Just booked - but having doubts

[Jennafoo]

So I just booked my first ever trip to Disneyland. It's a solo trip too, since I've always wanted to go and can't talk anyone into going. I have a big birthday in October, and am celebrating a lot, including my first published short story!

I actually called to try and book the Fairy Tale suite at DLH but couldn't. I ended up with concierge premium view at DLH, but there's no view of the fireworks. Im thinking it might be better to change to GC concierge, if the view is not a big deal. Sounds like it'll be closer to the parks and it's a nicer resort.

Thoughts? Money's not a huge concern, and I'll be there three full days.

 

[BARBARAL26]

Congratulations on the publishing your book. What a wonderful accomplishment! All I can add is have fun

 

[disneyhopeful4]

I'll go with you!!! Lol! For real, huge congrats on your big birthday and short story! I would stick with the DLH myself, but I don't think you can go wrong either way. Have a great time!

 

[Aspoonfullofsugar]

If you booked concierge level you will have a marvelous view of the fireworks from the concierge lounge in the Adventure tower. They even pipe in the music from the show. You can sit back in a comfortable chair, watch the fireworks, and sip on a drink. It's very nice.

Also there are some suites on one end of the Frontier Tower that have balconies and they also have a view of the fireworks. You can add concierge level to those suites too.

 

[Jennafoo]

I know I can see the fireworks from concierge, but at that point - and since I won't be in the room that much - I might as well pay less for the standard view concierge.

Which is why I'm starting to feel that GCH's other benefits outweigh DLH.

 

[Rubygoose]

When we stayed at DLH in July we were lucky to be upgraded to premium view in the Frontier tower and we had an excellent view of the fire works. You could call to see if you can book a premium view room in Frontier and upgrade to concierge for the lounge, although you will be in a different tower than the lounge.

 

[BARBARAL26]

I'll be honest with you, we stayed at the Grand 2 weeks ago. They up graded us to firework views now don't get me wrong it was nice but I prefer to see it live and in person. The other couple and my husband were perfectly happy just watching it from the balcony. What ever you decide have fun.

 

[BriannaRuth]

I've stayed at the DLH a few times. I haven't stayed at the GCH but have been in it, eaten there, etc. Am staying there for the first time in August.

I really think it depends what you want. Since it's your first time to DL, DLH might be nice because it's just more "Disney" than the GCH. And if you're by yourself, I think it would be fun to hang out at Trader Sam's as well. I also think the pool at the DLH is more fun for a first-timer than the GCH. Again, to me it's just more ... Disneyish?

On the other hand, GCH is closer and more upscale. Closer is important if you're planning on going back to your room in the middle of the day then returning to the parks.

BTW, I noticed that the MouseWait app seems to have an area where people post who are there real-time. I haven't ever used it, but it looked to me like it might be fun to use to meet up with others on-site. Maybe someone else who's experienced it before might chime in here.

Have fun!!

 

[CaliDisneylandMom]

I agree with other posts. I've stayed at DLH and was so pleasantly surprised by their remodeled rooms. It's a great experience. GC is great location but DLH not far really. Walk is short to monorail. Fireworks really are better in the park. I'd recommend seeing them there then head back- or better yet, stay in the park and do all your rides afterwards. You can practically walk on most rides with no lines as everyone else floods the exits! You'll be happy with either hotel- can't go wrong.
Have a fantastic time!

 

[Malcon10t]

So I just booked my first ever trip to Disneyland. It's a solo trip too, since I've always wanted to go and can't talk anyone into going. I have a big birthday in October, and am celebrating a lot, including my first published short story!

I actually called to try and book the Fairy Tale suite at DLH but couldn't. I ended up with concierge premium view at DLH, but there's no view of the fireworks. Im thinking it might be better to change to GC concierge, if the view is not a big deal. Sounds like it'll be closer to the parks and it's a nicer resort.

Thoughts? Money's not a huge concern, and I'll be there three full days.

My personal opinion... I prefer DLH. There is much more Disney theming. Of the Concierges, I prefer Disneyland Hotels to GCHs. (I actually like Paradise Pier's the most! But don't care for the elevators there.) The GCH is closer to Disneyland by 4 mins. I've only stayed at the Grand twice, and didn't find it closer overall. It was closer to duck into DCA, but not Disneyland.

It really is a personal choice. I am a kid at heart. I love the light up head boards, I love seeing characters around the hotel, I love the larger rooms at teh DLH.

Either way, you will have a good time.

 

[atmail35]

We've stayed at both GCH and DLH in the past year. We really prefer DLH (and we didn't use the pool as it was chilly).

I think in general people make a bigger deal of the distance of DLH vs GCH...it really is not that much further. We were able to walk from the adventure tower to the front gates in 10-12 minutes (maybe even less, we didn't really time it precisely) with an 8 year old who kept lagging behind to look at the shops. If you are not walking with children who can have trouble going briskly or have trouble walking yourself, it really is a non-issue, IMO. Like a PP stated, it's a couple of extra minutes, we aren't talking about a 15-20 minute difference here.

At the GCH you still have to wind yourself through the grounds to get to the DCA entrance. And you can go to the DCA entrance if you stay at DLH (don't do it on EMH as it is nuts there). At DLH you are also very close to the monorail stop so if you choose to take that home or to the park, it's a nice option (and a ride LOL).

We have not stayed GCH concierge, but loved it at DLH. Also I like the room better at GCH and the bathroom layout. At GCH our bathroom had the toilet and tub together with the sink outside. At DLH it was toilet had it's own door and tub/sink were "separate". I guess being just you it doesn't matter, but for some reason I liked DLH better.

Have fun and congrats!

 

[Nonsuch]

...I have a big birthday in October, and am celebrating a lot, including my first published short story!

...I'll be there three full days.

You did not share your travel dates, so a few general comments about October

• Park hours will be short Monday - Thursday.
• Mickey's Halloween Parties are on Tuesday and Friday, with special Fireworks.
• Regular Fireworks on Saturday and Sunday.
• Gay Days is October 3-5, with excellent onsite hotel rates

I'm a GCH (and VGC) fan

• The GCH concierge lounge has more seating and is much larger than the DLH lounge.
• GCH rooms have balconies.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Wondering if there is any reason in particular that (especially) as a first time visitor, you would want to watch the fireworks from your room rather than up close and personal on Main Street?

In my opinion, fireworks are like a funny film - it's always a much better experience when you share it with a crowd, rather than watching it by yourself.

 

[Jennafoo]

Maybe it's me, but I find it strange people keep asking me why I wouldn't see the fireworks in person. What? When did I say that?

As I mentioned twice before, I'm looking at relative value OF THE ROOMS. The main difference between standard room concierge and a premium theme park view would be what? The fireworks view really? If I have to go to the lounge either way, why spend a couple extra hundred a night?

Please no more lectures on going to see the fireworks in person, thanks!!

I'm going to be there October 22-26. Am planning on doing the MHP on my birthday, October 24, so I'm okay with the early hours...

Sounds like most people prefer DLH to GCH, which I'm actually a little surprised by. But it does make me feel better...

 

[DharmaLou]

Maybe it's me, but I find it strange people keep asking me why I wouldn't see the fireworks in person. What? When did I say that?

As I mentioned twice before, I'm looking at relative value OF THE ROOMS. The main difference between standard room concierge and a premium theme park view would be what? The fireworks view really? If I have to go to the lounge either way, why spend a couple extra hundred a night?

Please no more lectures on going to see the fireworks in person, thanks!!

I'm going to be there October 22-26. Am planning on doing the MHP on my birthday, October 24, so I'm okay with the early hours...

Sounds like most people prefer DLH to GCH, which I'm actually a little surprised by. But it does make me feel better...

I don't think anyone was lecturing you - just questioning you because your worry with DLH was that you wouldn't be able to see the fireworks. If you're planning on seeing them in person, then not having a firework view in your hotel room would be no big deal - so you can understand why people might wonder! No need to get worked up about it

 

[Jennafoo]

Um, no. I never actually said that.

Thank you all for your answers, and I'll consider keeping my reservations. But I'd rather not continue this conversation. It's frustrating and not helpful.

Please.

 

[DisneyJewel]

Re your below question about the difference/relative value of the rooms -- premium view concierge at DLH means bigger rooms and a guarantee that you will be in the same tower as the concierge lounge. Standard concierge is usually in the other towers, which means you have to go to the concierge tower. Basically you are paying for convenience, and a slightly larger room. I think the premium view concierge rooms are the top 2-3 floors of the tower the concierge lounge is in. It was worth it for us -- we went with two kids, and the convenience meant the kids could go on their own and we could easily maximize everything available in the concierge lounge, including easily bringing back food and drink, DVDs, etc. But YMMV --some people won't mind traveling between towers.

I haven't done concierge at the GCH (but we've stayed there and I really prefer the DLH), but it's a vast hotel so for us proximity of the room to the concierge lounge would also make a difference. Either way, have fun!


As I mentioned twice before, I'm looking at relative value OF THE ROOMS. The main difference between standard room concierge and a premium theme park view would be what? The fireworks view really? If I have to go to the lounge either way, why spend a couple extra hundred a night?

 

[Jennafoo]

Re your below question about the difference/relative value of the rooms -- premium view concierge at DLH means bigger rooms and a guarantee that you will be in the same tower as the concierge lounge. Standard concierge is usually in the other towers, which means you have to go to the concierge tower. Basically you are paying for convenience, and a slightly larger room.

Ooooh...thank you so much! This was very helpful. One of the things I was wondering was whether I'd be in a different tower. If I'm close to the lounge this sounds like a good thing...

 

[atmail35]

One thing to keep in mind on how much you will use the lounge is that it opens at 6:30AM, if your EMH time is at 7, you don't have much time to go to the lounge, eat and then walk to the parks and arrive for RD. But depending on your dates, it may not be a factor if the EMH (if you'll do those) are a bit later.

 

[jessicus]

just wanted to say congratulations on getting published! no better way than to celebrate at Disneyland!