I cannot decide - DLH or GCH? Help!

[disney-super-mom]

More great info - thank you!!

The Cove Pool looks perfect for my learning-to-swim kids.

Do they have small water slides at the larger DLH pool? Or only the big ones?

They do have a small water slide at the Neverland pool.

Here's a picture of it. (It's the one on the left side of the picture).
http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/acc/dlh50.jpg

And although I don't know how old your kids are, if they're learning to swim now, by the time October rolls around, they just might be ready for the big slide. As I said, all the kids need to be able to do is the doggy paddle.

Hope you all have a very magical time there.

 

[kaoden39]

We are huge DLH fans. We are going on our second honeymoon. For the longest time I debated going to GCH because I cannot see being able to afford taking the whole family to GCH. And I figured that the GCH would be more romantic but the DLH won out. Where ever you decide to stay I am sure you will have a wonderful trip!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks so much for all of your great descriptions!

Where is the separate quiet pool at the DLH? Is it a kiddie pool?

disney-super-mom gave the nice link for you but I'll expand! Its in the back corner of the resort. Sort of behind the building that houses Goofy's Kitchen. Its not a kiddie pool, there isn't a slide but its a great place to head if the Neverland is busy or if you like more peace and quiet. Your kids can certainly play there and have fun. In fact, during our summer visit, there was a lifeguard there most of the time. That pool is only open until something like 7:00 p.m. The Neverland Pool is open until 10:00 (the slide is open until 7:00 as I recall). Both pools have gates that are locked once they are closed.

And back by the Cove Pool is the laundry room and athletic club. For our nine night trip, it was nice to be at that pool when I did laundry which was several times.

Hope that helps!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Here's an older map of the Disneyland Hotel. The towers have been re-named since this map came out, but it'll still give you a good overview of the grounds. (Sorry, it's a little hard to read.)

Anyway, I marked the Cove Pool with a little red star for you.

 

[foxykendra]

Wow, thanks Disney Supermom!

 

[spaceace510]

I'm going to have throw in a vote for GCH. GCH was simply amazing. The location CANNOT be beat. It is the closest to all of the parks, and is literally part of DTD. The rooms had great decor and the service was great! The monorail goes through the grounds, which is great for kids to see. You can see DL fireworks from DTD view rooms (which i had). A special entrance to DCA, which put u right in the middle of the park. A special entrance to DTD. And the shortest walk to DL and the DTD monorail compared to any other resort. Plenty of good food there. If you can afford it, I would really REALLY consider it. And also go for the DTD view. Seeing the DL fireworks every night, opening your balcony door and listen to all the street performers from DTD and all the atmosphere is an amazing experience! Please check out my trip report from my trip in April. I have tons of pics and more detailed info about GCH!
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1796905
Good luck choosing!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Is pool hopping allowed at DLR? We are staying at GCH next month and we are really looking forward to it!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Is pool hopping allowed at DLR? We are staying at GCH next month and we are really looking forward to it!!

There is no pool hopping at the DLR hotels. Each hotel is accessed by a room key from that hotel. They all have fences around them and have distinct hours they abide by. Much more strict and enforced than the WDW onsite hotels! Good thing, since they are all a hop, skip and a jump from the parks, if they didn't have tight security, they'd be mobbed with park guests!

 

[splash5]

I know that the DLH guests used to be able to pool hop to the PP. They said that we weren't allowed to use the GCH pool though. I didn't even ask when we were there in May.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Is pool hopping allowed at DLR? We are staying at GCH next month and we are really looking forward to it!!

You wouldn't want to pool hop from the GCH anyway, even if you could. I think they have a lovely pool area, and with DCA literally right there in the background, it's a great setting during the day and especially at night.

Have a wonderful time at Disneyland and the GCH!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thank you!

We probably won't have time to swim, let alone hop, even if we could. We will be there for 3 nights before the repo cruise and there is so much I want to do and see!!

I wish we could have gotten Concierge, but it was completely booked for August at all 3!

I may keep trying.

 

[Tinkaroo]

This is great info., and a debate I'm having right now, too. My DH and I are in our very early 30's, no kids, and just found out that he has a conference in Anaheim the last week of October, so he's going to stay over Halloween weekend, and I'm going out there to join him. We last visited in early '06 during the Happiest Celebration on Earth, and stayed at the DLH. While we absolutely loved our time there and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, I'm torn whether to book it again, or go for the GCH. I'm leaning towards the latter, just to try something new, but I can't ignore that it would be about $400 cheaper to stay at the DLH.

On the one hand, we really liked the DLH, being a huge "old Disney" buff, and a Peter Pan/Tinker Bell fan to boot - it couldn't have been more perfect for our first trip. We had a great view of the pool (upgraded to a corner pool view room upon check-in) from our room at the Sierra Tower, and don't recall the walk being too long through DTD to get to the parks. The rooms were huge, and we liked the Disney touches. I did think the rooms were looking slightly "worn" though - does anyone know when the last renovation happened? It sounds like someone has a friend that just went and said they had a new room?

The GCH is attractive to us, due to the close proximity to the parks (since it will be a short trip), everything being contained in one building (since I'll likely be there one night solo), the extra "deluxe" touches, etc. Being that I'm not a huge fan of the WL at WDW, though, I wonder if I'll be happy with the GCH. Originally, we had thought of eating dinner one night at Napa Rose, but after hearing some less than stellar reviews recently, I'm wondering if Steakhouse 55, or something in DTD, would be a better and cheaper choice!

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but would love to hear more on what you would recommend. Thanks!

 

[disney-super-mom]

This is great info., and a debate I'm having right now, too. My DH and I are in our very early 30's, no kids, and just found out that he has a conference in Anaheim the last week of October, so he's going to stay over Halloween weekend, and I'm going out there to join him. We last visited in early '06 during the Happiest Celebration on Earth, and stayed at the DLH. While we absolutely loved our time there and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, I'm torn whether to book it again, or go for the GCH. I'm leaning towards the latter, just to try something new, but I can't ignore that it would be about $400 cheaper to stay at the DLH.

On the one hand, we really liked the DLH, being a huge "old Disney" buff, and a Peter Pan/Tinker Bell fan to boot - it couldn't have been more perfect for our first trip. We had a great view of the pool (upgraded to a corner pool view room upon check-in) from our room at the Sierra Tower, and don't recall the walk being too long through DTD to get to the parks. The rooms were huge, and we liked the Disney touches. I did think the rooms were looking slightly "worn" though - does anyone know when the last renovation happened? It sounds like someone has a friend that just went and said they had a new room?

The GCH is attractive to us, due to the close proximity to the parks (since it will be a short trip), everything being contained in one building (since I'll likely be there one night solo), the extra "deluxe" touches, etc. Being that I'm not a huge fan of the WL at WDW, though, I wonder if I'll be happy with the GCH. Originally, we had thought of eating dinner one night at Napa Rose, but after hearing some less than stellar reviews recently, I'm wondering if Steakhouse 55, or something in DTD, would be a better and cheaper choice!

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but would love to hear more on what you would recommend. Thanks!

I think that since it's just the two of you, and if you can afford it, go for the GCH. It's a beautiful hotel, it can definitely be romantic (between conferences that is), the rooms have balconies, it's right in the heart of the Disneyland Resort, and plus, you've never stayed there before. It's always fun to try something new.

I've been to the Wilderness Lodge, and it has a very different theme compared to the Grand Californian. One is a grand "log" lodge, the other is a grand "craftsman" lodge. The Wilderness Lodge has lots of western decor with some hootin'-hollerin' down home fun going on. The Grand Californian has more refined decor with an upscale ambiance (which is especially noticable when the pianist is playing lovely music on the grand piano in front of the fireplace). I don't know, but to me, they look and feel very different.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with staying at the Disneyland Hotel again. It has all that Disney magic going for it, which you say you enjoyed before when you stayed there, and who says Tinkerbell can't be romantic for a couple spending hopefully some quality time together?! Maybe you could even spend a little extra and stay concierge.

As far as dinner goes, I've never eaten at the Napa Rose, but I have to say, The Jazz Kitchen in DTD has AWESOME food, and the atmosphere isn't too bad either.

 

[goofyfordisney]

There is no pool hopping at the DLR hotels. Each hotel is accessed by a room key from that hotel. They all have fences around them and have distinct hours they abide by. Much more strict and enforced than the WDW onsite hotels! Good thing, since they are all a hop, skip and a jump from the parks, if they didn't have tight security, they'd be mobbed with park guests!

I asked when I booked our upcoming trip to DLH if pool hopping was allowed; and was told, YES! Our last stay at DLH, we were told that we could use any of the other on-site pools as well.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I asked when I booked our upcoming trip to DLH if pool hopping was allowed; and was told, YES! Our last stay at DLH, we were told that we could use any of the other on-site pools as well.

They will sometimes tell you that and at times people have been able to pool hop. I tried the last time I stayed at the GCH to use my room key in the DLH pool and it didn't work. You can always ask once you get there and it it works it will be a nice bonus. At one time they definitely allowed pool hopping, these days it seems to not happen. But you never know!

 

[Amy&Dan]

This is great info., and a debate I'm having right now, too. My DH and I are in our very early 30's, no kids, and just found out that he has a conference in Anaheim the last week of October, so he's going to stay over Halloween weekend, and I'm going out there to join him. We last visited in early '06 during the Happiest Celebration on Earth, and stayed at the DLH. While we absolutely loved our time there and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, I'm torn whether to book it again, or go for the GCH. I'm leaning towards the latter, just to try something new, but I can't ignore that it would be about $400 cheaper to stay at the DLH.

On the one hand, we really liked the DLH, being a huge "old Disney" buff, and a Peter Pan/Tinker Bell fan to boot - it couldn't have been more perfect for our first trip. We had a great view of the pool (upgraded to a corner pool view room upon check-in) from our room at the Sierra Tower, and don't recall the walk being too long through DTD to get to the parks. The rooms were huge, and we liked the Disney touches. I did think the rooms were looking slightly "worn" though - does anyone know when the last renovation happened? It sounds like someone has a friend that just went and said they had a new room?

The GCH is attractive to us, due to the close proximity to the parks (since it will be a short trip), everything being contained in one building (since I'll likely be there one night solo), the extra "deluxe" touches, etc. Being that I'm not a huge fan of the WL at WDW, though, I wonder if I'll be happy with the GCH. Originally, we had thought of eating dinner one night at Napa Rose, but after hearing some less than stellar reviews recently, I'm wondering if Steakhouse 55, or something in DTD, would be a better and cheaper choice!

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but would love to hear more on what you would recommend. Thanks!

I agree with disney-super-mom. While the GCH, WL and AKL were all designed by the same archtiect, they all have a very different feel. To me the GCH feels more upscale than WL, less rustic. For a couple travelling alone, I think GCH would be very nice. On the other hand, if you have been t the DLH and enjoyed it, saving $400 for something you know you enjoy isn't a bad thing either! To me the GCH and the GF are the top dogs of Disney onsite hotels. I loved having the fire going in the fireplace at the GCH, the pianist and just the whole feel. I think WL looks nice, but to me its a deluxe by the skin of its teeth. GCH is deluxe anyway you slice it. Its hard to put into words, but I do think its got a different feel altogether from the WL.

The balcony to me is a biggie in the pros column of the GCH. I think its really nice to be able to enjoy a glass of wine out on your own private outdoor space each night. Now that I have stayed at some of the WDW deluxe's, that is one thing I do miss at the DLH.

The rooms at the GCH are smaller than the DLH rooms, but they are by no means small. For a family of four, they can be a bit tight. But for a couple, think you will find them very comfortable.


I can't help you on Steakhouse 55 vs. Napa Rose. I haven't heard much in the way of bad reviews of Napa Rose but then again I don't pay much attention, we have never eaten there and probably won't until our kids are gone!

 

[spaceace510]

This is great info., and a debate I'm having right now, too. My DH and I are in our very early 30's, no kids, and just found out that he has a conference in Anaheim the last week of October, so he's going to stay over Halloween weekend, and I'm going out there to join him. We last visited in early '06 during the Happiest Celebration on Earth, and stayed at the DLH. While we absolutely loved our time there and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, I'm torn whether to book it again, or go for the GCH. I'm leaning towards the latter, just to try something new, but I can't ignore that it would be about $400 cheaper to stay at the DLH.

On the one hand, we really liked the DLH, being a huge "old Disney" buff, and a Peter Pan/Tinker Bell fan to boot - it couldn't have been more perfect for our first trip. We had a great view of the pool (upgraded to a corner pool view room upon check-in) from our room at the Sierra Tower, and don't recall the walk being too long through DTD to get to the parks. The rooms were huge, and we liked the Disney touches. I did think the rooms were looking slightly "worn" though - does anyone know when the last renovation happened? It sounds like someone has a friend that just went and said they had a new room?

The GCH is attractive to us, due to the close proximity to the parks (since it will be a short trip), everything being contained in one building (since I'll likely be there one night solo), the extra "deluxe" touches, etc. Being that I'm not a huge fan of the WL at WDW, though, I wonder if I'll be happy with the GCH. Originally, we had thought of eating dinner one night at Napa Rose, but after hearing some less than stellar reviews recently, I'm wondering if Steakhouse 55, or something in DTD, would be a better and cheaper choice!

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but would love to hear more on what you would recommend. Thanks!

I too am not a huge fan of WL, but LOVED GCH. I think the "old california" theme really got me. I mean, yes they are both "similar" but like a pp said, have completely different feels. And GCH is just so beautiful. If you want to look at more pics, I have a trip report you can look at. The link is in my post towards the bottom of page 2. GCH is an awesome choice!

 

[honeymo78]

We likely will be staying on points at DL in early Feb. We can either get DLH conc or GCH park/dtd view. I'd love to be able to see fireworks from our room - would any of these room categories guarantee us that view? It's just DH and me so we also wonder about chances for a king bed. The balcony and "all in one building" part of GCH is very appealing.