Is it worth it to stay at a Disney resort in the winter? UPDATED 8/6/07

[disney-super-mom]

So, if you could get a deal to stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel in Jan. or Feb. for $150 per night, would you do it, even if it could be too cold to use the pool or pool slide?

I'm only asking because the only reason we stay at the Disney hotels is for the pools and pool slides. But, during the winter when it may be too cold to use the pools, I'm wondering if it would make better sense to stay across on Harbor somewhere and save a little money? I'm sure we could get a great Entertainment book rate at HOJO, or even just get a great off season rate at any of the motels on Harbor.

Of course I'm sure if we booked at a motel on Harbor, it would end up being 75 or 80 degrees everyday during our vacation! You know how things like that happen, right?!:rolleyes:

So, any opinions on this?

[DisneyloverinWA]

I always want to stay at the Disney properties, but when I price them out against the Good Neighbor hotels, I can never justify it. Also, the kids always want to spend all the time in the park, especiallky in winter when the parks close earlier. I vote for staying offsite and spending your money on other fun things.

DisneyloverinWA

[Fellowship9798]

I would have to vote for staying off site as well. The premium cost for the Disney hotels in DL is just too much for me.

But once they build a DVC there, then I'm done with Harbor Blvd. for sure.

[godalejunior]

We stayed at DLH in Jan. and early Feb. this last year and had a great time and it was worth it to us. It was our first time to DL as a family and we loved having Goofy's right there and used the monorail everyday to get to and from the park. DS still takes a nap in the afternoon and this worked out great for us. We also did swim in the pool which proved to be one of his favorite things to do while we were there, swimming by Tick Tock.
We stayed off site in May and did not enjoy the room anywhere near the experience of being on site. We decided as long as we can afford it when we go as a family it will be on site. They also had the AP rates going during some of Jan and Feb last year which makes it a lot more feasible to do on site. I believe DLH was around $169 a night if I remember correctly.

[stampinshauna]

We've stayed at the GCH in December and at the DLH in both Jan & Feb. While I didn't swim a whole lot, I did use the hot tub quite a bit. The weather can really vary and the pools are heated, so depending on what you consider warm you may still want to swim.

[drag n' fly]

I would have to vote for staying off site as well. The premium cost for the Disney hotels in DL is just too much for me.

But once they build a DVC there, then I'm done with Harbor Blvd. for sure.

Us Too! The minute DVC has a home resort there...sign me up! Dh is THIS close to buying DVC anyways but I would love my home to be at DL! We are staying onsite for the first time this fall after getting spoiled and staying onsite in WDW. Calling the GC home would be divine!

[NVDisMom]

We stay at GCH in Dec and swim everyday. If you get to chilly, go hop in the hottub. The kids wouldn't dream of missing out on swim time, no matter the weather. But there is so much more to onsite than just the pools. On site is always our first choice.

[bumbershoot]

I'm quite sure I would swim, even in January. I grew up in the Bay Area, and we swam even in the winter...So CA is warmer in general, so I'd definitely swim there.

It's going to be warmer than Spokane, that's for sure!

Now, while Im not 100% I would want to swim up on the roof of PP, as a PP guest you can use the DLH pool, and I'd probably use THAT instead. :)

$150 for PP? I wanna know where you're booking!!!

[disney-super-mom]

I know this is weird to say, but we like the PP pool set up better than the DLH pool set up. LOVE LOVE LOVE the theming of the DLH pool and the GCH pool, but for younger kids, the PP pool slide and wading pool area is set up just perfect for kids who aren't strong swimmers yet (as well as for tired parents who don't want to run around after their kids at the pool because their feet are killing them from walking around the parks all day).;)

The kids can go down the slide and in and out of the wading pool (conveniently located right next to the slide) all on their own. No swimming required. Also, we've found the PP pool to be much warmer than the DLH pool, probably because it's smaller and easier to heat. However, in the summer I hear the PP pool can get almost too warm, more like a bath, so it wouldn't be very refreshing during that time of year.

The $150 rate is really a breakdown of the 4 night Costco travel package quote I got for January.

After I subtracted out our 5 day park hoppers (for the 4 of us)
and the cost of the included Character breakfast (for the 4 of us)
and the included $150 gift card
and the included $20 gift card

the nightly rate ended up being about $150 per night (and that's including tax I believe.)

Anyway, we're struggling with deciding whether to go to DL or WDW in January. On average, Orlando January temps are 5 degrees warmer than Anaheim. Not sure if that would make much of a difference or not?:confused3

[bumbershoot]

That's good to know about the PP pool being better for younger swimmers.

I was only thinking DLH b/c any wind-chill factor would be less. :)

Ah, the costco package. We're upgrading to APs on this trip, so the package wouldn't work for us. :(

$150 gift card? They're giving a $150 giftcard now? Yowza. Is that a Costco gc or a Disney gc (I'm assuming the $20 is Disney and $150 is Costco)?

[disney-super-mom]

You would think that it would be a $150 Costco gift card, but it's not.:)

With the package, you get a $20 Disney gift card, and a $150 Disney gift card. That could pay for our food for a couple of days.:thumbsup2

[heatherleigh]

We prefer on campus, but not for the ammenities like pool and spa. We have 3 kids under the age of 6, so it is in our best interest to stay within walking distance from the hotel. This will be helpful if we have to leave the park at the spur of the moment for any accidents or meltdowns. The last time we went, I didn't even check out the pool or spa. This time, I plan on it though. I hope Paradise Pier's pool is heated.

[ACDSNY]

Once we could afford to stay on-site (around 1999) we never went back to off-site hotels. We like to stay within the Disney magic for the whole trip.

By the way, the rumors are getting more active for GC DVC...two building permits have been found this week. Hope the speculation is correct!!!

[disney-super-mom]

Once we could afford to stay on-site (around 1999) we never went back to off-site hotels. We like to stay within the Disney magic for the whole trip.

By the way, the rumors are getting more active for GC DVC...two building permits have been found this week. Hope the speculation is correct!!!

That's the thing with us too. After staying on-site at the PP last October, I just don't know if we could do off-site again, even in January. That last trip was soooooo relaxing and laid back, and our room was large, clean, and cute, and staying in a place with room service was, well what can I say.....it was great! It VERY MUCH SPOILED US!

I felt the same way after staying at the DLH too! Then we stayed off-site again, and I kept asking myself "WHY?"!

We're so ready for them to start building a GC DVC!!! Where do we sign up?! Of course we'd have to sell our 2006 Keystone Outback camper trailer first, but let me tell ya, I'd rather go to DLR rather than camping (and so would my DH and little boys too)! I better start racking up our frequent flyer miles now so we'll be able to fly "home" A LOT!:rotfl:

[ACDSNY]

Of course we'd have to sell our 2006 Keystone Outback camper trailer first, but let me tell ya, I'd rather go to DLR rather than camping (and so would my DH and little boys too)

Yes, the trailer must go...you better start getting it ready.

I'd gladly sleep in a tent for our camping trips in order to have DVC. I'll be on :cloud9: if they announce GC DVC!

[disney-super-mom]

Well, I just couldn't do it.

I just couldn't plan a trip to DL/DCA in January (instructed to do so by my work obsessed DH)...especially not having park schedules, and because it could be cold and/or rainy. Who wants to go somewhere cold and rainy in the winter??? GIVE ME SUNSHINE!

So, I almost booked a trip to WDW for January...but...geeeeeez, we just really love many of the rides better at DL, and there's some new things for us to experience there (Nemo and Pirate's Lair), and our youngest (Luke, 4) is already 42 inches tall and will be able to ride many more rides at DL/DCA vs. WDW. Plus, DH wanted to wait another year before taking the kids alllllllll the way to WDW. (Oh, for crying out loud!)

He wants me to plan a Disney vacation for January, but he doesn't want to go ALL the way to WDW, where it's, you know....WARM?!!!

I couldn't TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!:headache:

I marched into my DH's office possessed by the evil Mickey Mouse spirit, my head spinning around, my eyes rolled back into my head, and I said in my best RedRum-ous voice, "If yooooooooooou want to go to DL instead of alllllllllllll the way to WDW, then weeeeeeeee are NOT going in January! Figure yourrrrrrrrrrrr schedule out for a trip sometime this fallllllllllll!:mad:

And guess what? He figured it out, and we are going to DL THIS FALL!:banana: (Damn, I'm good!):teeth:

I booked our trip, staying at the Paradise Pier October 30th - November 3, in a park view room! :cheer2:

I don't know what came over me, but if the Mickey Mouse spirit is the devil, then I guess I'm going to hell.:angel:

[JenDisneylandlver]

hehe Good for you! :) If we can afford it and get a good enough of a deal we always will pick staying onsite. So many perks, even beyond the pool. Were doing the GCH in October, and I'm planning a trip for next June as well. Thinking the June trip may be offsite, and it's going to be hard to do after getting so spoiled at the GCH. *sigh* Glad you got it all worked out!

[bumbershoot]

I'm glad you're going in the fall!

But this was us in Sept '05, it was COLD and rainy for half the day...so you'll have to be prepared anyway. :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7da34b3127cce83e772602c5400000016108CZMmjFq1bC

For our mid/late Sept trip this year, we're bringing that same poncho (and unseen Disney umbrella), b/c we don't want to spend another $30 like we did on that day! :)

[abookworm]

Where is the $150 GC deal? I don't see it anywhere on the Cosco site and it didn't show up when I went thru the process to book the same deal as you seemed to. Just curious-thanks.

[disney-super-mom]

Where is the $150 GC deal? I don't see it anywhere on the Cosco site and it didn't show up when I went thru the process to book the same deal as you seemed to. Just curious-thanks.

Hi there,

It was actually for the Paradise Pier Hotel (for a stay in January)

The cost that was quoted included: Room for 4 nights, park hopper tickets for everyone in our party, a character breakfast for everyone, a $150 Disney gift card (I think that's only offered for January & Febuary), and a $20 Disney gift card, and all taxes.

Once I subtracted out the cost of the tickets, character breakfast, and the gift cards, it came to about $150 per night for our room.

The package I 'DID' book for October ended up costing $178 per night (including tax) at the Paradise Pier, but it ended up being a little more because I booked a 'themepark view".:thumbsup2

Anyway, I'm sure a Costco package for the GCH would be much more. I remember checking, but I didn't write it down, so I don't know how much I was quoted. For now though, we're happy at the Paradise Pier.

Someday.......somedaaaaaaay.......we'll stay at the GCH (or buy into a DVC there).:cloud9:

[abookworm]

When I said $150 GC I meant GC= gift card not Grand Californian....

But thanks for the info...we're going in early Dec so thought I might get the same deal but since it's for Jan it's a mute point.
Hope you have fun in October!

[disney-super-mom]

When I said $150 GC I meant GC= gift card not Grand Californian....

But thanks for the info...we're going in early Dec so thought I might get the same deal but since it's for Jan it's a mute point.
Hope you have fun in October!

Ohhhhhh:rolleyes1 .....I must be on this site too much because when I see the letters GC, I automatically think "Grand Californian".:goodvibes

Thanks, and I hope you have a wonderful time in December! It's a beautiful time to be at the parks!:santa:

[ACDSNY]

I booked our trip, staying at the Paradise Pier October 30th - November 3, in a park view room! :cheer2:


I hope you'll snoop out some great news about GC DVC while you're there! Have a great trip!

Actually DL in the rain isn't that bad, I have a picture looking up Main St with only 10 people in it since it was raining. We completed the whole park in one day since there were no lines. Besides most of the rides are inside.

[DangerMouse]

I'm a little late coming to the party, but just wanted to let you know that Jan isn't always cold and rainy. We were there the second week of January this year and the temp was 85-89 degrees! We were HOT!

Anyway, have a lovely trip in October and enjoy the Halloween decorations.

[disney-super-mom]

Thanks ACDSNY and Danger Mouse!:flower3:

I'm sure we'll have a great time! I'm actually excited to see the parks go from Halloween to Christmas overnight. (I don't know if it happens that quickly, but I'm guessing it does happen fairly quickly.):)

[lulubelle]

We rarely swim either. I think the on sites are better for other reasons. But, I would never pay full rack rates. We do both on and off. It depends on our financial situation at the time.;)

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Where is the $150 GC deal? I don't see it anywhere on the Cosco site and it didn't show up when I went thru the process to book the same deal as you seemed to. Just curious-thanks.

I just looked at Costco and the $150 GC didn't show up for me either. The $20 GC showed up, but that's it. I was also looking to book in January... Oh well...Maybe too many people tried to book it so they did away with it?

[disney-super-mom]

I just looked at Costco and the $150 GC didn't show up for me either. The $20 GC showed up, but that's it. I was also looking to book in January... Oh well...Maybe too many people tried to book it so they did away with it?

I just checked, and they are still offering the $150 Disney gift card (plus the $20 Disney gift card).

The offer is good for reservations between Jan 7th - April 21, and you must stay a minimum of 4 nights at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels (which is kind of funny because you can't reserve more than 4 nights on the Costco/Disney travel site anyway :goodvibes ).

Also, you won't "see" the $150 Disney gift card offer until you actually put in all your info and get an actual quote. Then it will list what comes with your quoted package:

Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness
Disney Gift Card
Character Breakfast
$20 Disney Gift Card

Well, you see where it says "Disney Gift Card" with no $ amount in front of it? (second down on the list) Just click on it - that's the $150 Disney Gift Card.:thumbsup2

[SnackyStacky]

I'm quite sure I would swim, even in January. I grew up in the Bay Area, and we swam even in the winter...So CA is warmer in general, so I'd definitely swim there.

It's going to be warmer than Spokane, that's for sure!

Now, while Im not 100% I would want to swim up on the roof of PP, as a PP guest you can use the DLH pool, and I'd probably use THAT instead. :)

$150 for PP? I wanna know where you're booking!!!

WHOAH....is that only in the off season? Or under particular circumstances? I'd LOVE to try the Neverland Pool - but I thought pool hopping at the Disneyland resorts was just as taboo as at Walt Disney World.

[disney-super-mom]

WHOAH....is that only in the off season? Or under particular circumstances? I'd LOVE to try the Neverland Pool - but I thought pool hopping at the Disneyland resorts was just as taboo as at Walt Disney World.

I believe pool hopping is only allowed at the Disneyland Hotel pool and the Paradise Pier pool for Disney Resort guests.

No hopping allowed at the Grand Californian. Those pools are for the exclusive use of guests staying at the Grand Californian.:thumbsup2

[drag n' fly]

Well, I just couldn't do it.

I just couldn't plan a trip to DL/DCA in January (instructed to do so by my work obsessed DH)...especially not having park schedules, and because it could be cold and/or rainy. Who wants to go somewhere cold and rainy in the winter??? GIVE ME SUNSHINE!

So, I almost booked a trip to WDW for January...but...geeeeeez, we just really love many of the rides better at DL, and there's some new things for us to experience there (Nemo and Pirate's Lair), and our youngest (Luke, 4) is already 42 inches tall and will be able to ride many more rides at DL/DCA vs. WDW. Plus, DH wanted to wait another year before taking the kids alllllllll the way to WDW. (Oh, for crying out loud!)

He wants me to plan a Disney vacation for January, but he doesn't want to go ALL the way to WDW, where it's, you know....WARM?!!!

I couldn't TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!:headache:

I marched into my DH's office possessed by the evil Mickey Mouse spirit, my head spinning around, my eyes rolled back into my head, and I said in my best RedRum-ous voice, "If yooooooooooou want to go to DL instead of alllllllllllll the way to WDW, then weeeeeeeee are NOT going in January! Figure yourrrrrrrrrrrr schedule out for a trip sometime this fallllllllllll!:mad:

And guess what? He figured it out, and we are going to DL THIS FALL!:banana: (Damn, I'm good!):teeth:

I booked our trip, staying at the Paradise Pier October 30th - November 3, in a park view room! :cheer2:

I don't know what came over me, but if the Mickey Mouse spirit is the devil, then I guess I'm going to hell.:angel:


Well technically it is supposed to be sunny. The odds are better weather for sure in WDW but when we went this February we had to wear fleece coats and gloves for the first few days it was so cold...and were from Canada!:lmao: Our theory is the weather cannot be any worse than where we are coming from even if we have to sprint from the pool to the hot tub to warm up! :rotfl2:

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I just checked, and they are still offering the $150 Disney gift card (plus the $20 Disney gift card).

The offer is good for reservations between Jan 7th - April 21, and you must stay a minimum of 4 nights at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels (which is kind of funny because you can't reserve more than 4 nights on the Costco/Disney travel site anyway :goodvibes ).

Also, you won't "see" the $150 Disney gift card offer until you actually put in all your info and get an actual quote. Then it will list what comes with your quoted package:

Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness
Disney Gift Card
Character Breakfast
$20 Disney Gift Card

Well, you see where it says "Disney Gift Card" with no $ amount in front of it? (second down on the list) Just click on it - that's the $150 Disney Gift Card.:thumbsup2

Ahhh, I see. Thanks for posting. I guess it didn't show for me because I was punching in dates from January 3.
Thanks again...

[GailT]

:) we stayed last December and had good weather and between the pool and being so close to both parks DGC was the perfect hotel. :)

[minniecarousel]

Actually, we use our DVC at the Grand Californian. We bought Saratoga Springs last year and haven't yet gone to Florida. We have used it numerous times at the Grand Calif and even booked our DS and DDIL for the first few nights of the honeymoon there.

[SuzanneSLO]

Ah, the costco package. We're upgrading to APs on this trip, so the package wouldn't work for us. :(



Not sure about the Costco package but the Disney travel packages booked directly thru Disney or thru AAA are available for AP members. We booked at the DLH in 06 with 2 AP holders plus tickets for others in our party. We had to give them our AP numbers so that the tickets did not need to be included for 2 members of the party.

Also, the Ap rate special for this Fall at PP is $129 for standard view. When you add tax and resort fee it works out to about $150 per night.

--Suzanne

[disney-super-mom]

Yes, the trailer must go...you better start getting it ready.

I'd gladly sleep in a tent for our camping trips in order to have DVC. I'll be on :cloud9: if they announce GC DVC!

Just wanted to say.....WE SOLD THE TRAILER!:yay:

Now we just need a GC DVC. :hourglass popcorn::

[spokanemom]

Well technically it is supposed to be sunny. The odds are better weather for sure in WDW but when we went this February we had to wear fleece coats and gloves for the first few days it was so cold...and were from Canada!:lmao: Our theory is the weather cannot be any worse than where we are coming from even if we have to sprint from the pool to the hot tub to warm up! :rotfl2:

I too, am coming late to the party, but I wanted to second this. We were at WDW from Feb 1-12 this year and the first 6 days were not very warm at all. It was cold and drizzly. HOWEVER... a cold day at Disney is better than a cold day in Spokane!

Congrats on selling the trailer. It must be in the cards that DVC at DL is coming then!

[ACDSNY]

Just wanted to say.....WE SOLD THE TRAILER!:yay:

Now we just need a GC DVC. :hourglass popcorn::

That was a quick sell! Let's hope for an Oct announcement for GC DVC! The 3 building permits are making it look very promising. pixiedust:

[disney-super-mom]

Thanks spokanemom and ACDSNY!:)

Yep, it was a fast sale. Not sure why it sold so fast. I guess because it looks brand new and it sleeps 8 adults. The people buying it are actually from California.....maybe they'll camp in it while on a Disneyland vacation someday.:goodvibes

3 building permits huh? Hmmmmm, very interesting.:scratchin I will have to investigate while I'm there in October.:magnify:

[momshadow]

Hi,
Im coming in late on this thread. Just wanted to say what ever you do dont stay off sight if you dont have to. We went in April and got a great deal on Priceline for the Hyatt ( $50 ) we where thrilled. Long story short the hyatt looked worse than a Motel 6 sorry Motel 6. :headache: It was dirty, dirty, dirty. We spent most of our time waiting for the bus and then off to two more hotels then to DL. Anyway wont be doing that again. We where to buy into DVC in April but desided to wait, Im so glad we did! The news on the street is that there will be two hotels, but who know. Im hoping theres a chance we can buy into the resort when we are there in Nov.:dance3: