We stayed at the paradise pier, and it is a really nice hotel, but that is what it feels like is a "hotel." It fits in really nicely with the theme of that portion of california advenuture. You could see the parade from there. The CMs were wonderful, and the room was large and spacious.
That said, my wife and I decided that whenever we go back to
disneyland the grand californian is where we will want to stay. The convinience of that hotel is unbeatable - both theme parks are a very short walk, and downtown disney is right outside! For families with small children or toddlers, I really can't think of a better way to take a disney vacation. Also, you can ride grizzly rapids a dozen times straight and walk right back to your room to put on dry clothes
I am a big fan of wilderness lodge, but to me GC is different enough not to seem too similar - it isn't as "western-y" as the WL, or as "Campy." It is more of an Arts and Crafts style than an emulation of a NW national park - it seems Frank Loyed Wright inspired sort of. To me, the wilderness lodge seems so relaxed, so "Frontierland Disney" and the GC seems much more "refined."
FWIW, though, the bar in paradise pier has a much, much better beer selection than the bar in GC.
If you really want disneyland nostalgia, though, go with the disneyland resort - it isn't much less convenient than the GC (neither is paradise peir for that matter).
Oh, one last thing, Paradise pier seems a little bit of a better choice for adults or couples than the disneyland resort does.
DR
