would you rather stay concierge at DLH or standard in GC?

[happypooh]

Just wondered if you would prefer to stay concierge at the Disneyland hotel or a regular room at the grand californian? We have an 18mth old and will be staying just for 2 nights at the end of july...haven't decided if we are doing any parks as we just went to WDW and will be going back to WDW in sept...so we just need to rest and enjoy the hotel...although I would like to go to DCA. Is there lots to see there with such a young toddler??

 

[hlbtimes2]

You really should do the parks. DL and WDW have a lot of differences, and you should see some of the great 50th things, if you havent already. If nothing else you really should see the fireworks and the 50th movie with Steve Martin. Both will be gone soon, and shouldnt be missed!

Either hotel would be good. GC is newer and closer to the parks. DLH has slightly larger rooms, and the drinks and breakfast would be a little $$ savings. I dont think you would go wrong with either choice.

 

[CalGal]

My DS was 20 months the first time I took him to DL. We did almost all of the rides except for the Mountains, and had a truly magical time. He loved the characters, and was completely mezmorized by the Electric parade (which is now at DCA). Staying on-site, you will have rights to EE, with most of the Fantasyland rides open. I think its very worth going to DL with an 18 month old, even if you are going to WDW later. If you do go, use baby-swap to ride Indy; the only thing like it at WDW is Dinosaur, and Indy is so much more fun and exciting IMO.

I recommend GCH over DLH with your toddler if you do go to the parks. I've never stayed concierge because I usual only travel with one other person, and so the perks don't seem to be worth it. The pool at the DLH may be more fun for kids, but won't be a big deal for the toddler. On the other hand, the location will be a great perk, especially if you spend much time at all at DCA. GCH is a lovely hotel. DLH is still nice, but best suited for families with kisd.

 

[happypooh]

Thanks so much for your answers...maybe I'll stick with the GC that we have booked. It's not that I don't want to go to DL..but I think my husband will be disneyed out (he doesn't have such a high tolerance factor for all things disney even though we are DVC owners!) since we have already spent time at WDW in April this year and will be there again in September. I am hoping that I'll be able to talk him into DCA since that is so different from WDW (minus some of the same rides!) I really just want to do the bugs land area and see if that would be suitable for my toddler.(minus the bugs show since I would be freaked out by that!)

 

[MATTERHORN]

We were just there with DD5, DD2, and DS 7 months. At that age, my girls loved the Brother Bear area to toddle around in. Some parts of DCA are great for toddlers, and there's no way I could go and not do the parks. The 50th things will be gone at the end of September, so you'll be there just in time. Even if it's just for the fireworks, they are amazing!!!

Also I would stick with the Grand, it's my favorite and our kids loved the pool!!

Andrea

 

[50thisyeartoo!]

The DL Hotel concierge is excellent. Breakfast, snacks, etc. Firewords from the top floor of the hotel? Awesome. AND you can get right on the monorail not far from the hotel in downtown disney. I say DL Hotel with concierge. GC is expensive; close to entrance, but it's just an overprice room as far as I'm concerned. DL Hotel has a very nice restaurant right on the property...can't remember the name but five stars.

 

[Harmony]

We couldn't decide which hotel to do either so we did both on our last trip. Three nights at DLH and three nights at GC. While both are very nice, GC is definitely more of a 'resort' and, imo, you will be able to relax more there. (they have spa treatments!)

While we've done WDW many times, this was our first DL trip. Though we *love* WDW, DL does have it's own magic to share so I'd suggest doing at least one day at the park.

BTW..we also travel with a todder. (always interesting, isn't it? LOL) Just today he says "I want to go ride the Monsters Inc ride at DL, mom!"

Now we have a hard choice for next summer...WDW or DL???? Oy! LOL!

One thing I did notice about DL..character interaction is WONDERFUL! They give you *lots* of one-on-one time. We also did several character meals but our favorite was at Goofy's Kitchen. (you wouldn't have to pay for theme park tickets there) My son's got the best character interaction at DL...moreso than they've ever gotten at WDW. (even my 17y/o) As a result, I'm going to suggest to my family and friends...if they want character interaction, DL is the place to be.

Have fun...whatever you decide!

 

[siac]

I stayed at both hotels and I recommend GCH.