Homewood Suites Anaheim Cov Center vs Grand Californian

[disneymagicgirl]

We are throwing together a quick So Cal trip last minute. 3 night at DL and then to see the inlaws in Palm Springs.
We have plenty of Hilton points so could do a studio at the Homewood suites free or I can book the GCH. I would like to be in walking distance no matter where we stay since we have a newborn/stroller to lug along. Any opinions? We are WDW vets and have never done DL.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Haven't stayed Homewood Suites so can't help with walkability. Which specifically so that others can help you? I see there are a couple in the Anaheim area.

I can help with a couple questions to consider as you ponder this:

• How important is cost? If the cost to stay GCH isn't a big factor for you definitely stay there, you can return to the room so easily from the parks
• Is it important to stay in the "Disney bubble"? For some WDW vets this is important for others not so much. A very personal question. I've done DL both ways over the years and I much prefer to stay onsite because it keeps me 100% focused on my vacation, but when the $$$ isn't there and I want to go to DL offsite it is.
• Is early entry important? At Disneyland early entry provides hotel guests one hour early entrance to one park before the general public. My understanding is this is not so great a benefit at WDW with it's large number of hotels but with just 3 hotels we find it to be a nice benefit at Disneyland. A 3 day park hopper ticket comes with one early entry to Disneyland on select days whether you stay onsite or not so keep that in mind as well. During EMH in DL Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open and in DCA Radiator Springs and Paradise Pier and Soarin' are open.

As a WDW vet you may find this thread helpful: http://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

Also remember to check for current refurbishments before you go. The list is quite extensive right now and that will help you with planning. Have fun!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'd use my points & stay for free.

 

[texasgingerbread]

HS is 1.2 miles from the park (prob 15-20 min walk with stroller) but .3 from Toy Story parking lot but then you'd have to load the stroller. If price is a non-issue, your call if you want the extra room vs. if you want to pop back to your room and have EE. Depending on the price of GCH I personally would opt for free room with points...but that's me. I'm staying there on feb 29 and can report back if you'd like. When are you going?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

HS is 1.2 miles from the park (prob 15-20 min walk with stroller) but .3 from Toy Story parking lot but then you'd have to load the stroller. If price is a non-issue, your call if you want the extra room vs. if you want to pop back to your room and have EE. Depending on the price of GCH I personally would opt for free room with points...but that's me. I'm staying there on feb 29 and can report back if you'd like. When are you going?

We will be there right before you. 2/25-28.

 

[calilou]

The new HS looks really nice. We have Hilton points too and hope to stay in April. However it's not a close walk at all. You're looking at a 20 minute plus walk from what I hear or walking next door to where the Toy Story busses pick up and riding that to the parks. Since you have a stroller that's a pain of course.

If it were me and convenience and ease were my #1 priority and the cost wasn't an issue, I would stay at the Grand. It's so much easier to walk out the door into the parks when you have a stroller, etc. And so nice to easily head back to your room for a nap! Save your Hilton points for somewhere else. Hilton Waikoloa Village?!

 

[calilou]

Another consideration - I have this feeling the parks are going to be really busy that weekend. There's a big religious education conference going on at the convention center that may bring in extra families. Hotels are already filling up and prices are high. If it will be busy another reason to stay onsite - it just makes everything easier. Either way I would book right away. We're also trying to go for just a quick two night trip that weekend but I'm not liking the hotel rates. :/

 

[chrisaman]

For the best Disney experience you could possibly have you will want to stay at the Grand. I recommend you stay at the Grand and save your points for a non-Disney vacation. My Disney trips are always soooo much more enjoyable when I stay onsite.