Seasoned On-Site DISers, lend me your expertise!

[DisneyMommy403]

We have a party of 6, and are currently booked at GCH in a 1 bdrm suite for a 5 night stay. It's not even including concierge/club level service which is an additional $225/night. My husband is all for GCH based on it's location and being just outside the gates. I however, am thinking DLH would be more my speed (since the color brown is not my favorite) and also for my young kids since the theming is all DL.

We intend on taking mid-day breaks, so walking back and forth is inevitable. We've only stayed off-site and this is our first time choosing an on-site hotel. Would you mind giving me feedback as far as if the walk and being so close in proximity is truly worth it... versus if we stay at the end of DTD and get club level, and still save some money? We are going to be at the gates as early as possible for EE, and all that... is club level/concierge service different at DLH than GCH? Anything I'm neglecting to consider?

TIA!

 

[AZMermaid]

Nothing beats GCH on a DCA day, but from DL, it's roughly the same walk. I don't have any experience with concierge, but one important tip, don't use the gate at the grand cal at opening or for early entrance. It only has two turnstiles and is SLOW!!!! After the first rush though, it's awesome!

 

[Lucysmom2]

I would not stay at DLH because of the walk. The monorail is not reliable-long lines, sometimes not even running. We always stay at GCH because it is so close. Every trip we have dinner at Goofy's in the DLH and it is not that short a walk. Frankly, after a couple of days walking to DL, I am always so grateful to not have to walk any farther than the GCH cut-off. Of course, it is perfectly located for DCA. That having been said, however, I can see the attraction for young ones with the DLH theming. Have you considered PPH? It is right across the street from GCH. Regarding concierge at GCH, we did it once, but we aren't drinkers. We felt it wasn't worth it for us. Have fun wherever you stay!!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I love both hotels, although slightly tipped in GCH's favor. I've never done concierge at GCH, but have at the DLH and it is great. That said, unless the EMH is later, there usually isn't enough time to hit the lounge for breakfast and get the gates with enough time (I don't think it opens until 6:30am). I will also say, that while the DLH theming is great, I like that the GCH has the balconies. I love sitting out there.

Depending on which room you get at the GCH, you may end up just as far away step wise at the DLH, however for me, the walk always feel less.

 

[Geemo]

The walk to DLH is the main reason I don't like to stay there. The DLH is very nice too. Well themed for young kids. But I'd rather stay on Harbor and save the steps. It's a loooong walk when you're going back to the hotel.

For on-site the GCH is the best location! Yes, there are rooms at the far reaches of the hallways that make the walk just as long as walking to DLH.
That happened to us on our first trip. Now when I book a room at the GCH, I request a room close to the elevators of the main lobby.

There was a map of room location for the GCH here on the board. I printed it off. Now when we check-in, I confirm our location before I accept the room. If it's not close to the zone I'm interested, I can ask them to change it. Only once have we had to have the location changed.

The GCH and DLH pool areas are very nice for both kids and adults. I think the lay-out of the GCH pool area provides more shade options through out the day.

Browns not my favorite color either. But my feet/legs love GCH brown far better than DLH blue at the end of a long day.

Good luck with your decision. Either way you'll be at DLR so it will all be GOOD!

Enjoy

Geemo

 

[millie0312]

As far as the walk it's almost double to walk to DLH as to GCH- with young kids and stuff it's a LONG walk- I had to hood it down there to pick up tickets and was so happy we were staying at GCH after that trek once- let alone after park days! But the theming is super cute, the pools are a little better for young kids and the rooms are lighter and bigger, plus the cost is less. It's kind of a toss up- we did the same one this year and landing on GCH again lol as far as concierge I haven't used it myself but I've heard the service is nicer at DLH and the GCH staff up there are pretty snooty and rude. It could be YMMV but I've heard a lot of those reports

 

[Malcon10t]

Personally, walking the 4 mins further to the DLH is well worth it to me. (The walk from the security tent to the turn into the Grand in DTD is 3 mins. It is 4 mins from there to the Sorcerer's hat. Only at DCA do you have an advantage of speed entering the Grand.) After doing 5-7 hours in the park, 4 more mins doesn't hurt. We've stayed at the Grand several times, and for us, it just doesn't work. Rooms are smaller, never get a good view, and we need the sofa sleeper(not a sleeping bag and a pad...). And if you get a room down in the high 400s or high 100s, it can be just as far as the DLH. After the last time, I realize I was trying to make myself like the Grand, and I don't know why. So, we are very happy at the DLH.

I love the head boards at the DLH. I like the room service menu better. My granddaughter (4) loves seeing Goofy or Pluto or Chip and Dale in the hotel lobby. She thought it was so cool when Goofy opened her door and helped her out of her car seat in valet. Our whole family likes the pool/slides better.

Concierge is very similar. GCH does offer tea sandwiches at lunch, but a bigger issue for me was going in several times and being told there was nothing being offered until the next setting in 30 mins. At the DLH, there is always something out.

You can watch fireworks from the DLH E-club. Both clubs are open 630a - 10pm.

For us, DLH just works better.

 

[azdisneylover]

We have a party of 6, and are currently booked at GCH in a 1 bdrm suite for a 5 night stay. It's not even including concierge/club level service which is an additional $225/night. My husband is all for GCH based on it's location and being just outside the gates. I however, am thinking DLH would be more my speed (since the color brown is not my favorite) and also for my young kids since the theming is all DL.

We intend on taking mid-day breaks, so walking back and forth is inevitable. We've only stayed off-site and this is our first time choosing an on-site hotel. Would you mind giving me feedback as far as if the walk and being so close in proximity is truly worth it... versus if we stay at the end of DTD and get club level, and still save some money? We are going to be at the gates as early as possible for EE, and all that... is club level/concierge service different at DLH than GCH? Anything I'm neglecting to consider?

TIA!

Each family is different. For us, it was worth it (once we were in a room with a daybed). All but my husband got sick on our last trip in September and being in the GCH made the walk back with a sick kid ( or two) easier. Plus, it empties right in the middle of DTD so getting to Jamba Juice for smoothies with added health boosters for the sickies was easy.

Everyone is happy to get to Disneyland, but when it is time to go back to the room, it isn't fun at all making that walk back. That is when you realize how tired you are and if and what body parts hurt.DH and a kids or two would ride Grizzly Rapids 3-4 times at night knowing the entrance to DGC is right there.

We have stayed at the DLH and PPH too. They are all nice hotels. The walk back to DLH is long, but you are distracted by the shops and restaurants and kiosks. What ever you pick, you will have a good time. You are going to Disneyland!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

My vote is the DLH. Your kids will love it. The walk is a bit longer, but i feel that walking through downtown disney and looking at all the sights makes it go quickly.

 

[DisneyMommy403]

Thank you all for your insight! It is very appreciated. I of course, love the idea of a shorter walk and a balcony. However, I have a baby, and small kids, so I'd be on constant alert if the patio door was closed at all times, and may never enjoy that feature. I never mind the walk really... It's more my husband who complains. Last time we stayed at Hojos and walked each trip (4 days, with mid-day breaks). What about the monorail? I know people suggest not using it for park entry in the morning, but what about exiting? I figure with EE by 2pm we will be heading back to the room for a nap, taking the monorail would make the walk shorter right? Would you use it to enter the park around 5 or 6?

Also, can we use the GCH entry if we already pass through the main gates in the am? Or is it for GCH guests only? I like the idea of just arriving in my hotel lobby from the parks, that's pretty sweet.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thank you all for your insight! It is very appreciated. I of course, love the idea of a shorter walk and a balcony. However, I have a baby, and small kids, so I'd be on constant alert if the patio door was closed at all times, and may never enjoy that feature. I never mind the walk really... It's more my husband who complains. Last time we stayed at Hojos and walked each trip (4 days, with mid-day breaks). What about the monorail? I know people suggest not using it for park entry in the morning, but what about exiting? I figure with EE by 2pm we will be heading back to the room for a nap, taking the monorail would make the walk shorter right? Would you use it to enter the park around 5 or 6?

Also, can we use the GCH entry if we already pass through the main gates in the am? Or is it for GCH guests only? I like the idea of just arriving in my hotel lobby from the parks, that's pretty sweet.

The monorail can be great if it's working. Be aware though, that you will have to fold up a stroller if you have one.

Any onsite guest can use the GCH entrance.

 

[DisneyMommy403]

Oh so, I should be aware there are times the monorail isn't operational. Got it!

One more question I had was charging to the room... can you charge basically anything inside the parks to the hotel credit?

 

[DizMe]

Thank you all for your insight! It is very appreciated. I of course, love the idea of a shorter walk and a balcony. However, I have a baby, and small kids, so I'd be on constant alert if the patio door was closed at all times, and may never enjoy that feature. I never mind the walk really... It's more my husband who complains. Last time we stayed at Hojos and walked each trip (4 days, with mid-day breaks). What about the monorail? I know people suggest not using it for park entry in the morning, but what about exiting? I figure with EE by 2pm we will be heading back to the room for a nap, taking the monorail would make the walk shorter right? Would you use it to enter the park around 5 or 6?

Also, can we use the GCH entry if we already pass through the main gates in the am? Or is it for GCH guests only? I like the idea of just arriving in my hotel lobby from the parks, that's pretty sweet.

One year when we were staying at the GCH and my kids were little, I was out on the balcony reading the paper. I looked up to see one of my twins (age 4) climbing from a chair to the balcony rail. We were on the 4th floor, I think (there was a roof overhang right below our balcony, but...). It scared me so badly that I refused to unlatch that slider the whole rest of the trip. Just be aware that those balconies have a table and 2 chairs right next to the rail.

As far as which hotel? I don't know. I love them both and can hardly pick a favorite except at Christmas, when it's hands-down GCH. To me the walking difference is a non-issue, but we're used to walking.

 

[sweethannah]

This is so true though!

Any balcony, be it at the HOJO or at the GCH or at home requires vigilance.

 

[DizMe]

This is so true though!

Any balcony, be it at the HOJO or at the GCH or at home requires vigilance.

LOL!!! That's about it.

In our case, though, she had climbed from the chair and used the table to leverage herself up onto the railing of the balcony. The tables at that time were full-sized and a kid could easily climb from a chair to the table and onto the rail to see. Now, the tables are the little poolside type, and I think I know why.

I was so engrossed in a newspaper article that I failed to notice my child had opened the door and made her way out onto the balcony, up onto a chair/table and halfway onto the railing before I realized it. It is a horrible feeling to find that your parental negligence put you a few steps away from disaster. My husband felt the same way, as he was in the room with the kids and hadn't noticed, either. We kept the upper latch in place the rest of our trip.

Here's what the tables look like now:

 

[MommyJKM]

Oh so, I should be aware there are times the monorail isn't operational. Got it!

One more question I had was charging to the room... can you charge basically anything inside the parks to the hotel credit?

Yes. You can use your room card to charge everything to your cc on file at the hotel. You also can send all of your purchases back to the hotels instead of carrying them around all day. The items come the next morning so I wouldn't recommend doing it the night before you leave as they usually arrive between 8-11am, but it's a great perk.

We love GCH because my little one is still under 5 and naps and we can easily make it back to the hotel.

 

[Malcon10t]

There are a few places you cannot charge to your room. Crystal Arts is one. I don't think Gibson Girl or Clarabelles or Ghiradelli's wil charge to the room. And I don't think ODV carts will charge to the room.

 

[egritz]

DL is a closer walk than the HOJO. we've stayed in the Fairfield Mariott which is right next to the HOJO (just a tad closer to the park) as well as the DLR, and the walk to the DLH is much nicer.
Also off site guests can use the GCH park entrance during the day, but NOT at park opening (reserved for on site guests at any of the 3 Disney hotels)

 

[Bud Ice]

DLH is great. There is modest walk, but a monorail station is just beside the Rainforest Cafe if you want to enter through there.

I also tend to think of DLH as more kid-friendly. GCH is more upscale and formal in its decor. DLH has the character breakfast, artworks to see, pool easily accessible, coffee shop, Steakhouse @ 55 if you want upscale dining, Disney Store. DLH also has better WiFi imho.

 

[DisneyMommy403]

Such great responses! Thank you all so much for help. I think we're going to switch to DLH and use the savings for gift cards. It's my understanding that you can pay your room charges with Disney gift cards... I hope I'm right!