If cost was no issue - DLH or GCH?

[wahoowa]

We are using DVC points for a mid-September visit and have a premium view reservation at DLH. We have 3 kids 8, 6, and 4 and are WDW vets but first time to DLR. Only staying in the hotel 3 nights.

Saw the posting about DLH starting to be renovated, in particular the Dreams tower which he had requested as it supposedly has the best premium view. For only a few point more (it's offseason and points that are likely going to go unused if we don't use them), we could switch to a park view at GCH. So either place is basically the same points/cost.

For those with experience, what would you do?

 

[drag n' fly]

Since you have young children and this is your first trip to DL I think you made the right decision. GCH is a wonderful hotel but is not very "Disney" themed but very luxurious and the young ones would love the DLH. If you are worried about noise contact the hotel directly and that should help with your decision.

 

[CoolPool]

With 3 kids above the toddler range, I'd stay at DLH. Its a little further but the rooms are noticeably bigger and the pool is a more "fun" in its feel.

 

[got2travel]

Cost is always an issue with me. LOL.

But I still prefer the Disneyland Hotel over the Grand. Especially with young children. The rooms are brighter and bigger and more Disney themed. And the pool is fantastic.

On the other hand, I hate to see points go to waste, so if you really are going to lose them, the Grand Californian should be experienced at least once.

Sorry, not much help huh?

 

[4evrdisney]

We have a mid-september reservation (sept 19-25) at DLH and we had requested the DLH DTD/Theme Park view in the Dreams Tower. After finding out about the renovation, I called to inquire about changing to GCH. The CM I talked with said that GCH is sold out when we are there Our kids are DS3 and DD2 and she highly suggested we switch to a different tower. So we changed to a high-floor Wonder Tower room with a pool view. Hopefully it is ok . . . we have only stayed at GCH or off-site. But, thought our little guys would LOVE the theme at DLH. After reading some reviews I'm a little nervous about what DLH will be like. But, some seem to love it so we're going to give it a shot.

Good luck with your decision

 

[wahoowa]

I guess it made sense to call and see if GCH was even available and it was (our stay 16-19). The other interesting thing was the DVC cast member called DLH to inquire about the refurbishment and they were told they would only be changing out the bedding during that time and that it would go floor by floor and not be very disruptive to guests. At least that's what they are saying!

 

[heatherleigh]

The Grand Californian, for sure. Like someone else said, it's a place you want to stay at least once. I've never stayed there, but would like to in two more trips.

 

[pixiewings71]

GCH all the way!!!! My girls are 12 almost 13 & 9 and they LOVE the GCH. If we could swing it we'd stay there every time.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

If this is a one-shot thing (and yes, we stay on DVC every time) do the GCH. We always stay at DLH to maximize point values, but the GCH has more to offer. You have special activities such as storytime at the fireplace, not to mention the ones on the sheet left in your room. It's so easy to pop down to the bar for bedtime hot cocoas for everyone, too. The short walk and easy access make it great for parents. My kids love it there and always look forward to the turndown chocolate coins!

 

[kari12177]

We are hooked on the GCH, my son loves the woodwork and the look of the place. He said it reminded him of snow white and the woodsy feel to it. He loves the DTD view and because we are at dl, we are too excited to sleep, so we are up very early. We love seeing dl wake up in the mornings. And of course we pay for convience and a shorter walk, it sure helped when we forgot our crocs.

 

[Sherry E]

I think there are a lot of aspects to the DLH that your kids would love (the Mickey head bath products in the bathrooms, for example). It has a lot of whimsical, clever Disney details and touches around the property that the other two hotels don't have. That said, I tend to agree with Nancy that if you have points which are likely to go unused, you should stay at the GCH and experience it at least once. (I have stayed at GCH only twice and am still not sure when and if I will get back there!) It does not have the same sorts of Disney touches you would find at the DLH, but it is 'Disney' in a different kind of way. A park view would be great. You can still take the kids over to the DLH and roam around to see the cute statues and topiaries here and there, and the famous memorabilia wall, the waterfalls, koi pond, the Fantasia shop and the mini-remote controlled Jungle Cruise boats.

 

[Little_Birdie]

I would do GCH just for the location. It's an easy walk from both parks

 

[DizMe]

My girls (8, 6, and 6) love both hotels. They prefer DLH at their ages, and I myself like it better in many ways. However, our last trip was at GCH and we got a concierge room, which was AMAZING and my kids were in heaven! If you can swing it, try to get GCH concierge. You have access to the lounge all day, with snacks, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, breakfast, sandwiches, wine & beer, cookies and "tea" things, desserts etc at various times of the day. The staff quickly learned what my girls liked and would have hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for them when we went in the lounge in the morning. There is a singer/guitar player who does a sing-along program on certain evenings and the kids can go in their pajamas--another hit with my girls. They have games, a computer station with internet, movies, and a place to view the fireworks. One of my girls ate her weight in chocolate covered strawberries.

So GCH concierge would be my first choice!

 

[Mom2Joce]

Kids, no kids...hands down GCH!!! We went for the first time this past Feb. and knew it would be a one time thing due to the cost. We ALWAYS stay at BWPPI and love it there!! Umm, well, I am saving every possible cent to go back March 2010 (I LOVE going off season) it was SO flippin' nice...I can STILL hear the baby grand playing as we end our day in our room!! Just be forwarned...you may say it's a one time thing but once you've been you'll never go back!! Hehehe!

 

[kari12177]

I totally agree. Weve been there once, loved it, and had our 2nd trip with a dtd view, and loved it even more!

 

[Sherry E]

I totally agree. Weve been there once, loved it, and had our 2nd trip with a dtd view, and loved it even more!

Those DTD view rooms are great - other than the fact that they seem to be miles away from the elevator, down endless hallways. I loved the one DTD view room we had. It was great to be able to sit on the balcony and watch the hustle and bustle of DTD below - and we had an excellent view of the fireworks, which was unexpected!

 

[Whidbey5]

Hands down, the Grand. It feels like home.

 

[only1mouse]

My vote is for the GCH! I've stayed in all of them, and definitely GCH is my favorite. Our stays at GCH have always been a DTD view and we love it! Endless halls for sure, but the beauty and architecture of the hotel are stunning!

 

[Mortimer Mouse]

Has to be GCH, you will not regret it.....

 

[FairyDust2008]

I would pick Grand Californian in a heartbeat We just returned from our 1st Disneyland California vacation and we stayed at the GC. The location was just awesome! You really can't beat it. You have a private entrance into California Adventure. You walk right out your resort and you are in Downtown Disney and then just a short walk, you are at Disneyland and California Adventure. We had parkhopper passes so we could enjoy both parks. They came in very handy. My kids ages are 13 and 11. I think even with little ones, if I could, I would prefer GC. There are 2 pools and both are very nice. The rooms are comfy and nice. We had reservations for Goofy's Kitchen one morning which is located near the Disneyland Hotel and the walk to it from the GC was a little way and I remember walking out of Goofy's Kitchen ( by the way which was AWESOME) and said to myself, "I'm glad we chose to stay at GC because of its location being MUCH better than PPH and Disneyland Hotel. While some may say that the GC lacks the Disney feel, I beg to differ. There is NO mistaking that you are indeed immersed in Disney when there. We felt the magic from the moment we checked in to the moment we checked out. You have plenty of opportunity to soak up the Disney atmosphere at the parks and at scheduled character meals if you need more DISNEY. Whatever you choose, you'll have a great time because you are at Disneyland but if money wasn't an issue, I would choose GC. It will be our choice on our return trip in 2010 and many trips in the years to come.