Which Disneyland Resort?

[Terk-1]

Have decided to head for the West Coast this year and was thinking of staying overnight at the Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian or Paradise Pier. Having never stayed at any of these and it's been over 10 years since I've been to Disneyland, I was thinking of doing DL one day & CA another. Where's the best place to stay? I won't have a rental car, so I want to stay on-site.

 

[disneychrista]

It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for themeing then the Grand Californian would be the best pick. The least expensive of the three will be Paridise Pier. But of course the original being the Disneyland Hotel, which has larger rooms, and a cool themed pool.

However, there are MANY hotels directly accross the street that are just as nice and more affordable then any of the three Disney Hotels and they are actually closer (walking distance) to the front gates of Disneyland and DCA.

 

[ilovemky]

i have always stayed on site--have stayed at all three and they all have good features.

Grand Californian is very elegant--you can look out over downtown disney or dca

Paradise Pier--has private entrance to dca--you can look right into the park--you can use DL pools but it is quite a jaunt--the farthest from the monorail

DL Hotel--has great pool and is the closest to the monorail station at downtown disney

Here is a list of the other things you can do at DL Hotel

cove pools and beach

Take pleasure in a real seashore experience, where the entire family can enjoy:
Two shapely pools
A sandy beach for play
A volleyball court for friendly competition or just foolin' around
A delightful playground for kids of all ages
Disney Character cut-outs for the perfect photo opportunity


fantasy waters show

Grab the moment memories are made of. This treasured Disney classic has brought awe-inspired wonder to families for over three decades.
1800 choreographed water-jet fountains reflect the power and the beat of the beloved soundtrack
100s of synchronized lights
Classic Disney musical favorites

Koi Ponds

Commune with nature as you walk over the wooden bridge and encircle this calm, beautiful pond.
Over 200 brilliantly colored Japanese koi fish
Streaming water with glorious garden flourishes
Special feeding times

Never Land Pool (if you stay at PP you can also use this pool but it is quite a walk!)

Only Disney could provide a pool with this much character and fun. Inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan, the 5,000-square-foot paradise allows the entire family to:
Scramble through a cavern on the way to the wondrous 100-foot waterslide
Climb a stupendous stairway into the Misty Mountains of Never Land
Swing from the Hangman's Tree on the shore near Captain Hook's Pirate ship
Relax in a steamy hot tub beside Skull Rock
Admire the teepees of the Indian Village high atop a hill

Remote Controlled Jungle Cruise Boats

Take a miniature safari adventure as you pilot replicas of Disneyland® park's famous Jungle Cruise boats.
Choose from 20 boats, including Senegal Steve, Lualaba Lottie and Rwanda Rod
Ride under a quivering rope bridge with its disgruntled gorilla
Travel through the roaring Diswaytada Falls area

Scenic Waterfalls

There is nothing like both the power and the peacefulness of a waterfall. Explore this oasis of tropical foliage, beautiful waterfalls and mysterious caves.
Feel the revitalizing mists unique to a natural wonder
Hear the roar of pure force and free-flowing waters
Enjoy the colorful lighting as it transforms the water into a brilliant showplace after dark

Team Mickey's Workout Room

Maintain your healthy lifestyle at this state-of-the-art fitness center.
Exercise bikes and treadmills
TV monitors
Weight machines
Free weights
Massage chair

i have heard good things about the Candy Cane Inn about a 10 minute (?) walk but have no personal knowledge.