Afraid to stay offsite

[twodogs]

I'm not sure I understand this sentiment. I'm not really used to city life myself, having grown up in the sleepy suburbs, but I can't say I've ever felt unsafe on Harbor. It seems like a normal street to me. I've walked it by myself many times, even as a teen. You're surrounded by many people going to/coming from the same place, so there would be dozens if not hundreds of witnesses if something were to happen to you, which is why nothing does. I just don't get it, it's really not unsafe or dirty. Unless you're used to only walking around a gated community, it's not much different than many streets in many hometowns. Heck, I see more homeless people in my local Target parking lot, even in an up-scale suburban neighborhood, than I do on Harbor Blvd.

We live in a big city and we are familiar with the environment on Harbour, as it is similar to many streets here. It does not bother me in normal life, but when I am on a Disney vacation, it does take away some of the enjoyment for me.

For my daughters, I would not feel comfortable sending a preteen and a young teen down that street or many of the streets in the downtown area of our city by themselves at this age. That is a parenting decision, not a knock against Harbour or those who stay off site. For me, I want to feel relaxed on vacation, and staying onsite, having the ability to go to the room whenever we want in whatever combination of family members that is needed, is valuable to me. It may not hold the same value for everyone, and that is ok; it is great that there are so many options for everyone. I just wanted to express my opinion to OP about my reasons for choosing onsite, which seemed to be what they were asking.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I always feel safe at Disneyland and have never stayed at DLH (nor do I plan to). What would make someone feel unsafe if not staying on property? There's generally lots of people around coming and going from the parks at any time you would be out walking, etc.

I agree. I have never stayed onsite and have never felt unsafe. I have walked alone, I’m female, many times. I’ve never been approached. Maybe those people selling flying light up things have asked if I want one but I say no and they aren’t pushy.

I’ve seen people sleeping on bus stop benches. They’re just sleeping!

I’ve stayed offsite at least 16 times in the last decade.

I am staying onsite for dapper days. Quick weekend getaway with dh. So I am curious if I will feel differently after that. My “home hotel” is homewood suites. They are *amazing* I’m sure in part because we stay there so much. But it’s every single staff person; it must be well run. The “servers”, front desk, maintenance even went and got me a couple of batteries for my kiddos bubble wand when all I asked for was a screwdriver! (I had the wrong battery size). Thinking about and planning our upcoming trip in the past months I've actually felt pretty wistful that we’re staying onsite. Although it’s something I’ve always wanted to experience, at least once, and I’m grateful to have this first world problem. Sleeping in a motel on harbor is better than sleeping on harbor. And I don’t really like the motels.

ETA I wouldn't let my teens walk back alone. Agree it’s a parenting decision, not a Harbor decision.

 

[NewbieMouse]

I would not be afraid to stay offsite. I would ALWAYS stay onsite at WDW, but we do not at DLR as give the cost differential I have a hard time justifying that, as I just think about all the meals/experiences/extra time I can buy with that money. I get the bubble idea, but I think its more of a thing at WDW than Disneyland.

I should add that we also always stay at BWPPI, which is VERY close, and personally we choose not to stay farther away. The proximity is very important to me, and I will pay extra for that. So in our case we're not "venturing down Harbor" much really, just crossing the street.

 

[disneycat321]

I would not be afraid to stay offsite. I would ALWAYS stay onsite at WDW, but we do not at DLR as give the cost differential I have a hard time justifying that, as I just think about all the meals/experiences/extra time I can buy with that money. I get the bubble idea, but I think its more of a thing at WDW than Disneyland.

I should add that we also always stay at BWPPI, which is VERY close, and personally we choose not to stay farther away. The proximity is very important to me, and I will pay extra for that. So in our case we're not "venturing down Harbor" much really, just crossing the street.

I'm glad to hear you've had a good experience with BWPPI! We're booked there for October to get that proximity, but have never stayed there. I'm excited about how close it is. I know it's pricier than a lot of other area hotels, but it seems worth the cost for the location. And I agree - we would never stay offsite at WDW, but it's a completely different experience there.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'm glad to hear you've had a good experience with BWPPI! We're booked there for October to get that proximity, but have never stayed there. I'm excited about how close it is. I know it's pricier than a lot of other area hotels, but it seems worth the cost for the location. And I agree - we would never stay offsite at WDW, but it's a completely different experience there.

It’s a motel with exterior hallways. As long as you have set your Expectations accordingly you will be fine. We did find the beds quite uncomfortable in Dec.
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To OP, I was just thinking about the lady that recently had her panties stolen from the dryer at DLR hotel. There is still access to the outside world onsite.

 

[Captainkidd76]

After looking over things, seems like we're going to end up at Universal Orlando. We're AP holders so tickets are paid for, and we can stay 8 nights in a club level room at Hard Rock for about half the price of a standard room at GCH. Plus, cheapest way to do 7 park days at Disneyland for 4 people would cost me $3k. I have a hard time accepting flying across the country with no somewhat reasonable cost to spend 7 days at Disneyland. And I don't want to go for just 5.

 

[disneycat321]

It’s a motel with exterior hallways. As long as you have set your Expectations accordingly you will be fine. We did find the beds quite uncomfortable in Dec.
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I’ve stayed at plenty of Best Westerns and have always had a good experience. Couldn’t care less about exterior hallways. We aren’t deluxe hotel people, so we aren’t concerned.

 

[azdisneylover]

It’s a motel with exterior hallways. As long as you have set your Expectations accordingly you will be fine. We did find the beds quite uncomfortable in Dec.
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To OP, I was just thinking about the lady that recently had her panties stolen from the dryer at DLR hotel. There is still access to the outside world onsite.

Or worse, a fellow guest stole her panties.

 

[limace]

I think I was confused about what you were asking, OP. If you only want to travel when you can afford on-site that’s totally ok-then do that. I’m not sure how we can help you figure that out. But with your wish to stay 7 days make sure you know much that will jump your costs if you want those to be all park days due to the 5 day limit. Regardless, have fun!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

there is alot to do in CA you might find something to fill the other two days if you did look back into going to DL.