Torn between GCH and DLH...help!

[cheshiregoofy22]

Background: My DH and I (50 somethings) are picking up our DD (18) at college and stopping at DLR before heading back home to the east coast. We've been to WDW many times but never stayed above "moderate" level (Port Orleans). I'd like to surprise my DH with an upgrade from the Grand Legacy where we were originally booked. I've booked the GCH but the reviews are terribly mixed on sites like trip advisor and yelp and I'm spiraling into second guess-dom! The proximity seems wonderful as does the lobby but it seems perhaps the rooms are a let down?

On the other hand, DLH is farther away and there's no monorail running (we're staying May 10 -13) ...if that even matters as we're used to walking from the farthest possible shuttle stop (every time...no kidding) to the park entrances at WDW. Here the rooms seem quite magical! Is the lack of a balcony any consideration? It sounds nice but we probably won't be in the room very long. Aack.

Is the closeness of the GCH worth it? Pools don't matter as none of us are pool people. I've purchased two day Park hoppers since we get in late on the 10th and have to head out around 1:00 pm on the 13th. Do you think we should add a third day to the ticket even though we'd only be in a park until 1:00?

Thanks for enduring this long post. Any and all advice is welcome! Thank you!

 

[peterpanandwendy]

It's hard to explain to a wdw vet just how close every thing is at Disneyland

Yes the dlh is further away.... Buy about 3 minutes. You will not need the monorail for either of them, really. At Disneyland the monorail is really considered more of an attraction then actual transportation. So if you were to stay at the grand Californian you could get to the gates of Disneyland and California adventure (because the gates are right across from each other) in about a 6 minute walk. If you stay at the Disneyland hotel the walk would be about 8 minutes.

i would add a third day to the ticket as two days are just not enough in my opinion.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Most of the negative GCH reviews are rooted in the room size...which can be cramped for a family of 4 or bigger. I LOVE the GCH...much more cozy and relaxing than the other properties in my opinion.

The proximity IS worth it...the CGH is like having your hotel in the park!

I usually tell people with larger groups or small kids...DLH. Smaller family or adult trip...GCH hands down.

 

[DLgal]

It's hard to explain to a wdw vet just how close every thing is at Disneyland

Yes the dlh is further away.... Buy about 3 minutes. You will not need the monorail for either of them, really. At Disneyland the monorail is really considered more of an attraction then actual transportation. So if you were to stay at the grand Californian you could get to the gates of Disneyland and California adventure (because the gates are right across from each other) in about a 6 minute walk. If you stay at the Disneyland hotel the walk would be about 8 minutes.

i would add a third day to the ticket as two days are just not enough in my opinion.

Uh, no. It is not a 2 minute difference. It's just over 1/4 mile. If you can walk 1/4 mile in 2 minutes, I imagine you are about 20 feet tall.

It took is an average of 12 min to get from the lobby of our DLH buliding (adventure tower) to the front gates. It took us an average of 5 minutes to get from the GCH lobby to the front gates. These times don't count the security check.

We spent a week at the DLH and I came to hate that walk at the end of the day. Never bothered me when we stayed at the GCH.

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

It's hard to explain to a wdw vet just how close every thing is at Disneyland

Yes the dlh is further away.... Buy about 3 minutes. You will not need the monorail for either of them, really. At Disneyland the monorail is really considered more of an attraction then actual transportation. So if you were to stay at the grand Californian you could get to the gates of Disneyland and California adventure (because the gates are right across from each other) in about a 6 minute walk. If you stay at the Disneyland hotel the walk would be about 8 minutes.

i would add a third day to the ticket as two days are just not enough in my opinion.

Funny how we get so distance obsessed...you're right on the money! We're happy to get up at the crack of dawn and schlep over to a line for a shuttle bus that drops you off a cotton picking mile from the gate... But suddenly DL freaks us out deciding between a shorter walk than we've ever known and an even shorter one! Silly us. And thanks for the 3rd day recommendation. I think that last morning might be important. I think I've read that we can add the third day once we arrive?

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

Uh, no. It is not a 2 minute difference. It's just over 1/4 mile. If you can walk 1/4 mile in 2 minutes, I imagine you are about 20 feet tall.

It took is an average of 12 min to get from the lobby of our DLH buliding (adventure tower) to the front gates. It took us an average of 5 minutes to get from the GCH lobby to the front gates. These times don't count the security check.

We spent a week at the DLH and I came to hate that walk at the end of the day. Never bothered me when we stayed at the GCH.

Did you prefer one hotel over the other, distance notwithstanding?

 

[sherilaine]

We have never been to WDW. We have stayed at the Hojo at DLR for 4 visits so far (36 nights in total). It's about an 8 minute walk from our hotel to security - we move fast too!

I showed my DD13 on google earth WDW and where their nicest hotels are in comparison to their many parks and her reaction was "you have to take transportation from an onsite hotel to the parks - then what's the point?" They are not even asking to go now. They love that we can walk anywhere when we go to DLR and we do not have to stay on site.

There are many accommodations across the street on Harbor that are much closer than the DLH. If this is your one time trip and you are only a party of 3 staying for 3 nights and you are not concerned with the price - then I'd say stay at GCH and have a wonderful time. That also gives you the EMH so you can get that one extra hour which is worth a lot if you are only there for a few days. I also buy the 3 day ticket and enjoy your last day as you'd get plenty done in even five hours that morning.

Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Camshell]

Background: My DH and I (50 somethings) are picking up our DD (18) at college and stopping at DLR before heading back home to the east coast. We've been to WDW many times but never stayed above "moderate" level (Port Orleans). I'd like to surprise my DH with an upgrade from the Grand Legacy where we were originally booked. I've booked the GCH but the reviews are terribly mixed on sites like trip advisor and yelp and I'm spiraling into second guess-dom! The proximity seems wonderful as does the lobby but it seems perhaps the rooms are a let down?

On the other hand, DLH is farther away and there's no monorail running (we're staying May 10 -13) ...if that even matters as we're used to walking from the farthest possible shuttle stop (every time...no kidding) to the park entrances at WDW. Here the rooms seem quite magical! Is the lack of a balcony any consideration? It sounds nice but we probably won't be in the room very long. Aack.

Is the closeness of the GCH worth it? Pools don't matter as none of us are pool people. I've purchased two day Park hoppers since we get in late on the 10th and have to head out around 1:00 pm on the 13th. Do you think we should add a third day to the ticket even though we'd only be in a park until 1:00?

Thanks for enduring this long post. Any and all advice is welcome! Thank you!

We stay at GCH (we own DVC there) regularly. Honestly, you can't beat being in California Adventure park, getting a little hot (or cold) and being able to run back to your room (through the hotel gate entrance) then be back in the park within minutes. Grizzly River run is practically near the hotel gate entrance so if you get wet you can change quickly in your hotel room and be back in the park quickly.

I've also used the GCH hotel gate entrance to bypass a long security check line at downtown Disney to get into Disneyland. I've gotten in an almost non-existent line at the GCH hotel gate entrance, walked through the California Adventure park, then out the California Adventure Park front entrance, and then across the plaza into Disneyland. I have been able to pass long Downtown security line-ups like this in the middle of the day or evening. Proximity of GCH is so convenient.

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

We have never been to WDW. We have stayed at the Hojo at DLR for 4 visits so far (36 nights in total). It's about an 8 minute walk from our hotel to security - we move fast too!

I showed my DD13 on google earth WDW and where their nicest hotels are in comparison to their many parks and her reaction was "you have to take transportation from an onsite hotel to the parks - then what's the point?" They are not even asking to go now. They love that we can walk anywhere when we go to DLR and we do not have to stay on site.

There are many accommodations across the street on Harbor that are much closer than the DLH. If this is your one time trip and you are only a party of 3 staying for 3 nights and you are not concerned with the price - then I'd say stay at GCH and have a wonderful time. That also gives you the EMH so you can get that one extra hour which is worth a lot if you are only there for a few days. I also buy the 3 day ticket and enjoy your last day as you'd get plenty done in even five hours that morning.

Have a wonderful time!!

Thank you! I think i'm going to spring for that third day since it looks like i'm gonna spring for that overpriced proximity hotel anyway....weeeeee...good thing it's a surprise! And truly, at WDW the shuttles aren't so bad...and you can walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary (or so I'm told)!

 

[DLgal]

Did you prefer one hotel over the other, distance notwithstanding?

I have stayed at both a few times. I'm kinda over the DLH at this point. I just prefer the general atmosphere at the GCH more and I like the "all under one roof" aspect, the awesome lobby and lounges, the food options, the pool area, the spa, etc.

My kids like the DLH better ONLY because of the monorail slides at the pool.

We are leaning towards the GCH for our next "staycation."

Also, it is SO nice to just walk into DCA. Love that!

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

I have stayed at both a few times. I'm kinda over the DLH at this point. I just prefer the general atmosphere at the GCH more and I like the "all under one roof" aspect, the awesome lobby and lounges, the food options, the pool area, the spa, etc.

My kids like the DLH better ONLY because of the monorail slides at the pool.

We are leaning towards the GCH for our next "staycation."

Also, it is SO nice to just walk into DCA. Love that!

I think I'm sold!

 

[damo]

I find the rooms small and dark at GCH but the hotel itself is magnificent. I like the rooms better at the DLH but I don't find that there is anything special about the hotel.

 

[Dvcfan55]

We always stay at either dlr or GCH. but I can tell you when your walking through the LONG downtown Disney stretch to get to and from dlh (especially when you take mid day breaks) your gonna wish you were staying at GCH when you pass it's entrance so much closer to the esplanade! I always scoff at how I could be back to the hotel already but have so much further to go! My perception could be off though as I'm always lugging ds 5 with me who will drag his feet when he's tired.

 

[avalon451]

I stay offsite now, across the street for about $100 a night... but we stayed at GCH for our first trip. LOVED. IT. If we could afford it we'd stay there every time.

Here's an old but still good article discussing the distances involved "How Far Is It" from MousePlanet. I always appreciated the numbers and the visual comparisons. It also tells you about the "secret entrance" which, if you are staying in a close wing, can get you through a locked service entry onto Downtown Disney right next to LaBrea Bakery. You can't get back in that way, of course, but it's a nice perk in the morning if you're anywhere close to that wing. https://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

Also: when you book, call the hotel directly. Mention how excited you are for your first trip and first time staying at the GCH. Politely ask if you could possibly get a free upgrade. They can't guarantee it of course, but they will note it. When we did it, they upgraded us to a courtyard view-- the monorail went right by us, on the 3rd floor-- and we could see the fireworks over the roof of the wing opposite. It was lovely!

One other thing, check out Whitewater Snacks while you are there. They have a wonderful array of food, hot too, not just snacks-- and it's a lovely, quiet respite from the craziness of the counter service and seated dining in the parks.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[DizMe]

I've stayed at both numerous times. I love both hotels and you can't go wrong either way, but here is my opinion.

In your situation, I'd go with GCH. It is, in most ways, a nicer hotel structurally and I think it's geared more toward adults and older kids. When my kids were little, they loved DLH. There were characters walking around, cool character statues and topiary, and an air of magic. I find much of that is gone now since they redid it. The new look is '60s modern so a lot of the fairytale feel has disappeared. I think the refurbished rooms are great, but I liked them just as much before when they had 4-posters and pixie dust wallpaper. Watching the new light-up headboard once was enough for me; after that it's just kind of gimmicky IMO. The rooms are large and comfortable, but I prefer the fact that GCH offers a double vanity outside of the toilet/shower part of the bathroom. Makes getting ready in the morning with multiple people much easier. The monorail slides at DLH mainly appeal to kids. Since your daughter is 18, I don't think that's a big draw for your family. My kids now prefer GCH (they are all teens); they love the pool and spa, the location, and proximity to everything. They also like the feeling of being sort of 'ritzy' LOL. If you have the time and money, Napa Rose is awesome.

At DLH, I love Trader Sam's and go there almost every trip! The outdoor fireplace area is nice, too. Those are my favorite things at DLH. They also have very good food offerings at Tangaroa Terrace at a reasonable cost. Steakhouse 55 is excellent, especially for breakfast. Earl of Sandwich is right there and so is Rainforest Cafe. It is a little farther to walk to DLH, but that doesn't bother me at all now that I'm not walking back at night with little ones. It's about 3-4 minutes farther for us, but I will be honest and say that it does feel really nice to be staying at GCH when you've been walking all day!

One last thing to mention is that GCH can be deceiving. You may get to the hotel entrance before you get to DLH, but for many rooms, you still have a LONG way to go!! That place is a maze and you can make a lot of twists and turns before getting to your room. It can actually be faster to get to your room at DLH if you're staying in the Adventure Tower--you just walk in the lobby and go up the elevator and then down the corridor to your room. GCH isn't set up like that. You make about 4 turns down several corridors just getting from the entrance to the lobby. I always request a certain wing or a room close to the elevator.

 

[wench]

I actually find the walking is harder on me at DL that WDW. I think I big part of it is the difference in the FP system. A true WDW vet can preplan their day, knowing exactly where they will be all day long & really limit the amount of backtracking needed. At DL you still cross the park back & forth all day long to get your FPs & then return to the rides at the right times. Not to mention the temptation to hop across the way to the other park because it's just right there. So, although the parks are much larger at WDW, I find my touring there is much more efficient. DL still holds my heart as my favorite park though, so I keep making the trek back. Sore feet or no!

With all of that being said, I definitely lean towards GC. The proximity is absolutely amazing. Being able to walk from our room & be inside of DCA in less than 5 minutes is priceless to us. Of course, we always stay in the villas & in the regular resort your room could a longer walk than that. We've stayed at GC 3 times now & haven't been disappointed in our room yet. Well there were a few spiders in the room one time, but that seems to have been an anomaly. No one I've asked on the boards has had that issue before & I haven't had it since. The picture below is of the view from our room on our last trip. You just can't get a view like that at DLH.

As for DLH, it has my favorite theming of maybe any Disney hotel I've ever stayed at. But, I've stayed there 3 times & been a bit disappointed twice. Once by the tower because the Frontier tower is just so far out. The other time was our room in the Adventure tower. It was the very last room at the end of the hall & it only had 1 bed, despite my desperately trying to get two beds. And the layout was odd, so a lot of the square footage was wasted & made the room feel very small. Our stay in the Fantasy tower was absolutely wonderful though. But, at the end of a long day when my feet are already aching, the walk back to the DLH seems a million times longer than it does in the morning. And even when the monorail is running, sometimes the wait to ride it back at night is so long that it isn't worth it.

If you really want to surprise your daughter, you could do a split stay & spend a night or 2 at each. That way you can really have the full experience the DLR has to offer. It's so easy to transfer hotels. Just leave your bags at guest services & they've move everything for you. Whatever you decide, I know you'll have an amazing time!

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

I stay offsite now, across the street for about $100 a night... but we stayed at GCH for our first trip. LOVED. IT. If we could afford it we'd stay there every time.

Here's an old but still good article discussing the distances involved "How Far Is It" from MousePlanet. I always appreciated the numbers and the visual comparisons. It also tells you about the "secret entrance" which, if you are staying in a close wing, can get you through a locked service entry onto Downtown Disney right next to LaBrea Bakery. You can't get back in that way, of course, but it's a nice perk in the morning if you're anywhere close to that wing. https://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

Also: when you book, call the hotel directly. Mention how excited you are for your first trip and first time staying at the GCH. Politely ask if you could possibly get a free upgrade. They can't guarantee it of course, but they will note it. When we did it, they upgraded us to a courtyard view-- the monorail went right by us, on the 3rd floor-- and we could see the fireworks over the roof of the wing opposite. It was lovely!

One other thing, check out Whitewater Snacks while you are there. They have a wonderful array of food, hot too, not just snacks-- and it's a lovely, quiet respite from the craziness of the counter service and seated dining in the parks.

Hope you have a great time!

Thank you for the tips! I think I've decided to stick with the GCH!

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

I've stayed at both numerous times. I love both hotels and you can't go wrong either way, but here is my opinion.

In your situation, I'd go with GCH. It is, in most ways, a nicer hotel structurally and I think it's geared more toward adults and older kids. When my kids were little, they loved DLH. There were characters walking around, cool character statues and topiary, and an air of magic. I find much of that is gone now since they redid it. The new look is '60s modern so a lot of the fairytale feel has disappeared. I think the refurbished rooms are great, but I liked them just as much before when they had 4-posters and pixie dust wallpaper. Watching the new light-up headboard once was enough for me; after that it's just kind of gimmicky IMO. The rooms are large and comfortable, but I prefer the fact that GCH offers a double vanity outside of the toilet/shower part of the bathroom. Makes getting ready in the morning with multiple people much easier. The monorail slides at DLH mainly appeal to kids. Since your daughter is 18, I don't think that's a big draw for your family. My kids now prefer GCH (they are all teens); they love the pool and spa, the location, and proximity to everything. They also like the feeling of being sort of 'ritzy' LOL. If you have the time and money, Napa Rose is awesome.

At DLH, I love Trader Sam's and go there almost every trip! The outdoor fireplace area is nice, too. Those are my favorite things at DLH. They also have very good food offerings at Tangaroa Terrace at a reasonable cost. Steakhouse 55 is excellent, especially for breakfast. Earl of Sandwich is right there and so is Rainforest Cafe. It is a little farther to walk to DLH, but that doesn't bother me at all now that I'm not walking back at night with little ones. It's about 3-4 minutes farther for us, but I will be honest and say that it does feel really nice to be staying at GCH when you've been walking all day!

One last thing to mention is that GCH can be deceiving. You may get to the hotel entrance before you get to DLH, but for many rooms, you still have a LONG way to go!! That place is a maze and you can make a lot of twists and turns before getting to your room. It can actually be faster to get to your room at DLH if you're staying in the Adventure Tower--you just walk in the lobby and go up the elevator and then down the corridor to your room. GCH isn't set up like that. You make about 4 turns down several corridors just getting from the entrance to the lobby. I always request a certain wing or a room close to the elevator.

Thank you for the info! I think I'll take a look at the GCH layout and try and pick a wing that's not too far out - but I'll be happy anywhere TBH...so excited!

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

I actually find the walking is harder on me at DL that WDW. I think I big part of it is the difference in the FP system. A true WDW vet can preplan their day, knowing exactly where they will be all day long & really limit the amount of backtracking needed. At DL you still cross the park back & forth all day long to get your FPs & then return to the rides at the right times. Not to mention the temptation to hop across the way to the other park because it's just right there. So, although the parks are much larger at WDW, I find my touring there is much more efficient. DL still holds my heart as my favorite park though, so I keep making the trek back. Sore feet or no!

With all of that being said, I definitely lean towards GC. The proximity is absolutely amazing. Being able to walk from our room & be inside of DCA in less than 5 minutes is priceless to us. Of course, we always stay in the villas & in the regular resort your room could a longer walk than that. We've stayed at GC 3 times now & haven't been disappointed in our room yet. Well there were a few spiders in the room one time, but that seems to have been an anomaly. No one I've asked on the boards has had that issue before & I haven't had it since. The picture below is of the view from our room on our last trip. You just can't get a view like that at DLH.

As for DLH, it has my favorite theming of maybe any Disney hotel I've ever stayed at. But, I've stayed there 3 times & been a bit disappointed twice. Once by the tower because the Frontier tower is just so far out. The other time was our room in the Adventure tower. It was the very last room at the end of the hall & it only had 1 bed, despite my desperately trying to get two beds. And the layout was odd, so a lot of the square footage was wasted & made the room feel very small. Our stay in the Fantasy tower was absolutely wonderful though. But, at the end of a long day when my feet are already aching, the walk back to the DLH seems a million times longer than it does in the morning. And even when the monorail is running, sometimes the wait to ride it back at night is so long that it isn't worth it.

If you really want to surprise your daughter, you could do a split stay & spend a night or 2 at each. That way you can really have the full experience the DLR has to offer. It's so easy to transfer hotels. Just leave your bags at guest services & they've move everything for you. Whatever you decide, I know you'll have an amazing time!

View attachment 157585

Whoa! That's one heck of a view!!! Thanks for your help - looks like the GCH is our winner! Funny thing, we're actually looking forward to the paper fast passes. We really missed them when they changed over to the magic bands - not that we don't like the bands too, but we were so used to the old method, it was quite an adjustment. I will say tapping your wrist to pay for things had its advantages (and DH would say disadvantages $$$)

 

[azdisneylover]

My vote is for the GCH too. Nothing like walking back after a fun day in the parks and you exit from a park into your hotel! So nice. You exit into DTD roughly in the center, so everything in DTD is so close! Even with my kids sick last visit, it was nice to sit on the balcony enjoy the moment. I would suggest if you haven't bought tickets, etc to check Costco for their packages along with orbit etc for at least a discount on the room. Every bit does help. It could mean the difference between a churro or two! LOL