How 'Disney' is the Grand Californian?

[mollies_mum]

Hi,
We are planning a one off trip to DL and we've decided on October so we can see the Halloween decorations.
We're coming from England so really want to make the most of our time there. I'm looking at the GCH and the PPH as our travel provider doesn't book for the DLH (we have a £1000 credit to use with them and can't afford the holiday at all without that!)
We have a 9 year old daughter and was wondering what people would recommend, PPH or GCH?
How Disney is the GCH? Is it aimed more at adults? We would really like the whole Disney experience and would rather stay at the DLH but as I've already said that is not an option...
The GCH is a lot more money than the PPH so I want to be really sure when I book it it is the right hotel for us especially since it will mean us stretching ourselves financially to the limits!
Also what are the views of the standard rooms like? Is it worth upgrading and how much more is this likely to cost?
Thanks so much, I'm such a newbie...

 

[Sherry E]

Okay, let's see...like many other DIS-ers here, I have stayed at all 3 DLR hotels. The last few trips to DLR I have either stayed at PPH or GCH. When I have chosen PPH it was because it was the cheapest and I didn't have the $$$ for the GCH. That said, I do like the PPH. There is nothing wrong with it. I guess I have 'gotten used to it' in a way, and it has some little touches of Disney around by way of a Surfer Goofy statue in the lobby and the famous Mickey ears bath products in the bathrooms (which may go over well with little ones!).

The PPH is shiny and a bit newer looking than the DLH, and the rooms are bright and decorated in nice pastel-type colors with an ocean/beach type of motif. One standard room we had was almost eye level with the pool, and another standard view we had seemed to face a parking lot. Of course, the PCH Grill/Lilo and Stitch breakfast is at PPH as well. The only thing PPH 'suffers' from, and hence, the cheaper price, is the fact that it does not have the sprawling grounds that DLH and GCH have. It is basically just the hotel building and the parking lot and that's it. No fun koi fish ponds or waterfalls like at the DLH, and no spacious lobby and woodsy ambience like at the GCH.

Now, honestly, even though I have grown fond of the PPH, I would stay at GCH more often if I could afford it, because the location cannot be beat. It has its handy entrance into DCA, which is great when you want to beat the masses to the TSMM line in the morning. We got so much more accomplished when we stayed at GCH because the walk to the parks was less daunting than the walk from PPH. BUT, in terms of 'Disney touches,' GCH has the fewest Disney details of all 3. It is a more upscale hotel - kind of reminds me of an elegant mountain chalet in decor, with the fireplace and the dark wood and dim lighting and piano player in the lobby, and the comfy couches and chairs to plunk down in. It does NOT have cute Mickey ears bath products in the bathroom - in fact, it has H20 Spa products instead, with no Mickey anywhere. The standard view we had was overlooking the entrance to GCH and the valet parking area. We enjoyed the DTD view much better.

So if DLH is not an option, then if your decision is purely based on Disney touches alone, I would go with PPH. Plus, it is a fun beachy type of theme. As for overall hotel location and expansive grounds and experience, I would pick GCH if you can swing it.

My Trip Report (see link in my signature below) has my accounts of my two most recent trips to DLR with stays at the PPH - one was bad and one was good - along with photos from the PPH room. Check it out if you can!

 

[lapdwife]

My vote would be GCH. You'll enjoy it. We stayed at PPH once and I refuse to go back. It's not a bad hotel by any means just reminded me of a regular hotel...nothing exciting. The waits for the elevators were crazy. We had a nice view of the park and it was really nice at night looking out at the park lights.

October is still pool weather. GCH has an awesome pool area. Each room has a little balcony. Even most of the standard rooms overlook a garden area. We've seen fireworks from our balcony on a standard view, just depends on the room. The 9 year old will enjoy looking for the hidden Mickey's at the Grand too. We always enjoy sitting by the fire, even during the summer months.

What it comes down to is you'll enjoy your trip no matter which of the 3 you're at.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

I agree with Sherry and Steph. I think you will be happier with the GC. The Disneyland Hotel has the most "disney" theme, but since you cannot stay there, you will be happy with the Grand. It is a beautiful hotel with a really pretty lobby, great pool (the pool isn't as good at Paradise Pier), and the closest walk to the parks. You can't really beat the location.

We don't love the Grand California just because we have 3 kids, and both times we have stayed there it has been really crowded for us. The rooms are bigger and lighter at the Disneyland Hotel, and we like being able to stay in a upper room floor to take advantage of the view. The Grand is darker and low slung (not many floors)--but that is how it was designed--to look more like a mountain lodge.

I haven't stayed at the Paradise Pier, but have heard that it is clean and bright and the rooms are larger than the Grand--but the walk is further and the pool not as nice.

 

[lark]

Also what are the views of the standard rooms like? Is it worth upgrading and how much more is this likely to cost?
Thanks so much, I'm such a newbie...

In October, I think the difference in price would be about $80 to $100 per night or 50 to 60 GBP.

I've been in both a standard view and park view room. The standard view room had a view of the parking lot. Our first park view room was technically a park view, but was actually terrible. It mostly looked out over a tar rooftop and big air conditioning unit. After we complained forever, they ultimately moved us, and the new room was better. My take away from the experience was that if you get one of the best park view rooms, it's worth the extra money for a shorter stay, but if you get one of the bad ones, it's not. For a stay of 5 or more days -- where the cost of having the view really starts to mount -- I'd go for the standard view. For one or two nights, the view is great, but for longer, you're starting to talk several hundred dollars (or pounds sterling!)

 

[mollies_mum]

For an 8 night stay the GCH is £700 more than the PPH...

This is obviously a HUGE amount of money for us and realistically would be a huge chunk of our spending money!
I have spoken to my daughter and I realised that she is just sooo happy to be going the Hotel isn't really so important to her plus she really likes the idea of the pool being on the roof (sort of) and it does have a little slide so she's happy.

I think I'm leaning towards the PPH, it looks so bright and airy and has a few disney touches, it also means that we will have more spending money so we can make a trip to Universal and Seaworld as well while we are there.

Does anyone know how far the walk is from DTD to PPH?
Are there a few options for eating near the PPH? ie, Denny's, Mc Donalds?

Thanks so much, once again you've been fantastic!!!!!

 

[Hound 109]

For an 8 night stay the GCH is £700 more than the PPH...

This is obviously a HUGE amount of money for us and realistically would be a huge chunk of our spending money!
I have spoken to my daughter and I realised that she is just sooo happy to be going the Hotel isn't really so important to her plus she really likes the idea of the pool being on the roof (sort of) and it does have a little slide so she's happy.

I think I'm leaning towards the PPH, it looks so bright and airy and has a few disney touches, it also means that we will have more spending money so we can make a trip to Universal and Seaworld as well while we are there.

Does anyone know how far the walk is from DTD to PPH?
Are there a few options for eating near the PPH? ie, Denny's, Mc Donalds?
Thanks so much, once again you've been fantastic!!!!!

I think Sherry describes the differences between the GCH & the PPH perfectly. I really like the PPH....but since i'm more of a commando, the extra $$ spent for the GCH wouldn't make as much sense for me nor would the deluxeness of the GCH be enjoyed as much by me as it would by others....imo the PPH is similar in features to a nice moderate at WDW ....but w/o the sprawling grounds. (But it IS a hotel, with all rooms indoor & typical hotel ammenities).

In regards to "the walk". It's one of my favorite walks in the world.....:

- Out the front door of the PP....walk 20-30 yards to the crosswalk.
- Walk across the street (& then another 20-30 yards) & enter the GCH main entrance.
- Gape at the beautiful lobby .....hang a left & walk to the end of the hall (about 20 yards).
- Hang a right where the hallway dead ends & walk outside into the courtyard...then you hang a final left into DTD.
- Walk thru DTD (taking a right) to the security desks & then on to the DL front gate.

About 1/2 mile from start to finish....but a nice walk every step of the way.

When you return to the PP in the afternoon, you return by way of DCA (since you're a smart Diser who "hopped" in the late morning). This is accomplished by "hopping to DCA"....touring & picking up a FP or two....& then using the special GCH entrance/exit into DCA (next to Griz Rapids....which is the final ride to go on prior to your afternoon break ).

After your mid day break, you return to DCA by way of GCH (& the special entrance).....because you can .....& also because you need to use the one or two FPs you collected earlier at DCA . Then it's time to hop back to DL in the late afternoon or evening (with the 3-5 FPs) that you picked up in the AM.

At the end of the day (assuming DCA is closed by then or that you're not at DCA), simply return from DL thru DTD (& into the GCH) & back to your home at PP.

You could alter the above general plan of course (sleeping in & going to DCA first.....maybe going to DCA at night)...but this gives you an idea of how to maximize time while minimizing crowds (zigging when everyone else is zagging).

BTW....if you arrive in the afternoon or evening your first day....I recommend that you walk over to the GCH & get your bearings on how to walk into DTD....how to locate the secret DCA entrance, where the restaurants are etc....The GCH will be a HUB for you and you need to know the proper pathways to it & through it from day 1 on.


Regarding food choices....no cheap eats in the immediate area. But lots of counter service type choices in DTD & in nearby DCA (& Whitewater Snacks in the GCH)...a couple of restaurants in the PPH & also a get n go counter.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

(Might want to read my first page of my trip report....linked below....it describes a commando's day at DL while staying at the PP).

 

[Amy&Dan]

That's a toughie for me, I like the hotels about evenly for totally different reasons. I like PP for the nice, oversized room and the guaranteed daybed/sofabed. If I can get a theme park view, its about as Disney as you can get. With the exception of a Contemporary MK view at WDW, a thempark view at PP is about the best view you can have. GCH has some themepark views too, but to me the PP ones are incredilbe since you are higher up. GCH is a nicer hotel, closer to the parks, has balconies and more theming (but not really a Disney theme). The rooms feel very luxurious, although they are smaller and darker than PPH rooms. The rooms at GCH have little Disney theming, PP has some cute Disney touches and the beach theme. PP is basically a Marriott type high rise hotel Disney took over and spruced up, but nowhere near the theme and experience of the GCH. Which is why its so much cheaper! I also have to add, I have a really hard time ponying up the money for GCH, its nice but for me its outrageously priced. The distance to me is also not a factor since I find the walks to and from PPH and DLH not enough more at all to justify the price of GCH based on that alone.

Walking wise, you can easily take the monorail from PP to DL and use the GCH to cut through to DCA. I don't find the walks bad from PPH to either park, I am used to WDW and its huge amount of walking at its parks and resorts though. GCH is obviously closer, however you can have some long walks down hallways and through the lobby depending on where your room is located.

It would depend on how much of an issue that extra money is. If it would stress me out or make me have to give up other things on my trip, I'd stay at PPH and be perfectly happy. On the other hand if the extra money wasn't a problem, I might go with GCH. Although the small rooms and possibilty one of my kids would end up in a sleeping bag (some GCH rooms have bunk beds or day beds, some don't so if you get a "don't" you get a sleeping bag) might make me just pick PP.

PP also has an incredilble pool slide but a very boring pool. GCH has a great slide (not as long as PP's but still very good) and a lovely pool area. GCH also has way better dining options.

I like them both, and think either one would be fine. But I am sad you can't go with DLH, since that's my personal favorite!

And for food, you can get fairly cheap take out on DTD from the Napolini Pizza window and the Tortilla Joes take out. Another very inexpensive place is Crocs Bits and Bites at the DLH near their pool area. You can eat at one of the outdoor tables right there or take it to your room (we did both when we stayed at PP). As far as a Denny's, you'd have to venture over to Harbor or Katella Blvd, easy enough if you have a car, if you don't, you can easily get to a Denny's, IHOP (kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal) and my favorite Mimi's Cafe, from Disneyland or DCA. You just have to cross the street and walk over, very easy to do from either park. And about a 15-20 minute walk from the PPH to get to any of those type places on Harbor Blvd.

 

[Sherry E]

You will have a great time at PPH! The price difference IS substantial between PPH and GCH, and that can't be discounted because that money can go towards other DLR expenses while you are there, or other expenses in general. And if you follow Hound 109's tips and the other info that Amy&Dan, etc. gave, you will be cutting through the GCH (which is right across the street from PPH) en route to DTD or the DCA secret entrance anyway, so you will be able to get a good sense of the GCH and can enjoy many of the things it has to offer. You can also take a quick trip to the far end of DTD and roam around the grounds of the DLH. You can get a really good sampling of all 3 hotels and DTD because they are all close together or interconnected. The PPH is a good way to stay onsite and be immersed in the DLR magic from beginning to end, but at a cheaper price. As a guest at the onsite hotels, you will have the option to enter DL an hour before it opens on designated day(s), you can have your purchases sent back to the PPH so you don't have to lug them around the parks or get an expensive locker, you can use the DCA entrance into GCH...and you will get the cute Mickey ears bath products!! The walk from PPH to DTD and the parks may seem daunting at first, but once you get used to it and remind yourself of all the walking that will be done in the parks in a given day, it is not bad at all. It is only just across the street, after all. And the walk is not boring, by any means. Not only do you get to stroll though the GCH when taking the short cut, but you really start to get in the Disney spirit when you hit DTD and make your way towards the DL/DCA gates! There are lots of things to look at on the walk over.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Looks like you picked the PPH. If you can, I would recommend the theme park view over the standard view. Since you're coming from so far away, the extra $ to stay in a room with a view at that hotel is worth it, in my opinion.

If you want to eat at a more economical place, from the entrance of the PPH, turn right and walk to the corner of Disney Drive & Katella. You'll find either a Denny's or Coco's. However, there are a lot of options to dining - breakfast at Compass Books, splitting your meals, etc.

Happy planning!!

 

[Hound 109]

Looks like you picked the PPH. If you can, I would recommend the theme park view over the standard view. Since you're coming from so far away, the extra $ to stay in a room with a view at that hotel is worth it, in my opinion.

If you want to eat at a more economical place, from the entrance of the PPH, turn right and walk to the corner of Disney Drive & Katella. You'll find either a Denny's or Coco's. However, there are a lot of options to dining - breakfast at Compass Books, splitting your meals, etc.

Happy planning!!

I forgot about the Denny's if you turn right (after walking out the PP front door). Mary Jo....how far a walk do you think that is....maybe 200 yards?

Definitely much closer than schlepping thru the esplanade over to Harbor Blvd. for cheap eats.

It seems when i stay at the Pier, i'm always wanting to head TOWARDS DLR as opposed to away from DLR (even if i'm hungry ).

 

[DangerMouse]

It seems when i stay at the Pier, i'm always wanting to head TOWARDS DLR as opposed to away from DLR (even if i'm hungry ).

Especially since your DLR diet consists of mainly corny dogs and bratwursts.

 

[pycees312]

I'm one of those who happen to like the Paradise Pier. You will enjoy it and the slide is really cool for kids! its the cheapest hotel but in my opinion has the best Concierge staff.
Lilo and stitch breakfast is really good and they serve the Kitchen sink for lunch and dinner.

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

ooh, your gonna have a great time!!
your little one is gonna love it!!
have fun!

 

[Hester]

Guess I'm late to the discussion ... but if you can afford it, the GCH is definitely the choice I'd make.

There are so many different factors that go into this decision. Big and small things, but overall the GCH definitely comes out the winner.

The walk alone is a big factor -- I don't care what anybody says -- it DOES matter -- look at a map. The GCH is by far a nicer hotel period, with more themeing and class.

Everybody surely has an opinion, but there most certainly is a reason why the prices differ so much. If you can afford it, do the GCH.

 

[mollies_mum]

Thankyou so much everyone for your comments

We're def going to go for PP and keep the money saved for spending money and a trip to Seaworld and Universal!When we was in Florida we loved Dennys so I'm really glad that there is one nearby!

I'm going to look into how much it is to pay extra for a theme park view and maybe do that depending on the cost.

Once again, thankyou so much for taking the time to reply.
Looks like I've got a year to plan all the details... feel sorry for my husband...

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the Halloween pictures and trip reports for this year so I can see what to expect in October 2010

Thanks again,

Ruby xxx

 

[Sherry E]

Thankyou so much everyone for your comments

We're def going to go for PP and keep the money saved for spending money and a trip to Seaworld and Universal!When we was in Florida we loved Dennys so I'm really glad that there is one nearby!

I'm going to look into how much it is to pay extra for a theme park view and maybe do that depending on the cost.

Once again, thankyou so much for taking the time to reply.
Looks like I've got a year to plan all the details... feel sorry for my husband...

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the Halloween pictures and trip reports for this year so I can see what to expect in October 2010

Thanks again,

Ruby xxx

I don't know if you had a chance to look at my Trip Report yet (link in signature below), but in the first half of it, it details two trips two DLR - one in October of last year and one in December. October was when we had the one and only 'bad' stay at the PPH, but you can see the Halloween pictures from DL & DCA and from the Trick or Treat Party. Also, Shishigirl has a Trip Report from her trip in October as well (cannot recall the name of it). And an early portion of WazowskiLOVER's TR is from October, so there are lots of us who all have photos from Halloweentime posted. Of course, things could change by 2010 and maybe the Halloween decor will be slightly different, but have a look so you can see what to expect!!

 

[Sherry E]

Guess I'm late to the discussion ... but if you can afford it, the GCH is definitely the choice I'd make.

There are so many different factors that go into this decision. Big and small things, but overall the GCH definitely comes out the winner.

The walk alone is a big factor -- I don't care what anybody says -- it DOES matter -- look at a map. The GCH is by far a nicer hotel period, with more themeing and class.

Everybody surely has an opinion, but there most certainly is a reason why the prices differ so much. If you can afford it, do the GCH.

With all due respect, though, Hester, the walk from PPH to DTD and on to the gates of the parks is not a big deal to everyone. For some it is, and for some it is not. I think it depends on what everyone is individually used to. It seems daunting at first, and ominous on paper (like a map), but PPH is literally just right across the street from everything. It is not way out in the hinterlands. People go there all the time for the Lilo and Stitch breakfast. Even my friend with knee problems, who scoffed mightily at the walk the first time we stayed there, got used to it by the last couple of stays because the walk through DTD is interesting and keeps us entertained along the way. She even said, "I like the Paradise Pier," when I appologized for making her walk the extra steps because I booked PPH. It really is not that bad once you do it a couple of times, and you stay engaged in Disney magic the whole time. So much walking (miles and miles of walking in one day) is done in the parks, that the extra footsteps to get across the street to PPH are not that significant. If people have trouble with mobility issues or orthopedic problems anyway, and many of us do, then even being in DL/DCA will be hard for them, no matter which hotel they are staying in.

Those of us on DIS who have stayed in GCH all love it, and I think, in one way or the other, we have all said that we would choose to stay there more often if we had the $$$. It is a lovely place. But the OP stated she would like to save the substantial amount of extra money she would have to spend to stay at GCH and put it towards other things, and money is a big factor for everyone. If there is a way to get a little taste of the Disney magic by staying at a cheaper hotel, then PPH is the way to go.

 

[Amy&Dan]

With all due respect, though, Hester, the walk from PPH to DTD and on to the gates of the parks is not a big deal to everyone. For some it is, and for some it is not. I think it depends on what everyone is individually used to. It seems daunting at first, and ominous on paper (like a map), but PPH is literally just right across the street from everything. It is not way out in the hinterlands. People go there all the time for the Lilo and Stitch breakfast. Even my friend with knee problems, who scoffed mightily at the walk the first time we stayed there, got used to it by the last couple of stays because the walk through DTD is interesting and keeps us entertained along the way. She even said, "I like the Paradise Pier," when I appologized for making her walk the extra steps because I booked PPH. It really is not that bad once you do it a couple of times, and you stay engaged in Disney magic the whole time. So much walking (miles and miles of walking in one day) is done in the parks, that the extra footsteps to get across the street to PPH are not that significant. If people have trouble with mobility issues or orthopedic problems anyway, and many of us do, then even being in DL/DCA will be hard for them, no matter which hotel they are staying in.

Those of us on DIS who have stayed in GCH all love it, and I think, in one way or the other, we have all said that we would choose to stay there more often if we had the $$$. It is a lovely place. But the OP stated she would like to save the substantial amount of extra money she would have to spend to stay at GCH and put it towards other things, and money is a big factor for everyone. If there is a way to get a little taste of the Disney magic by staying at a cheaper hotel, then PPH is the way to go.

Sherry I couldn't agree more. To put the distance factor into a perspective based on my experience, I stayed at the DLH (roughly the same as PP from the parks) with my parents back in 2004. My mom was ill at the time with cancer and my stepdad had just turned 80. They walked to and from the hotel each and every day of our stay. We used the monorail a time or two just to experience that, but everytime else we walked. They did fine. My nieces were 3 (almost 4) at the time (same trip) and they walked (refused to do a stroller). Sure there were a few times coming back late at night they were tired but the walk up DTD is interesting, lots of things to see, hear and enjoy, so it goes fast. Certainly distance does matter, however I can't say I think the distance of GCH is such that it puts the other two off the map from the parks. For sure on a map GCH looks closer, however if you look at the design of the building, you can see its sprawling. You may get to the lobby/entrance faster, but you can have a hike to your room once inside. And money, well that without a doubt always matters and to me moreso than saving a few steps on a vacation where no doubt about it, I"ll log 10+ miles a day walking regardless of where I stay. That's just me and clearly it was a concern of the OP's too.

I have stayed at the GCH and some of the WDW deluxes. There is no doubt that the deluxe level hotels Disney actually builds (DLH and PP were not built by Disney) are magnficient. The theming, lobbies and details are amazing. But those details as we said earlier can be enjoyed even if you don't stay there. I think GCH costs more since its got some details (balconies, spa, turndown service) that the other two don't. I don't think the location of GCH vs. the other two is the main reason GCH is more expensive. You are paying for the upgraded service (nightly turndown, onsite spa, nicer linens and toiletries) probably more than anything else.


I think the OP made a great choice and that time of year at DL is one of my favorites!

 

[Hound 109]

Especially since your DLR diet consists of mainly corny dogs and bratwursts.

.....& knackwursts DM.


Actually in the morning, i have to get my pastry & cookie fix in.... & I love the fact that the shop in Pooh Corner is almost always empty in the early to mid morning.


& regarding PP & breakfast. Alec & I split a room service "big breakfast" at the PP last time. Had it delivered at 6:30am)

It was good & a pretty good deal. $12 -$14 + tip.....& it fed both of us. (Coffee, juice, 3 eggs, 4 bacons, fruit, a couple of pieces of toast, & a good potato/pepper mixture.)