Holiday DLH vs GC

[akmomesq]

We’re planning a trip for the end of December - spending NYE in the parks - and as it’s been so long since we’ve been there, are splurging. In the past, we’ve always stayed at GC. It’s my husband’s absolute favorite hotel. But over $900 per night for a room is really hard to wrap my head around. I’ve booked DLH on a higher level floor but I’m worried seeing all the posts about construction and noise. This is a special trip for us and we’re spending so much, I want to make sure I’m making a good choice. I realize this is a ridiculous problem to have - I’m not complaining - but if anyone has some thoughts to share that might help me make this decision, I’d really love to hear them.

 

[gpjacobs]

I can't comment on the room stay specifically - esp. in light of the recent DLH refirb. But the holidays at the GC are EXTRA MAGICAL (as you know). The lobby smells like gingerbread, the tree is spectacular, the festive music, the fire, etc. I've never been particularly impressed with the DLH's decor/set-up. Considering it's your husband's favorite hotel - if you can swing the $$$$ - I'd continue the tradition and stay there. Just my two cents.

 

[DizMe]

You can't beat GCH at Christmas. There is no comparison, but ouch, I know that's a lot of money. Is DLH quite a bit less? I always go for the Christmas holiday stuff but my sister and I go the 1st or 2nd week of Dec instead of the actual Christmas/NY 2 week period. There has traditionally been a special rate that comes out for our dates, but who knows what will happen this year! Anyway, I agree with PP that if you can manage it, go with GCH or at least get concierge at DLH!

 

[akmomesq]

It’s about a 1400 difference. We’re planning to be there for 6 days. We could probably swing it. But it feels really over the top extravagant.
We’ve never been during the holidays. If it is that magical, maybe it is worth it. It would be fun to not tell my husband and just surprise him…

 

[gpjacobs]

Ouch! $1400 is steep. Now you have we waivering ... but I still think GC is better in terms of a holiday experience. That said, if you'd much prefer to put that money elsewhere (can't blame you whatsoever!), the DL hotel will still be wonderful. Maybe just make a point to visit the GC's lobby?

 

[gpjacobs]

Deleted double post.

 

[tankgirl!]

I'm sorry I don't have information to offer the original question, but I was wondering when the hotels begin decorating for the holidays. Thank you!

 

[cruisehopeful]

Due to the crowds that you will be walking through at that time, I would stay at the Grand and make everything easier. I realize the price is ridiculous, but I'd either stay there or across the street on Harbor if I was trying to save money. Walking through DTD to the DLH during the really crowded times is something that I just can't stand doing.

 

[Sun_soakin]

We’ve stayed at all of them during holiday theming and while GCH has the best theme, it gets soooooo crowded w/ people cruising through. That said, in the unlikely event you get any rain, the short walk is awesome. I love all 3 and switch it up. GCH is always my family’s favorite, but I’ve never paid $900/night for it and don’t think I would. One year we spent NYE in PPH and loved it b/c we had a theme park view and could enjoy the real midnight fireworks from our room

 

[ColoradoLime]

After booking a lot of expensive vacations I've switched to the perspective of how much time are we actually going to spend in the room and if we saved money on the room what else could we do with that money? I want a good bed (and pillows!) and a good shower, but other than that I'm not very picky anymore about the room itself where it's just a place to lay my head on the pillow. I totally understand the appeal of having a themed room or those little extras that make it magical but like you I think a lot about how important that really is. We once stayed in a pirate themed room in WDW and it was fun but in retrospect really not worth the price we paid for it.

I'm assuming you could go into the GC even if you aren't staying there and hang out in the lobby, go to the restaurants, and still get a great experience of how they do Christmas. Personally I'm thinking about how many nice meals I could have with that $1,400!

If you were interested in saving money but still having a luxury experience, the new Westin offsite looks amazing. They have some nice suites with park views.