Hotel Help!

[Cera1234]

Please help me decide! Or at least give me some pros and cons! Budget isn't really a factor. We are two adults and a two year old. We will be using a stroller and likely be returning to the room for an afternoon nap. This trip is very much for our daughter - we've gone several times just adults. We will be returning in 2-3 years.

Candy Cane Inn
Pros - less expensive, free parking, free continental breakfast
Cons - motel (no balcony to sit on while toddler falls asleep), longer walk

Grand Californian
Pros - proximity to the parks, balcony for nap / bedtime (it looks like all rooms have balconies?)
Cons - price, fee for parking, no continental breakfast

 

[chrisaman]

If budget is no issue I would choose the Grand every time. I think everyone here would tell u the same thing. It really comes down to, is it worth the extra money. Is staying close, in a nice ambiance, in the Disney bubble, with early park entry worth it? I personally am a cheap skate and would rather pay less for a vacation and go more times or stay longer. This is why I bought into Disney Vacation Club because I knew I would never stay at the Grand if I didn't. So you really have to decide what is important to you.

 

[707MickeyGirl]

If budget isn't a factor, and the trip is very much for your daughter, then I'd choose the Disneyland Hotel! The Grand Californian is beautiful and we've enjoyed our stays there, but the Disneyland Hotel is much more magical in its theming, and there are frequently characters in the lobby.

 

[Cera1234]

Unless I'm missing something, the rooms at Disneyland Hotel do not have balconies, correct?

 

[Indiana Scott]

Unless I'm missing something, the rooms at Disneyland Hotel do not have balconies, correct?

That is correct. If you want a balcony then GCH is the way to go if your staying on site.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Budget isn't really a factor. We are two adults and a two year old. We will be using a stroller and likely be returning to the room for an afternoon nap. This trip is very much for our daughter...

If budget is not a factor and your small group, you should certainly choose the GCH.
There are a few balconies at DLH, but most are for suites. Nearly all rooms at GCH have balconies (6 do not, out of 1000).

 

[calilou]

I would absolutely do the Grand considering your daughter's age and that you want to make it extra special and easy for her (and everyone!). The proximity makes it so convenient for naps and afternoon pool breaks. We really love the DLH and stay there more often than the Grand now, but my girls are now 8 and 10 and love the pool and ambiance. When our oldest was 15 months we took her for her first trip and stayed at the Grand. It was so very special and something I will never forget. She may not remember it but loves hearing the stories and looking at pictures.

 

[Cera1234]

Well I delayed too long and the best rates were gone, and we could only find availability for two of our three nights (which is fine, we will stay elsewhere the first night). Can we use the extra hour the day we check in? Do we just show up at the check in desk at 6am, check in and then head to the park?

 

[Nonsuch]

...Can we use the extra hour the day we check in? Do we just show up at the check in desk at 6am, check in and then head to the park?

That is correct, I have done EMH on check in day many times.

 

[rentayenta]

I would look into the GCVillas at the GCH.

 

[bumbershoot]

There are a few balconies at DLH, but most are for suites.

Yep, over in Frontier Tower.


We've had a room at the Grand that was literally as far away from the center of the esplanade as it would have been to walk from HoJo to the same spot. Since that was the only time we stayed there or will stay there, I just shake my head when people talk about proximity. Give me walking to the bus area and getting Candy Cane's shuttle any old time.

And don't get a DTD view room. Ours was second (?) floor from the top, and we couldn't see a thing unless we were standing up. All the noise and none of the view.


A trip for a 2 year old...it's still for you guys and how you enjoy her time there. Hotel choice is about you guys and how to handle naps etc. She would likely be just as happy at the Motel 6 as she would be anywhere.

 

[calilou]

Keep in mind that there is a back exit into DTD if you do have a room far from the lobby.

 

[Cera1234]

We're staying in a woods / courtyard view room. Any idea where those are located in the hotel? Should I call and request a certain location?

 

[farmfresh]

We're staying in a woods / courtyard view room. Any idea where those are located in the hotel? Should I call and request a certain location?

We've stayed in these rooms... They were on the Dtd side as I recall but looking into a small courtyard. They were absolutely fine ( although there may be other types...) DId you solve your extra night issue? Dlh would be great for that!

 

[Cera1234]

We've stayed in these rooms... They were on the Dtd side as I recall but looking into a small courtyard. They were absolutely fine ( although there may be other types...) DId you solve your extra night issue? Dlh would be great for that!

We're staying offsite at the Holiday Inn up the road. We arrive late and plan to leave just after 6am tomgomcheck in at GCH so it wasn't worth it to stay at DLH (although it would have been MUCH nicer!)

 

[farmfresh]

[QUOTEWe're staying offsite at the Holiday Inn up the road. We arrive late and plan to leave just after 6am tomgomcheck in at GCH so it wasn't worth it to stay at DLH (although it would have been MUCH nicer!)][/QUOTE]

Hope it all works out well