Thank you for this. I was almost set on the DLH because my daughter checked out the hotel online and said that one looks more fun. But after your comments about the pool slides seeming to little and GCH being less crowded I think Im more drawn too it. My feet kill me and I agree after walking so much all day it would be great to be SO close to the hotel. I dont think Id like the feeling of being so far from everything at the end of Disney Springs. We can always go check the hotel out during free time just to explore. But we're very on the go and dont really stay around the hotel much so not having a huge Disney feel might be ok. GCH is a lot pricier for the suites but probably worth it. We always do at least a 1 bedroom suite. How are the views? I really dont want to over look a parking lot ha. I def wouldn't do a split stay it just seems like a hassle to me.
You're welcome! We just got back yesterday from another stay (SWGE pulled us back in 3 weeks after our last trip...). It was perfect stay from the GCH again. CMs were so, so kind to our kids, with several remembering them from 3 weeks ago and the pin trading nights. We had to stay an extra day because of flight cancellations in Dallas due to weather, so we had time to spend the last afternoon at the pools. I agree with OPs that the slides at GCH are small and not appealing for my kids at this point (my 11 year will do the bigger slide, but it is still tame for her; I think your 7 yo would like the Redwood slide). However, the pools are so much less crowded that they just played tag and other games in the pools and loved it. Bar service was great even though the pool bar is still under refurb. Ample chairs with umbrellas poolside even though we showed up at 3:30pm on a Sunday. Our room was wonderful, and very close to the DCA entrance. 5th floor and lovely view of the courtyard/monorail. I think the views at GCH tend to be better than DLH because GCH is more "in the trees" so the parking lot views are only the standard rooms that face the front entrance (to my knowledge). The suites that we have had have been DTD views or woods/courtyard view. I have never had a true theme park view room here, but I reserve woods/courtyard and that is what I have received. Last time we did get a pool view, but I think that is because they messed up our room the first night (really not terrible: told us we had one bedding configuration when we checked in, but it was a different configuration when we finally got to the room after a full park day; not a big deal but they made it right so quickly with a move to the correct room the next day, let us keep the first room until the other room was ready (no bell services luggage storage needed), gave us free breakfast at Storytellers for our trouble (which was totally unnecessary but much appreciated)).
I was thinking of this thread when I was there this weekend, and looking for the Disney touches. They are there (and especially at the Christmas holidays when they have the huge gingerbread house in the lobby!), but really all over. Yes, you have to look for them a bit, but that is a fun scavenger hunt for your ages of kids! It feels serene, peaceful and an amazing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the parks, and it takes mere minutes to get to your serenity from DCA. If you can swing CL at GCH, even better! Walking out to the "happening" part of DTD is also such a treat!
Do consider a cabana rental at DLH if your kids want to try those slides/pools, as they are a lot of fun, but definitely busier than GCH pool area. Have fun no matter what you choose!