Grand Californian vs Disneyland Hotel

[evilmommie]

We have done the GCH a couple of times but recent changes make the extra cost questionable. Little things like the snack bar changes. Or everyone thinking they can just camp out for a few hours in the main hallways (picnics are evidently popular).

I agree with the camping out at GCH. I’m over it and have stayed at the GCH many, many times. This year has been the worst with people using it like a Starbucks. Doesn’t feel like exclusive for the hotel guests any longer. If they are going to charge those rates, they need to work on a better balance of public guests vs hotel guests.

We canceled our Dec GCH reservation because of our experience in Oct. Not fan of the DLH, other than the nostalgia factor.
We’ve recently stayed at the Westin and were thrilled with the rooms, service and amenities.

 

[shosh1530]

We love GCH, but agree with others that DLH may be best for your family. The pool area at DLH would definitely be fun for the kids.

Since you mentioned a May or June trip, just know that grad nights may be happening in your time frame. It shouldn't impact things at DLH, but some rooms at GCH can get park noise during these nights (i.e. rooms that face DCA). We stayed in a Woods-Courtyard room during two grad nights this past summer and didn't hear anything, but others online complained about late night noise.

 

[SLThomas318]

I agree with the camping out at GCH. I’m over it and have stayed at the GCH many, many times. This year has been the worst with people using it like a Starbucks. Doesn’t feel like exclusive for the hotel guests any longer. If they are going to charge those rates, they need to work on a better balance of public guests vs hotel guests.

We canceled our Dec GCH reservation because of our experience in Oct. Not fan of the DLH, other than the nostalgia factor.
We’ve recently stayed at the Westin and were thrilled with the rooms, service and amenities.

We were looking into the Westin as well… even doing their park view room was wayyyyyy cheaper then DLH. How is the walk? If it was just my husband and I we would def go Westin, but I feel like with the kids we want something that feels super Disney. We are coming from the East coast so I don’t know when/if we’ll go back. The Westin just looks sooo nice and if the kids can see the park from the room that might be enough.

 

[SLThomas318]

We love GCH, but agree with others that DLH may be best for your family. The pool area at DLH would definitely be fun for the kids.

Since you mentioned a May or June trip, just know that grad nights may be happening in your time frame. It shouldn't impact things at DLH, but some rooms at GCH can get park noise during these nights (i.e. rooms that face DCA). We stayed in a Woods-Courtyard room during two grad nights this past summer and didn't hear anything, but others online complained about late night noise.

I heard about grad nights… would early May be better to avoid that? The prices in May were better too…

 

[shosh1530]

I heard about grad nights… would early May be better to avoid that? The prices in May were better too…

Early May would be better for avoiding grad nights (they run May 12-June 16). I know many people recommend avoiding them, although during our trip in this past June we felt minimal impact from them (even though there were two grad nights during our three days there).

Another thing to watch out for in early May is Star Wars nights. They haven't been announced yet for 2023, but last year in early May they were May 3 and 4. Disneyland closed early on those nights. But of course, they can also be fun if you are into Star Wars and wanting to do an extra event (for more $$$).

 

[DizMe]

We were looking into the Westin as well… even doing their park view room was wayyyyyy cheaper then DLH. How is the walk? If it was just my husband and I we would def go Westin, but I feel like with the kids we want something that feels super Disney. We are coming from the East coast so I don’t know when/if we’ll go back. The Westin just looks sooo nice and if the kids can see the park from the room that might be enough.

I wouldn't want to do that walk every day with kids. It's a long way and would be very hard to go back to the hotel for a rest. I think you'd get tired of it pretty quickly.

 

[gmi3804]

I agree with the camping out at GCH. I’m over it and have stayed at the GCH many, many times. This year has been the worst with people using it like a Starbucks. Doesn’t feel like exclusive for the hotel guests any longer. If they are going to charge those rates, they need to work on a better balance of public guests vs hotel guests.

We canceled our Dec GCH reservation because of our experience in Oct. Not fan of the DLH, other than the nostalgia factor.
We’ve recently stayed at the Westin and were thrilled with the rooms, service and amenities.

When the lobby is overrun with non-guests, the place is a madhouse, hardly the "luxury" experience that they're charging you for. There has to be a way to limit the mobs; they make the experience unpleasant.

 

[evilmommie]

When the lobby is overrun with non-guests, the place is a madhouse, hardly the "luxury" experience that they're charging you for. There has to be a way to limit the mobs; they make the experience unpleasant.

Exactly. I’m over it now. Put up with it, gave feedback, blah blah blah…and now won’t spend the money to stay there until it changes. Not holding my breath, as Disney doesn’t have any issue filling GCH room nights.

 

[Malcon10t]

Our group prefers the DLH. We kept trying the Grand, but it just doesn't do it. I prefer the size the of the rooms at DLH, the theming, the only thing I don't like is lack of restaurants. But DTD is close and handy.

 

[evilmommie]

We were looking into the Westin as well… even doing their park view room was wayyyyyy cheaper then DLH. How is the walk? If it was just my husband and I we would def go Westin, but I feel like with the kids we want something that feels super Disney. We are coming from the East coast so I don’t know when/if we’ll go back. The Westin just looks sooo nice and if the kids can see the park from the room that might be enough.

The walk is 10 mins to DTD security and 20 mins to park esplanade. I have no idea why people say that it’s such a hassle, it’s long..all of that. I’ve done it and it’s not. Back when I had little kids, it would have been completely doable…at the same time I completely get the need to immerse in the Disney bubble. I’m all about that. Just chiming in as to what I think is a better value for the current experience.

 

[AstroBlasters]

The walk is 10 mins to DTD security and 20 mins to park esplanade. I have no idea why people say that it’s such a hassle, it’s long..all of that. I’ve done it and it’s not. Back when I had little kids, it would have been completely doable…at the same time I completely get the need to immerse in the Disney bubble. I’m all about that. Just chiming in as to what I think is a better value for the current experience.

We have stayed all over… DLH at least 7 times, Grand Cal twice, Paradise Pier once, Hilton Convention Center, Marriott Theme Park, the Castle hotel (it hadn’t been renovated since the 60s), and an Air BnB townhome complex right across the street from DLH. We are going to try the Westin in March.

The Disney hotels were great before our kids started school and we could get the off-season rates, but I just can’t justify the huge premium when we have to go in March or October to align with school breaks.

With that said, my wife ALWAYS pushes to stay in “the bubble” up until the last minute.

If money was no object then I would stay in Grand Cal because of it proximity to the parks and better hotel dining options. Beyond that the DLH is nicely themed and seems like a bit of an escape from the hustle and bustle. It does feel like a LONG walk though DD after a full day in the parks. The fact that the monorail only does pickup and drop off in Tomorrowland makes it less than ideal.

 

[DizMe]

I can see why people would be upset with GCH lobby being overrun, but I just want to say that I've not had that experience. I just got back from a 5-day stay Dec 6-10 and not once did we experience that. I was there in Sept and didn't experience it then, either. I'm wondering if this is related to the crazy-busy fall times, when everything is insanely crowded? It was nothing out of the ordinary last week and we easily found places to sit while listening to the carolers and hanging out by the fireplace. Just to mention--there is another large fireplace directly behind the lobby fireplace. You go outside and it's in an alcove straight behind the lobby one.

DLH is a wonderful hotel, and I love it as well. Sometimes it's my preferred hotel depending on my trip (like it for Dapper Day since the Expo is there). I'm just a little surprised at the negative reactions to GCH. The only thing I truly dislike about it is the price, but I'm splitting it with someone when I go so it's more affordable for me.

 

[SLThomas318]

The walk is 10 mins to DTD security and 20 mins to park esplanade. I have no idea why people say that it’s such a hassle, it’s long..all of that. I’ve done it and it’s not. Back when I had little kids, it would have been completely doable…at the same time I completely get the need to immerse in the Disney bubble. I’m all about that. Just chiming in as to what I think is a better value for the current experience.

This sounds reasonable. We are Disney World regulars and do the Boardwalk to Hollywood walk and/or Beach Club to Hollywood. I’ll have to compare the mileage. If we can walk to a park we prefer it. I’ve even “jogged” the kids from MK to the Grand Floridian DVC building because they wanted to go “fast”…. this is in June
or September Florida weather too! I appreciate everyone’s input… it is going to be a tough choice!

 

[TinkAgainU]

Early May would be better for avoiding grad nights (they run May 12-June 16). I know many people recommend avoiding them, although during our trip in this past June we felt minimal impact from them (even though there were two grad nights during our three days there).

Another thing to watch out for in early May is Star Wars nights. They haven't been announced yet for 2023, but last year in early May they were May 3 and 4. Disneyland closed early on those nights. But of course, they can also be fun if you are into Star Wars and wanting to do an extra event (for more $$$).

I assume May 4th is common for Star Wars night (may the 4th be with you is pretty predicable lol)

And a reminder about the construction noise at DLH during the day, the noise starts quite early.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

DLH by far. The extra couple hundred yards to walk isn't a problem. We have done the GCH a couple of times but recent changes make the extra cost questionable. Little things like the snack bar changes. Or everyone thinking they can just camp out for a few hours in the main hallways (picnics are evidently popular). But the worst is just trying to be in the hotel when WoC ends. The mass of humanity that exists thru the hotel is unbelievable. We had to get to our room one nite walking AGAINST the crowd flow. The verbal and physical attacks we rec'd just trying to get to our room was the last straw.

I stayed at Disneyland Hotel last weekend and visit Grand Californian to eat and purchase Christmas treats. Every time I was in there the lobby was bonkers. Massive crowds waiting for Santa, lining up for treats, every chair occupied, etc. All the dining and drinks locations were extremely busy - on Saturday night around 7pm, Craftsman Grill had an hour wait for food. Although I love GCH and appreciate the many dining options it offers (as opposed to DLH which was not great in terms of quick service food) I made a mental note to never stay at GCH during Christmas. I would have been extremely annoyed if I was trying to enjoy a nice stay with my family and didn't have access to a quick service dinner for over an hour.

OP, both hotels are lovely and you'll have a great time no matter what!

 

[Nonsuch]

Disneyland newbie here and considering May or June 2024. Planning on 5 nights with 3 park days (coming from the East coast so wanted a down day to start depending on flights).

Disneyland switches to “Summer” starting Memorial Day, with longer hours and Fireworks and Fantasmic every night (rather than only weekends) — so June is a better month.
The cost to upgrade from a 3-day to 4-day (or 5) ticket is small relative to the overall trip cost (airfare, hotel), but can can add some great extra experiences (Fireworks on arrival day, Extra Magic Hour on departure day).

How are the DVC rooms... are they in need of some love? I still might try for a 1 bedroom on points, but if the rooms need some TLC then I think we'll just save the points.

VGC was renovated at the same time as all the GCH rooms. While I have read some posts that VGC “need some love”, I don’t agree. You should certainly try for a 1-bedroom villa

 

[SLThomas318]

Disneyland switches to “Summer” starting Memorial Day, with longer hours and Fireworks and Fantasmic every night (rather than only weekends) — so June is a better month.
The cost to upgrade from a 3-day to 4-day (or 5) ticket is small relative to the overall trip cost (airfare, hotel), but can can add some great extra experiences (Fireworks on arrival day, Extra Magic Hour on departure day).

VGC was renovated at the same time as all the GCH rooms. While I have read some posts that VGC “need some love”, I don’t agree. You should certainly try for a 1-bedroom villa

This is great info. We are def leaning towards June so we can go for longer. Husband teaches and both kids are in school. We got looking at May because of prices, but I think we'd prefer to have the extra time. I noticed middle/end of August seems to have a drop in pricing too. Thoughts on mid/end Aug vs June? Our schools go back the week before Labor Day.

I also couldn't decide between more park days vs hoppers.... or both? We have annual passes for Disney World and we like to hop in and out for our favorites and take afternoon breaks. We've never done Disneyland so I expect us to be in the parks longer and maximizing our time. Is it easy to go between parks or not worth it?

Will def. be trying for the 1 bedroom... would prefer to use our points and have some space if we decide to go for longer!

 

[DLgal]

I have never once seen the GCH lobby so crowded that I would call it a "madhouse."

It's a public space. A HUGE public space. There is plenty of room for everyone.

What is this "camping" that people are referring to? I've never seen that. There are chairs. They are for sitting. We have sat in them for HOURS (as GCH guests). It's never been a problem to get one. We have stayed there numerous times and have never had a problem. I've never seen anyone having a picnic in the hallway. It is definitely not "a thing." I can't speak to the DVC wing, though.

I love how everyone assumes that the people in the lobby AREN'T guests. It's a HUGE hotel with 750 guest rooms, and it's often fully booked. There will be people there, everywhere.

 

[ktlm]

We are Disney World regulars and do the Boardwalk to Hollywood walk and/or Beach Club to Hollywood!

We somewhat alternate coasts between WDW and DLR. You can't go wrong with either GC or DLH. GC is basically a scaled down version of WL at WDW, so we prefer DLH. To us, DLH is different than any of the resorts where we have stayed at WDW, and it feels really Disney. GC is beautiful, but extremely similar to WL on a smaller scale and often at a higher price than WL.

As a WDW person, don't think twice about the difference in the walk between the 2 resorts and the park gates. The walk from DLH to the park gates is about the same distance as the walk from Yacht Club to the EPCOT International Gateway. The walk is directly through DTD. Sure GC is a little closer, but by WDW standards DLH is really close.

As far as the non-Disney hotels, if you are used to being in the bubble at WDW, you may very much prefer DLH and GC. With either of those resorts, once you park you are in the Disney bubble and you never have to exit the Disney bubble if you don't want to. The walk between the resorts and the parks is through DTD (or at GC you can enter CA directly from the resort property). We stayed at a good neighbor hotel once for a night when we had to come in early and couldn't get a room at DLH-- the hotel was fine, but you are definitely outside the Disney bubble. It definitely is a different atmosphere.

I would do more park days AND hoppers if you can. Hopping is extremely easy at DLR--- it is a 5 minute process. The parks are separated by a plaza about the size of a football field from gate to gate. It is shorter than where the resort buses drop you off for the park gates at most of WDW. The park reservation and no hopping until 1:00 make it a little bit of a pain and less useful than it used to be, but we still hop back and forth. If the wait times are a lot shorter in the other park-- we hop. We used to hop to CA for lunch quite a bit (but 1:00 makes that way more difficult). DH has been known to disappear from DL and head to the beer cart at CA-- DD and I have literally headed to Small World, and he has gone to CA and had a beer and is back inside DL and headed towards us by the time we got off Small World. By WDW standards, DL/CA are more like one big park. You can get from the back of one to the back of the other in 10 minutes.

 

[DLgal]

We somewhat alternate coasts between WDW and DLR. You can't go wrong with either GC or DLH. GC is basically a scaled down version of WL at WDW, so we prefer DLH. To us, DLH is different than any of the resorts where we have stayed at WDW, and it feels really Disney. GC is beautiful, but extremely similar to WL on a smaller scale and often at a higher price than WL.

As a WDW person, don't think twice about the difference in the walk between the 2 resorts and the park gates. The walk from DLH to the park gates is about the same distance as the walk from Yacht Club to the EPCOT International Gateway. The walk is directly through DTD. Sure GC is a little closer, but by WDW standards DLH is really close.

As far as the non-Disney hotels, if you are used to being in the bubble at WDW, you may very much prefer DLH and GC. With either of those resorts, once you park you are in the Disney bubble and you never have to exit the Disney bubble if you don't want to. The walk between the resorts and the parks is through DTD (or at GC you can enter CA directly from the resort property). We stayed at a good neighbor hotel once for a night when we had to come in early and couldn't get a room at DLH-- the hotel was fine, but you are definitely outside the Disney bubble. It definitely is a different atmosphere.

I would do more park days AND hoppers if you can. Hopping is extremely easy at DLR--- it is a 5 minute process. The parks are separated by a plaza about the size of a football field from gate to gate. It is shorter than where the resort buses drop you off for the park gates at most of WDW. The park reservation and no hopping until 1:00 make it a little bit of a pain and less useful than it used to be, but we still hop back and forth. If the wait times are a lot shorter in the other park-- we hop. We used to hop to CA for lunch quite a bit (but 1:00 makes that way more difficult). DH has been known to disappear from DL and head to the beer cart at CA-- DD and I have literally headed to Small World, and he has gone to CA and had a beer and is back inside DL and headed towards us by the time we got off Small World. By WDW standards, DL/CA are more like one big park. You can get from the back of one to the back of the other in 10 minutes.

The WL is a scaled down GCH. The GCH is larger, both in terms of rooms and footprint. It also has a larger pool area.