Disneyland Hotel vs. Grand Californian for first time Disneyland visit
 

Hi,

Our family 2 adults and 4 boys ages 12-16 are going to be staying one night in Disneyland before heading to Laguna Beach in a few weeks. This will most likely be our only trip to Disneyland.

Currently, we have 2 bedroom suite in Disneyland Hotel. We have the option to change to 1 bedroom suite at Grand Californian which is obviously smaller but closer to the parks and we only have Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday so want to maximize our park time. We could also book 2 separate rooms in the Grand Californian instead of one bedroom suite.

I am considering changing to the closer hotel, but am hesitant to let go of our 2 bedroom suite with the pools at DLH even though our time is limited. My OCD is in full force trying to make the best decision..

Main questions: How long is the DLH to the parks?
Will teenagers like the DLH pools and slide?
If you have stayed at either or both, what would you do in this situation?

Thank you for any tips or input!!

I have stayed at both and more than once. The GC isn't really that much further away although it does have that more or less "back entrance" to the park.

The two hotels are totally different in terms of style, etc. The kids may very well enjoy being in the "lodge" environment.

I suppose you will have time for the pools but even though the place is smaller in size than Orlando, I think there will be plenty to keep everyone occupied, pools or not.

Sorry, meant to say the Disneyland Hotel isn't that much further away from the entrance.

If it fits in the budget -- For me, the Grand Californian hands down.

From the GC you simply walk out the back door and you are in CA. From the DL Hotel you have to walk to either monorail station and wait for the next train into Tomorrowland (the only access into the parks from near the DL Hotel) or walk quite a long ways through all of Downtown Disney and the entrance plaza to get to CA or DL.

I really like the DL hotel and it is cheaper (stayed there just 4 months ago) but it really isn't all that convenient getting inside the parks.

I've stayed at the GC maybe 4 times and it is sooooo much more convenient.

BUT -- you have a large family and the two bedrooms may be worth the extra hassle . . .

We stayed at the Grand Californian with our extended family and found it so convenient to be there next to the park.

Location is not such a big thing for me- but given the choice, I'd pick GC. The hotel atmosphere/lobby is really cool- DH is more just a very well run hotel with "magic" touches- GC is all out themed and "fancier". (I've stayed at DL, visited GC- as GC is usually more than we want to spend).
Our teen enjoyed the pool- but given your limited time, I wouldn't even factor that in. I think we had time to hit the pool once in 4 days.