lclark

We're planning a 3-day trip to Disneyland in Feb. (myself, hubby and 4-year old twins). It's a quick trip, and it's 'all about Disney' on this one, so I'd like to stay at a Disney hotel. The Grand Californian definitely sounds the nicest, but I think my kids would really like all the Disney-ish touches of Disney Hotel. But I keep reading about people who say DL is old and run down and that you have to walk quite a ways to get to Disneyland. By the same token, I've heard others say it's great. Help! Which is it? Would appreciate any advice.

Starbuck

Haven't been in the "old" hotel for a long time, the California is beautiful and new. I don't think its a long walk to the park, I think it is just outside, so I don't get what they mean by that. You might want to interview the employees and get their opinion, you might find someone willing to be upfront.

vegasnative

We stayed at the Disneyland hotel last year and it isn't a long walk (compared to those that stay off property and walk, and I have done this numerous times and that too isn't bad). You come downstairs from the hotel and walk through downtown Disney and your at the gates. THe Grand California is closer because you come out in the center of downtown Disney. I have even stayed at the Paradise Pier which is across the street from it all and I didnt' think that was a long walk either.
I did not get the feeling the hotel was "old" at all. Everything looks, feels new. The rooms are great, very clean, nice. I really enjoyed the Disneyland Hotel.

janisj

The Grand Californian has one entrance directly into CA Adventure - you don't have to go out through Downtown Disney.

But the Disneyland hotel is certainly convenient too.

If it fits in your budget - I'd always choose the Grand Californian first -- kids or no kids. But the Disneyland would be an OK 2nd choice.

dorkforcemom

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in October for 5 nights. The rooms were extremely disappointing. The decor was dated, faded, dirty, with a small, cramped bathroom that was depressing. When we first checked in, I thought perhaps it was just that particular room so we asked to be moved. The second room was the same way. I would highly recommend staying anywhere else. We travel quite a bit. This, by far, was the worst place we've stayed in many years.

trippinkpj

DH stayed at Paradise Pier 2 years ago. He said it was a decent and clean room. He was going to the Convention Center to a trade show, though they ate at Downtown Disney a couple of times. I think he said it was a 5 minute walk to DD.

dmc555

Grand Floridian, hands down. Nicest Disney hotel, and also very convenient. If you stay elsewhere, as long as you're within Disney, you can also take the tram. But, walking from the Grand Floridian is convenient.

janisj

dmc555: Uh - I think you are on the wrong coast. We are talking about DisneyLAND here . . . . .

trippinkpj

Hi Janis- LOL, I thought I was in the wrong post.

bashawdi

My family stayed at the Grand Californian about five years ago. It was quite easy and convenient to get into Disneyland.

The hotel was quite new, comfortable and gorgeous. You can request bunk beds for your twins. I have no idea how hard this is or what it may cost, as I'm assuming it's extra. As we didn't know this at the time and only have one child.

I have heard nice things about the older hotels as several friends that I know stay there as they like certain pools. Unfortunately, I don't recall which hotels.

I can't comment about the pool as we never got it. It was April and cold and rained often during our stay.

One other point that you may or may not know, The Grand Californian has daycare. We used this service one evening for a nice dinner out while our son played with other children.

Though, if you use it--I recommend that you fill out the paperwork in advance. As it wasn't a quick process.

Recommend you compare hotels at the Disney website.

mlgb

If you walk from the Disneyland Hotel to the Monorail station, you can access Disneyland without much walking. However there are a lot of people who know this trick to avoid the lines at the gates, so it can be quite a wait in line at the monorail. Grand California is next door to California Adventure and has an entrance directly into that park. I live locally so can't comment on the rooms.