We just returned from five nights at the DLH. I was concerned about how much farther it would be compared to the GC but we actually found that it seemed the same or shorter going from
Disneyland to your room at the DLH vs the GC.
The entrance is closer at the GC but you can have a long walk from there to your room. At the DLH if you have the adventure tower or even fantasy tower your room is very close to the entrance from downtown Disney.
GC is closer from DCA.
You didn’t mention what time of year you are going so I wanted to mention that at the DLH you walk outside uncovered around the property to trader sams, the other towers, etc. You also have to walk uncovered through the entire downtown Disney to get there unless you are taking the monorail.
The GC walkways are all covered which connects you to the large lobby, restaurants, bars, etc. It is also a shorter walk through downtown Disney to get to the covered area. This is beneficial if it is rainy, very hot, or Santa Ana winds.
Incase it matters to you the DLH lobby’s are small/more like sitting areas. They have really nostalgic detail but it is missing the grandness of the GC. You mentioned Animal Kingdom so I would compare Jamba house to GC with the grand lobby, I would compare the DLH to more of a value resort as far as the grandness of the hotel design. With each building being separate and having to walk outside to get places. (Not trying to put the DLH down I’m just trying to make a comparison of the hotel buildings).
The rooms at the DLH are full of magic and the property screams nostalgia.
Weighing all the pros and cons I would pick the DLH
if it was my first time at the Disneyland resort and I loved Walt.