NYE Lodging: OC Hyatt or Grand Legacy?

[mcm574]

We have a GC DVC reservation for 1/2-1/5, and have decided to come down for 12/31 and 1/1 as well, staying off-site before moving to the GC. I currently have two reservations and am at a loss as to which one to keep and which one to cancel. (Note that the cost for the two is pretty comparable - the Hyatt is ~$100 more for the two nights, but we're more than willing to eat that amount if it seems like a better fit.)

In almost any other circumstance, of course, I'd go for the walking distance hotel - but we're hoping to get an early start at the parks on 1/1, and my concern is that the Grand Legacy would be CRAZY NOISY (and sleep disrupting!) on New Year's Eve, given that it's got the rooftop bar, and we'd be hearing the fireworks. Can anyone confirm or deny that assumption?

My research on the Hyatt seems to indicate that their park shuttle is fairly reliable (and we could always call a Lyft if need be); and it looks like they might have better recreation and dining options than the Grand Legacy, which might be enjoyable on our 12/31 arrival day (we're driving from the Bay Area and hoping to arrive early to mid-afternoon).

Would love to hear about anyone's experience with either or both hotels, as well as thoughts on the NYE situation specifically!... TIA!

 

[pblack]

I have not stayed at Hyatt, but I have stayed at Grand Legacy. We had a room at the back of the complex and didn't hear any noise at all from the rooftop bar. I actually don't even think we heard a lot of noise from nearby rooms, but I may be incorrect on that thought. It was a nice enough hotel, not my first choice, but i'd definitely stay there again. They're "grab and go breakfast" was pretty much a joke. A single Nature Valley granola bar, crackers with cheese (these were super stale), a red apple (really??? who eats these???), and a bottle of water. We loved being able to just walk across the street though, which is a big factor in us staying there again if the price was right. There are some easily accessible food options on the walk to the hotel though. (Ihop, Dennys, Jimboys, Cold Stone, a pizza place.)

Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip!!

 

[StarlitNight05]

I haven't stayed at either, but given the choice I'd pick Grand Legacy for the walking distance. I'm always so antsy in the morning, so waiting for a shuttle to load and unload would be torture for me. I'd call a request in at Grand Legacy for a room as far away from the bar as possible, and then reiterate the request at check-in.

As for dining options, I think Grand Legacy is actually a better choice since you have the option of walking to DtD, or going in the other direction for the Garden Walk area (McCormick and Schmicks, Bubba Gump, etc).

 

[Sandeep1]

We have a GC DVC reservation for 1/2-1/5, and have decided to come down for 12/31 and 1/1 as well, staying off-site before moving to the GC. I currently have two reservations and am at a loss as to which one to keep and which one to cancel. (Note that the cost for the two is pretty comparable - the Hyatt is ~$100 more for the two nights, but we're more than willing to eat that amount if it seems like a better fit.)

In almost any other circumstance, of course, I'd go for the walking distance hotel - but we're hoping to get an early start at the parks on 1/1, and my concern is that the Grand Legacy would be CRAZY NOISY (and sleep disrupting!) on New Year's Eve, given that it's got the rooftop bar, and we'd be hearing the fireworks. Can anyone confirm or deny that assumption?

My research on the Hyatt seems to indicate that their park shuttle is fairly reliable (and we could always call a Lyft if need be); and it looks like they might have better recreation and dining options than the Grand Legacy, which might be enjoyable on our 12/31 arrival day (we're driving from the Bay Area and hoping to arrive early to mid-afternoon).

Would love to hear about anyone's experience with either or both hotels, as well as thoughts on the NYE situation specifically!... TIA!

The Hyatt is on the corner of Katella and Harbor. How is that not walking distance? Takes about 10 minutes. You will do 10x that once you're inside the park.

 

[Cal-Pie]

The Hyatt is on the corner of Katella and Harbor. How is that not walking distance? Takes about 10 minutes. You will do 10x that once you're inside the park.

I think the op is referring to Hyatt Place, not Hyatt House.

 

[Sandeep1]

I think the op is referring to Hyatt Place, not Hyatt House.

A bit longer but still very walkable.

 

[avalon451]

I was going to say, which Hyatt? Could be Hyatt Orange County, too, which is kind of across from Target, not quite 2 miles down Harbor. Stayed there for DD's band trip last year; it was nice. Too far for me, and the shuttle doesn't go until half an hour before opening, which is too late if you want to rope drop. But, you know-- nice hotel. The shuttle is $6 a day.

 

[mcm574]

Ack, sorry, OC Hyatt! - which I specifically booked because it is ~2 miles from DLR, on the hopes that that distance would mean we were somewhere a little less hectic, noisy, etc. on New Year's Eve. (Thanks for the tip that the shuttle starts 1/2 hour before opening, as I said, we'd probably just Lyft in that circumstance - at $6/day for four of us to shuttle, it'd probably actually be cheaper to Lyft.)

Can anyone report on what NYE is traditionally like? Are there fireworks or other extra noisiness at midnight? Any other NYE details I should factor in?

 

[Ross Kratter]

Grand Legacy is a dump. I'd avoid staying there.

 

[mcm574]

Grand Legacy is a dump. I'd avoid staying there.

Can you tell me why you think so?

 

[Sandeep1]

Can you tell me why you think so?

Dump is a strong word but I just walked by it the other day and didn't like it. It's above some restaurants. And there is a bar right there that was blasting music.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Can you tell me why you think so?

It's dirty, the furnishings are old and shabby, the carpet is really old and disgusting, the air conditioners are loud and barely work.

 

[mcm574]

Hm. Yeah, I think I might be talking myself into OC Hyatt. We've never stayed somewhere outside of walking distance before - but there's a first time for everything! I think we will plan to Lyft back and forth, and take advantage of the nicer space and amenities!...