[Question] DLR hotels, worth it??

[1Disneylandfan]

Trying to plan a visit next month in November either 5th-8th or 12th-15th. I've always wanted to stay at an on-site property but have a hard time paying double to triple the price of off-site. The last 4 times I've gone in this last year I've booked through Priceline by bidding my price and always gotten 3.5 star properties and stayed at Hilton, Hyatt, Crowne Plaza, Marriott for $45 bucks a night or less each time. With two stays being on holiday weekends and getting those rates too.

I'm an AP holder so I know I can get discounted room rates. The lowest I've seen is $149 at PP, $159 at DLH & $239 at GCH. Is it really worth those prices? I know it's convenient to be that close and just walk 10-15 mins and be at the park. I hear and read alot of mixed reviews about the hotels and that they need a lot of renovating. At the current rates I've seen I would only stay in a standard view room. I guess I'm more afraid of paying so much more than off-site and then being disappointed and thinking its not any different as far as room comfort, size & amenities so why did I just spend all this money.

Any opinions, thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

[TDR_Fan]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

One of the biggest perks to staying at a Disney hotel (and how I justify the cost myself) is that the magic doesn't end when you leave the parks. Though I would argue that only the Grand Californian really delivers the complete themed experience, it's also quite a bit more expensive than the other two. If you are looking at this purely from a room/amenities perspective, than they (and especially GCH) would probably not be worth it considering a non-guest can use all the facilities minus the actual room (which itself is not a huge upgrade over lesser priced hotels). Don't get me wrong. The quality is definitely there, but it might not be worth that extra hundred or two if you're just looking for a place to rest and get to and from the parks.

[All4dISNEY]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

Location location location. Staying on property makes getting to/from the parks infinitely easier.

[1Disneylandfan]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

Location location location. Staying on property makes getting to/from the parks infinitely easier.

Years ago my travel agent told me that about location. Kinda makes me laugh to myself right now. ) She has told me that it isn't always worth saving the money to stay further away when you burn it in time instead to get to where you want to be. :bow:

I usually leave the park at mid-day for lunch and a nap and come back in the evening. I would say it takes me roughly 45 mins to an hour to drive from the hyatt area on harbor to get to the mickey and friends parking and then take the tram to security and then by the time i go through that and walk thru the turn stile its about roughly 45 mins or a bit more.

So yes I do think of the location and how much easier it is. No driving involved just walking the 10-15 mins to the park instead. :thumbup:

[1Disneylandfan]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

One of the biggest perks to staying at a Disney hotel (and how I justify the cost myself) is that the magic doesn't end when you leave the parks. Though I would argue that only the Grand Californian really delivers the complete themed experience, it's also quite a bit more expensive than the other two. If you are looking at this purely from a room/amenities perspective, than they (and especially GCH) would probably not be worth it considering a non-guest can use all the facilities minus the actual room (which itself is not a huge upgrade over lesser priced hotels). Don't get me wrong. The quality is definitely there, but it might not be worth that extra hundred or two if you're just looking for a place to rest and get to and from the parks.

I agree it is a cool thought when you return to your room and you can think to yourself that you are still "on-property". :yea:

Yes I don't spend a lot of time in my room but when I do I like something half way decent. I'm sure the quality of PP & DLH is no different than staying at the Hilton, Hyatt or Crown Plaza or any other hotel in that same category rating??

Is the walk from PP or DLH the same?? I've heard some say that PP is the farthest away. One person has said it is only a 200 yard difference between the two. Since I've never stayed I'm not able to picture the short cut walks people speak out as far as being able to walk to GCH and use the private entrance to get into the parks and being able to avoid the longer walk that the signs post and having you walk through DTD.

Also is their a resort fee or parking fee charged by DLR?

[CMHusband]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

I think its worth it (but then I didn't know you could get a nice hotel anywhere near DLR for $45- Really?) Not only do you never need your car again, but parking is free the entire time you are there (at least is was free at Disneyland Hotel) you can walk to Downtown Disney and both parks in a few minutes - Hotel guests also can take advantage of Magic Mornings which gets you into the park earlier than "regular" guests on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays...You really do feel like you are on vacation rather than waiting for and riding on shuttles or trying to drive your own car and park everyday. Your time is valuable, I say make the most of it. Grand Californian even has an entrance directly into California Adventure. and a side entrance that lets you out right into Downtown Disney.
If you're wiped out tired you can go and take an hour nap and not even feel like you left the park.

[1Disneylandfan]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

I think its worth it (but then I didn't know you could get a nice hotel anywhere near DLR for $45- Really?) Not only do you never need your car again, but parking is free the entire time you are there (at least is was free at Disneyland Hotel) you can walk to Downtown Disney and both parks in a few minutes - Hotel guests also can take advantage of Magic Mornings which gets you into the park earlier than "regular" guests on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays...You really do feel like you are on vacation rather than waiting for and riding on shuttles or trying to drive your own car and park everyday. Your time is valuable, I say make the most of it. Grand Californian even has an entrance directly into California Adventure. and a side entrance that lets you out right into Downtown Disney.
If you're wiped out tired you can go and take an hour nap and not even feel like you left the park.

Depends what you can consider close? Garden Grove hotels are about 10 min drive or less to Mickey & Friends parking structure. So i consider that close. But just my opinion.

Yeah really you can get it through Priceline bidding. I came earlier this year on Memorial Day weekend and stayed at the Hilton next to the convention center for $50 bucks a night. Came again 4th of July weekend and stayed at Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove for $43 bucks a night. Came weekend of August 13th-17th and stayed at Hyatt in Garden Grove for $41 bucks a night. The website betterbidding.com is invaluable. I stumbled across it earlier this year and did alot of reading to understand how Priceline bidding with name your own price works. Gave a wealth of info of the hotels in the Anaheim area and the star ratings amenities other peoples reviews and experiences, prices they paid for their rooms to know where to even begin at a bidding price. I'm coming again next month just before Thanksgiving weekend and will be there November 21st-27th. Got Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove for $47 a night. So now you can see why I have a hard time spending 3 times the money just to stay on-property.

I've never had a problem with driving to the Mickey & Friends parking structure, as a premium AP holder I don't pay parking. I already did when I got the pass. It would be nice to cut back on the amount of time with traveling from hotel to park turn stiles. But I think to myself is 3 times the money justifying that??

Right now trying to squeeze in another trip before the already scheduled one I have towards the end of November. Would go either 1st or 2nd weekend of November. Just considering staying on property and wanted to get other people's thoughts. In the end if I truly decide to add this trip I will probably stay on property just to have that experience at least once. My AP expires at the end of November so my family and friends think I'm crazy for how many times I've been in the last year. I was actually there last weekend during the craziness of crowds. Been 4 times this year already. I live up in the Bay Area of CA so have to drive down & back each time. It's usually 80 bucks or so in gas just to do that. Wished I lived in the L.A. area then you would probably see me there weekly.

Thanks for the replies so far. Would love more thoughts from others.

[CMHusband]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

Depends what you can consider close? Garden Grove hotels are about 10 min drive or less to Mickey & Friends parking structure. So i consider that close. But just my opinion.

Yeah really you can get it through Priceline bidding. I came earlier this year on Memorial Day weekend and stayed at the Hilton next to the convention center for $50 bucks a night. Came again 4th of July weekend and stayed at Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove for $43 bucks a night. Came weekend of August 13th-17th and stayed at Hyatt in Garden Grove for $41 bucks a night. The website betterbidding.com is invaluable. I stumbled across it earlier this year and did alot of reading to understand how Priceline bidding with name your own price works. Gave a wealth of info of the hotels in the Anaheim area and the star ratings amenities other peoples reviews and experiences, prices they paid for their rooms to know where to even begin at a bidding price. I'm coming again next month just before Thanksgiving weekend and will be there November 21st-27th. Got Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove for $47 a night. So now you can see why I have a hard time spending 3 times the money just to stay on-property.

I've never had a problem with driving to the Mickey & Friends parking structure, as a premium AP holder I don't pay parking. I already did when I got the pass. It would be nice to cut back on the amount of time with traveling from hotel to park turn stiles. But I think to myself is 3 times the money justifying that??

Right now trying to squeeze in another trip before the already scheduled one I have towards the end of November. Would go either 1st or 2nd weekend of November. Just considering staying on property and wanted to get other people's thoughts. In the end if I truly decide to add this trip I will probably stay on property just to have that experience at least once. My AP expires at the end of November so my family and friends think I'm crazy for how many times I've been in the last year. I was actually there last weekend during the craziness of crowds. Been 4 times this year already. I live up in the Bay Area of CA so have to drive down & back each time. It's usually 80 bucks or so in gas just to do that. Wished I lived in the L.A. area then you would probably see me there weekly.

Thanks for the replies so far. Would love more thoughts from others.

Hey, nice tip. Thanks! learn something new every day.

[Joshnyah]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

If you do end up staying at one of the resort hotels I truely suggest that you get the view room. I now stay at off site resorts I felt attached to the room after paying 140 a night at paradise pier, It was nice But all I really do in the room is sleep Im here for Disneyland.

[SCUBAbe]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

It's nice to stay on property or close to the parks, but no it's not worth it. The hotels you are booking through priceline are far nicer. I would rather stay in a really nice hotel room then to "feel magic", which I don't feel even in the disney hotel rooms.

If you stay at the PPH you are not that close to the parks. It is still a walk. The DLH is ok, but very dated. The hotel I do really enjoy staying at is ghc. That is the only one I feel is with it, but the most I have ever spent to stay there was $189.000 per night.

[SCUBAbe]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

I'm sure the quality of PP & DLH is no different than staying at the Hilton, Hyatt or Crown Plaza or any other hotel in that same category rating??

The Hyatt and crown Plaza are far nicer than PPH or DLH.

[Darkbeer]

Anaheim Hotels: Read Anaheim Hotel Reviews and Compare Prices - TripAdvisor

Garden Grove Hotels: Read Garden Grove Hotel Reviews and Compare Prices - TripAdvisor

[DisneyIPresume]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

I usually leave the park at mid-day for lunch and a nap and come back in the evening. I would say it takes me roughly 45 mins to an hour to drive from the hyatt area on harbor to get to the mickey and friends parking and then take the tram to security and then by the time i go through that and walk thru the turn stile its about roughly 45 mins or a bit more.

So yes I do think of the location and how much easier it is. No driving involved just walking the 10-15 mins to the park instead. :thumbup:

If you're staying on Harbor why are you trying to park in the structure? If you are able to find out if Pumbaa or Gardenwalk is open then park there. It will easily shave off at least 20 minutes and possibly up to 40 minutes if the structure is backed up.

I live in Newport Beach and if I am able to park in Pumbaa or Gardenwalk then I am inside the park in 35 minutes from when I leave my house. If I am forced to go to the structure that time increases to at least 45 minutes to about an hour.

[Darkbeer]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

If you're staying on Harbor why are you trying to park in the structure? If you are able to find out if Pumbaa or Gardenwalk is open then park there. It will easily shave off at least 20 minutes and possibly up to 40 minutes if the structure is backed up.

But why even move your car?

Almost all hotels have access to the ART system, runs about every 20 minutes, and takes you from your hotel straight to the Main Tram/Bus Loading area.

www.rideart.org

(Note, Disney refuses to allow ART to service the Disney owned Hotels, which IMHO is stupid, it would give guests an option, and I can draw up a ART Route that could easily service the three Disney owned hotels in a "loop" style route... Lion King Tram area - GCH - DLH - PPH - Lion King Tram area).

If you park at the Parking Structure, Pumbaa or AGW and take the Tram/Bus, you still have to deal with the loading and unloading of the tram/bus, plus have to deal with the waits at the Parking Toll Booths and trying to find a place to park.

When I stay at HoJo's, I don't bother with ART and just walk. I can be at the park in about 10 minutes if I don't stop for something to eat/drink on the way to the park.

[OldSchoolMickey]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

"DLR hotels, worth it?"

Yes, to us they are very much worth the price.

But what makes something "worth" it to us might not to you. Only you know your desire and budget.

We consider staying "on-property" part of our entire "Disney experience". We enjoy about four multi-day trips to the Resort each year and always stay in the Sierra Tower (they're calling it the Dreams Tower this week...) with a view of DTD and the infamous baseball diamond on top of the ESPN Zone! LOL

It's the same with membership in Club 33. Some folks would gasp at the thought of investing what is equivalent to the price of a small car into a club membership. But people still do! And plenty of them. Just look at the waiting list for new members...

We always receive excellent service and attention during our stays. Our room (we usually ask for and get the same room) is very comfortable and meets our needs.

Sure, there are plenty of cheaper places to stay while enjoying your trip to the Park. Personally, we avoid the roach-motels across from DL on Harbor like the plague (or should I say swine flu??? LOL). Yeah, a couple of them are OK, but we won't stay in any of them.

The Priceline deals are nice. About $50 a night for the Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree and the Crown Plaza are good deals. Some of them even have free shuttles to the Park.

And speaking of shuttles to the Park...

Almost all hotels have access to the ART system, runs about every 20 minutes, and takes you from your hotel straight to the Main Tram/Bus Loading area.

(Note, Disney refuses to allow ART to service the Disney owned Hotels, which IMHO is stupid, it would give guests an option, and I can draw up a ART Route that could easily service the three Disney owned hotels in a "loop" style route... Lion King Tram area - GCH - DLH - PPH - Lion King Tram area).

I'm sure Disney doesn't accept any of the ART buses because of their terrible (and well deserved) reputation. And I don't blame them. They are rarely on-time. They smell, they make way too many stops so they can shove even more cattle into them. They have a questionable safety record and for all that, you have to pay for them! LOL!

Yeah, the folks at Disney are "stupid"... Please... :lmao:



To the OP, when you review the advice about places to stay, don't take all of them to heart. Especially the ones from the folks that have never stay on property or from the folks that are disgruntled because the DLR Hotels won't comp them a room just because they claim to be "in the business", so they slam them every chance they get. LOL

Review the posts from the folks that actually stay on property and then decide for yourself if they are "worth it" or not.

[Darkbeer]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

Note, I have stayed at both the Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel multiple times, including "comp" stays. And I have visited multiple friends that have stayed at the GCH rooms. I KNOW what I am talking about...

I think the question is, what is the "Magic" is worth to you, and what is "Magic"? To me, it isn't worth much, I was at both the GCH and DLH today for photos...

As I said earlier, look at the TripAdvisor reviews, as far as I know, they have the LARGEST amount of reviews, and all three Disney hotels are not in the top 5, heck, the Disneyland Hotel (prior to the remodel) isn't even in the top 20, out of over 100 hotel/motels).

And why does Disney hire the original operators of the ART System, Coach America, to run the shuttle buses from Pumbaa, AGW and Buzz Lightyear??????

Took one today, clean, smelled good and efficient!

[jsdmn2]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

I have an 8 year old who crashes at night from all the running around we do in the parks, so being able to take the monorail to the DLH is sooo nice. Plus being in close proximity to the GCH entrance to DCA is great, too....

We tried staying at the Anabella last time (which is a really nice hotel for your money) but it was a little time consuming when you need to go back to the hotel in the middle of the day to rest up or nap. When the kiddo gets older we will definitely be staying off property more, but for now the convenience of an on property stay is something we just make a neccesary part of our DLR vacation.

[SCUBAbe]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

To the OP, when you review the advice about places to stay, don't take all of them to heart. Especially the ones from the folks that have never stay on property or from the folks that are disgruntled because the DLR Hotels won't comp them a room just because they claim to be "in the business", so they slam them every chance they get. LOL

Review the posts from the folks that actually stay on property and then decide for yourself if they are "worth it" or not.

I'm not sure who you are referring to, but I have stayed at all the disney hotels several times as well as all the hotels the OP mentioned from priceline. I ave never tried to get a room comped and I'm most defiantly not in the business.

People may not agree with your opinion that does not mena they have an ulterior motive. The DLH and PPH are not worth it IMO. I would rather stay at a nicer hotel.

[1Disneylandfan]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

It's nice to stay on property or close to the parks, but no it's not worth it. The hotels you are booking through priceline are far nicer. I would rather stay in a really nice hotel room then to "feel magic", which I don't feel even in the disney hotel rooms.

If you stay at the PPH you are not that close to the parks. It is still a walk. The DLH is ok, but very dated. The hotel I do really enjoy staying at is ghc. That is the only one I feel is with it, but the most I have ever spent to stay there was $189.000 per night.

Wow that's a pretty good rate only $189 per night for GCH. How did you manage that one & when? I kinda figured PPH is far away and I've heard so many ppl say how DLH is very dated and needs upgrading.

[CMHusband]

Re: DLR hotels, worth it??

I just stayed at Disneyland Hotel (DLH?) and I think they may have re-done it recently, it didn't seem aged at all. The rooms are really large most have two double beds and a third couch that turns into a bed. It was very nice.