Afraid to stay offsite

[Captainkidd76]

Meh. As previous posters have said, the "Disney Bubble" is better IMO because of the closeness and accessibility of both parks and DTD. Walking to a nicer close hotel is worth it to me to save a thousand bucks or so for our stay. Have you looked at the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park entrance? It's quite new and has a great pool and splash park. It's maybe five minutes farther than the ones directly on Harbor (It's behind Fairfield Inn) and an easy walk.

Anyway, I certainly wouldn't give up a Disneyland trip because of not staying in the "bubble."

Yup. Water park is fine, but the pool is ridiculously small.

 

[pharmama]

Wasn't planning on it, but good idea. Are AP rates already available for next year?

No they are not. I would not make this your plan. I haven't successfully been able to book an "AP rate" for 4 or 5 years. Right now the AP hotel calendar goes through the end of 2019 but shows no availability at any resort for any room type. In my experience it pretty much looks like this all the time. Once in a while they will release a block but there's no announcement or anything and they go fast when it happens.

I have booked AP "packages" several times but these are usually room specials that run parallel to general public specials and have the same discount off the room price, they just include a couple extra perks in the AP version of the package such as FastPasses or a small dining voucher (of late its been one $20 dining voucher per reservation and one FastPass per person on the reservation).

 

[dieumeye]

Wasn't planning on it, but good idea. Are AP rates already available for next year?

The issue here is that the maximum number of days you can get on one ticket is 5 days (in the USA. Some countries have options for more days). If you want to go more than 5 days, you need to get another ticket. So for 7 days, it would really be a 5 day ticket + a 2 day ticket. So you pay a premium for any day over 5, which can possibly make upgrading to an AP a better option. Just something to look into.

 

[Iceman93]

I see all these people saying "there is no DL bubble", "staying on-site is worth it at WDW but a waste of money at DL", etc. What they're missing is the actual text of your question. You clearly want to stay on-site, and if you don't you're going to question the decision the entire time. It's only money--suck it up and do what you want (which certainly seems to be to stay on-site).

And I disagree with those who pooh-pooh the Paradise Pier. Having stayed several times at all three DLR hotels, I find it every bit as "Disney" and find the CM attitudes actually the best of the three.

 

[Indiana Scott]

We'll never stay on site again at DLR.
Bubble? yes it exists but it also encompasses the neighboring hotels. Just because they aren't owned by Disney doesn't mean they don't revolve around the parks. Just about everyone that stays at one of the local hotels is going to DIsneyland. The hotels themseilves are often decorated with Disney motif and even sell souvenirs. Everyone from the employees to the guests are there for the Disney experience.
WDW is different in that regard. People staying off-site are there for all kinds of activities and not just Disney. For WDW staying in the bubble is real. For DLR, the "bubble" covers all the neighboring properties they in turn encompass the DIsney spirit just as much as any DL hotel - at least in my experience. Heck, even walking up and down Harbor you still get the Disney bubble feeling.

JMHO,
Scott

 

[Reepicheep]

We were at Disneyland in July at the Sheraton...

I assume you stayed at the Sheraton Park? All in all, it is my favourite hotel in Anaheim, although the last time we stayed there was three years ago.

A couple of days ago, I read through all the recent reviews for the Sheraton Park on the TripAdvisor website, and there were many complaints about room temperature. It appears hotel guests have little, if any, control over room temperature. Interestingly, there are some reviews complaining that, at 72F, the room was too cool, while other guest were complaining that, at 69F, the room temperature was too hot. Personally, I prefer a night time temperature of no more than 68F, and ideally 66F.

If you did stay at the Sheraton Park, did you have any problem getting the room temperature to a comfortable level? Piecing together the information from all the reviews, it appears the room temperature typically stays in the range 70F to 72F.

EDIT: Whoops, never mind. I just realized we had a similar discussion in another thread a few weeks back. I've been giving a lot of thought to whether I want to take a gamble on booking an extended stay at the Sheraton Park next summer, if I run the risk of having a hot hotel room. I'm trying to get some input from a variety of people who have stayed there recently. If I had a room which stayed at a constant temperature of 72F or so, it would ruin the hotel stay for me.

 

[hyperminimalism]

I assume you stayed at the Sheraton Park? All in all, it is my favourite hotel in Anaheim, although the last time we stayed there was three years ago.

A couple of days ago, I read through all the recent reviews for the Sheraton Park on the TripAdvisor website, and there were many complaints about room temperature. It appears hotel guests have little, if any, control over room temperature. Interestingly, there are some reviews complaining that, at 72F, the room was too cool, while other guest were complaining that, at 69F, the room temperature was too hot. Personally, I prefer a night time temperature of no more than 68F, and ideally 66F.

If you did stay at the Sheraton Park, did you have any problem getting the room temperature to a comfortable level? Piecing together the information from all the reviews, it appears the room temperature typically stays in the range 70F to 72F.

EDIT: Whoops, never mind. I just realized we had a similar discussion in another thread a few weeks back. I've been giving a lot of thought to whether I want to take a gamble on booking an extended stay at the Sheraton Park next summer, if I run the risk of having a hot hotel room. I'm trying to get some input from a variety of people who have stayed there recently. If I had a room which stayed at a constant temperature of 72F or so, it would ruin the hotel stay for me.

When I stayed at the Sheraton three years ago I had no problem with the temperature. I don't recall it ever being an issue. In fact, my friend ran the AC at night like he always does so it was cool inside when we slept (he would've complained about it if it was too hot). I don't know exactly what these people were talking about, but that was my experience staying there. Perhaps it's changed in the last few years, but you can always contact the hotel and ask about the thermostat if you're that concerned.

 

[SteveH]

If you did stay at the Sheraton Park, did you have any problem getting the room temperature to a comfortable level? Piecing together the information from all the reviews, it appears the room temperature typically stays in the range 70F to 72F.

EDIT: Whoops, never mind. I just realized we had a similar discussion in another thread a few weeks back. I've been giving a lot of thought to whether I want to take a gamble on booking an extended stay at the Sheraton Park next summer, if I run the risk of having a hot hotel room. I'm trying to get some input from a variety of people who have stayed there recently. If I had a room which stayed at a constant temperature of 72F or so, it would ruin the hotel stay for me.

Yeah that was the one an only complaint I had. I did reach out to Marriott with my comments as I never got an evaluation survey. As I shared before, when the temps in the area were down the room was just fine it was only when they had the heat wave. Still unacceptable for a Sheraton.

 

[SteveH]

Perhaps it's changed in the last few years, but you can always contact the hotel and ask about the thermostat if you're that concerned.

I did reach out to them during my stay in July, I'd hoped they could make an adjustment or something, instead I was offered fans... loved the hotel in every other way.

 

[Reepicheep]

When I stayed at the Sheraton three years ago I had no problem with the temperature. I don't recall it ever being an issue.

My last stay at the Sheraton Park was in August, 2016. I don't recall having any trouble with the room temperature on that trip. I don't know when the Sheraton switched to some sort of centralized temperature control, but the first time I encountered complaints about this was around two years ago.

I read through a lot of reviews on the TripAdvisor site, and that was the only complaint about the hotel that repeatedly came up.

...unacceptable for a Sheraton.

Yes, I agree. In fact, I'd say it's unacceptable for any hotel. I've never stayed at any hotel where the guest didn't have direct control over the room temperature. I think on a few occasions I've stayed in hotels where I couldn't set the temperature lower than 68F, but I can live with that.

 

[Chickinvic]

I could never be bothered staying on site at Disneyland. There are several nice hotels within easy walking distance, and Disneyland doesnt discriminate against offsite guests anywhere near as much as WDW. Sure, the onsite guests can enter earlier, but it isn't that big a deal IMO. I hate what WDW has done with that heir totally unfair Fastpass+ system. At Disneyland anyone can get Max pass (or not) and have equal shot at the best rides. I love it there.

 

[Chickinvic]

I assume you stayed at the Sheraton Park? All in all, it is my favourite hotel in Anaheim, although the last time we stayed there was three years ago.

A couple of days ago, I read through all the recent reviews for the Sheraton Park on the TripAdvisor website, and there were many complaints about room temperature. It appears hotel guests have little, if any, control over room temperature. Interestingly, there are some reviews complaining that, at 72F, the room was too cool, while other guest were complaining that, at 69F, the room temperature was too hot. Personally, I prefer a night time temperature of no more than 68F, and ideally 66F.

If you did stay at the Sheraton Park, did you have any problem getting the room temperature to a comfortable level? Piecing together the information from all the reviews, it appears the room temperature typically stays in the range 70F to 72F.

EDIT: Whoops, never mind. I just realized we had a similar discussion in another thread a few weeks back. I've been giving a lot of thought to whether I want to take a gamble on booking an extended stay at the Sheraton Park next summer, if I run the risk of having a hot hotel room. I'm trying to get some input from a variety of people who have stayed there recently. If I had a room which stayed at a constant temperature of 72F or so, it would ruin the hotel stay for me.

Really? That is pretty comfortable room temp for most people I would think. Here in Ottawa there is no way most air conditioning would be capable of cooling the house to that temperature even at night in our hot summers. I would be thrilled with those temps.

 

[Chickinvic]

I could never be bothered staying on site at Disneyland. There are several nice hotels within easy walking distance, and Disneyland doesnt discriminate against offsite guests anywhere near as much as WDW. Sure, the onsite guests can enter earlier, but it isn't that big a deal IMO. I hate what WDW has done with that heir totally unfair Fastpass+ system. At Disneyland anyone can get Max pass (or not) and have equal shot at the best rides. I love it there.

DL is my home resort and DW is my vacation destination. I have stayed on Property many times but majority of the times we stay off site. The hotels on property are so overpriced now that it is just too hard to justify the expense. We love the GC and PP. Not a big fan of DLH. We recently started staying at Majestic Garden since it has a shuttle and a quick walk to DTD. The other place I really like is Candy Cane Inn. But we have stayed at many different places and enjoyed most of them. In all my visits I have never seen one person trying to sell me anything staying off site and I have never seen people off the streets sleeping the lobby of any Disney Hotel. Maybe I am lucky or the person who saw it is just unlucky. Either way have a great trip.

I've never experienced that either and we always stay offsite. I couldn't be bothered paying to stay on property. It is just a place to lay my head.

 

[azdisneylover]

WDW veteran and family planning on taking 2nd Disneyland trip in May. For our first trip last year we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, which we really liked. Was hoping to stay at the Grand Californian this year, but at the least stay again at DLH. The cost is concerning me. I've done more research than I care to about all the hotels up and down Harbour Blvd. We want to be within easy walking distance, but also want to stay in the bubble. I know many people will say it's not as important at DLR as it is at WDW, but I disagree. I loveed not having to leave Disney property. And the ease of walking through that short security line as opposed to all these nightmare stories I'm reading about getting through security at the main entrance off Harbour. Also, my kids love a nice pool, which are few and far between outside of the DLH and GCH. I just loved the feeling and immersion at both parks so much and I don't want spoiled knowing I'd have to head offsite each evening. I'm seriously considering not going if I can't swing the cost of staying at the above mentioned just not to set myself up for disappointment. Anyone ever felt like this at DLR and what did you do about it?

We enjoy staying on site, especially at GCH. Love getting in the parks an hour early since we are up early. We take a family vote, and the family would rather stay onsite for less days in the park! So, we budget and plan ahead and search for great deals. I have a bad hip, and I am glad we can stay at GCH. I am good first thing in the morning, but mid day my hip hurts, and by the night, I can barely walk, and this is with rest in the afternoon. So, I suggest do what you will enjoy. Check to see if you or anyone you know has discounts through work, are there conventions you may go to? Hope you can make your dream come true.

 

[bardays]

I find the walk to the North on Harbor more pleasant than South toward Katella. There seems to be less homeless heartbreak on the way to the HoJo. Less bus shelters and stores.

 

[B3rlingirl]

I‘ve never stayed at WDW but got a little bit of the Disney bubble feeling on trip to DL Paris last week. ( at the train station after our trip I was definitely taken out of the bubble and I know now how much I enjoyed being in the bubble...)

That being said I actually like staying at the harbor hotels at DL outside the bubble... they are cheaper and sometimes even closer to walk depending on your chosen hotel and if I save money for a room I just use a couple of hours a day( and sleep during those) to make something else only trip more magical I do it. (Especially if the alternative is no trip at all...)

But apart from that I actually enjoy being not in the bubble everyday!
Because this gives me the opportunity to arrive each day at DL anew, walking through the entrance on harbor means for me the start of a great new day at Disney. As soon as I set foot on property I enter the bubble with all its enjoyment and leave everything else behind and that happens on every single day of me! For me that’s kind of a „start button“ and an „end button“ in the evening so I don’t feel bad at our hotel to check my mails or anything else from the „outside world“ or going shopping or really doing anything not Disney related...

 

[Karin1984]

If you find it worth the money and have the money to stay onsite at DL, then do so There is no shame in doing this, it's all about what you prefer. Everyone has different needs. Some people prefer to spend money on a hotel, others on signature dining, others dinner & show packages, and some prefer to spend as little as possible to go more often. Every way you spend your money is the right way, as long as you make the decisions based on YOUR preferences and needs.

If you do find it worth it, but don't have the money, then it's very easy: you will have to find a compromise. What are you absolute musts and what are your nice to haves? If a pool is more important than distance look for hotels with a great pool. If distance is more important, look right outside the gates.
Also see it as a way to experience something new, you haven't stayed outside of DL, so you do not know how much being 'outside the bubble' is going to bother you. For all you know you might love it!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... If you did stay at the Sheraton Park, did you have any problem getting the room temperature to a comfortable level? Piecing together the information from all the reviews, it appears the room temperature typically stays in the range 70F to 72F.
... I'm trying to get some input from a variety of people who have stayed there recently. If I had a room which stayed at a constant temperature of 72F or so, it would ruin the hotel stay for me.

We just stayed at the Sheraton Park last weekend. Our room stayed at a fairly constant 68*F. No problems with the temperature at all.

 

[Reepicheep]

I find the walk to the North on Harbor more pleasant than South toward Katella. There seems to be less homeless heartbreak on the way to the HoJo. Less bus shelters and stores.

Yes, I agree. The corner of Katella and Harbor seems especially bad in this regard, although after the bus shelters and benches were removed a few years ago, the situation got a little better.

 

[Reepicheep]

We just stayed at the Sheraton Park last weekend. Our room stayed at a fairly constant 68*F. No problems with the temperature at all.

Thanks for the info, a constant temperature of 68F would be perfectly acceptable to me.

Did you have a room on the north side, with a view of Disneyland? I wonder if the south facing rooms tend to be hotter because of the greater sun exposure. I think what I might do next summer, if there is a good rate at the Sheraton Park, is pay the extra $ for a north facing room, under the assumption it will be a bit cooler. Also, as @SteveH points out, room temperature may only be a problem during extreme heat waves.