10 Mths of WDW Planning leads us to~~DISNEYLAND!! Report Completed~Pic Heavy!!!

[Sherry E]

No, I've never stayed at the GCH, nor have I had any interest in doing so. The past couple Diva trips, I've had the opportunity to stay in the villas with groups of the ladies, but for many reasons.....I never took them up on doing so.

I remember hearing that the rooms seemed or were smaller, so for families, the rooms get pretty cramped.

I just filled out a survey regarding my stay at the PPH and I mentioned my concern that Disney is pricing themselves out of the average families budget. Not like my comment will make a difference.....but I felt very strongly about it so I at least feel better for saying so. I love the pier and the CM's are wonderful here. I would stay here every trip if I could.....but you end up paying at least twice as much a night for their rooms over the places on Harbor Blvd. I really hope Disney reevaluates all these price increases and look into what a family of 4 or 5 averages a year. Maybe they'd realize that these price increases are keeping families from coming. I really don't think Disney wants to be known as the elite parks for the rich. I'm sure Walt would be shaking his head in shame.

It worries me because this is OUR outlet, the thing that keeps us sane thru the rough times. Our "bonus" money and large tax refunds are going to stop and then we won't be making anymore trips as a family. Sad, sad, sad.......... When I bought my first Premium AP in 2009 it ran me $399 and 3 yrs later, I'm paying $649. That's just ridiculous!

I know what you mean, Laurie. It's my outlet too - many people I know don't understand it because it's not their outlet. They have other outlets!

At least the GCH villas have some space to move around, I would hope. Those standard rooms are just too cramped (and dark).

I just filled out that same survey! Did you fill out the comment card in your room? From what I have observed over the years, they seem to send the online survey if the guest has taken the time to fill out the comment card. When I have forgotten to fill out the card, I didn't get a survey.

In any case, I can't recall what my exact comment was but I believe that I, too, managed to get in a comment about the price of the hotels. (It is an important thing to mention, whether Disney takes action on it or not.)

Here is the 'thing' about the PPH. WE know the secret. You and I know that the PPH gets a bad rap because of its supposed 'distance' from the parks, which is silly. You and I know that it is probably an underrated hotel by most of the people on the DIS. Only in the last year or so have I noticed that other folks are suddenly starting to 'discover' OUR hotel! No one ever wanted to stay at the PPH in the past, and now they do. (Maybe we should be talking about how awful a place the PPH is?)

So, of course, with the increased bookings and desire to stay there Disney decides, "Hey! Let's jack the prices way up and eliminate any good discounts and PIN codes over time."

So, what ends up happening is that, although the PPH is an underrated hotel in the eyes of many DLR visitors, it is now so expensive to stay there that the price is much higher than what the PPH is actually worth. The price hikes are not commensurate with what that hotel has to offer, the size of the property, etc.

Disney is getting ahead of themselves in their price increases. The PPH should be a moderate price. Not budget, necessarily, but not deluxe either. It is not big enough to be that expensive. The GCH and the DLH are more in the "resort hotel" category, and they are larger properties, whereas the PPH is pretty basic and simple, with not much to it.

I don't expect Disney to charge $75 per night for the PPH, of course. But I also don't think they should be charging close to $300 per night (without discounts), and they shouldn't be charging anything over $175 per night with discounts (in my opinion).

 

[PHXscuba]

Laurie, I appreciate you mentioning that the PPH has the World of Color audio on the TV. If we are lucky enough to get upgrade to a room on the theme park side, we'll definitely be doing this!

I agree what you and Sherry both said about the PPH almost becoming too popular for its own good. We are staying there in March because the DLH only had premium rooms left that were $150 more than the already-inflated price I am paying at PPH (times two). I think people who want to stay on property are gravitating to the PPH when the check the prices and see that it has the same benefits like EMH, but at a slightly lower price. I am hoping the larger rooms are a bonus when we stuff the four kids into one of them!

PHXscuba

 

[DizNee Luver]

I know what you mean, Laurie. It's my outlet too - many people I know don't understand it because it's not their outlet. They have other outlets!

At least the GCH villas have some space to move around, I would hope. Those standard rooms are just too cramped (and dark).

I just filled out that same survey! Did you fill out the comment card in your room? From what I have observed over the years, they seem to send the online survey if the guest has taken the time to fill out the comment card. When I have forgotten to fill out the card, I didn't get a survey.

In any case, I can't recall what my exact comment was but I believe that I, too, managed to get in a comment about the price of the hotels. (It is an important thing to mention, whether Disney takes action on it or not.)

Here is the 'thing' about the PPH. WE know the secret. You and I know that the PPH gets a bad rap because of its supposed 'distance' from the parks, which is silly. You and I know that it is probably an underrated hotel by most of the people on the DIS. Only in the last year or so have I noticed that other folks are suddenly starting to 'discover' OUR hotel! No one ever wanted to stay at the PPH in the past, and now they do. (Maybe we should be talking about how awful a place the PPH is?)

So, of course, with the increased bookings and desire to stay there Disney decides, "Hey! Let's jack the prices way up and eliminate any good discounts and PIN codes over time."

So, what ends up happening is that, although the PPH is an underrated hotel in the eyes of many DLR visitors, it is now so expensive to stay there that the price is much higher than what the PPH is actually worth. The price hikes are not commensurate with what that hotel has to offer, the size of the property, etc.

Disney is getting ahead of themselves in their price increases. The PPH should be a moderate price. Not budget, necessarily, but not deluxe either. It is not big enough to be that expensive. The GCH and the DLH are more in the "resort hotel" category, and they are larger properties, whereas the PPH is pretty basic and simple, with not much to it.

I don't expect Disney to charge $75 per night for the PPH, of course. But I also don't think they should be charging close to $300 per night (without discounts), and they shouldn't be charging anything over $175 per night with discounts (in my opinion).

I didn't fill out the comment card....but glad they sent me the online one.

I totally agree that they need to bring the price back down. They don't have the beautiful grounds that the DLH offers or the grandiour (I don't know how to spell this word) of the GCH. The Grand should be the top dog, DLH as the moderate and the PPH more of the "budget" without being like the WDW budget prices. It's worth more than that I believe. The price increases goes back to the big wigs at DL wanting to be like WDW......problem is......that can't happen with the limited space they are dealing with and the close proximity of all the other hotel/motels and restaurants all within walking distance of the park. I would have no problem paying the PPH $175 a night vs staying across the street for $100. Too me, staying onsite would be worth the extra cost for the perks and the customer service.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Laurie, I appreciate you mentioning that the PPH has the World of Color audio on the TV. If we are lucky enough to get upgrade to a room on the theme park side, we'll definitely be doing this!

I agree what you and Sherry both said about the PPH almost becoming too popular for its own good. We are staying there in March because the DLH only had premium rooms left that were $150 more than the already-inflated price I am paying at PPH (times two). I think people who want to stay on property are gravitating to the PPH when the check the prices and see that it has the same benefits like EMH, but at a slightly lower price. I am hoping the larger rooms are a bonus when we stuff the four kids into one of them!

PHXscuba

Make sure if you do get the upgrade that you check for the fireworks from your room. Not all rooms will be blocked by the pillars on the building. Our room was right next to one of them, that is why our view was partially blocked.

They do the WoC and fireworks on simulcast and also have a Disney Resort info channel and a channel for princess bedtime stories.

Right now with the 3 hotels offering the EMH everyday of your stay is what probably is keeping the rates higher. People will pay more to stay onsite (which means, most will go with the cheapest of the 3) to get that perk.....especially with the popularity of CarsLand and Radiator Springs Racers. I believe there was an "end" date for the everyday early entry......but I could be mistaken.

 

[Trentmom]

I love love all your PPH pics. I never realized how nice and pretty it is. Your view is gorgeous. How cool you can see World of Color from your room and have sound through your tv. That is so cool

Your pics of Tyler's girlfriend are funny and Tyler too with his hands up in one pic and all their funny faces

Glad Anthony's sickness was short lived

Question. I know at disney world, pool hopping is not allowed except for DVC members for most DVC Resort pools, with a few exceptions.

However, at DL, are you allowed to pool hop? The slides look so cool at DLH

 

[DizNee Luver]

I love love all your PPH pics. I never realized how nice and pretty it is. Your view is gorgeous. How cool you can see World of Color from your room and have sound through your tv. That is so cool

Your pics of Tyler's girlfriend are funny and Tyler too with his hands up in one pic and all their funny faces

Glad Anthony's sickness was short lived

Question. I know at disney world, pool hopping is not allowed except for DVC members for most DVC Resort pools, with a few exceptions.

However, at DL, are you allowed to pool hop? The slides look so cool at DLH

I think part of what makes the PPH so special IS being able to see the Paradise Pier area of DCA and watching the World of Color from our rooms. We watched is every night and on the weekend nights it ran twice and we watched it both times.......lol

Derek and Derek's girlfriend........

Anthony occasionally gets over excited and then throws up. I think this was the case that night. We were finally at Disneyland and getting to see Derek after a 6 month absence (plus being a tad tired) contributed to his tummy issues that night.

As far as I understand.....you aren't allowed to pool hop unless the pool at your hotel is closed for renovations.

 

[nwdisgal]

Disney has overpriced their DL resorts. I agree with you gals that they are riding off the laurels of Cars Land. At the end of the day it is all about supply and demand and as their core audience drops off in attendance they will have to adjust or lose market share.

We recently went to Disney's Aulani with my DD to celebrate her 21st birthday and while it was very beautiful, it was also seriously overpriced. They charge an extra $100 a night now for an extra adult in the room. I could go on and on And we weren't even there in peak season I haven't filled out their survey yet. They probably won't like what I have to say - lol.

Laurie, I am with you. I like more comfort food type places. Disney is foo fooing their menu at the PPH so they can charge more for the food too

Well on an up note, it was fun seeing Shy enjoy her GF spaghetti. I love that Disney has so many options for those with special dietary needs. Two in my family that have to be completely GF and then DD has a super restricted diet. So it is nice to have options!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Disney has overpriced their DL resorts. I agree with you gals that they are riding off the laurels of Cars Land. At the end of the day it is all about supply and demand and as their core audience drops off in attendance they will have to adjust or lose market share.

We recently went to Disney's Aulani with my DD to celebrate her 21st birthday and while it was very beautiful, it was also seriously overpriced. They charge an extra $100 a night now for an extra adult in the room. I could go on and on And we weren't even there in peak season I haven't filled out their survey yet. They probably won't like what I have to say - lol.

Laurie, I am with you. I like more comfort food type places. Disney is foo fooing their menu at the PPH so they can charge more for the food too

Well on an up note, it was fun seeing Shy enjoy her GF spaghetti. I love that Disney has so many options for those with special dietary needs. Two in my family that have to be completely GF and then DD has a super restricted diet. So it is nice to have options!

Aulani is REALLY expensive!! I was doing the Disney Travel thing for a while and I did one quote for Aulani and I almost passed out!!

They are going more foo foo on their menus.....even Hungry Bear went more uppety and my older boys aren't thrilled with the new menu. I love the fried green tomato sandwich. But when even the counter service menus are getting fancy.....it starts taking the "idea" of fast food/counter service off as a choice for families wanting to eat cheap at the parks. We thought about eating at Flo's Diner (counter service) but the menu choices and prices didn't seem like fast food to us.

The chefs at all the restaurants were so good in putting together meals for Shyann and most of the time, they didn't charge us!!

 

[Trentmom]

I think part of what makes the PPH so special IS being able to see the Paradise Pier area of DCA and watching the World of Color from our rooms. We watched is every night and on the weekend nights it ran twice and we watched it both times.......lol

Derek and Derek's girlfriend........

Anthony occasionally gets over excited and then throws up. I think this was the case that night. We were finally at Disneyland and getting to see Derek after a 6 month absence (plus being a tad tired) contributed to his tummy issues that night.

As far as I understand.....you aren't allowed to pool hop unless the pool at your hotel is closed for renovations.

That view really is gorgeous

UGh. I always confuse them...sorry..

aww. I bet he was very excited with all that was going on

Okay...Thanks for the info

 

[DizNee Luver]

That view really is gorgeous

UGh. I always confuse them...sorry..

aww. I bet he was very excited with all that was going on

Okay...Thanks for the info

No problem.....just correcting you just in case Ty gets on here to read.....lol


Tyler used to have the same issue of Anthony when he got overly excited. Now all the kids and Mike have an issue with nausea when they get overly tired.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Monday, December 10~~our first park day!!!!

The kids getting ready to head out and Anthony decided he wanted a pretty Minnie in his hair too!

While everyone finished up getting ready to go......I took the opportunity to take a couple pictures of the gingerbread Derek brought me from WDW. He had gone to the Grand Floridian to see the giant Gingerbread house and picked me up some to try. (unfortunately, we never did so during the trip and when Mike & I went to try it at home.....it was STALE and nasty, dried out but soft.....ick)

We headed out and made it as far as the lobby......look who was coming out!!

So the kids made a visit to Santa.

I was disappointed it wasn't the same guy I saw here last year. He was so good and.....well.......Jolly!! This guy was.....ehhhhh, alright....not great.

We made our way outside and cut through the GCH to Downtown Disney and then through security into the Disney Esplanade area.

We had arrived!!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

We made our way through the turnstiles of Disneyland and half of us headed to City Hall/Guest Services to get GAC (Guest Assistance Cards) for the twins while the other half went with Mike and looked around Main Street.

The bulk of area in front of the Main Street Station was taken over for the nightly Candlelight Processional set up. It had light poles, podiums, risers, chairs, benches, roped off areas and lots of poinsettias, that during the performance was probably beautiful.....but during the day.....it was kinda "IN YOUR FACE" and intrusive. Mike missed being able to see the train station.

Cruella deVil walked by and was disgusted by Addy's Minnie Mouse shirt, so she decided to hide it (and Addy)!

More pics from Main Street:

Addy always willing to do her part by posing for the camera.....lol

We met back up and started towards Carnation Cafe for our breakfast reservation.

While I was checking in our family for breakfast, Oscar came out. He was telling me he just got back from a 30 day break. He was home caring for his wife that has cancer. He said he missed being here. He truly is the sweetest man ever!!

A couple more pics while we waited to be seated.

The Carnation Cafe underwent a big remodel and now offers inside seating as well as their original outside dining. We opted for the outside dining since we could be seated quicker with a group our size.

 

[DizNee Luver]

We were seated dead center of the outdoor seating area.......fingers crossed that the twins do good.....I'm so used to being in a corner so we don't bother other people......lol

The Menu:

Hot Cocoa:

Shyann had the yogurt parfait minus the granola.

Addy had a traditional breakfast:

Anthony had the Mickey waffles

Ally & Tyler had the Huevos Rancheros:

Derek had the Apple Granola Pancakes:

I had the Spinach & Tomato Egg White Frittata:

Mike had Oscar's Choice:

The food was ok, but not as good as it's been in the past. I think they've altered Oscar's Potatoes Recipe.....they just weren't as tasty.

Shy attacking her huge parfait.....she loved the bananas but wasn't a fan of the berries in it.

Michayla playing quietly with a spoon.

I didn't have to worry about being seated in the middle of everyone....the twins did fine and when it was time to leave.....was the only time Michayla started squawking.

Our meal for 8 people ran us just short of $90.00 I'd still return to try again....this has always been a favorite breakfast spot and hope we were there on a bad day.

I ran across to the Photo Shop to pick up my Photopass+ Card and then we headed back up towards the train station.

 

[Trentmom]

Cute picture with Santa

Loved what Cruella did to Addy

Sorry breakfast was not as good as it normally is, but it really looked good

can't wait for more

 

[DizNee Luver]

Cute picture with Santa

Loved what Cruella did to Addy

Sorry breakfast was not as good as it normally is, but it really looked good

can't wait for more

Addy meets up with Cruella again on a different day and she remembers her!! lol

I liked my frittata but the potatoes weren't as yummy as they had been on prior trips. Mike said his breakfast was just ok. Tyler was mad that they revamped their menu too and dropped the eggs benedict off the menu. This was his favorite place to get that meal.

 

[kelmac284]

Loving the report so far.

So funny about the gingerbread. We bought some for the girls when we were there last time and then they didn't eat it because it was nasty. And it was NOT cheap either.

That place is fun to go and visit but not worth buying the gingerbread LOL.

Bummed I won't see the rest of your report before I go. Have been really loving reading it and getting excited for our trip. Guess I will have to catch up when I get back. You have us all hanging by a thread waiting for the next update! You should be an author you'd make millions LOL

 

[heaven2dc]

I am loving your TR so much - the twins are so adorable! The hot cocoa looks delicious! and Shyann's yogurt parfait too! oh and Oscar's Choice Breakfast - they all look so good. Too bad the food didn't taste as good as your last time. The prices are really good considering it's Disney too.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Loving your report so far Laurie. The views in your hotel room looked awesome! And breakfast looks so yummy. I really like the look of the yogurt parfait, and Dillon likes that Ranchero thing. But it all looks so good!

Too bad about the train station being covered up like that, but I bet it was really nice at night during the show.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Loving the report so far.

So funny about the gingerbread. We bought some for the girls when we were there last time and then they didn't eat it because it was nasty. And it was NOT cheap either.

That place is fun to go and visit but not worth buying the gingerbread LOL.

Bummed I won't see the rest of your report before I go. Have been really loving reading it and getting excited for our trip. Guess I will have to catch up when I get back. You have us all hanging by a thread waiting for the next update! You should be an author you'd make millions LOL

It was so stale.......I gag just thinking about it......lol

You will need to get to the parks early, today there were no new entries by 3pm!! YIKES!!!!!! I hope you have a great time and I hope Katie's birthday is wonderful!!!!

I'm horrible at writing. I write in my style but believe me, when I was in school.......I had really bad grades!! lol But thanx for the vote of confidence!!

I am loving your TR so much - the twins are so adorable! The hot cocoa looks delicious! and Shyann's yogurt parfait too! oh and Oscar's Choice Breakfast - they all look so good. Too bad the food didn't taste as good as your last time. The prices are really good considering it's Disney too.

Thank You!!! That parfait is huge and filled with bananas and fresh berries......pretty good!! Carnation Cafe prices is good for Disney.....but we noticed a decline in all the food but the prices all are going up. Kinda sad!!

Loving your report so far Laurie. The views in your hotel room looked awesome! And breakfast looks so yummy. I really like the look of the yogurt parfait, and Dillon likes that Ranchero thing. But it all looks so good!

Too bad about the train station being covered up like that, but I bet it was really nice at night during the show.

Thanx Andrea! The view made the trip. We ended each night watching WoC and looking at all the lights of the pier area. It was beautiful in the mornings too!!

Mike was really bothered that the train station was all covered up. I think next year they'll be moving the CP into the Hyperion Theater....which will help with the traffic nightmare on Main Street.

 

[DizNee Luver]

After breakfast at the Carnation Cafe, we decided the best way to start introducing the parks to the twins would be to take them on "The Disneyland Limited now leaving for a grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom with stops at New Orleans Square, Mickey's ToonTown and Tomorrowland." Shy is fascinated with trains so we thought this would be a fun way to start our trip.

With all the Candlelight Processional stuff covering the train station, you end up going up one of the exit staircases to get up to the loading area.

While we waited to take off, Mike got some pics from the train.

Here we go!!!! Nearing New Orleans Station:

New Orleans Train Station:

On our way towards ToonTown.

At Mickey's ToonTown Station: