sleepydog25
Been here awhile
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
- Messages
- 8,482
Hey, Greg! It's rather difficult to ascertain just how big GCH is to WL and VWL combined, but my guess is it's a bit larger since GCH houses a conference center. Likewise, I'm not exactly sure how the two DVC properties proper compare; however, I'm fairly certain the California version is larger. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. As you likely know, the same architect, Peter Dominick, designed both resorts (as well as AKL), thus they share similarities in visual appeal. However, we found WL to be more massive, more majestic, and more Disney-fied in terms of theming. GCH is more refined and elegant than WL, quieter, and doesn't exude the same Disney resort feel you get when hanging out at the Lodge. We attributed that to the fact much (if not most) of the traffic to the DLR parks is considered local (20 million people in the general SoCal area) so the GCH is not a resort destination like most of the WDW resorts. Second, with the conference center and spa, the GCH likely wants to retain a calmer profile; thus, the architecture reflects a greater sense of tranquility. We began calling it the "Grand Florwilderness."
Even the music evokes a certain amount of serenity--no stirring anthems just light woodwinds, violins, and piano pieces. In fact, a pianist plays soothing music nightly in the main lobby, though he does toss in the occasional Disney tune. If you want the WL-style music, you have to hang outside the GCH entrance to DCA or walk over to the Disneyland Hotel and walk into the Frontier Tower. There in the small lobby, you'll find a mockup of BTMRR and music that reminds you of our beloved Lodge.As for the location, it's hard to beat GCH. There is a gateway to DTD located less than a minute from the main lobby which puts you out about 60 steps from Starbucks
and about a three-minute walk to the bag check area to both parks. Then, there is the guests-only entry to DCA which is a wonderful benefit to staying there (though I will say no one ever checked to see if we were actually staying at the GCH when we passed through the gate). We didn't try the Storytellers' Cafe which has a Chip n Dale character meal, but we did eat breakfast at Whitewater Snacks, their version of a CS. It's not as extensive as Roaring Fork, but they do make Mickey waffles to order! 
Our last night's meal was at Napa Rose, and it was marvelous.We actually do have lovely scenery where we live in the mountains of southwest Virginia, but there is still nothing quite like strolling through and around the Lodge on vacation.
And yes, I have seen the large gates closed in the later evening hours more than once so I'd guess it's done every night. There is a smaller locked man gate that you can get thru. I think there was security there checking but it may go to just room key access at some hour of the night.
mvndvm I can't think of a nicer Anniversary stay than to have it at our beloved Lodge! I have a countdown app on my iPhone. Its a wonderful way to begin my day seeing the days click off one-by-one. Though admittedly when it says 235 thats just a tad bit disappointing - but at least there's a trip on the horizon 
Awesome Dizny Dad!!!!
Still hoping to sneak in a quick hi to J & T when our trips overlap.
