Need help on choosing hotel...

[Tina]

We used to live in Southern California and went to DL almost weekly (annual pass). Now we are planning a quick stay in mid December as tourists and we need to choose a hotel. I see that there are some great discounts available for Disney Visa holders - $139 for DLH and $179 for GC. We are 2 adults, no kids. We've never stayed at any DL hotels, but plenty of WDW hotels. I'd love to stay in the original DL hotel, have a view of the DL park, and hop the monorail daily to the park. Is that possible? My only concern is the age of the resort. Personally, I hated the Polynesian in WDW due to the age (and smell). Will we have a similar experience at DLH? Also, we love Wilderness Lodge in WDW and the CG looks similar. How are the views from GC? I'm interested in gazing out at the park while in my room. Please help me decide.

 

[Michelle]

You can't go wrong with EITHER choice.

The DL Hotel has been completely refurbished inside and the rooms are BEAUTIFUL and spacious. You certainly can request a room in the Sierra Tower with a view (in the distance) of the park...go for an upper level view. You are also very close to the monorail stop at Downtown Disney and can use that entrance into DL.

The GC is a spectacular hotel that is similar to both the WL and AKL (same architect as AKL) in design and feel. The GC is decorated in the mission arts and craft style, with a beatiful lobby with a stone fireplace. The rooms are smaller than those at the DL Hotel but they are also lovely. If you want a TRUE theme park view then you can get this at the GC, with a view of DCA.

The GC is closer to both parks and has a private entrance into DCA. The DL Hotel is still very close by, though.

Good luck deciding and have fun!

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed at many of the WDW hotels and all three of the DL hotels. The Grand Californian is similar to the WL as it was designed by the same architect. The lobby is not quite as big but it is as beautiful in the Arts and Crafts style. The rooms are the same size as WL and are slightly woodsy with a Frank Lloyd Wright styling. It is better located than any of the WDW hotels.
The DL hotel is just the three towers that are a bit dated looking from the outside. The rooms inside are wonderful. They are decorated in a slightly formal style but all of the decore is related to Disneyland. Th Themepark view rooms in the Sierra Tower are large and have a big bathroom. There are no balconies but they have slding glass doors (2 in the Sierra Tower) that open against a railing. I really like this configuartion. The grounds at the DL hotel are very nice though some of the buildings are dated from the 60's, 70's and 80's.
The GC will give more of the themed resort feel of WDW though not quite as spectacular as the WL. The DLH will give you a thourough Disney feel all the way untill after you turn the lights out with the pixie dust, glow in the dark border paper.

 

[dsnylndmom]

I'd go for a Theme Park view at the GCH. It's just such a beautiful hotel and so nice to sit out on the balconies looking at the park below sipping on coffee.

Tina(nice name!)

 

[ibouncetoo]

Actually this is a hard call.
I've been to DL 10 times in the last year and a half staying at either GC or DLH (except once off site because the dog came too!). The GC, with it's balcony and location is a great place and one I would especailly recommend for a couple. (This is where I'll stay on my final visit before the annual pass expires.) HOWEVER, if you are a WDW veteran, the Disneyland Hotel really gives you the feel of what Walt's place is all about. So, if you want a classic Disney trip do the DLH, if you want a slightly more up-scale or romantic trip do the GC....either way you can't lose.

 

[ivanova]

You might want to keep in mind that the monorail is running on limited capacity (only two of the trains run, even during heavy peak periods). This has been since mid-August and I doubt the situation will improve any time soon.

So if you are planning on relying heavily on the monorail to get into DL ... you might be standing in long lines, or walking all the way through DTD to get to the front gates instead ... also, the monorail doesn't get you to DCA, so you'd still have to hoof it from DLH to DCA.

If you can afford to splurge, I'd recommend GCH. It has it's own entrance into DCA, and is a shorter walk to DL than the DLH.

 

[Tina]

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. We've booked our stay at the GCH. We can't wait until December!!!!

 

[diznefreak]

Tina where did you get that rate. I have the visa but can't find it . How many nights do you have to stay to get that price?
Thanks, Amber

 

[Tina]

You can find it on http://www.mousesavers.com/dlresorts.html

"Disney's Visa Cardholders - Get rates as low as $99 at Paradise Pier, $139 at Disneyland Hotel, and $179 at Grand Californian. Ask for Rate Plan VCO. Quoted rate is for Sunday through Thursday; weekend rates vary. Valid through 12/23/03. Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. Must use Disney's Visa card when purchasing."

We are only staying 2 nights. They gave us an option of "City View" or "Downtown Disney View" for this rate. We opted for Downtown Disney. Since we are staying mid-week in mid-December, we are hoping for a free upgrade upon checkin.