Questions regarding DL California & points?

[momsgoofy]

Okay, I am not sure I'm putting this on the correct board, so if not I'm sorry...sure it'll be moved...thanks. I've also posted a more detailed inquiry on the DL board.

Anyway...it looks like I finally get to head west...never been to DL before and since DS tells us he's tired of going south...we're heading west. We're looking at the first full week of June, staying 4 nights...using our points. Now, we are not picky about views and I've heard that the concierge service at DL isn't as good as WDW, plus we aren't going to be hanging out in the room much so I'm just shooting for a standard view. The question is since I'm completely clueless with the resorts there, what can ya'll tell me?

The Grand Californian is 29pts/night....Paradise Pier is 25pts./night...DL Hotel is 23pts./night for a standard view...I've been reading what I could find on the DL board...seems there are more negative opinions about PP than GC or DLH. Everyone seems to love GC...is it really that much better? I know I read some place it's a 4 star, while the others are 3 star. I've read many good things about the DLH, but the rooms look really small compared to the other 2...DVC does spoil us...and even after 1 trip. I was leaning toward PP as of this morning, but now I'm thinking GC...or maybe the DLH since it's suppose to have a very Disney feel.

Help!!!! I need some info!! What can you tell me? Where can I find info on the 3 resorts...I'm really interested in the square footage for each.

Thanks so much! I love being able to ask questions and get the info I'm looking for...DIS Rules!

 

[PBader]

We were at DL this past summer for 2 nights. We stayed at the PP becasue the points were so much cheaper--they have reduced them since we were there. Our room was very large, we were on the top floor, but looked out over the parking lot. The pool was nice, had a slide, but was not fancy.

The GC was really pretty, the lobby reminded us of the WL. Their pool area was very nice. It was nice to have the park entrance at the hotel. I think we ate at Goofy's Kitchen here. The food was good--what was strange to us, was that you paid for your dinner before you sat down.

We didn't even look at the DLH.

It was really nice being in walking distance of the parks and DD.

I hope I helped.
Paula

 

[rsschneck]

Okay, I am not sure I'm putting this on the correct board, so if not I'm sorry...sure it'll be moved...thanks. I've also posted a more detailed inquiry on the DL board.

Anyway...it looks like I finally get to head west...never been to DL before and since DS tells us he's tired of going south...we're heading west. We're looking at the first full week of June, staying 4 nights...using our points. Now, we are not picky about views and I've heard that the concierge service at DL isn't as good as WDW, plus we aren't going to be hanging out in the room much so I'm just shooting for a standard view. The question is since I'm completely clueless with the resorts there, what can ya'll tell me?

The Grand Californian is 29pts/night....Paradise Pier is 25pts./night...DL Hotel is 23pts./night for a standard view...I've been reading what I could find on the DL board...seems there are more negative opinions about PP than GC or DLH. Everyone seems to love GC...is it really that much better? I know I read some place it's a 4 star, while the others are 3 star. I've read many good things about the DLH, but the rooms look really small compared to the other 2...DVC does spoil us...and even after 1 trip. I was leaning toward PP as of this morning, but now I'm thinking GC...or maybe the DLH since it's suppose to have a very Disney feel.

Help!!!! I need some info!! What can you tell me? Where can I find info on the 3 resorts...I'm really interested in the square footage for each.

Thanks so much! I love being able to ask questions and get the info I'm looking for...DIS Rules!

I will give you my 2 cents

We have not stayed at PP. I probably would not because it is the farthest away.

DD and I stayed at the DLH on points 2 months ago. DD really liked the pool and the monorail was very nice. The grounds are beautiful.

We just got back yesterday from a 4 night stay at the GCH. We stayed on points and were upgraded to a pool view which was a nice surprise. DD did not like the pool slide as well as the DLH. However, we all LOVED the close proximity of the parks and DTD. The turndown service is great! Robes in the room. Coffee pot in the room. You can request a refrigerator and microwave. We requested a bunk bed room which DD LOVED. DH says it will be GCH from now on. If you have the points sty at the GCH.

If you have any questions let me know.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Been there many times. Here's my take on it.

GC - a beautiful deluxe resort, prime location for access to both parks and DTD, a nice themed pool with a small slide, has the smallest rooms of the three DL resort hotels (but they're still a decent size - not sure why pictures of the rooms at the DLH would make them look small since they're larger than the GC rooms), has some rooms with bunkbeds, awesome lobby area, has a kids club with planned activities so mom and dad can go out for an evening (other DL resort guests can take advantage of this too, not just people staying at the GC).

DLH - The original, recently renovated, closest resort to the monorail, larger rooms (most are larger), the best pool and slide out of the three resorts (it's awesome), beautiful grounds with lots of greenery, plants, ponds and waterfalls, has a waterfall and lights show everynight which is cute, has remote control boats that you can skipper/crash/race - they're fun too!

PP - Nice hotel with large rooms that have a kind of beach theme. It's the furthest from the parks but it's only a five minute walk to the front gates of DL so no big deal, it has a nice pool area with a fun slide but it doesn't have any particular theme (no big deal either).

All three hotels have nice restaurants/bars, character meals, and offer rooms with great views of the parks if you want that.

For a first trip to DL, I'd pick either the GC or the DLH. If you DS likes to swim a lot and a great pool slide is his thing, then I would stay at the DLH. If he's older and not into that stuff as much anymore, then I would pick the GC.

Anyway, have a wonderful time!

 

[stampinshauna]

We just stayed at the DLH on points last Friday. I like that it is the cheapest. I don't know why it is cheaper than PPH, I thought it would be more. I like the DLH, but would love to stay at the GCH next time.

 

[MrShiny]

We've stayed at all 3 DL resorts (GC in 01, PP in 03, DL in 05).

PP is very much like a standard hotel - like a Ramada, say. It is kept up well and has a decent location, but that's about it.

DL does have a nice view of the fireworks (but the new ones are best seen in the parks), but again is pretty much like a standard hotel, but a little more upscale than PP (like say a Hyatt or Hilton). It does have the neatest pool, although all 3 resorts can use it.

GC is the only one like anything in Florida. It's basically like the child of the GF and the WL! It's is beautiful, and you can literally walk out of the hotel into DCA.

We had a DCA view room at the GC in 01 and it was wonderful. The view is a like a postcard of DCA. Even though we were on the lowest DCA view floor (3 I think), there was no noise when the windows were closed. The lights of DCA are on pretty much all night, but the curtains blocked the view well.

We were not concierge, so I can't compare that. Square footage, DL is probably the biggest, followed by GC and then PP. DL has little balconies, which open the room up more too.

I do think you'll be very happy with GC. With the reduced pints lately, it's really about $10/point value to stay there, so it isn't a waste to use points at all.

You'll love DL right now. They really got it looking like new for the 50th. You will see more lines then you usually see in WDW, but because the queues are mainly outdoors. It's like all the rides of MK plus many of the other WDW parks (in fact, last I checked, more true rides in DCA and DL than all of WDW) in the footprint of MGM. Very charming, and the weather in June is very nice.

 

[Chuck S]

Moving to "Planning" forum. Sorry I can't offer an opinion, the last time I stay at DLH was 39 years ago, they had only 1 main tower bldg, they had the monorail and trams running across the street to the park.

 

[T.E. Yeary]

I was able to find lots of info on the concierge collection by just using google with the specific name of the resort I was interested in.

Best wishes,
Tom

 

[PinkTink63]

Okay, I am not sure I'm putting this on the correct board, so if not I'm sorry...sure it'll be moved...thanks. I've also posted a more detailed inquiry on the DL board.

Anyway...it looks like I finally get to head west...never been to DL before and since DS tells us he's tired of going south...we're heading west. We're looking at the first full week of June, staying 4 nights...using our points. Now, we are not picky about views and I've heard that the concierge service at DL isn't as good as WDW, plus we aren't going to be hanging out in the room much so I'm just shooting for a standard view. The question is since I'm completely clueless with the resorts there, what can ya'll tell me?

The Grand Californian is 29pts/night....Paradise Pier is 25pts./night...DL Hotel is 23pts./night for a standard view...I've been reading what I could find on the DL board...seems there are more negative opinions about PP than GC or DLH. Everyone seems to love GC...is it really that much better? I know I read some place it's a 4 star, while the others are 3 star. I've read many good things about the DLH, but the rooms look really small compared to the other 2...DVC does spoil us...and even after 1 trip. I was leaning toward PP as of this morning, but now I'm thinking GC...or maybe the DLH since it's suppose to have a very Disney feel.

Help!!!! I need some info!! What can you tell me? Where can I find info on the 3 resorts...I'm really interested in the square footage for each.

Thanks so much! I love being able to ask questions and get the info I'm looking for...DIS Rules!

Haven't stayed at GC or PP, but have been inside.
It really depends on what you are looking for. If you want a more "Disney" feel, I would go with DLH. My son loves the pool, the grounds are pretty, and the monorail is right there. It so much smaller than WDW, walking is no big deal either.
GC has a more "VWL" feel. It is a lovely place, but I'm coming from the NW, so it is not as appealing to me! There will be many people who differ with my opinion on that one!
Hope this is helpful
Stephanie

 

[shellbelle1971]

After going to DL many, many times and staying at all the DL hotels as well as many off-site properties, these are my opinions...I'm sure other people have a different take on it, which is fine...

The GC is the ONLY one of the 3 Disney properties which gives even close to the same "on-site" feel of DVC at WDW. The other 2 are just ordinary hotels. Because DL is so much smaller, you have to decide whether being on-site is worth it to you. If that's important to you (as it is to us when we go to Orlando) then you're likely to be disappointed with any choice other than the GC. Even then, you probably won't feel the same "I'm in my own magical retreat" sensation you get when you're at WDW. Close, but not quite the same.

On the other hand, if you decide (as we have) that when you're in California, since you can't really acheive the same "on-site" *magical* sensation very well, and the GC isn't a great use of points, you may want to look at staying off DL property altogether. We like to stay at the Anaheim Residence Inn, which is (for us--including 2 adults and 6 kids with 2 strollers) about a 10 minute walk from the gates, or a short shuttle bus away. (It's far closer than OKW is to any of the parks in Orlando!) That way, we still have some of the benefits of a 1 or 2 br villa that we would have at WDW (full kitchens, privacy, laundry facilities), a couple perks we wouldn't get in Orlando (full daily breakfast buffet included, Marriott Rewards points) but are missing a few because we went offsite (harder to get early entry--though still possible, the pool isn't as nice).

Like I said, just my $.02. Pixie dust to you whatever you decide!

Michelle

 

[disney-super-mom]

I do have a little different take on it, but I do understand where you're coming from.

However, I have to say that we love staying on property vs. staying at an offsite motel or hotel.

The only offsite hotel that we really liked and still gave us that special vacation feeling was the Hilton Anaheim. All the other locations were just so-so in my opinion, and when we stayed at those locations, we longed to be at a Disney property or the Hilton Anaheim.

If you want to use your points for a Disneyland vacation, my first choice would be the GC, and the DLH would be a very strong second choice. Either would be awesome! Sure, they're not huge, expansive resorts like what you'd find at WDW (due to lack of land around the resorts), but they still offer that Disneyland magic. You can't compare them to WDW resorts, because it's just a totally different experience.

 

[MrShiny]

It does bear mentioning that, unlike WDW, you do not pay for location. In general, the Disney hotels are some of the furthest in the immediate area (they are still close, especially GC to DCA). DLH is the closest the monorail, but that seemed a lot closer beefore DTD! The monorail is the same place, but instead of just walking through the grounds of DLH to get there, you walk into DTD past the ESPN Zone. Also, walking to the gate is usually faster than the monorail (depending on lines at the gate and when the monorail is there. With construction messing with the monorail soon for Finding Nemo, expect alking to be a lot faster).

But for around $100, you can get a very nice clean motel right across the street (think about the distance of the Contemporary to the gates of MK or less). My favorite is the Del Sol. Only complaint there was the pool was a little over clorinated. The room was big and clean and had a fridge and a microwave. Here is a great resource (although he's recently pulled his reviews off):

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks everyone! And thanks Chuck S...I wasn't sure where to post.

I think ya'll have given me some great insight into this problem...right now I'm leaning toward GC...and part of the reason why is exactly what some of you said...(which had been mulling around in my head for the last couple of days anyway)...

disney-super-mom...For a first trip to DL, I'd pick either the GC or the DLH. If you DS likes to swim a lot and a great pool slide is his thing, then I would stay at the DLH. If he's older and not into that stuff as much anymore, then I would pick the GC....you hit the nail on the head with DS...if he's going to the pool these days it's not for all the neat extras...it's just to swim or lord help me...check out the girls....

rsschneck...We just got back yesterday from a 4 night stay at the GCH. We stayed on points and were upgraded to a pool view which was a nice surprise. DD did not like the pool slide as well as the DLH. However, we all LOVED the close proximity of the parks and DTD. The turndown service is great! Robes in the room. Coffee pot in the room. You can request a refrigerator and microwave. We requested a bunk bed room which DD LOVED. DH says it will be GCH from now on. If you have the points sty at the GCH. You hit the nail on the head with both DH and DS...their vacation attitude is "let them serve us". Those little things can make a difference. I'd read somewhere that the DL resorts are more giving with those upgrades...so maybe I'll inquire when we check in...never can hurt.

MrShiny....GC is the only one like anything in Florida. It's basically like the child of the GF and the WL! It's is beautiful, and you can literally walk out of the hotel into DCA. I'm rolling here because everytime I tried to tell DH about the GC I kept calling it the Grand Californian...I also wanted to say that your comparisons for other hotels seemed right on...a very easy way to see the difference in them.

I realize that the DL resorts are not going to equal the DVC properties, and with all the neighborhood hotels at DL I could find something cheaper that is of equal liking, but we had to bank some points from this use year, so we have to use them anyway in the next year and unfortunately it doesn't look like we're gonna get to take the big vacation at Christmas again in 2006 and Hawaii...well that is so expensive and can't use the points at Christmas anyway unless we try to go thru Interval whatever and I know that would take a couple years without some serious ! So, we changed the game plan to go to DL for the first of June...do all the summer stuff we have to do...work for DH and me and band camps for DS, then hopefully we can get a couple days at the end of October to go with my Dsis and her family to celebrate Dniece's 12th birthday at that other park in Orlando and get the bajeebas scared out of us.... Both DH and DS have been asking to do this for 2 years...I thought I was the crazy one...lol

Now, I just have to figure out the airport stuff...trying to use a fair amount of travel credit with SWA that I have from the last trip to WDW and it needs to be used before mid August...and then figure out dining options...and park hours...and all the fun stuff.


So, again, thank you for all the help! I really do appreciate it!!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Hi momsgoofy

Regarding airport decisions, if you can find a good deal, you'll want to fly into John Wayne International in Anaheim/Santa Ana (SNA) - it's only about a 15 minute car ride from the Disneyland resort.

Have a great trip. You made the right decision. The GC is awesome, and your family will love it!

 

[rsschneck]

Now, I just have to figure out the airport stuff...trying to use a fair amount of travel credit with SWA that I have from the last trip to WDW and it needs to be used before mid August...and then figure out dining options...and park hours...and all the fun stuff.


My suggestion would be to fly into Orange County (SNA). Very small airport, close to DL and the Disneyland Express Shuttle is awesome if you are not going to rent a car. Flying into Orange is more expensive, but worth every penny!

 

[CALNEVA DISNEYFANS]

Grand Californian - 1st
Dlsneyland Hotel - 2nd
Paradise Hotel - 3rd.

Good Luck, all are great.

 

[TLinden16]

I stayed at the DLH and the GC in October (using points at the GC). I was greatly disappointed by the DLH--I had a string of problems there ranging from being put in a tiny room smaller than a Disney World value resort room to consistantly rude cast members (I was hung up at, scolded, and had one person beg for a tip). The decor of the rooms is unlike any other resort, but with all of the problems I had, I just can't recommend it to anyone. Service at the restaurants were horrible.

The GC is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed it, and I really want to go back to California and stay there again someday. The rooms are big and the little amenities are nice. I loved the private entrance to the California Adventure, and it's great to be so close to both parks.

 

[Olaf]

We stayed at the GC after a trip to Hawaii and it was wonderful. Yes, the points were high at that time, but we felt it was worth it. Our room had a park & pool view and I can't say enough good things about it. It really felt like the VWL.

View from our balcony

 

[momsgoofy]

We stayed at the GC after a trip to Hawaii and it was wonderful. Yes, the points were high at that time, but we felt it was worth it. Our room had a park & pool view and I can't say enough good things about it. It really felt like the VWL.

View from our balcony

Stephanie...those are awesome photos!! Thanks for sharing them! I have to show DH and DS...they will really be impressed. DH is already impressed just by it being IN the park and so close to DTD and DL, while DS is just impressed by all the extras...especially the bathrobes...lol He's into the pampered stuff...loves room service when he can have it...only time ever was on the DCL...he's too funny sometimes.

Well, thanks again! I can't wait to see the place for myself!

 

[momsgoofy]

Now, I just have to figure out the airport stuff...trying to use a fair amount of travel credit with SWA that I have from the last trip to WDW and it needs to be used before mid August...and then figure out dining options...and park hours...and all the fun stuff.


My suggestion would be to fly into Orange County (SNA). Very small airport, close to DL and the Disneyland Express Shuttle is awesome if you are not going to rent a car. Flying into Orange is more expensive, but worth every penny!

SNA is my preferred airport...unfortunately the flights for the time we're able to go are "unavailable" on SWA...ONT (Ontario) is the best fare wise...LAX was the next best...then Burbank...SWA doesn't serve Long Beach. I'm gonna go ahead and use the travel credit and fly into ONT, but maybe a fare will show up at SNA and then I can just switch...means I might get another travel credit...but darn...then that just means I'll have to take another trip...lol