Which onsite hotel with little ones?

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Let me start by saying walking distance isn't that big of an issue since we normally stay offsite (and walk)...

My kids will be 8, 5, 2 1/2 and 14 months when we go in March. Depending on the AP rates I'm booking at DLH or GCH. We've never stayed onsite. What are the pluses and minuses for each hotel? Also what "view" would you recommend?

 

[Tasmen]

I did a little research on this for our upcoming trip as we are bringing our will be 18 1/2 month old for the first time. We opted for the DLH because it seemed like the best fit for us. I had an aunt stay there before and she said everything was easily within quick walking distance. Also, we liked the idea of staying in the same hotel as Goofy's Kitchen. We knew we were going to do that meal and not do any in GCH.

That being said, though, I do believe the GCH is actually a little closer to the park entrances (well, you can't get much closer to Cali. Adv than the GCH).

 

[marcemc]

Disneyland Hotel. The pool is awsome, you have good restaurants on site (Goofy's Kitchen) and is still close to everything.

You have a short walk to GCH and from there you can enter California Adventure.

On the other hand Paradise Pier has an awsome view of the CA park at night.

Good luck with your hotel hunting

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Thanks for the input. We won't be doing GK for this trip. I think I'm leaning towards DLH, but I REALLY want to stay at GCH sometime. Since we aren't going to DL for our anniversary, I'm not sure when we will be able to stay there...

 

[bumbershoot]

3 of your kids, maybe 2 depending on how strong a swimmer the 5 year old is, won't be able to use the big slide at the DLH pool.

My son was really really disappointed that he couldn't use the slide. Also, the big pirate ship is just decoration, no touching or playing on it, and that was also a bummer for him.

There are "quiet" pools which would be better for the youngers, if things like that would bother them.


Our experience at GCH was colored by having a room that was possible the longest walk to anything. If oyu can picture DTD in your mind, our room was right across from Naples. To get to it from DL, we had to walk past Naples, past many many stores, turn in, go along the corridor, get to the elevators, get out, then walk back the other way along the corridor we'd just walk towards the lobby in (just a few floors above), then back along parallel to the DTD path we'd just taken. It was *beyond* frustrating to us.

So our room was NOT a time-saver at all!


I personally would go with PPH. The pool is very simple, but the slide does NOT connect to the main pool, and therefore much littler kids can go on it. It's bright, cheerful, and has Goofy in the middle of the lobby. (except at xmastime when Goofy is replaced by the tree).

 

[engo]

Will your kids be swimming in March? Not sure how's the weather will be in March but you can check Hydroguy's thread on historical weather. When we were staying at DLH in August, we enjoyed the swimming pool a lot. DS4 and DS2 had great time in the pool although they didn't have a chance to use the big slide. As previous poster said, PPH also had a great pool for kids. If you're not going to use the pool a lot, then this is not a consideration.

Our kids enjoyed the stay at DLH but doesn't show interest in GCH as there is a big Mickey at the front entrance of DLH.

Good luck with your hotel choice.

 

[DizMe]

With a family like yours? Definitely DLH. The rooms are spacious (GCH rooms are smaller--not sure how much but it seemed like a lot to me with my family of 5). DLH is geared toward families and GCH is more adult-oriented, IMO. My kids love both but DLH is...more kid-friendly and magical. One thing about GCH which is nice for adults but nerve-wracking to parents with young kids is that the balconies have chairs and table which are very, very easy for kids to climb up on and right onto the railing. There is an overhanging eave below the railing and then a drop--big to really big depending on what floor you're on. You can, of course, lock the slider but I was out on the balcony with my 4-year-olds and reading the paper when I looked up to see one of them just climbing onto the rail . Bad, scared parent!!!

 

[tholczer]

If you're contemplating the GCH, then I'd do DLH and stay concierge instead. We did that for the first time last summer and it was beyond worth it. We just loved being able to grab snacks and water whenever we felt like it, plus having access to your own elevator that is more easily accessible than the lobby elevators. When you have tired little ones, every little step counts!

We were only there two nights, so the novelty might wear off for a longer stay. Check the annual passholder discounts, sometimes they have really good deals. Have fun!

Tracy

 

[debdreamsofdis]

One thing to consider is that maximum room occupancy for a standard room is 5 (children under 3 count toward room occupancy, unlike DisneyWorld, which still doesn't make sense to me)

So, if it's you and a spouse and 4 children, you technically won't fit. I was told by a CM that we would need to book 2 rooms or a suite that would accomodate us (which was out of our price range)

 

[TheZue]

3 of your kids, maybe 2 depending on how strong a swimmer the 5 year old is, won't be able to use the big slide at the DLH pool.

My son was really really disappointed that he couldn't use the slide. Also, the big pirate ship is just decoration, no touching or playing on it, and that was also a bummer for him.

There are "quiet" pools which would be better for the youngers, if things like that would bother them.


Our experience at GCH was colored by having a room that was possible the longest walk to anything. If oyu can picture DTD in your mind, our room was right across from Naples. To get to it from DL, we had to walk past Naples, past many many stores, turn in, go along the corridor, get to the elevators, get out, then walk back the other way along the corridor we'd just walk towards the lobby in (just a few floors above), then back along parallel to the DTD path we'd just taken. It was *beyond* frustrating to us.

So our room was NOT a time-saver at all!


I personally would go with PPH. The pool is very simple, but the slide does NOT connect to the main pool, and therefore much littler kids can go on it. It's bright, cheerful, and has Goofy in the middle of the lobby. (except at xmastime when Goofy is replaced by the tree).

I think our room was right where yours was. I didn't mind it at all though...it's got nothing on some of the Vegas hotels I've stayed in I loved the walk back and I loved that when our youngest was napping I could just walk out of the hotel and be right in the middle of downtown Disney. We also had a really good view of the fireworks which was AWESOME

A bunk bed room would work out really well for you guys. It actually holds three kids easily since the bottom is a trundle. Then every room has a pack and play for your youngest. We put our toddler in the bathroom area by the sinks, it was nice and out of the way for him since there is a wall dividing it.