Disneyland Hotel vs Grand Californian

[Skibum1970]

I am planning a trip for the latter part of 2012 (probably November before Thanksgiving). I am stuck on making a decision. Actually, I had to make a decision as to stay onsite or offsite and finally decided to stay onsite (first trip out to DL and probably last for a long time). Now, I am trying to decide between the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian. The updated Hotel looks awesome and has the throwback appeal. The Grand Californian appeals because of its style (our favorite hotel is the Wilderness Lodge). Does anyone have any opinions or comments?

 

[xdan0920]

I would go with the DisneyLand hotel. Prices are a little more reasonable, and the updates have really brought it up to a Deluxe level hotel.

 

[TP2000]

The Grand Californian has easy and direct access into DCA. If your mission is primarily Cars Land, the direct access to DCA can be a key motivator.

But the Disneyland Hotel is a faster walk to the Downtown Disney monorail station that can take you to Tomorrowland. At the end of the night, that monorail ride most of the way back to your hotel can be a Godsend.

Check out a Google Earth satelite map of the Resort and play around with the distances between everything. It will get you familiar with the unique scale and intimacy of the Disneyland Resort overall, and might help you decide.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I stayed in the Disneyland Hotel in September 2008, before remodel, but I was in the Grand Californian a few times and wished I was there. I am also a Wilderness Lodge/Animal Kingdom Lodge fan.

The Grand Californian will cost you the most though.

 

[3IAlienKid]

I haven't stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in probably 17 or 18 years, but I can tell you that you won't regret it if you stay at the Grand Californian. We stayed there almost 2 years ago and loved it. It's a real classy place. The only negative thing I've ever read about the place is that for a deluxe hotel the rooms are slightly smaller than usual, but we didn't care about this at all. Storyteller's Cafe is our favorite breakfast buffet at the DLR, and the Napa Rose is one of the best restaurants in all southern California.

 

[Mike K]

I'm actually visiting Disneyland for my first time this summer for 10 days and we chose to stay at the Grand Californian. It looks incredible and we can't wait to unwind there. We'll be able to experience Disneyland for Fourth of July which should be really special. This summer is going to be a blast since a month later we're spending a week at Disney World. If time could only speed up!

 

[bmf79]

I stayed in both hotels. Yes, Disneyland Hotel is cheaper, but I advise you to compare prices before booking a hotel room at Disneyland Hotel. There Can be huge differences between booking sites prices. I was inspired and I used a price comparison http://bookinghunter.com . In this way, I paid $500 less for a week. So, be careful !

 

[worldfanatic]

They're both great, but the edge has go to the Grand Californian.
Although the Disneyland Hotel's new renovations have really brought it up!!

I'm just glad you didn't include Paradise Pier in this discussion.
Because while it's still the 3rd best place to stay around Disneyland, it's far behind those two.

 

[coachwnh]

just found out we will be making a quick 4 day trip (by way of brother-in-law in AZ) to DL in June and was looking for the same info. we are AP holders in WDW, but i havent been to DL since college in the early 90s. cant wait! ill have to check into the whole dining thing. seems a bit different than WDW. anyway, ill be asking for more info in the days to come

 

[TP2000]

ill have to check into the whole dining thing. seems a bit different than WDW.

You won't have to check too far into the "dining thing" at Disneyland. It doesn't really exist, at least not as you know it at WDW.

Want to eat at a popular sit-down restaurant at Disneyland, DCA, Downtown Disney, or the Disneyland Hotels? Call the Dine Line at (714) 781-DINE up to 30 days in advance for a reservation. Or, if you didn't make a reservation, just walk up to the hostess stand the day you are there and she can put your name on the list and/or give you a time to come back for dinner. Easy and done.

Want to eat anywhere else at Disneyland? Just walk up and order and pay, then take your food to the table. Easy and done.

At Disneyland there's no Dining Plan, no key cards, no points or tallies, no refillable mugs, no credit card deposits, and no 180 day priority seatings.

Disneyland just has dining at restaurants like the rest of the planet does it.

There are, however, a couple of nifty options for dinner packages and dessert packages for Fantasmic! and World of Color that include really good viewing or seats. See the website for details. :wave:

 

[Skibum1970]

Thank you to everyone that responded. Provided that the budget doesn't get out of hand, I am planning on the Grand Californian. Being in Cincinnati, it is easier for us to go to Walt Disney World but, with the opening of Carsland, I would like to go to Disneyland for the first time and make the most of my trip.:sohappy:

 

[coachwnh]

just booked four days at disneyland hotel today!!! very excited. what a great summer this is going to be with a trip to DL and WDW!!!:sohappy:

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I have heard.........that the Howard Johnson hotel is a very good alternative for guests. It is right across the street from Disneyland. A 5 minute walk to the front gates. You can see the fireworks at night from the pool area. I've heard this and I checked the prices out and they are actually pretty reasonable. For some reason, not a whole lot more per night than your average Super 8 hotel. But I never hear anything bad about HOJO.

 

[worldfanatic]

I have heard.........that the Howard Johnson hotel is a very good alternative for guests. It is right across the street from Disneyland. A 5 minute walk to the front gates. You can see the fireworks at night from the pool area. I've heard this and I checked the prices out and they are actually pretty reasonable. For some reason, not a whole lot more per night than your average Super 8 hotel. But I never hear anything bad about HOJO.

Yes....the HOJO is a great option.
You can actually watch the monorail cruise up Harbor Blvd. from the pool area.:sohappy: