Hello, hotel help? Last time here was 1997!

[dreday3]

We are planning a 4 night trip to Disneyland, renting a car, driving to Vegas for last 4 nights.
I've only been once and thats before DCA opened.
Staying in resort, would you choose Grand Californian or Disneyland Resort? All adults, each party would have own room.

Do you think 4 nights, including later arrival day would be enough?

Thanks!

(Been to Disney World a few times if that matters)

 

[waltography]

If you're deadset on staying on-property and it's within your budget, Grand Californian is a gorgeous hotel. However, I strongly suggest looking off-property if you're at the hotels just to sleep; there are dozens of hotels that are within walking distance to the front gates at the parks that have about the same quality if not better than the Disneyland Hotel, and there aren't really any perks for staying on property like there are at WDW.

 

[dreday3]

If you're deadset on staying on-property and it's within your budget, Grand Californian is a gorgeous hotel. However, I strongly suggest looking off-property if you're at the hotels just to sleep; there are dozens of hotels that are within walking distance to the front gates at the parks that have about the same quality if not better than the Disneyland Hotel, and there aren't really any perks for staying on property like there are at WDW.

We probably won't get back again for many years, if at all, so we all think we want to stay on property and experience it.

But if we traveled there frequently, we would definitely look at other hotels.

Thanks!

 

[MarvelCharacterNerd]

Grand Cal is made for walking right into DCA. It's so convenient. (Though you're paying for it!)

DL Hotel is more Disney-themed so if that's important to you, walk the extra few steps through Downtown Disney in the mornings, grab your Starbucks and head into the parks from there.

You really can't go wrong either way so long as money isn't a concern.

I've never been able to afford to stay at either, but if someone said "I'm comping you - pick one", as much as I love the theming at DLH, I think my feet would be happiest closing DCA for the evening and walking right inside the hotel from the park. That said, if I could ever save up enough and pay for it myself, I might opt for DL Hotel because I do prefer a more Disney-themed room. Soooo, yeah, either!

And I think 4 nights/4 park days to do the two parks is solid. While I think parkhoppers aren't necessary at WDW, the proximity/walking distance between the two parks at DLR makes them very appealing (again, if money isn't an object). Then you can go back and forth as much as you'd like.

If you're opting for single park tickets and you're big on thrill rides, you may want to split your visit 2 days each park as you may want more time repeating the thrill rides at DCA. If you're more of a Magic Kingdom-style park fan, do 3 days at DL and 1 at DCA.

But whatever you do, don't forget to make your park reservations ahead of time!

 

[CaptinEO]

We probably won't get back again for many years, if at all, so we all think we want to stay on property and experience it.

But if we traveled there frequently, we would definitely look at other hotels.

Thanks!

There isn't really a difference in distance between the official Disney hotels and 3rd party hotels. There are many hotels that are a 5-10 minute walk to the center plaza between Disneyland and DCA. The Disney hotels' table dining is now mostly expensive character buffets.

I've stayed "on property" and "off property" at Disneyland and was much happier "off property" for about 1/4th the price.

It's very different from Disney World (at Disney World I love being on property for my hotel).

 

[Stevek]

Having stayed at all 3 over the years, the Grand Californian is the best hotel of the bunch but there is something cool about staying in the Disneyland hotel. I'd avoid Paradise Pier at all costs. So, if I had to pick, GC would be the choice.

 

[TP2000]

Great advice in this thread here.

The only thing I have to add @dreday3 is that the park has changed a bit since 1997 and the Jungle Cruise Skippers are no longer telling Titanic jokes like they were in '97.

 

[dreday3]

Thanks everyone!

I've got some time, this trip is for 2024. But excited to go back over 25 years later!