WDW vet planning 1st DL trip - need advice re: hotels!

[Kwaschitz]

We're hoping to book our first Disneyland trip for next month (shortly after the opening of Cars Land).

Need some advice...where do we want to stay? Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian?

It's just the 3 of us - me, DH and our 6 yo son.

Also, what about the meal plan? We always have one at WDW, but I'm curious if it's worthwhile at DL?

 

[sonnyjane]

Read this if you haven't (DL Guide for WDW Vets): http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Are your only two choices the DLH and GCH? They are quite different in both feel and price, but staying on-site at DL is different than at WDW. There are many other off-site options if you're interested. If you've already looked into all the other options and have narrowed it down to those two, I would say GCH is the closest, most expensive, and great for romantic trips, anniversaries, or grown-up visits, while kids might enjoy DLH more, especially with the new pool.

And finally, do not purchase the dining plan. It is not the same as WDW's, not even close. You just pay face value (dollar for dollar) for dining vouchers in different amounts, but you don't get change, so if you spend a $15 voucher on your $13 lunch, you will lose $2. Steer clear and put money on Disney gift cards if you absolutely must pay in advance.

 

[granismith]

We just stayed for the first time at Grand Californian and I absolutely loved how close it is!! Usually we stay offsite but we stayed 3 nights onsite and 1 off this trip and I didn't like all that walking once I was exposed to the closeness of the GCH. Since you are a WDW vet you are probably use to all the walking and transportation so it might not bother you, but what a treat it would be to stay right in the heart of it all for once, right?

never done the meal plan but heard it isnt really worth it.

Have Fun!

 

[Kwaschitz]

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for the link Sonnyjane!

My husband is leaning toward the Disneyland Hotel - he heard about the POTC suites and that did it for him I've a friend who recently stayed at GC and loved it...

This all just feels so rushed and I don't know what I don't know yet. My husband has a business trip to LA and decided we should fly out for a quick DL trip.

 

[dzny12]

no way to the dining plan not like wdw at all. GCH is the only actual disney hotel at DLR. the others were built by others and acquired by disney in the '90s. Disneyland hotel and Pan Pacific lol (paradise pier) are older properties which have been upgraded several times/ the disneyland hotel most recently finished its new upgrade within the last week. GCH is the only hotel with that WDW look and feel. The hotels on Harbor blvd are old properties with mostly decent upgrades but are very cheap compared with the on site properties and are all closer than DLH &PPH. PPH is way too far of a walk for us 20-30 min depending on DTD crowds. The DTD side almost always has longer lines at bag check than harbor blvd side. and is going to be packed in the morning. either way get there EARLY EARLY try to get gate 13 behind the tree. Good luck

 

[Cinderpamela]

PPH is way too far of a walk for us 20-30 min depending on DTD crowds.

Wow... not sure the walking route you took out of the PPH.... we just walked across the street and through the lobby of the GCH.... took us about 10-15 minutes at the most. Maybe we are just super speed walkers cause we are on our way to DL....

 

[Hound 109]

Wow... not sure the walking route you took out of the PPH.... we just walked across the street and through the lobby of the GCH.... took us about 10-15 minutes at the most. Maybe we are just super speed walkers cause we are on our way to DL....

I agree.

9 minutes for Padewan Alec & I. But we walk with a purpose.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

Wow... not sure the walking route you took out of the PPH.... we just walked across the street and through the lobby of the GCH.... took us about 10-15 minutes at the most. Maybe we are just super speed walkers cause we are on our way to DL....

This link shows the more direct walking route from PPH to the main entrance:

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=88738

I've heard that the posted signs at PPH would have you walk north and then through all of DTD to get to the main entrance. And I've heard that you should ignore those signs and take the more direct route.

HTH