WDW Vet going to DL - Hotel Question - DLH or PP

[tidefan]

We just added on to our DVC membership and received the 100 extra developers points that have to be used within 1 year. We have already been planning a trip to DLR for 4 nights (Sun-Wed) in mid-July before a conference that we have out there at the Hilton Costa Mesa. We have current reservations for the Hilton Garden Inn near the Embassy and Hyatt, but since we now have these extra points, we think that it might be a good use to stay at either Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier. I can get DLH for 24 points/night (96 total) and Paradise Pier for 23 points/night (92 total) -- GCH is a bit more points, so we've eliminated it. We also will have our Disney-loving DD who will be almost 5 at the time of that trip.

For someone who has only been to DL once, and that for a very quick day after a cruise back in 03 when my DW was pregnant and couldn't ride many of the rides, which would be better for a true first time experience?

Thanks!

 

[cirquelovers]

The Disneyland Hotel for sure. There is much more magic there. Even Tinkerbell has made her presence known in your room at DLH. I think the Mickey hand lamps are my fav. The pool is the best of the three and has wonderful theming, if that's a word),

 

[mareed]

The Disneyland Hotel for sure. There is much more magic there. Even Tinkerbell has made her presence known in your room at DLH. I think the Mickey hand lamps are my fav. The pool is the best of the three and has wonderful theming, if that's a word),

I agree! I think I've seen the points valued at about $10 each, so for $10 more per night the DLH wins out for sure!

 

[CoolPool]

Can't go wrong either way. If DD is a swimmer, then I'd say DLH. If she's not a great swimmer then the "no swim test required" pool slide at PP is great (but the pool is dull). DLH is closer to the Rainforest Cafe. DLH is a short stroll to the monorail if you don't feel like walking the brief walk to the park entrance. DLH has Goofy's kitchen, but PP has Lilo and Stitch if character meals matter. (The GCH has Chip/Dale/various Bears and Racoons and such). Overall I tip my hat to DLH, but PP has many fans.

 

[Sunobo]

We picked DLH because of the more Disney themed rooms. We're not sure when or if we'll make it back to DL so we wanted the whole Disney experience. The kids really loved the decor and the pool area.

 

[Quest4fun]

Celebrities choose the Disneyland Hotel for a very good reason. The rooms are very nice and the staff is first rate. It's still the best hotel to stay at. I think it's even better than the Grand Californian. Sadly, the Monorail doesn't stop at the Disneyland Hotel anymore but the station (at Downtown Disney) is very close.

Paradise Pier is overpriced and frankly it's in a strange location. It's not worth the price.

 

[mareed]

Sadly, the Monorail doesn't stop at the Disneyland Hotel anymore but the station (at Downtown Disney) is very close.

You know, I've been assured many times that the Disneyland Hotel hasn't moved, and the monorail station hasn't moved either. All that's happenned is that Downtown Disney was built between them! But, we stayed at Disneyland Hotel in Spring 2000 when DCA and Downtown Disney were under construction, and I'd swear the monorail station was AT the Disneyland Hotel then, which seems to be your thinking too! There must have been a walkway or something that made it seem to be at the Disneyland Hotel, but as I said, I've been assured that the monorail station is in the exact same place it's always been.

If you stay at Disneyland Hotel and are going to the park for Early Entry or Magic Morning as I think it's called now, don't use the monorail because I believe you'll arrive after others entering at the main park entrance. The monorail can be useful if returning mid-day for a break, but we usually just walked through Downtown Disney.

 

[Aurora1959]

You know, I've been assured many times that the Disneyland Hotel hasn't moved, and the monorail station hasn't moved either. All that's happenned is that Downtown Disney was built between them! But, we stayed at Disneyland Hotel in Spring 2000 when DCA and Downtown Disney were under construction, and I'd swear the monorail station was AT the Disneyland Hotel then, which seems to be your thinking too! There must have been a walkway or something that made it seem to be at the Disneyland Hotel, but as I said, I've been assured that the monorail station is in the exact same place it's always been.

If you stay at Disneyland Hotel and are going to the park for Early Entry or Magic Morning as I think it's called now, don't use the monorail because I believe you'll arrive after others entering at the main park entrance. The monorail can be useful if returning mid-day for a break, but we usually just walked through Downtown Disney.

You're not alone - I swear it moved too. Of course, my memory is from when I was 9 and we drove into the parking lot at the DH to go to a lunch there. I clearly remember standing in a parking lot, right there next to the road, with the hotel like right there, and the monorail station right there too.

Maybe the road moved? Maybe the East facing tower was a little farther away than I remember. I was only 9 and didn't exactly tell myself, remember this moment because later on you might need to know everything about it.

 

[Amy&Dan]

DLH for sure. I too am a DVC member who uses points at DLR and WDW and due to the lovely grounds, pool area, large rooms and dning options, the DLH offers me the best for points value and overall experience. And I also prefer it to GCH. GCH is lovely and in some ways the most deluxe, but given the age of your daughter and for your first trip go with the DLH and save some points in the process!

You will really enjoy the DLH on points, its nice not to have to pay any taxes or the daily resort fee (which inclues free wifi service and health club access) and you also get daily maid service unlike when you stay at a DVC resort. Have a great trip!

 

[safetymom]

We just booked a stay at DLH. Stayed at PP before and wasn't impressed. I'll report back how our stay was.

 

[keishashadow]

We're trying DL in June don't wait too long to book, i waivered last year and the last week of June -standard @ DLH & PP was gone by spring trying to book on points

 

[trodrigue]

Does anyone know how many points it would be to stay at DLH in the off season vs. mid July?

 

[Aurora1959]

Does anyone know how many points it would be to stay at DLH in the off season vs. mid July?

In 2008:

Dates/Days/Standard View/Premium View/Concierge

Super Value Season
Jan 6th - Feb 16th or Aug 31 - Sep 27
Sun-Th 18/20/33
Fri-Sat 29/33/53

Value Season
April 13 - June 21 or Sept 28 - Nov 22 or Nov 30 - Dec 20
Sun-Th 19/21/34
Fri-Sat 30/34/54

Reg Season
Feb 17 - March 15 or March 30 - April 12 or June 22 - Aug 30
Sun-Th 24/28/42
Fri-Sat 38/46/67

There is also a Peak season which includes New Year's, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The points for this are an average of 2 to 4 pts more for each category above the reg season.

 

[minniecarousel]

DLH has perfect Disney theming, especially for kids! DH & I are staying there in mid-June, but we're at GCH this week. We love the Grand, but it is a lot more points. I don't think we'll choose to stay at the PP - just doesn't seem Disney enough.

 

[tidefan]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Got our DLH reservations done today for July. 96 points (24 x 4 nights) doesn't seem too bad. I am thrilled to be staying on-site...

BTW, DD4 doesn't know about this trip yet, only that we are going to a conference. However, she does know that Cinderella "lives" in Florida and Sleeping Beauty "lives" in California, so I think that we'll tell her as we get off of the plane and see the Disneyland Express bus pull up...