Please help decide about stop in Disneyland(Grand Californian) on way to Aulani.

[alldiz]

Hi,
Soooo excited we will be going to Hawaii July 2017. Decided we "have" to stop at Disneyland, our 1st time there.

I am not flexible with days. I would need a studio for 7/21 and 22(thurs and fri).
I realize I might not be able to book this at 7mths out.

Heres question. I'm thinking I should just book a room just in case I am not able to get DVC.
So with that said should I still book Grand Californian?
Is this the most convenient to both parks. Do the hotels feel very magical. I read that some offsite are closer to entrance. Is this true. I will be taking a taxi/car service to and from airport anyway. No magical express at DL is this correct?

Also I am assuming I will be able to get a room at Aulani. This is because while I am not flexible on dates(before cruise), I need 5 nights starting 7/23.
I am flexible on room choice. I really want a 1BR OV. But If I had to I can go anywhere from studio to any 1br view. Am I being unreasonable to think I could get a room with my flexible room options

Also does Disneyland do fastpass and magic bands.
Will I be able to see most of both parks in 2 days (really 1 1/ day)
Or just stick with disneyland?

Also can I book DVC cash rates before 7 month mark? Hotel rooms are showing up at $585 standard room.(Grand Californian). Are both other disney hotels walkable?
Thanks
Kerri

 

[kahluacream]

Disneyland/Grand Californian is a great stop on the way to or from Aulani.

It is much more compact than Disney World, so hopping between the 2 parks is really just a quick walk. I think park hopping is a must! There is even an entrance from VGC that leads right to California Adventure. Loved it!

One idea might be to book your main trip to Aulani, lock in those dates, and then tack on the VGC at the end. That way you already know your Aulani is set.

I really loved going to Disneyland after Aulani. It gives you something fun to still look forward to when you have to leave paradise!

Pretty sure you can book before 7 month mark for cash, I recently did that for a HHI trip. Ask for if member cash discount rate is available to save money!

 

[Pixie_Dust]

On site hotels are closer. They are magical. There is almost no chance of getting a DVC room 7 months out, as there are only about 30 total units, so if you want to stay, either book at the GC, or try and use points for PP or DLH. We always had our own car, but I'd see if there's a shuttle from the airport, or at least Uber vs. a taxi. Long drive. You should be able to see both parks as long as you don't choose to stand in hours-long lines for things. It can get crowded later in the day during high seasons, but by staying on property you can get in earlier. You'll be surprised at how much more ground you can cover vs. WDW since everything is so much closer together. You'll be so glad you went!

 

[Anal Annie]

Coming from the East coast it was wonderful to stop over at DL for a couple of nights to break up the trip and ease the jet lag. We loved the VGC and wished we could have had 1 more night just so we'd have had time to enjoy the resort more. There is an entrance directly into the park - SOO convenient. You can definitely see most of both parks if you push your time from the minute you get there until late and then get up & at it early the next morning. They do not do FP+ or Magic Bands there - we loved being able to go back to the "old way" for a couple of days. (We're NOT fans of the new FP+ system!) I booked early with a form of walking since I knew studios were in short supply (I booked a few extra days starting before we really needed the res to start then cancelled off what we didn't need.) Yes. I "cheated" because we were not flexible on dates.

This was our 2nd time visiting DL. We spent a couple of nights once on a cash res at the Paradise Pier Hotel pre-Mexican Riviera cruise. This was a long time ago before there was a DVC at VGC. It was a nice hotel and booking a room there on cash would have been our Plan B if we hadn't been able to book a room at the VGC on points. (The # of points required there is ABSURD.) It is also within walking distance of the parks as everything is so close there.

No there is not a Magical Express system in place at DL. We used the Super Shuttle back & forth from the airport. I booked a small shared van but we didn't share it with anyone as it was too small to hold anyone else but the 3 of us. It's a pretty good hike from the airport...

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

In terms of pure distance, the hotels across the street on harbor are closer than Disneyland Hotel. It's about 2266 ft from the closest tower at Disneyland Hotel to the middle of the esplanade (in between DLR and DCA).



The front of BWPPI to the center of the Esplande is about 1258 ft. If you measure from the back of the hotel, you add about 520 ft (1778 ft).



Grand Californian depends on how you measure the distance. Certainly nothing is closer to DCA than Grand Californian, since it opens directly to the park.

If you measure from the VGC wing (which is on the far South end of the hotel) to the center of the Esplande, it depends on which route you take, but taking the exit through DTD it's about 1791 ft.




So BWPPI is quite close compared the the onsite hotels based on sheer distance. However, the walk from Disneyland Hotel to the parks is all through Downtown Disney, so some would rather walk farther through DTD than have to walk across Harbor. Also, most of the walk from VGC is walking in the hotel, which you could argue is not as bad as walking outside.

But ultimately, distance to the parks is not necessarily a slam dunk when comparing offsite to onsite hotels.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hi,
Soooo excited we will be going to Hawaii July 2017. Decided we "have" to stop at Disneyland, our 1st time there.

I am not flexible with days. I would need a studio for 7/21 and 22(thurs and fri).
I realize I might not be able to book this at 7mths out.

June and July are very difficult to book studios at VGC. You may get lucky but I would not give good odds on getting this at 7 months. I'd still try but know it will be difficult. Do waitlist though as people will book because they know it's such a limited number of rooms and cancellations do happen.

Heres question. I'm thinking I should just book a room just in case I am not able to get DVC.
So with that said should I still book Grand Californian? Personally I really like GC and used to stay there prior to VGC. DLH also offers a nice touch of Disney. There are other non-Disney motels that are as close to the parks though.
Is this the most convenient to both parks. Do the hotels feel very magical. I read that some offsite are closer to entrance. Is this true. I will be taking a taxi/car service to and from airport anyway. No magical express at DL is this correct? No ME but there is the Disneyland Express that is operated by Grayline. There is a cost for it like any of the other transportation. Otherwise there are other shuttle services as well as taxi or car services.

Also I am assuming I will be able to get a room at Aulani. This is because while I am not flexible on dates(before cruise), I need 5 nights starting 7/23.
I am flexible on room choice. I really want a 1BR OV. But If I had to I can go anywhere from studio to any 1br view. Am I being unreasonable to think I could get a room with my flexible room options I'm not certain on this. I know that June is very difficult there but I think it eases up a little for July 7 months bookings. Since you're prepared to have to go with a more expensive option like the 1BR that should give you the best chance but I'd be online right at 8am at 7 months.

Also does Disneyland do fastpass and magic bands. The have the legacy paper FP system. No Magic Bands.
Will I be able to see most of both parks in 2 days (really 1 1/ day)
Or just stick with disneyland? The parks are so close it's easy to go between them during the day. In 2 days you should be able to hit the major attractions and several of the smaller ones at both parks. If it comes to choosing between the two I'd do Disneyland although I'd recommend at least doing Carsland and World of Color at DCA.

Also can I book DVC cash rates before 7 month mark? Hotel rooms are showing up at $585 standard room.(Grand Californian). Are both other disney hotels walkable? I've never seen cash rooms offered for VGC. It's so small. All the Disney hotels are walking distance to the parks (it's either walking all the way to the park entrance or else walking to the monorail station, entering there and then riding it to Tomorrowland). There are also several non-Disney motels/hotels that are walking distance to the parks.
Thanks
Kerri

I offered my input above in red.

 

[bumbershoot]

On site hotels are closer.

Nope.

Except for the super-awkward, never use it at rope drop, only good if you want to hit the back of DCA, entrance, there are many places at Harbor that are closer to the park entrances.

I find nothing magical about the Grand other than the lobby chairs that are free to rest in. The normal hotel rooms are the smallest onsite and are dark. The room we had was literally almost as far from the center of the esplanade (the main area between two park front gates) as if we had walked from the sidewalk in front of the HoJo.

I would definitely stop at Disneyland, but I wouldn't stay at the Grand. And as much as I love Paradise Pier and like Disneyland Hotel, they are not giving the value that's in line with what they are charging any more.

 

[alldiz]

Thanks so much everyone for all of the informative answers. That map was especially helpful. I have no vision so
a real pic is helpful to the imagination challenged

I think I will book a room at Paradise Pier a little more reasonable $. On map looks close to Disneyland and because of map I understand "shortcut" of walking through Grand Californian to get to CA. Of course I am hoping to snag that studio....and more importantly my Aulani room.

Here is another question. We are planning the 2 nights Disneyland, then 5 nights Aulani, 1 night waikiki(included in Cruise package). I was thinking doing Pearl Harbor on day of checkout of Aulani and after drop car and go to Marriot Waikiki.

Soooo. Should I instead do 3 nights Disneyland and 4 nights Aulani?? Not sure we will get back to Disneyland we go to WDW often (NY).
With that said we probably won't go back to Hawaii either.
Decisions
Thanks
Kerri

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Soooo. Should I instead do 3 nights Disneyland and 4 nights Aulani?? Not sure we will get back to Disneyland we go to WDW often (NY).
With that said we probably won't go back to Hawaii either.
Decisions
Thanks
Kerri

That's a toughie! You're doing the Hawaiian Island cruise? Is that 7 days? If so then I'd feel ok dropping Aulani to 4 nights plus the 1 in Waikiki and switching DL to 3 nights. 5 nights on Oahu plus the cruise will give you a good flavor of the islands and since you are doubtful you'll return to DL either you'd at least get a chance to see most or all of it.

And on the DL hotel reservation - keep pricing out the rooms. Maybe you'll luck into a discount.

 

[quinnc19]

I was able to get a 1 bedroom at VGC two years in a row, so don't give up hope (but agree a back up plan is important). We really enjoyed it, both proximity to DCA and the atmosphere/ arts and crafts decor. Also loved stop in CA on return from Aulani. Good luck!

 

[AulaniNutz]

Hi,
Soooo excited we will be going to Hawaii July 2017. Decided we "have" to stop at Disneyland, our 1st time there.

I am not flexible with days. I would need a studio for 7/21 and 22(thurs and fri).
I realize I might not be able to book this at 7mths out.

Heres question. I'm thinking I should just book a room just in case I am not able to get DVC.
So with that said should I still book Grand Californian?
Is this the most convenient to both parks. Do the hotels feel very magical. I read that some offsite are closer to entrance. Is this true. I will be taking a taxi/car service to and from airport anyway. No magical express at DL is this correct?

Also I am assuming I will be able to get a room at Aulani. This is because while I am not flexible on dates(before cruise), I need 5 nights starting 7/23.
I am flexible on room choice. I really want a 1BR OV. But If I had to I can go anywhere from studio to any 1br view. Am I being unreasonable to think I could get a room with my flexible room options

Also does Disneyland do fastpass and magic bands.
Will I be able to see most of both parks in 2 days (really 1 1/ day)
Or just stick with disneyland?

Also can I book DVC cash rates before 7 month mark? Hotel rooms are showing up at $585 standard room.(Grand Californian). Are both other disney hotels walkable?
Thanks
Kerri

If I can't use DVC points at VGC or get special discount, e.g. convention or special event, at Disneyland Hotel, I go to Candy Cane Inn. Very close and reasonably priced. Disneyland properties are over priced... As noted above, you can sit in lobby for free.

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi,
Soooo excited we will be going to Hawaii July 2017. Decided we "have" to stop at Disneyland, our 1st time there.

I am not flexible with days. I would need a studio for 7/21 and 22(thurs and fri).
I realize I might not be able to book this at 7mths out.

Heres question. I'm thinking I should just book a room just in case I am not able to get DVC.
So with that said should I still book Grand Californian?
Is this the most convenient to both parks. Do the hotels feel very magical. I read that some offsite are closer to entrance. Is this true. I will be taking a taxi/car service to and from airport anyway. No magical express at DL is this correct?

Also I am assuming I will be able to get a room at Aulani. This is because while I am not flexible on dates(before cruise), I need 5 nights starting 7/23.
I am flexible on room choice. I really want a 1BR OV. But If I had to I can go anywhere from studio to any 1br view. Am I being unreasonable to think I could get a room with my flexible room options

Also does Disneyland do fastpass and magic bands.
Will I be able to see most of both parks in 2 days (really 1 1/ day)
Or just stick with disneyland?

Also can I book DVC cash rates before 7 month mark? Hotel rooms are showing up at $585 standard room.(Grand Californian). Are both other disney hotels walkable?
Thanks
Kerri

I would double book. You can always cancel prior to your trip...I did this back in Feb. / Presidents week 2014 ( Bust week & I was able to book the best Studio on 6th floor facing W.O.C.( There is hope ) But make sure you book the offsite hotel fast because they start selling out quick...I waited because I wasn't sure & was only able to book Hotel Menage. (This was a very nice hotel, but definitely a lot futher walk then originally planned.) for the 1st 2 days.

Also to & from the airport. We booked Disneyland Express from LAX, with a coupon...When they came around to collect, ON THE BUS, we we used a Disney C/C & he said " Let me see what magic appears". Low & behold it ended up being 1/2 price..Around $50 for 4 of us R/T.

As others have stated no FP+ or M/Bands....So you can do whatever you please....Also w/ 2 days....It's rushing around for sure, but I'd say doable.. but like @KAT4DISNEY said, If you could add 1 more day, then that would make things soo much easier..

Not sure about the cash Resv...Even so, I wouldn't spend that much money to stay there...It's nice but Not that $$$ nicer... When you can stay at closer motel for 400% cheaper. I loved my DVC CGV room, but only with my DVC points.....I wouldn't Pay for it...

Either route you go have a great trip.

 

[alldiz]

Thanks everyone.
I think will book paradise pier today just in case I don't get my studio. Being this might be my only trip to Disneyland I want as much "magic" as possible. I might just book 3 nights and see what happens. If I cancel Dosent make a difference and gives me flexibility.
Kat4disney yes it will be the 7 day NCL cruise. Hard to pass up laying on aulani an extra day but I know once in Disneyland I prob will wish I had an extra day lol.
Kerri

 

[AulaniNutz]

It sounds like your cruise included room is before your cruise? If so, I'd just forego the Cruise room and stay at Aulani, get your five nights,
and then make it three nights at Disneyworld.... DVC sales CM told me that some of the Japanese tourists come on packages that
include Waikiki and then actually just abandon them and come spend a few nights at Aulani as they've heard about it.

I'd tack on Disneyworld on the return trip. We did a seven night DCL in Caribbean, the first
time with WDW before, the second with it after. I so enjoyed knowing I was going to WDW after the cruise.
Getting off the cruise and knowing I had to go home was just such a bummer. I think you'll have the same
excitement knowing that you'll be heading to Disneyland shortly after you leave Hawaii. Your flight will leave
around noon, you'll get to LAX probably around eight - take a shuttle (and you will have avoided rush hour assuming
it's a weekday) and you'll be in bed before 10 or 11, though still on Hawaii time. Getting up the next morning will be a tad
difficult, but that's why you'll have three nights there!

 

[alldiz]

It sounds like your cruise included room is before your cruise? If so, I'd just forego the Cruise room and stay at Aulani, get your five nights,
and then make it three nights at Disneyworld.... DVC sales CM told me that some of the Japanese tourists come on packages that
include Waikiki and then actually just abandon them and come spend a few nights at Aulani as they've heard about it.

I'd tack on Disneyworld on the return trip. We did a seven night DCL in Caribbean, the first
time with WDW before, the second with it after. I so enjoyed knowing I was going to WDW after the cruise.
Getting off the cruise and knowing I had to go home was just such a bummer. I think you'll have the same
excitement knowing that you'll be heading to Disneyland shortly after you leave Hawaii. Your flight will leave
around noon, you'll get to LAX probably around eight - take a shuttle (and you will have avoided rush hour assuming
it's a weekday) and you'll be in bed before 10 or 11, though still on Hawaii time. Getting up the next morning will be a tad
difficult, but that's why you'll have three nights there!

I totally like your thinking!
I would prefer to stop on way home but my cruise is on 29th (sat-sat)
I'm off fri so hitting Disneyland on the weekend before I didn't miss any more days than 2 weeks. And going to Aulani before cruise has me there on my birthday
Work really does get in be way of my travel plans lol
Thanks
Kerri

 

[melk]

We recently stayed at both Paradise Pier and Grand Californian (on points, I don't think they offer dvc cash discount). GCV blows Paradise Pier out of the water. GCV is beautiful, has a wow factor with their beautiful lobby, great pool areas. Paradise Pier felt like it could have been any hotel chain. But we did have a great view of World of Color there.

 

[alldiz]

We recently stayed at both Paradise Pier and Grand Californian (on points, I don't think they offer dvc cash discount). GCV blows Paradise Pier out of the water. GCV is beautiful, has a wow factor with their beautiful lobby, great pool areas. Paradise Pier felt like it could have been any hotel chain. But we did have a great view of World of Color there.

I'm really hoping to get that studio. Not gonna pay rack rates for VGC. Even Paradise pier is stiff. I am spoiled by always using my points. I get shell shocked when I see rack rates ;-)
Kerri

 

[DizDaD7]

Forgot to post this in my other thread.

http://www.southerncaliforniagrayline.com/airport_info.cfm

 

[dvcdisney]

Three years ago, we decided to go to Aulani. We decided that the flight was quite long so we planned to go to San Diego, stay a few days, then fly to HNL and stay at Aulani for 2 wks, and then on the way back, we stayed at Disneyland for a few days before going home.

This trip totalled 26 days. It's been the longest we've planned and places we've never been (except I've been to Disneyland once when I was a teen), so it was a bit overwhelming.

I was very worried especially about getting 5 nights at VGC and 2 weeks in Aulani. I was a wreck until 7mths prior...especially since I've read that it's very difficult at 7mths. But I was able to get the reservation for Aulani and VGC at exactly 7mths. Keep in mind this was in August which may have help in availability.

I did book a backup for VGC in case I couldn't get the villas for our dates, but I didn't book a back up for Aulani. If we couldn't get it, we wouldn't be going. This was the destination.

As others have mentioned, being a first timer at Disneyland is much easier than it was for WDW. I did book some restaurants, but that's all I really planned. It was much easier to navigate. We did do ride all we wanted within 2 days for both parks but we decided to go a few more days with lots of resort time in between. It was more relaxing with being able to walk to the front and the special entrance from VGC was also a plus.

 

[marx]

Thanks so much everyone for all of the informative answers. That map was especially helpful. I have no vision so
a real pic is helpful to the imagination challenged

I think I will book a room at Paradise Pier a little more reasonable $. On map looks close to Disneyland and because of map I understand "shortcut" of walking through Grand Californian to get to CA. Of course I am hoping to snag that studio....and more importantly my Aulani room.

Here is another question. We are planning the 2 nights Disneyland, then 5 nights Aulani, 1 night waikiki(included in Cruise package). I was thinking doing Pearl Harbor on day of checkout of Aulani and after drop car and go to Marriot Waikiki.

Soooo. Should I instead do 3 nights Disneyland and 4 nights Aulani?? Not sure we will get back to Disneyland we go to WDW often (NY).
With that said we probably won't go back to Hawaii either.
Decisions
Thanks
Kerri

In August 2015 we stopped for a few days at DL before Aulani staying at the GCV on points booked at the 7 month window. July availability in GCV was more limited than August. Although I did enjoy GCV, I did not find the stay as magical as my stays in most of the WDW villas or the Disneyland Hotel. For a short visit, staying on site gives you the benefit of EMH - which we used every day of our trip. The Paradise Pier is a good choice for an on site cash booking.