Torn between GCH and DLH...help!

[sirstude]

We have stayed at the GCH every time we are there since it was built. The issue is a bit different for us, we were in DH in 1994 when the northridge earthquake happened. 8th floor in the Bonita tower, which was the only one closed afterwards. My wife will not stay in the DH since. The first time we were at the GCH there was a business man up on the top floor looking at all the beams. We got talking to him, and his company did all the fiberglass covers for the steel beams that make it look like wood. Really interesting guy to talk to and a nice tidbit of info that Disney does not talk about. If you get a chance, go to the top floor and look at them.

 

[Malcon10t]

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.

I'm going to have to agree with the prior poster. We prefer the DLH. Even as a 50+ person, I love the headboards in the DLH, and prefer the room size. While the lobby is great at the GCH, I really don't like the rooms. Small, dark, limited space. But everyone has their opinions and what is valued for their family.

I've times it numerous times. It takes us 3-4 minutes to walk from the DLH to the DTD entrance to the Grand. It then takes 4 mins to walk to the bag check tent. Yes, it can take 12 mins if you are window shopping along the way, but we are usually just heading to the gates.

Remember, to use the entrance from the GCH to DCA at least 30 mins after opening, it is always faster to use the main gate and not the GCH entrance for early entry or opening.

 

[Nonsuch]

...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...

I once overheard a kid yell "It's Like a Maze" while his family searched for their room

Whoa! That's one heck of a view!!! ...

That particular view is from the Villas at the Grand Californian (VGC), the DVC wing.

This is my sunrise view this morning, from a room "near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose" (my usual room request).

 

[gottalovepluto]

Fwiw OP we have had 5 wonderful stays at GCH (admittedly never tried to use room service). I think a lot of people get upset about paying high prices for an average hotel room with average service but as a WDW vet you already know you are paying the big bucks for LOCATION! WDW has nothing like this. (Before I researched I assumed AKL/AK was like GCH/DCA, with its own park entrance. Our family was mind boggled that the Animal Kingdom hotel had to bus to the Animal Kingdom!) It's spectacular being able to use GCH's entrance at DCA! You will seriously love that!

But- DON'T use it for early entry in the morning. (And do utilize EMH, I was shocked at how pointless EMH was when I tried it at Epcot because it's definitely worth using at DL.) Walk to the main entrance, it gets you in the park much faster. After the park has been open a couple hours the GCH entrance/exit is basically no line.

 

[calilou]

I think your situation calls for the Grand. I think you'll be happiest there. Just know that the rooms, while very well maintained and clean, are getting a little shabby and need to be renovated in the near future. As 3 adults who don't plan to pool lounge, I think you'll love the atmosphere of the GCH. It's more adult friendly overall, and I bet you'll enjoy the perks and restaurants/lounges. You cannot beat the proximity of the GCH - it is the easiest and most convenient. We do choose the DLH over the GCH often but that's because my girls love the pool there and the rooms are better when just comparing room vs room. Both are fabulous, but I would go with the Grand.

As for tickets, someone correct me if I'm wrong but can't you buy a 2-day hopper and upgrade if you do want a third day? You may find that you would rather enjoy the hotel and Downtown Disney on your last half day.

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

I think your situation calls for the Grand. I think you'll be happiest there. Just know that the rooms, while very well maintained and clean, are getting a little shabby and need to be renovated in the near future. As 3 adults who don't plan to pool lounge, I think you'll love the atmosphere of the GCH. It's more adult friendly overall, and I bet you'll enjoy the perks and restaurants/lounges. You cannot beat the proximity of the GCH - it is the easiest and most convenient. We do choose the DLH over the GCH often but that's because my girls love the pool there and the rooms are better when just comparing room vs room. Both are fabulous, but I would go with the Grand.

As for tickets, someone correct me if I'm wrong but can't you buy a 2-day hopper and upgrade if you do want a third day? You may find that you would rather enjoy the hotel and Downtown Disney on your last half day.

Thank you for your input! I'm hoping that's the case with the tickets. I've already purchased the 2-day hoppers and I'm hoping if we do decide to do a half day at the parks on Friday, we'll be able to "add on" a day.

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

I once overheard a kid yell "It's Like a Maze" while his family searched for their room


That particular view is from the Villas at the Grand Californian (VGC), the DVC wing.

This is my sunrise view this morning, from a room "near the elevators adjacent to Napa Rose" (my usual room request). View attachment 157629

That's a pretty cool view too! Very calming!

 

[Iceman93]

You know, OP, you sound like ideal candidates for the Paradise Pier Hotel. It's the least expensive of the three, basically the same walk as the DLH, has a nice amount of Disney theming (some people here consider it Disneyland's moderate rather than deluxe resort, even though I disagree), and has incredible views from the theme park view rooms. Some people complain that the pool is very ordinary compared to the other two hotels, but since you don't care about pools that wouldn't matter to you. Check it out!

 

[wench]

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 $$$)

You know, I complained about the extra walking, but I love the paper FP too. The fact that you can get like 10 in a day without even trying very hard is pretty wonderful. But, then I also love the planning of FP+ & how everything clicks into place automatically when you do it right. I'm officially bi-coastal when it come to my love of Disney theme parks!