Torn between onsite hotels---HELP!

[msim]

I've been able to get some really good annual pass holder rates for June at the onsite hotels. I need some help making up my mind. We will have several children, so I looked at DLH for $129 because of theming, but I hear it's quite a hike to the parks. I looked at PP for $89 but I hear it is quite a hike as well. I like GC for $169, but I don't think the kids will get as much out of the theming, but it is so close to everything. This will most likely be the only trip to DL/GCA during my lifetime. What should I do? We will also have a grannnie that doesn't like to walk alot. Thanks!!!

 

[Noelle]

I don't know how old your kids are...So my answers are strictly from my own experience and having a 11 year old & 4 year old daughters.

PP is a hike. It does have it's own entrance to DCA. (You cross the street and and enter next to Mullholland Madness.) But it's still a long hike to DL and even the monorail station. Plus the theming is boring and the pool has no theme.

DL is definitely more "Disney" like. It has a great pool with Peter Pan / Neverland theme. Goofy's Kitchen is probably the best character meal in the resorts too. It's a little less of a walk than PP.

Grand Californian in my opinion is very much like Wilderness Lodge in WDW. The pool isn't really themed. It has a big redwood tree that's a waterslide. It does have it's own entrance to DCA. But you'd still have to walk to Disneyland, (not to far though.)

My kids prefer staying at DLH, then Grand Californian, and lastly PP.

Hope this helps.

 

[disneydenisel]

We just got back from the Grand Californian hotel on Saturday! We were there for three nights and enjoyed the close proximity to both parks. If grandma wants to be as close as possible to the parks, then GC is the clear choice. DLH is a bit further, but not too bad either. We went to Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast on Saturday morning before we left, it was great. We have two kids, 2 & 5, so the closer to the parks, the better. The private entrance to DCA was a definite plus!

I have heard that the DLH rooms are larger than the GC, though, in case you need the space.

Also, the GC is a non-smoking hotel, if that matters to you & your family. We like that feature. Oh, and the beds are very very comfortable, and the rooms are well insulated from sound.

Wherever you stay, I'm sure you will have a great time!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Well, I just had to speak up in defense of Paradise Pier. Everyone says that it's "quite a hike" but it's actually next door to DLH and just a little down the street from GC. The theming WAS non-existant previously, but the remodel is supposed to be done in May, and the new theme will be more beach-oriented. I've seen some great pictures, and I'm very excited. In my opinion, the difference in the walks from the different hotels is very little, but if you are looking for the shortest walk to either of the parks, then GC is probably going to be your best choice.

 

[Grog]

The walk from Paradise Pier to DL isn't that bad if you go through the GC. It cuts the distance in half and brings you out in DTD not far from the main enterance to the parks.

 

[daannzzz]

I personally think the Disneyland hotel is more fun for kids. The room decore has many more Disney and Disneyland References. The new Paradise Pier rooms appear that they may have more as well. The Grand Californian rooms are really nice but not as "fun". There is a small reference to Bambi and that is about it.
The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel and generally bigger as well.
If you left a room at the Grand Californian and the DLH at the same time it would take about 5-7 minutes longer to walk to the front gate of Disneyland. The entrance from the Grand Californian into DCA was super convenient. We could be from our room down the elevator and into the park in one minute sometimes.

 

[Chicago526]

The GC is not rich in Disney theme, I grant that. In fact, outside the gift shop, you don't see any themeing at all!

But won't your kids get enough Disney from being in the parks and dtd?

For me, the GC prevented Disney themed over-load, and made the parks that much more special.

The GC is very conveniant to DL, it is less than a 5 min walk, and has it's own entrance to DCA. To me, getting the little ones from the parks to the hotel room ASAP at the end of the day or if they have a melt down is more important than a themed pool.

But you know your kids best! No matter which hotel you pick, you'll all have a great time!

BTW, I've never seen so many people oreder room service as durring my stay at GC! Every othe room had a tray or even a table outside in the hall ready for pick up from mousekeeping.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I think any Disney hotel will be fun to stay at - I've stayed at the DL Hotel a couple of times and the Grand Californian a couple of times.

The Grand Californian has a richer, darker wood theme. The rooms have a nice balcony with a couple of chairs and a table out there. The lobby is huge and welcoming, with a big fireplace. If granny needs a quiet place to relax while the youngsters run around the parks, then the Grand Californian is a good choice - you can use the lobby lounge whether or not you're staying there. If you have small kids who'll take advantage of the many water areas at California Adventure, then you might want to consider staying at the Grand Californian where you can just pop up to the room for a quick change of clothes, or a nap, if need be.

The DL Hotel has a lighter theme, white-washed furniture, with a sprinkling of Disney throughout the rooms. There is no balcony, however, there are sliding glass doors, and a ledge you can step onto for a breath of fresh air. There are waterfalls, a pool with a 'beach' and the Neverland Themed pool, which is popular with kids. There is a koi pond & you can help feed the koi a couple of times a day. If you stay at the Bonita Tower, you can do the same as if you stay at Paradise Pier when going to Disneyland and cut through the Grand Californian to save time.

Anyone staying at the hotels gets front of the line monorail passes.

 

[NeedsNEscape]

We really liked the GC. Our sons (11, 14) could easily travel around DCA and be within the range of our family radios. DH and I sat by the pool near the bar having drinks. That was very nice too. Another advantage with GC was that you could get into the DCA early. (We were there last August.) GC ran a 'tour' first thing in the morning before the park opened. It was very interesting, pointing out different features of the DCA that you wouldn't normally know about. The tour (about 20 minutes in length) ends at "Soarin" and you get to ride it just before the park opens. Then you can jump back on or go anywhere else in DCA ahead of most of the crowds.

Have fun,
Jeanne

 

[ceejay13]

We have stayed at the DLH and GC several times each. I much prefer the GC and in fact we are returning next week for a week's stay. It is understated but I love the hotel and being able to have a room overlooking DCA is great. Having said all that, I do think the DLH has more for kids and it is just my DH and I going. I'm sure you will enjoy any of the three, however.

 

[lulubelle]

I would have to recommend the DLH above the other two if you have young children. It seems to have a little more pixie dust However, I have stayed at all three and for the money I feel that PP is the best value (especially since the re-model). Not to say that all three are not enjoyable, but it depends on your priorities. And the walk to and from the parks from each hotel do not really vary that much. You are walking all day anyway! Whatever you choose, have a fabulous vacation.

 

[DVC-Don]

Recently returned from a 4 night stay at the Grand Californian. Really, really nice. Sort of like the WL meets the GF.

 

[OnTheRocks]

The GC is best in my opinion. It reminds me of the WL. The kids really enjoyed the slide around the redwood tree. The overall atmosphere is nicer. Neither the DLH or PP have balconies and that is one thing I love is sitting out looking over DCA.

The room we were in had bunk beds for the kids and they really had a blast with this. If I were you and money is not an issue I would go with GC with a DCA view and bunk beds for the kids. This was the best and we have stayed in each multiple times.