Trips:

**DL GCH "Adults Only" trip 01/10: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisaphillips/sets/72157623114004827/

**DL Minage Birthday Trip 09/09 http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisaphillips/sets/72157623435861434/

**WDW Poly 30th DS Birthday/Sweepstakes Winner! 02/09 http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisaphillips/sets/72157615085441292/

** WDW WL Concierge DD8 Birthday 08/08 http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisaphillips/sets/72157601776538561/

 

[cirquelovers]

Do you have a theme park view at the GCH too?

 

[lisalawless1979]

No, just standard. Which is also a reason I'm considering switching. I love a good view!

 

[jenpace]

For those who have stayed at Hilton - would you say the rooms were as nice as GCH?

Nope, not even close! Plus, being onsite makes a huge difference to me...not everyone would agree but staying onsite is super important in my family.

As far as the standard view at the GCH, that's the view I actually prefer and it's still not as "standard" (to me anyway) as a theme park view offsite since you're still within the resort and the standard view from GCH is of the DLH, not of the offsite traffic below.

Either way, have a great trip

 

[M&C]

You can typically get Hilton Anaheim on Hotwire for $65 to $69. It's usually the 3.5 stars hotel located in Disneyland South.

 

[dalstitch45]

lisalawless1979, I have not stayed at the GCH, but I have stayed at the Hilton quite a few times. I really like this hotel. I am also a person who likes to be immersed in Disney. I go to WDW all the time, and always stay onsite (Pop, Mods, or Delux). Since I have been going to California, I haven't done this yet. With that being said, I have had a Disney view at the Hilton almost every time I go to DLR. I have a perfect view of the fireworks, but sadly no music or tinkerbell.

The Hilton also charges for parking. I believe it is $15-$20 per day. There is the option of the ART bus. It is only a 5-7 minute ride from the park. You could also walk, and take the shortcut through the path between the Hilton and the Convention Center. It is roughly 15 minutes. Never had a problem with the services or ammenities at the Hilton. I think you would be quite happy with the Hilton.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

The bonus of the GCH is that you can hit Grizzly River (especially on the cooler days) and run right back up to the room to put on dry clothes.

There are just certain points of convenience that make the walk back to an offsite hotel not worth it.

I would say that if this is a first-time trip or a "once in a lifetime" trip (clarified for others in that position reading this to consider), then I would say to keep the GCH ressie. If you are coming back again soon, then try the Hilton. Special pricing will come up again.

(BTW - I got that same Expedia deal for Labor Day - and I'm choosing to use it over DVC points!)