A Few Observations about DLH

[LisainCalifornia]

Thank you, thank you, that is very helpful!

We def'ly want quiet since the baby will probably take some day time naps while we're there. The fireworks view isn't a factor since we will be there mid-week off season and there won't be any fireworks then. We'd just like a great view and a convenient location for walking to and from the park and getting to the pool(s).

It sounds like if we don't mind a smaller room that the Dreams tower would be the best choice for us? We def'ly need a 2 queen room either way.

Ok, but why? I just want to make sure that when I make a request, it's for a room that will suit us best.

Thanks!!

Here is what I have read:
1. Many people request the Dreams (Sierra) Tower with a view of Downtown Disney and Disneyland. People love to look out their window and actually see the park. I have had that view once, and it was very good for Christmas time, because of the big tree in DTD and all of the lights. The rooms are a bit smaller, though--so be ready for that. You can also have view on the otherside of the Peter Pan Pool. Viewing Fireworks is easy from the DTD view rooms, as you are looking right over into Disneyland.

2. Many people who book an upper tower view room will be put in the Wonder Tower (Bonita). This overlooks the Peter Pan Pool, the falls and koi ponds. I find these are the biggest rooms, with most having two queens and daybeds. We usually go for that, because the sound of the falls is really nice, and find those rooms give us extra space. We have always been able to see the fireworks from those upper tower rooms easily. Use to be able to see the lights and water show as well, but they don't do that any more. It is the furthest walk from Downtown Disney, but that is not really that much to speak of.

3. Some people like the Magic Tower because you are in the tower with the lobby right there. I have heard from a few people that the rooms are much smaller than those in the Wonder Tower though. I have never stayed in that tower, so honestly don't know.

Hope that helps.
Lisa

 

[honeymom]

When we stayed in Dreams Tower (Sierra then), we had a large room with a daybed. I think that they exist in every tower. I believe that the smaller rooms are by the elevators (that's how they make space for them).

We started out with a 6th floor DTD view. Then my 6 year old started crying because it was too noisy. So we switched rooms to a pool view. That was much quieter.

 

[Magical Hotel]

Is there pixie dust wall paper border in your room, and does it really glow?

I have not stayed on site since I was kid and am hoping to stay at DLH sometime in 09. But from what you say, the cost just doesn't seem worth it if I can find a nicer room off site for less.

You have to stay at the Disneyland Hotel at least once in your life even if the original (in my opinion) magical part of the hotel was removed in 1999.

 

[DizMe]

I've stayed in all 3 towers. My favorite is the Dreams tower. We had an upper level pool view, which was fabulous. I've never had the DTD view so I can't compare those. At night, the pool had a big Tinkerbell light reflecting in it, which my girls adored. That tower is very convenient for getting into DTD and on to the monorail or DL entrance.

The Magic tower (if that is the one that houses the main lobby) is a close second. Our room was quite large and also had a great pool view. It is very handy to be in the main lobby, where you can run down for coffee (free), go to the nearby hotel coffee place, or visit the gift shops.

I did not like the Wonder tower (the old Bonita tower). I've stayed in it 3 times and I will always request something else. You are quite distanced from the rest of the hotel, and our service there has been awful. The last time we had that tower, it took forever to get up to our room because the elevators were so slow. Our sink started making weird noises in the middle of the night and suddenly backed up, leaving the room with a really disgusting sewer smell. They moved us into the Magic tower and I liked it SO much better. To me, the Wonder tower feels like you're staying in a different hotel, though the waterfalls and koi ponds are neat. I should also add that we always had a parking lot view in that tower and a very small room.

 

[Sherry E]

You have to stay at the Disneyland Hotel at least once in your life even if the original (in my opinion) magical part of the hotel was removed in 1999.

I loved the pre-1999 DLH! I loved the shops and clubs and restaurants they used to have there, and the little pedal boats in the marina. It was sad to see it go.

 

[Magical Hotel]

I loved the pre-1999 DLH! I loved the shops and clubs and restaurants they used to have there, and the little pedal boats in the marina. It was sad to see it go.

Me too!! Check out my wesbite or blog if you would like a refresher on the original Disneyland Hotel

http://www.magicalhotel.blogspot.com
http://www.magicalhotel.com

 

[Sherry E]

Me too!! Check out my wesbite or blog if you would like a refresher on the original Disneyland Hotel

http://www.magicalhotel.blogspot.com
http://www.magicalhotel.com

I will check it out! Thanks! I was just thinking about the layout of the old DLH the other day, and looking at pictues I have on that property before it all changed. We used to eat in this coffee shop/diner type of place there a lot, and I can't think of the name of it. Do you recall what it was? It wasn't Mazie's - that was a different place at the DLH. We went to a dance/nightclub sort of place there (it was upstairs) and then also to a sort of restaurant/bar place where they had karaoke. I think there were bear statues outside of it. Oh, the good ol' days!

 

[Magical Hotel]

I will check it out! Thanks! I was just thinking about the layout of the old DLH the other day, and looking at pictues I have on that property before it all changed. We used to eat in this coffee shop/diner type of place there a lot, and I can't think of the name of it. Do you recall what it was? It wasn't Mazie's - that was a different place at the DLH. We went to a dance/nightclub sort of place there (it was upstairs) and then also to a sort of restaurant/bar place where they had karaoke. I think there were bear statues outside of it. Oh, the good ol' days!

Was it the Monorail Cafe? It replaced the Coffee Shop in 1986 and lasted until the demolition in 1999.

The karaoke place was Sgt. Prestons or Neon Cactus depending on when you went.

 

[Magical Hotel]

I will check it out! Thanks! I was just thinking about the layout of the old DLH the other day, and looking at pictues I have on that property before it all changed. We used to eat in this coffee shop/diner type of place there a lot, and I can't think of the name of it. Do you recall what it was? It wasn't Mazie's - that was a different place at the DLH. We went to a dance/nightclub sort of place there (it was upstairs) and then also to a sort of restaurant/bar place where they had karaoke. I think there were bear statues outside of it. Oh, the good ol' days!

I would love to see your pictures from the Disneyland Hotel!!

 

[mousemom11]

Me too!! Check out my wesbite or blog if you would like a refresher on the original Disneyland Hotel

http://www.magicalhotel.blogspot.com
http://www.magicalhotel.com

Those are wonderful pictures! I especially enjoyed seeing the people checking in wearing suits and dresses. Oh, and that model next to the 1958 Dodge could definitely put someone's eyes out with her torpedo bosooms.

My DH remembers the monorail running through the hotel. His family stayed there in the late 1960s. My first visit to DL was in 1967 and I vividly remember the Sky Ride through the Matterhorn. Ah, good times!

 

[Magical Hotel]

I've stayed in all 3 towers. My favorite is the Dreams tower. We had an upper level pool view, which was fabulous. I've never had the DTD view so I can't compare those. At night, the pool had a big Tinkerbell light reflecting in it, which my girls adored. That tower is very convenient for getting into DTD and on to the monorail or DL entrance.

The Magic tower (if that is the one that houses the main lobby) is a close second. Our room was quite large and also had a great pool view. It is very handy to be in the main lobby, where you can run down for coffee (free), go to the nearby hotel coffee place, or visit the gift shops.

I did not like the Wonder tower (the old Bonita tower). I've stayed in it 3 times and I will always request something else. You are quite distanced from the rest of the hotel, and our service there has been awful. The last time we had that tower, it took forever to get up to our room because the elevators were so slow. Our sink started making weird noises in the middle of the night and suddenly backed up, leaving the room with a really disgusting sewer smell. They moved us into the Magic tower and I liked it SO much better. To me, the Wonder tower feels like you're staying in a different hotel, though the waterfalls and koi ponds are neat. I should also add that we always had a parking lot view in that tower and a very small room.

I did a presentation for my book at the Disneyland Hotel last year and they had us staying in the Ambassador Suite. As soon as I can figure out how to post pictures and as soon as this board will let me, I will post some pictures from that stay. It was huge and very relaxing. We got fresh ground coffee, robes, fresh fruit, Mickey cookies, milk plus a special welcome basket with "go to the front of the line" tickets, special parade seating, fireworks seating and full use of the Concierge Lounge. It was a wonderful experience!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

My DH remembers the monorail running through the hotel. His family stayed there in the late 1960s. My first visit to DL was in 1967 and I vividly remember the Sky Ride through the Matterhorn. Ah, good times!

I remember the monorail running through the hotel as well. I am not sure what year we went--I was born in 1965, and I think it was around 1970. My mom showed me some pictures from our trip there, and it is so neat to see them!

I was so happy when I was able to take my kids to the Disneyland Hotel as well. I am a native Californian, and it is a part of our history as a state.

 

[luvsmickey1968]

I just wanted to add to my post that our stay at the Disneyland Hotel was Sunday night to Thursday in May.
Therefore, we probably did not experience the noise issues some people have complained about!

 

[Sherry E]

Was it the Monorail Cafe? It replaced the Coffee Shop in 1986 and lasted until the demolition in 1999.

The karaoke place was Sgt. Prestons or Neon Cactus depending on when you went.

Yes, Monorail Cafe is definitely what the name of the restaurant was, and I remember they made a tasty BBQ chicken sandwich and I think they had really good onion rings and milkshakes too! I am sorry that place is gone! Thank you! It was driving me nuts trying to recall that name! The last time we were at the karaoke/bar place with the bear statues outside was probably 1993 or so, so I am not sure if it was Sgt. Prestons or Neon Cactus at that point, but I seem to recall seeing both of those names as we passed by it at various points in time. Also, Goofy's Kitchen used to be in a different location, of course. There was a toy shop there too (my male friends wanted kazoos and that was the only place they could find them!). There was a sporting goods/clothing type of place as well.

NOW, what was the name of the sort of dance club/lounge that was in the other part of the hotel? It was that building with the sort of dome-shaped section on an upper floor (I know I am not describing it properly, but you know what I mean). We went in there a few times and got pina coladas and daiquiris and watched lounge lizard guys with gold chains dance on a little stage they had.

 

[Sherry E]

I remember the monorail running through the hotel as well. I am not sure what year we went--I was born in 1965, and I think it was around 1970. My mom showed me some pictures from our trip there, and it is so neat to see them!

I was so happy when I was able to take my kids to the Disneyland Hotel as well. I am a native Californian, and it is a part of our history as a state.

Me too (native of SoCal), and it is not only part of our history, but Disney is a huge contributor to the economy/revenue and tourism industry in California. It is vital to our state. Our state is already in bad shape financially. If we didn't have Disneyland, I don't know what we would do! Disneyland (not counting DCA) has had more visitors and repeat visitors through its gates than any other single theme park in history, including Walt Disney World itself (not the whole resort, just the Magic Kingdom). They are obviously doing something right!

 

[Sherry E]

I would love to see your pictures from the Disneyland Hotel!!

Well, my pictures of the 1980's & 1990's DLH have people in them, if that is all right. I will have to dig some out of the photo albums and scan them, then upload to Photobucket, then post them here. I am behind on scanning some pictures I told other posters I was going to post long ago! I am slacking off on the scanning and uploading!

 

[Magical Hotel]

Yes, Monorail Cafe is definitely what the name of the restaurant was, and I remember they made a tasty BBQ chicken sandwich and I think they had really good onion rings and milkshakes too! I am sorry that place is gone! Thank you! It was driving me nuts trying to recall that name! The last time we were at the karaoke/bar place with the bear statues outside was probably 1993 or so, so I am not sure if it was Sgt. Prestons or Neon Cactus at that point, but I seem to recall seeing both of those names as we passed by it at various points in time. Also, Goofy's Kitchen used to be in a different location, of course. There was a toy shop there too (my male friends wanted kazoos and that was the only place they could find them!). There was a sporting goods/clothing type of place as well.

NOW, what was the name of the sort of dance club/lounge that was in the other part of the hotel? It was that building with the sort of dome-shaped section on an upper floor (I know I am not describing it properly, but you know what I mean). We went in there a few times and got pina coladas and daiquiris and watched lounge lizard guys with gold chains dance on a little stage they had.

You are probably talking about the Pavilion Lounge which is at the end of the convention building and near the Marina Tower (or whatever they are calling it now).

 

[bzkds]

Oh, and one more question... I read a lot of posts with people talking about walking to the park from DLH - do most people not take the monorail? I was thinking this is what we'd do, but not sure if I'm missing something...

TIA!

The monorail usually has a long wait (esp at night at Autopia) and it is usually just faster to walk up DTD to get back to the hotel. And, DLH isn't connected to the monorail like it used to be, altho it does go through the building at the GCH.

 

[bzkds]

FWIW, we usually stay at the Paradise Pier. It's nice, but not quite as close as the other 2. GCH lobby just can't be beat (at DL anyway lol). But, we had trouble getting chairs at the pool and the water was unheated in the pool. They do have a nice little "deli" downstairs where you can grab a quick snack easier than going into the restaurant.

 

[DizMe]

We stayed at DLH around 1990 and we got this cool cabana. It was sort of cottage-styled, white, and that wing was only 2 stories. It was surrounded by Japanese gardens. The interior had white wood ceiling with beams. I loved those rooms! Does anyone else remember those? They were located about where the Dreams tower is now, I think.

I have a couple of pictures I will try to scan and post of the hotel.

Edit: Oops, looked at the pictures and Dreams tower was there, so the cabanas must have behind it (towards where DTD is now).