Which DLR hotel?

[MinnieMouse84]

From what I've gathered, Grand Californian is closest to the parks, but is the most expensive and has smaller rooms, whereas the Disneyland Hotel is farther away, but much nicer. What about Paradise Pier? How does it compare in terms of distance and accommodations? I'm trying to avoid as much walking as possible.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Is there a reason why you are looking at Disney Owned Hotels only?

Anaheim is a lot different than Orlando.

There are some nice Hotels/Motels that based on how you measure, are closer to the Main Entrance Plaza than any of the 3 Disney owned ones.

So what are you looking for in a Hotel?

 

[MinnieMouse84]

Is there a reason why you are looking at Disney Owned Hotels only?

Anaheim is a lot different than Orlando.

There are some nice Hotels/Motels that based on how you measure, are closer to the Main Entrance Plaza than any of the 3 Disney owned ones.

So what are you looking for in a Hotel?

My parents and I want to have the full Disney experience. It'll be our first time there since 1989 and we want to make the most of it. What I'm looking for mostly is something as close to the parks as possible. Bigger rooms would of course be ideal, but I'm perfectly fine with smaller rooms as long as they're clean.

 

[SMD]

My parents and I want to have the full Disney experience. It'll be our first time there since 1989 and we want to make the most of it. What I'm looking for mostly is something as close to the parks as possible. Bigger rooms would of course be ideal, but I'm perfectly fine with smaller rooms as long as they're clean.

Try putting the hotels and the esplanade into Google maps and looking at walking directions. That will give you an idea of how close they are. Exactly how far will depend on your room location. GCH has an entrance to DCA. It will take longer and you will stand longer of you use it. There is a monorail entrance near DLH. You will enter the park later than if you walk to the main gate. You will likely also stand longer. And with both alternate entrances, how far will depend on your room location. The best way to minimize walking is a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[MinnieMouse84]

Thank you for the info. I'll do some more research.

 

[goooof1]

The longer wait at the GCH entrance to DCA is mainly at EMH (maybe "rope drop".) After that initial crowd it is great to use and even for DL.....out to DCA and then to the main entrance, exit and cross the esplanade to DL. GCH is the closest.....even the rooms that are farther back in the hotel! We've been way, way in the outskirts, but still not as far away as other off-site properties. The rooms are not big, but hey, we had 4 good sized adults sharing a room and it was fine!

 

[MinnieMouse84]

I'm leaning toward the GCH. The only thing that concerns me is the price, but I think its closeness to the parks is probably worth it. Smaller rooms are no problem for us.

 

[krispin41]

I can't comment on The Grand yet, but I have stayed at both DLH and PP, I Like both for different reasons. DLH is very magical, and walk from the Hotel through downtown doesn't seem as long, because you can meander through shops, stop for coffee, etc. Usually, I walk through the esplanade the first time I go to the Parks (something about walking under the Bridge makes me super emotional and I try to do it at least once every trip.), but for the rest of my trip I take the monorail in.

If you stay at PP, the fastest way to the Parks is to cross the street to the GCH and walk through the lobby, and into Downtown Disney or use the entrance to DCA. At the end of the night that little extra walk across the street is very long. As for the rooms, they are beach themed and fun, and the views from the Park View Rooms are amazing! (You can even watch WOC from the Park View rooms!) Also the elevators at PP are SLOW, I've found it's better to ride it up then down.

I'm staying at GCH next month. I'm very excited. This will be a solo trip.

 

[BriannaRuth]

From whCat I've gathered, Grand Californian is closest to the parks, but is the most expensive and has smaller rooms, whereas the Disneyland Hotel is farther away, but much nicer. What about Paradise Pier? How does it compare in terms of distance and accommodations? I'm trying to avoid as much walking as possible.

How old are your parents?

I've stayed at all 3 properties. The GCH is the closest to the parks and is definitely the most upscale feel of the three, at least in the common areas. However, don't let that fool you into thinking that means it is a short walk. The hotel itself is huge and it can be a long walk just from the hotel entrance to your room. It has a very cool art deco vibe and the pool is the most "adult" feeling of the three. Cleanliness shouldn't be an issue; it's the newest of the three and is very well maintained. It has a private entrance directly into DCA that can be used by any Disney hotel guests, but you won't want to use that entrance unless you're not trying to be there early because the line there is horrendous in the AM. Personally if I were taking parents and could afford it, I'd stay at the GCH unless they are really into Disney theming. Just sitting in the lobby is an experience. It's a beautiful hotel and is my favorite of the three.

The DLH is the most "Disney" feeling of the three. The rooms have more "Disney" touches like the light-up headboards (which are tasteful in spite of how that sounds) and the pool, which has the monorail slides (and is very popular with kids). It can also be a long walk to the room, depending on which tower you're in and where you stay in that tower. The walk to the park is longer than the GCH but it is through DTD, which is nice (as opposed to the PPH which doesn't really feel on property as far as I'm concerned.) It is convenient to the monorail, but don't plan on taking the monorail if you want to be at the park early because it doesn't start running until the park is open. (Some of the GCH rooms have monorail views but the monorail doesn't stop at the GCH. It stops in DTD not too far from the DLH and in DCA only.) It also has Trader Sam's, which is a very cool "Trader Vic's" type bar that DH and I love. Its rooms are larger than the GCH rooms. The DLH is a fun, very "Disney" hotel and is my teens' favorite of the three, and my second favorite.

The PP is my least favorite (my teens didn't like it, either). It's the only Disney hotel that wasn't built as a Disney hotel and to me that was really obvious. To me, it just looked like a regular hotel (and not even a really nice hotel) with some Disney splashed around. The lobby is small and does not make anywhere near the impression that either of the other two make on check-in. However, since it is the least expensive of the three, if you're into views you can get a REALLY nice theme park view here for MUCH less than you can at either of the other two. And the non-view rooms are the cheapest way to stay in the bubble. Some people like it because it has a more laid-back feel than the other two hotels. The pool is ok, but not as nice as either of the other hotels, although it is definitely quieter than the DLH pool. It's the only one of three hotel pools where they don't offer cabana rentals. It's across the street (a wide, busy street) from the GCH so isn't as close. Actually I think by the time you walk from the room, down to the entrance, across to the GCH and out of the hotel, the walk can be just as long as some of the DLH rooms.

Good luck choosing; I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which you end up at!

 

[Nevada Jen]

I always choose pph. The truth is that I think dlh is probably better but I always decide that I would rather pay less than a standard dlh room for club level or view at pph. Plus, I hate sharing anything smaller than a king bed and with the pph and our family makeup we are guaranteed two Queens and a pull out. I don't have to worry about whether I will be able to sleep. Which is my priority. I just don't like gch. The rooms are smaller than any I have ever seen. The noise level is always bad for me. I have never had a good stay there. Others love it. I don't think either of us are wrong. It's just about priorities. But if on site and close is your priority gch is your answer.

 

[MinnieMouse84]

How old are your parents?

I've stayed at all 3 properties. The GCH is the closest to the parks and is definitely the most upscale feel of the three, at least in the common areas. However, don't let that fool you into thinking that means it is a short walk. The hotel itself is huge and it can be a long walk just from the hotel entrance to your room. It has a very cool art deco vibe and the pool is the most "adult" feeling of the three. Cleanliness shouldn't be an issue; it's the newest of the three and is very well maintained. It has a private entrance directly into DCA that can be used by any Disney hotel guests, but you won't want to use that entrance unless you're not trying to be there early because the line there is horrendous in the AM. Personally if I were taking parents and could afford it, I'd stay at the GCH unless they are really into Disney theming. Just sitting in the lobby is an experience. It's a beautiful hotel and is my favorite of the three.

The DLH is the most "Disney" feeling of the three. The rooms have more "Disney" touches like the light-up headboards (which are tasteful in spite of how that sounds) and the pool, which has the monorail slides (and is very popular with kids). It can also be a long walk to the room, depending on which tower you're in and where you stay in that tower. The walk to the park is longer than the GCH but it is through DTD, which is nice (as opposed to the PPH which doesn't really feel on property as far as I'm concerned.) It is convenient to the monorail, but don't plan on taking the monorail if you want to be at the park early because it doesn't start running until the park is open. (Some of the GCH rooms have monorail views but the monorail doesn't stop at the GCH. It stops in DTD not too far from the DLH and in DCA only.) It also has Trader Sam's, which is a very cool "Trader Vic's" type bar that DH and I love. Its rooms are larger than the GCH rooms. The DLH is a fun, very "Disney" hotel and is my teens' favorite of the three, and my second favorite.

The PP is my least favorite (my teens didn't like it, either). It's the only Disney hotel that wasn't built as a Disney hotel and to me that was really obvious. To me, it just looked like a regular hotel (and not even a really nice hotel) with some Disney splashed around. The lobby is small and does not make anywhere near the impression that either of the other two make on check-in. However, since it is the least expensive of the three, if you're into views you can get a REALLY nice theme park view here for MUCH less than you can at either of the other two. And the non-view rooms are the cheapest way to stay in the bubble. Some people like it because it has a more laid-back feel than the other two hotels. The pool is ok, but not as nice as either of the other hotels, although it is definitely quieter than the DLH pool. It's the only one of three hotel pools where they don't offer cabana rentals. It's across the street (a wide, busy street) from the GCH so isn't as close. Actually I think by the time you walk from the room, down to the entrance, across to the GCH and out of the hotel, the walk can be just as long as some of the DLH rooms.

Good luck choosing; I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which you end up at!

Thank you! My mom is 64 and my dad will be 72. They're both in relatively good shape, but I have some health issues that make walking long distances uncomfortable for me. I might rent an ECV if I can get over my embarrassment.

 

[Astylla]

Thank you! My mom is 64 and my dad will be 72. They're both in relatively good shape, but I have some health issues that make walking long distances uncomfortable for me. I might rent an ECV if I can get over my embarrassment.

Please don't feel embarrassed, your comfort is number one and enjoyment! You don't owe anyone an explanation why and honestly when I had to use one due to an injury I felt the same at first but really it was all for nothing. Without it I would have been confined to a hotel room due to my inability to walk more than a few feet at a time. I would rather you enjoy your time with your parents than to feel worried.

I hope you will find support in knowing there is nothing to be afraid of. Hugs.

As far as the hotels , the motels across the street can be just as close but if the Disney bubble is very important, we love the DLH personally but we also enjoy the more Disney touches overall. I can't bring myself to pay GCH prices and have heard various reports of the property needing a desperate upgrade which is slated for progress soon.

I've personally stayed at DLH four times , HOJO Anaheim with an ECV and without, Camelot Inn and Suites , Candy Cane Inn and just checked into Desert Inn and Suites tonight. Trip advisor can be helpful but don't base anything on that alone just to help gauge your needs.

 

[MinnieMouse84]

Thank you, @Astylla. If I do end up renting an ECV, I can hopefully stay at the DLR with no problems. My main issue is that I don't know if I'll even be able to drive an ECV because I'm on the autism spectrum, and while I'm high-functioning and can often pass as "normal," I have weak motor skills. I'm 31 and I don't have a driver's license. But that's a different story. Anyway, thank you for the advice. I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Jerryp49]

This article breaks down walking distances. Click on the " link " to bring up Google satellite maps. :
https://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

We have stayed at all three Resort hotels and prefer the GCH. You can`t beat the location. At the end of the day ,it feels like a long walk back to DH especially when fighting crowds getting thru DTD.When are you going? During Dapper Days we got GCH standard rooms for $259. We just got an email offering GCH rooms for $334, DH $244, and PP for $183 when staying Sun thru Thur during the first two weeks of Dec. . The DH has three towers and the Frontier is the furthest back and quite a walk. Here are maps I made showing the walk from PP and DH. If you can afford it, I reccommend the GCH. The maps are mislabeled and where it says Downtown Disney District is actually the roof of the GCH.

 

[MinnieMouse84]

Thank you for the maps. It's helpful to actually see it like that. I don't know the exact dates yet, but it will be during either the first or second week of April.

 

[cruisehopeful]

The least walking will be Grand Californian. While the entrance from the hotel into the DCA park is difficult in the mornings, it's extremely easy and convenient at other times of the day. Walking from the other hotels is not actually far, but if you are truly looking for the shortest walk, you'll want GCH.

 

[Malcon10t]

Walking times - DLH is generally 7-8 mins, 4 mins to the GCH exit into DTD, then 3 more to the bag check. So the time difference walking for us is 4 mins. We often use the GCH entrance into DCA during the day and front gate at opening.

Pick the hotel on what you want from the room and not on the walking distance. It really isn't that much further compared to the walking you will do during the day.

 

[mommyslp]

This article breaks down walking distances. Click on the " link " to bring up Google satellite maps. :
https://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

We have stayed at all three Resort hotels and prefer the GCH. You can`t beat the location. At the end of the day ,it feels like a long walk back to DH especially when fighting crowds getting thru DTD.When are you going? During Dapper Days we got GCH standard rooms for $259. We just got an email offering GCH rooms for $334, DH $244, and PP for $183 when staying Sun thru Thur during the first two weeks of Dec. . The DH has three towers and the Frontier is the furthest back and quite a walk. Here are maps I made showing the walk from PP and DH. If you can afford it, I reccommend the GCH. The maps are mislabeled and where it says Downtown Disney District is actually the roof of the GCH.

View attachment 195341 View attachment 195342 View attachment 195343 View attachment 195344

Was the email from Disney? I would love to get those rates---we're going The first week of December & I have the AP price booked but those prices are even better!

 

[Malcon10t]

The DH has three towers and the Frontier is the furthest back and quite a walk.

Yes, the Frontier Tower is the tower just to the south of the Adventure Tower. That said, it takes ME (the slowest walker in our group) 90 seconds to walk from the Frontier tower lobby to the Adventure Tower lobby so describing it as "quite a walk" is a little deceiving. The 3 towers are close to each other. I actually prefer the Frontier tower when I can get the 14th floor rooms as I really like the balconies.

 

[Jerryp49]

Was the email from Disney? I would love to get those rates---we're going The first week of December & I have the AP price booked but those prices are even better!

Yes , the email was from Disney and was probably generated because of our stay in May this year. Gave us a special promo code.