Which Disney property hotel is best?

[PrincessWish]

Hi! My mother has cancer and limited mobility. We are taking her on a vacation to Disneyland and are trying to figure out the best/closest hotel to the parks, preferably on Disney property. I am hoping to get either adjoining rooms or a room for her next to ours. I will be 7 months pregnant at the time and we will be bringing our 8 year old and 1 year old with us. Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated! Which hotel do you recommend and why? TIA!!!

 

[ADLFAN]

If cost is no issue, you cannot get closer than the Grand Californian Hotel, which even has it's own entrance to DCA! It is beautiful with a lovely and popular lobby, and several good restaurants. I bet your mom would love it! It is the most expensive of the three Disney hotels, but the location cannot be beat!

 

[PrincessWish]

If cost is no issue, you cannot get closer than the Grand Californian Hotel, which even has it's own entrance to DCA! It is beautiful with a lovely and popular lobby, and several good restaurants. I bet your mom would love it! It is the most expensive of the three Disney hotels, but the location cannot be beat!

Thank you so much for your reply! We looked at all three this morning and unfortunately cost is kind of a factor for us. Do you know if there is a big difference distance wise between the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel to the parks? I looked at the map and Paradise Pier looks pretty far away compared to the other two.

 

[sherilaine]

If you have never been to Disney, the maps can be deceiving. The DLH is at the very end of DTD and from my opinion the furthest from the entry gates. PPH, while on the map appears the furthest away, is just across the street from the GCH and you can enter DTD through the grand. If cost is a big issue, there are plenty of motels/hotels on Harbour which are much more affordable and some are closer than the other two on site hotels. Reading reviews on Trip Advisor can be a big help as people document their DLR vacations since I can't imagine many people staying on Harbour when they are not on a DLR trip.

This is a crude map to give you an idea - A = Disneyland Hotel, B = Paradise Pier, C = Grand Californian and D = hotels on Harbour. The yellow demonstrates only walking across the crosswalk into the DLR - it does not factor in how far up or down Harbour a motel is located.

 

[Jerryp49]

They sell out fast and may already be sold out , but Spring 2016 Dapper Days has discounted rooms , GCH for $ 259. DLH for $ 205 . and PP for $ 187. Dapper days convention rates are for the period between April 26 and May 7 2016. Also, discounts on admission tickets. 714-520-5005

 

[ADLFAN]

The DLH is beautiful, we stayed there on our first trip! I did find it a bit of a walk all the way through Downtown Disney to the parks. There was also the option of taking the Monorail into Tomorrowland from about halfway through DTD, but there was usually a wait and we were usually in a hurry! Also, I believe Disney has announced closure of the pools except for the slide at DLH for the Spring, so that might be a bummer. They will allow you to use the pools at GCH and that might be fun, but make for an extra crowded, less than relaxing environment!

DLH also has pretty good restaurants including the super fun Trader Sams Bar and attached restaurant and Steakhouse 55. The character meal restaurant, Goofy's Kitchen, is also going through a refurbishment and is relocated to the Paradise Pier Hotel for a bit.

For off site hotels, we have enjoyed the Fairfield Inn which was almost as comfortable as the DLH, minus the ambiance. There are several affordable restaurants in route to the park entrance, and many many hotel options on Harbor Blvd. I liked to go on Google maps and check out the view, then search for rates for interesting properties online. AAA will save you a few bucks usually.

 

[bwang123]

We have only stayed at Grand Californian but it was perfect for us. It is so close to the parks and downtown disney. One night, we had promised some kettle corn to our kid and was able to walk down from our room and grab some quickly in downtown ndisney. Everyone that worked in the hotel was extremely helpful and pleasant. We used the DCA entrance at park opening one morning and no one was in line. We walked right in to the site of a mad rush of people to Radiator Springs.

 

[azdisneylover]

As Jerryp49 suggested, getting the Dapper Days rate would be a good thing, especially to stay at the Grand Californian. With you being 7months pregnant and your mom battling cancer, the closer the better. When you are feeling run down, every step matters. With staying at the Grand Californian, your mom could rest in the lobby listening to the piano player for a bit. If she wanted to lay down, it is a very close walk to her room. Yes, the lobby is open to all, but it is nice to know, just a few steps and she could be in her room. (With help from CMs if necessary).

 

[Geemo]

For mobility issues, regardless of where your hotel is located look into an off-site agency for a rental scooter.
We have stayed at all three on-site properties as well as a few places on Harbor.

When budget is an issue we stay on Harbor. If you book real early, sometimes you can get a great nightly rate.
A three or four night stay on Harbor will generally equal one night on-site.

What are your dates?

 

[PrincessWish]

Thank you! Knowing that PPH is across the street from the GCH is very helpful. We have looked into off site properties but will be flying into town and without a car. Thank you for the excellent tips!

If you have never been to Disney, the maps can be deceiving. The DLH is at the very end of DTD and from my opinion the furthest from the entry gates. PPH, while on the map appears the furthest away, is just across the street from the GCH and you can enter DTD through the grand. If cost is a big issue, there are plenty of motels/hotels on Harbour which are much more affordable and some are closer than the other two on site hotels. Reading reviews on Trip Advisor can be a big help as people document their DLR vacations since I can't imagine many people staying on Harbour when they are not on a DLR trip.

This is a crude map to give you an idea - A = Disneyland Hotel, B = Paradise Pier, C = Grand Californian and D = hotels on Harbour. The yellow demonstrates only walking across the crosswalk into the DLR - it does not factor in how far up or down Harbour a motel is located.

 

[PrincessWish]

Thank you so much! This is so incredibly helpful. Those are great prices and I wish we could go then but we will be going in March once her treatments are over.

member: 294438"]They sell out fast and may already be sold out , but Spring 2016 Dapper Days has discounted rooms , GCH for $ 259. DLH for $ 205 . and PP for $ 187. Dapper days convention rates are for the period between April 26 and May 7 2016. Also, discounts on admission tickets. 714-520-5005[/QUOTE]

 

[PrincessWish]

Thank you for your advice! That is so sad about the pools closing and that was definitely one of the attractive features to staying on Disney property along with the close proximity to the parks. This definitely helps with the decision making too. Oh decisions!

The DLH is beautiful, we stayed there on our first trip! I did find it a bit of a walk all the way through Downtown Disney to the parks. There was also the option of taking the Monorail into Tomorrowland from about halfway through DTD, but there was usually a wait and we were usually in a hurry! Also, I believe Disney has announced closure of the pools except for the slide at DLH for the Spring, so that might be a bummer. They will allow you to use the pools at GCH and that might be fun, but make for an extra crowded, less than relaxing environment!

DLH also has pretty good restaurants including the super fun Trader Sams Bar and attached restaurant and Steakhouse 55. The character meal restaurant, Goofy's Kitchen, is also going through a refurbishment and is relocated to the Paradise Pier Hotel for a bit.

For off site hotels, we have enjoyed the Fairfield Inn which was almost as comfortable as the DLH, minus the ambiance. There are several affordable restaurants in route to the park entrance, and many many hotel options on Harbor Blvd. I liked to go on Google maps and check out the view, then search for rates for interesting properties online. AAA will save you a few bucks usually.

 

[PrincessWish]

Thank you! As I am reading these comments Grand Californian is looking better and better. That all sounds so convenient and perfect.

We have only stayed at Grand Californian but it was perfect for us. It is so close to the parks and downtown disney. One night, we had promised some kettle corn to our kid and was able to walk down from our room and grab some quickly in downtown ndisney. Everyone that worked in the hotel was extremely helpful and pleasant. We used the DCA entrance at park opening one morning and no one was in line. We walked right in to the site of a mad rush of people to Radiator Springs.

 

[PrincessWish]

Thank you! Those are some excellent points. I am pretty sold on Grand Californian right now even despite the higher cost. She has not been on a vacation in about 20 something years and I want to make this as magical as possible for her. I like your idea of her relaxing in the hotel lobby listening to the pianist. That sounds like something she would really enjoy.

As Jerryp49 suggested, getting the Dapper Days rate would be a good thing, especially to stay at the Grand Californian. With you being 7months pregnant and your mom battling cancer, the closer the better. When you are feeling run down, every step matters. With staying at the Grand Californian, your mom could rest in the lobby listening to the piano player for a bit. If she wanted to lay down, it is a very close walk to her room. Yes, the lobby is open to all, but it is nice to know, just a few steps and she could be in her room. (With help from CMs if necessary).

 

[PrincessWish]

Renting a scooter is going to be a must. I looked into several off site hotels but since we will be flying into town and without a car I thought it might be easier to stay on site. There are so many hotels to choose from. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide. We will be going the first weekend in March. I just want to make the experience as special and stress free as possible...Thank you for your advice

For mobility issues, regardless of where your hotel is located look into an off-site agency for a rental scooter.
We have stayed at all three on-site properties as well as a few places on Harbor.

When budget is an issue we stay on Harbor. If you book real early, sometimes you can get a great nightly rate.
A three or four night stay on Harbor will generally equal one night on-site.

What are your dates?

 

[Nonsuch]

...we will be going in March once her treatments are over.

We had a big family gathering at the Grand Californian for my mother-in-law, and called it "Chemo-Finito"
That was at least a decade ago, she is 95 now!

...I am pretty sold on Grand Californian right now even despite the higher cost...

The Grand is rather spread out, so request a room near the Napa Rose or Main Lobby elevators.
Napa Rose is adjacent to the hotel entrance to DCA, so overall the most convenient.
(There are also elevators in the VGC wing, but those are more distant)

 

[PrincessWish]

We had a big family gathering at the Grand Californian for my mother-in-law, and called it "Chemo-Finito"
That was at least a decade ago, she is 95 now!



The Grand is rather spread out, so request a room near the Napa Rose or Main Lobby elevators.
Napa Rose is adjacent to the hotel entrance to DCA, so overall the most convenient.
(There are also elevators in the VGC wing, but those are more distant)

I'm glad to hear your mother-in-law is doing well now...gives me hope

Thank you for the suggestion! That is good to know because it looked pretty spread out and I was worried about that! I am going to call tomorrow and see what they have available for our dates

 

[Geemo]

You can look online and get an idea of what they'll say when you call in the morning.

If the GCH is a challenge for the budget don't be afraid to stay on Harbor.
Scooter rentals in the area have free delivery/pick-up of their scooters.
The scooter will be nice going to and from the parks whether you're on-site or off.

Here's a map that you can check distances using the pointer. If you do stay on Harbor it will give you an idea of where places are located.
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=3...&m=h&gz=0;-1179189741;338091968;0;0;37549;665

This link will give you an idea of various places in the DLR area. Keep in mind IT'S an old thread
http://www.disboards.com/threads/walking-distance-hotel-list-w-discussion-details-of-hotels.2796786/

We usually take a taxi to/from the airport. Having a car isn't necessary for us once we are there.
The only time we have had a rental car is if we plan to side trip from DLR.

Good luck in your planning. The first week of March is too far away.

Geemo

 

[nolenbelledavis]

If you subscribe to orbitz you might have an email that allows you a % off at Grand Californian. They usually have the DL rates, plus 15% off or so (with a code). If you can swing it GC is literally attached to the California Adventure. The convenience is unbeatable!

 

[azdisneylover]

If you or your hubby belong to a union, or work for a big company, you might want to check with HR to see if they can get a discount on tickets and/or hotel room too. Good luck to you. I hope you can get a good rate to stay at the GCH. It is in a great location to everything.