2 nights off site and 2 nights at DL Hotel....worth the move?

[iLUVdisneyLAND]

Happy Dance!!! We are now AP Holders!!!
We are going to DLR in 2 weeks to celebrate my husband surviving a large brain abscess this past fall. And we plan on at least making one other trip next October.

My orginal plan was to stay at FFI. Because we have been through a rough few months, I thought it might be fun to surprise the family and move hotels half way through. We can't afford to stay onsite for all 4 days, but we can do 2 days at FFI and 2 days at DLH. Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? We LOVE staying on site. We do have a 14 month old and a 4 y/o. What has been your experience moving mid-trip? Should I just keep our 4 days at FFI and do another splurge instead of the DLH? I am holding back because I feel like the move maybe more work/frustrating that it is worth.

TIA!!!

 

[yoyoyo]

We've done this before. We stayed 3 nights at the HoJo's for the days we were doing non-Disney things and then moved to the Disneyland Hotel for the days we were at Disney. I say its worth it. Moving mid-trip isn't a huge deal if you plan what you really need to take out vs keeping in the luggage ahead of time.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

We did it a couple of years ago and it easy. If you can arrange it so your onsite dates correspond with MMs all the better. You can use MM on your check in day.

 

[KCmike]

Double post. Server was taking too long.

 

[KCmike]

I would say yes. At first I was going to say what season are you going in but then I remembered that it really didn't matter. I love to stay onsite for the following reasons:
1. Don't have to deal with crossing harbor, seeing all the traffic, seeing homeless on the sidewalks, and just plain seeing the outside world.
2. Pools, hot tubs, and other amenities are just plain better inside. GCH has the best chaisse lounge chairs by the way. Haven't see the new setup at DLH's pool area in person yet.
3. Restaurants and shopping is what greets you as you casually stroll through Downtown Disney. I love that walk compared to harbor blvd.
4. Free fast passes for most stays.
5. Better rooms. I like being in the magic. I like the rooms better, the GCH lobby (I know you said your staying at DLH) and little Disney touches in the hotels.
6. Fireworks channel and Story time channel for kids.
7. Resort Restaurants

These are just a few of the reasons we stay onsite when we get the chance.

I do like FFI though for an off site hotel. Between that and Hojo.

Have Fun and keep it a surprise for the kids till you get to the DLH. They will be shocked and have a blast!

We are doing the same thing next year. It will be our last BIG vacation so to speak and we are going to the Hotel Del in San Diego, Catalina, and then staying at FFI when we get to Disney. We're not telling them how many days and for the last two or so we are going to act like we're going home but really heading over to the Grand Californian!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

For sure! We've done this several times - most times just one night at a Disney hotel ~ just one time 2 nights.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Have Fun and keep it a surprise for the kids till you get to the DLH. They will be shocked and have a blast!

That's what we did. We had our 3 night tripped planned then at the last minute we were able to add 2 nights at the DLH (our first and only time staying there) with a great AP rate. The kids thought we were heading home, all packed up when we surprised them by driving over to the DLH!

 

[DangerMouse]

On our upcoming trip, we are spending 3 nights at the HoJo (kids' suite), and then moving over to the DLH for our last night for a splurge.

 

[KCmike]

That's what we did. We had our 3 night tripped planned then at the last minute we were able to add 2 nights at the DLH (our first and only time staying there) with a great AP rate. The kids thought we were heading home, all packed up when we surprised them by driving over to the DLH!

That's awesome. How did they respond when you pulled into the DLH parking lot?

 

[SeansMom]

We've done it many times, but on longer trips. It worked great with just hubby and I, pretty poorly with my hubby, and was a huge waste of time with my sister who had to buy a new suitcase to put all the stuff she'd purchased, and then still took hours to pack. If you're organized then I'd say yes. If you (or your family) are not, I wouldn't bother.