Any tips or secrets for PP Hotel?

[hart6066]

We just decided to stay here rather than the Double Tree based on the summer promo. We're only going for 2 nights--a Fri and Sat--and will only be at the parks on Sat and Sun. Any tips for a first time DL family??

I heard that you can see the fireworks from the pool? Do any of the standard rooms have views of World of Color? What's the fastest way to both DL and CA from the hotel--and about how long of a walk?

Would love to hear any tips or suggestions--we are so used to WDW that it feels strange to be out of our element!!

Thanks!

 

[helenb]

If you are used to WDW, then the PP will seem incredibly close to you! It's really not that much of a walk to the parks, particularly if you go through the Grand Californian. It's also nice to take the monorail on the way back (it goes from Tomorrowland to Downtown Disney) and from there it's only a few minutes walk.

Even if your room doesn't have a view of the fireworks, you can always see out one of the hallway windows to view them.

Don't forget to check out the 'viewing room' just down the hall from the PP main lobby! Kiddie beach chairs and continuously running cartoons make a nice break for Mom and Dad.

 

[skiingfast]

PPH basically has three views. Park, Pool and almost pool. Similiar to the CR which is park or lake, but not as nice, as when you look past the pool you see city. A standard won't get a true park view looking down into the park. Besides while you could see WoC, it won't be nearly as good as from Paradise Park, the viewing area in DCA.

When you exit PPH to Disneyland Dr. Go up to the intersection and cross and follow the sidewalk into the GCH. Follow the sidewalk around to the front entrance. Go in and left around the front desk. To DL go strait through and out into DTD, the DL gates are about 300 yards. Total walk 10-12 minutes. To DL at the end of the front desk go right along the edge of the lobby. Keep going strait, outside by the edge of the pool, make a right and left into a tunnel through the building. This takes you to the resort guest gate.

A good PPH tip, much like the CR. The north end of the rooftop pool deck has a firework viewing area with music.

 

[Hound 109]

Not sure where you are coming from or the ages in your group, but I would definitely do MM (in DL) both Sat. & Sun. 7am each day (but if you're from the Central or Eastern zone it's fairly easy to get up).

Assuming you are up at 5:30am then you might consider splitting a room service meal to get you going. (one big room service meal is a nice supplement for 3-4 people eating breakfast bars etc.) & not much (if anything) is open on your walk to DL prior to 7am...plus you don't want to waste time on a MM morning.

Look at a map at DLR & map out your first morning.

- Walk thru the GCH into DTD & to the turnstiles of DL.
- Enjoy DL (tour & pick up FPs) until 10:30 or so then HOP to DCA.
- Tour & pick up FPs for 2 hours in DCA.
- exit DCA thru the GCH & back into the PP for your mid day rest.

- maybe back thru the DCA (for an hour or two) or just go to DL.

Rinse & repeat both days. (But look at a map & semi plan out your mornings.)

Spend 10 minutes in the GCH KNOWING how to get to DTD & knowing how to get to the DCA side entrance. If you know this up front it will be handy info on your visit. (Skiingfast gave the route....but it sometimes can be confusing, so ask a CM once inside the GCH if you're not sure).

Might want to look at the first page of my trip report linked below (discusses the PP & how to work the park from there).....& know all of HG's FP threads.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[marcemc]

Fireworks from the pool rooftop (3rd floor), they play the music & it's a great view

Grab a chair, grab a drink & enjoy.

 

[QueenDoOver]

I like to park my car on the top floor of garage and enter through the pool deck if I need to go back and forth. Either that or I try for ground level.

Room service for breakfast is a great deal. We always order extra cream and large carafe of coffer, put the left overs in the fridge and then have a lovely iced coffee when we come back for break. I also love the mushroom soup either at the restaurant or from room service. Comes with a large basket of assorted breads and butter.

Use the glass elevator. Anyone can

Smile nicely and ask if an upgrade might be available. You never know...

Shop in the little lobby store. They have lots of treasures.

Have fun