Are the Disneyland Hotels worth it?

[AshleeH]

I've heard the perks aren't the same as WDW, but are the hotels nicer than the surrounding ones? Worth the extra money? And any preferences out of the three would be helpful.

We'll be taking our first road trip out to Disneyland next year - the only time I've visited, I was three years old and the only time my husband was there, he was 5 years old, so this is essentially our first trip. Trying to learn the ropes before the serious planning begins .

 

[skiingfast]

I've heard the perks aren't the same as WDW, but are the hotels nicer than the surrounding ones?

The best perk is access to each Magic Morning which is like a morning EMH.

Yes they are nicer. Mostly around DLR are older motels and convention hotels. Nothing rates higher than the Disney Hotels.

Worth the extra money?

Not always. Some offsite hotels include breakfasts of varying quality. Some offsite hotels are closer to the parks. Offsite hotels are generally 1/2 to 1/3 as much.

And any preferences out of the three would be helpful.

The Grand Californian Hotel is the best, it's the DLR GF. The Disneyland Hotel has very Disney themeing. Not themed like all Disney hotels are, Disney themed. It depends what you want but the GFC is more adult, the DLH more kid.

From these question I would highly suggest reading the DLR guide for WDW vets which discusses this topic and more in detail.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[chttyangel]

The Disney properties are hotels; they are nicer, they have big pools, they have onsite restaurants, gift shops, room service and other services. They treat their guests exceptionally and I have enjoyed having Goofy meet my son in the lobby and some other special moments. They are not necessarily closer thou (in fact some of the offsite locations are closer).

The offsite locations are mostly motels. There are nice ones and there are ones that are an easy walk, super clean, nice pools, good breakfasts. BUT it is not an apples to apples comparison since it is a motel. (for the most part…there are a handful of hotels too)

Is it worth the money? Personal opinion. I have stayed at the Disney property and REALLY enjoyed it. But I have stayed off site more often. My April trip; the hotel I am staying at is 89 compared to DLH which was 350. Not worth it to me. I would rather spend my money on extra things in the park or an extra day. Good luck!! There are allot of great off site places if you decide to go that route.

 

[AshleeH]

Thank you both! When we get closer to our trip, we might see if the Grand Californian is in the budget - we'll be staying in smaller motels throughout the road trip, except perhaps in L.A., so maybe we can splurge in Disney. This might be our only trip to take the kids, so I want to make it as special for them as the Disney World trips .

We'll also be in Anaheim for the most days out of anywhere (5 nights), so a little extra for comfort and convenience might make for a better time.

I'm so excited to see everything there!

 

[sonnyjane]

Thank you both! When we get closer to our trip, we might see if the Grand Californian is in the budget - we'll be staying in smaller motels throughout the road trip, except perhaps in L.A., so maybe we can splurge in Disney. This might be our only trip to take the kids, so I want to make it as special for them as the Disney World trips .

We'll also be in Anaheim for the most days out of anywhere (5 nights), so a little extra for comfort and convenience might make for a better time.

I'm so excited to see everything there!

The Grand is a really awesome hotel... the location can't be better and it's the nicest of the three resorts, but, be prepared for absolute sticker shock. I just picked a random date and compared one night at Best Western Park Place Inn, which is right across the street from the esplanade, to one night at GCH in a standard room. With all taxes and fees included, one night at BWPPI is $150.93, and one night at GCH is $538.20... that's a difference of nearly $400 PER NIGHT, or $2,000 for your 5-night stay! As the others kind of mentioned, if the prices are close, perhaps because of special discounts or promotions, then it's sometimes nice to stay on-site, but it is really a HUGE price difference, especially for the Grand, and I don't think that cost is worth it.

 

[hootey]

We usually stay at the disneyland resort hotel. The new rooms are great, new pool and waterslides for the kids, great restaraunts,as well as Goofies kitchen. The wife calls it the Disney Experience. She will tell you it is worth it for all the extras that go with. She explains it to friends this way: if you want to go to an amusement park, stay off property. If you want to take a vacation at a resort and have all the perks that go with it, then stay with disney. Everyone is diffrent in what they want. We go for a week or more at a time, we like to relax, disney employees(cm's) go out of their way to help you do that. Yes, it is worth the time to check prices and WHAT is included for that price. .

 

[AshleeH]

Thanks, Sonnyjane and hootey! I'll talk it over with my husband in a couple of months. We have gone to WDW for the last two years (and again this year) and we stay onsite at some of the Deluxe hotels, so we definitely know Disney isn't cheap when it comes to their nicer hotels! We'll be staying in cheaper motels/hotels the rest of the trip, so we might be able to swing the GC since this might be a one-time trip, but we'll stay open to non-Disney motels as well.

The only wrench that could be thrown into the plan: As of now, we won't be going to WDW next year, so the money we usually spend there will go toward this trip. However, I've got a deal with him that when I lose 50 pounds, he takes me to WDW for the Christmas festivities - the one time of year that is hardest for him to get away from work, but it's #1 on my Bucket List to see the Christmas decorations and go to MVMCP.

Since I know how that sounds, it should be noted, this was completely my idea all the way around (DH told me not to lose any weight, but it's for my own health and happiness) but he also agreed to that plan. I've been rewarding myself with every 5 pounds I've lost (little things) so that would be the ultimate reward (not to mention motivation!!).

I told him it's entirely possible that I'll reach my goal by next year (14 pounds lost since Christmas), so we might be going for Christmas 2013 - which means a trip to DLR in May and WDW in late November/early December - if we do that, it will be an Adults Only trip and I requested to stay at the Grand Floridian (a place I've always wanted to stay, but with kids, the Contemporary is the best fit for us because of the walkway to MK).

If the GF is definitely in the cards for us, the GC might have to fall by the wayside since both "Grand" hotels would cost us an arm and a leg visiting them within months of each other .

 

[cgh]

I really think it depends on what you value and like to spend money on. I do think the disneyland hotels seem to be in a different league then the ones that are as close. (not having stayed at them, but just based on photos when I considered it). We are used to staying at nice hotels, and the hotels we would really consider weren't really walking distance. We don't really buy souvenirs, and try to minimize food costs, but would rather head back for a nap and come and go from parks several times. Last year, our first trip, I really debated the 'worth' then just plunged into it and stayed at the DLH during construction. This year, it wasn't a question. We briefly deliberated staying at GCH, but opted to save that for when our 3yo is older.

So the question really is if it is worth it to you.

 

[Huff]

I'm the opposite of most here it seems. I simply can't justify the exorbitant cost of the Disney resorts. Sure they're nice, convenient, Disney themed etc. But for the high price they charge that money can go to other things we enjoy more.

It's not difficult to get one of the 3 or 4 star hotels along Harbor for under $100 if you know where to look (never pay rack rate). Hotels such as the Hilton, Marriot, Sheraton, Red Lion, Crowne Plaza etc. are all very nice. Some are easy walking to the free Toy Story Disney buses to the front gates or ART shuttles are available.

We've never stayed at the non-Disney walkable hotels. They're either lower quality motels, or rather high priced for what you get. Hojo's is probably the best deal if you can get their bargain rates in off season but thats not all that easy to do unless you can plan months ahead.

Grand Californian is easily the most convenient with its own gate to DCA and right next to Downtown Disney. Its a fast walk to either park. Easy to go back to your room for break, swimming, change of clothes etc. For us, we rarely ever go back to our rooms during the day and would rather use the money elsewhere.

 

[mrswh]

Like the PPs have said, it depends on what you value, and what effect (if any) spending more $$ on a hotel has on the rest of your trip. It also depends on how much time you plan to spend in your room/on the hotel grounds, whether you like to go back and forth to your hotel, and how much you care about your accommodations. If you like nice hotels, you (basically) have two choices: stay at a DLR hotel or stay somewhere that is not within easy walking distance. I would not stay at a hotel - no matter how little time I spend in my room, I just don't like motels. I also wouldn't really want to walk down/across Harbor to get to DL. Some people don't care about either of those things. We have stayed at the Hyatt Orange County - very nice hotel, and MUCH less expensive than the DLR hotels, but you have to take a shuttle. The shuttle is reliable and it's a quick ride. But it's not the same as taking the elevator to the lobby and walking around the corner into DCA. Or even taking a stroll through DTD to get to DL or DCA. The shuttle only comes and goes at certain times. My kids like GRR - and sometimes they get SOAKED. Easy to zip back up to the room for a quick change of clothes if we are staying at the GCH. The MMs and early entry into DCA for DLR hotel guests are big, if you like to wake up early and beat the crowds. For us, staying at the GCH means we have a LOT more time to spend in the parks and at the pool (which btw is very nice!). So, if you want the most convenient experience, and you can swing it financially, then yes, it's worth the extra money. If you are going to have to give up souvenirs and character meals and birthday presents for the next year (or the GF!!) to pay for the extra cost, then probably not.

There really is no arguing that the DLR hotels offer the utmost in convenience when visiting DLR - whether the extra cost is worth it depends on what the extra cost means to you.

Good luck with your weight loss and have fun at DLR!!

 

[nana50]

Thanks, Sonnyjane and hootey! I'll talk it over with my husband in a couple of months. We have gone to WDW for the last two years (and again this year) and we stay onsite at some of the Deluxe hotels, so we definitely know Disney isn't cheap when it comes to their nicer hotels! We'll be staying in cheaper motels/hotels the rest of the trip, so we might be able to swing the GC since this might be a one-time trip, but we'll stay open to non-Disney motels as well.

The only wrench that could be thrown into the plan: As of now, we won't be going to WDW next year, so the money we usually spend there will go toward this trip. However, I've got a deal with him that when I lose 50 pounds, he takes me to WDW for the Christmas festivities - the one time of year that is hardest for him to get away from work, but it's #1 on my Bucket List to see the Christmas decorations and go to MVMCP.

Since I know how that sounds, it should be noted, this was completely my idea all the way around (DH told me not to lose any weight, but it's for my own health and happiness) but he also agreed to that plan. I've been rewarding myself with every 5 pounds I've lost (little things) so that would be the ultimate reward (not to mention motivation!!).

I told him it's entirely possible that I'll reach my goal by next year (14 pounds lost since Christmas), so we might be going for Christmas 2013 - which means a trip to DLR in May and WDW in late November/early December - if we do that, it will be an Adults Only trip and I requested to stay at the Grand Floridian (a place I've always wanted to stay, but with kids, the Contemporary is the best fit for us because of the walkway to MK).

If the GF is definitely in the cards for us, the GC might have to fall by the wayside since both "Grand" hotels would cost us an arm and a leg visiting them within months of each other .

I would strongly suggest for a once in a lifetime trip with kids, you do the DLH, not the Grand. The best part about the Grand is the lobby. You don't have to stay there to use the lobby. My grand kids LOVED the new DLH. The pool area is great, the rooms are much bigger and really lovely. The headboards light up and play "When you wish upon a star
" Go to the Disney site and take a tour of the two hotels and see which one you like.

 

[WpgGal]

Any comments on Paradise Pier? It seems an even closer walk than DLH. I'd like to hear what it's like before we plan our next trip.
We just got back and stayed at GC. The rooms are nothing special, but the location was so worth it. We have a baby and a 5 year old, and it was so great to walk out the hotel and into Downtown Disney or California Adventure. No waiting for a shuttle, no jostling for a seat. If you can afford it, and location is important, I'd say go for it!

 

[Judy from Boise]

None of the Disney hotels are a good value for the dollar, in fact this January we stayed at PP and it was a Hamptom Inn room quality for a Hyatt price.
However they may be worth it for the experience when you factor in the grounds, pool , restaurants etc.........so really it comes down to can you afford it to the point that you don't think about the $$ you are spending and just enjoy LOL !

 

[Susie63]

I have only stayed at the DLH and I can't wait to stay at the GC,but my stay at the DLH was awesome.It really is a beautiful hotel and the Mickey Mouse toiletries,the bedtime stories on the tv(loved Brian), and having a sweet lady knocking on my door everynight, asking if she could turn down my bed for me and checking to see if I needed anything else before we turned in and then,.... filling my daughters hands with chocolate Disney coins is something you are not going to get on Harbour.
You get what you pay for. I travel in the off season which means more time in my room,so I am willing to pay the extra money.

 

[tallpkb]

We have stayed at PP and GC. DLH is tentatively scheduled for September. Our time at PP was magical, due to two things. The first, was it was early December. It was decorated so beautifully, and the costumed carolers singing at the Christmas tree there was wonderful. The second reason was because we got upgraded to the theme park view suite! We watched WOC tests each night (it was before it opened), too! Now I know that it is very rare to get such an upgrade, but I bring it up for this reason. I would much rather pay for this upgrade than pay to stay at GC! The lobby and grounds are so beautiful at GC, and the rooms are nice, but NOTHING special. You can spend all the time you want walking around the large lobby, eating at any of the restaurants, shopping in the shops, and save your money by staying somewhere else! You get the Disney experience by staying at DLH or PP (and upgrade to a suite, if you can afford it) and you'll get a lot more of the Disney experience! Just my 2cents!

 

[joihan777]

We loved our stay @ the Paradise Pier. We went just before the peak season, so the prices were 20-30% more than the Howard Johnson. During peak it seems like it's 40+% more.

That being said, our experience was great. We enjoyed all the amenities and we TOTALLY digged the beach atmosphere. (It hits you right when you walk in!) Not a SINGLE complaint from this VERY picky DH. The only disclaimer to a wholehearted recommendation is distance. It's a LONG walk from DL. (But closer to DCA). If there was a shuttle I didn't see it. We decided to walk to the monorail most days. (We rode in front 2-3 times... VERY COOL).

We liked it so much we signed up for the Disney Vacation Club on that trip. We thought it was worth the *magic*. We can only assume the DLH is better.

A word of note: On that trip our first day was spent at the Hyatt. Our family had to make its way past a very loud party in the bar/ lobby of the Hyatt. I was disgusted. That was no place to bring my family. The Disney properties are FOR families. The CMs who work there are top-notch and I ALWAYS feel they have our family's interests in mind. If your kids are young this may be a major factor.

If you don't mind a smaller, cheaper place with very few amenities (compared to DLR hotels), the Candy Cane Inn was our previous *fav* motel. It is small and doesn't compare.... but for what it is, it is a real gem of a motel. Quite clean. Quite reasonable prices and there IS a free Candy Cane Inn shuttle. (Watch out, some other hotels/motels give you tickets for a shuttle bus with who knows who on them). At the Candy Cane Inn we got to know the drivers, they were very friendly. To us, the CCI was the nicest little non-Disney property we saw.

Good luck!

 

[Fºoºz]

We usually stay at the disneyland resort hotel. The new rooms are great, new pool and waterslides for the kids, great restaraunts,as well as Goofies kitchen. The wife calls it the Disney Experience. She will tell you it is worth it for all the extras that go with. She explains it to friends this way: if you want to go to an amusement park, stay off property. If you want to take a vacation at a resort and have all the perks that go with it, then stay with disney. Everyone is diffrent in what they want. We go for a week or more at a time, we like to relax, disney employees(cm's) go out of their way to help you do that. Yes, it is worth the time to check prices and WHAT is included for that price. .

That is one of the most succinct easy-to-understand ways of explaining the difference between staying on-site vs off-site that I have heard of ... on our first stay at WDW, we stayed off-site ... on our 2nd, we stayed at DxL Resort ... what a difference! Looking at DL after our WDW/DCL trip and hope to stay on-site if the prices drop ...

 

[LisainCalifornia]

This question has been asked and answered so many times here, so I will try not to repeat what I have said before.

It is worth it to us--there is a huge difference between the on property hotels and the motels across the street. We just can't always afford it, but we try to stay at one of them at least once a year for a treat.

There is a price difference, of course--but you get what you pay for. And the price difference is not as big as you might think. For example, I have stayed at the hotels many times over the past years--and I certainly have never paid 500+ a night. This is because disneyland resort almost always has a "special" running--you just have to wait until the window of time opens and they post the specials and then you book it right away. Or, I have gotten great deals on Expedia or Orbitz (if I book about 3 weeks prior to our trip)--I got the Disneyland Hotel for 199.00 per night with a high tower resort view last summer. This is a riskier way to do it, though--because there is no gaurantee the rooms will be there. The safest way to do it is wait for specials to come out and then pounce on them. You can also make your reservations early and then call to adjust the price to the lower sale amount.

Last June I stayed in a downtown disney view room at the GC, and we paid about 335.00 per night with the discount. There was one night that was more (it was a Friday, which is more expensive) and in the end we cancelled that night because it was going to be about 100.00 more. We stayed 5 nights. So no, I am not paying 500.00 per night.

 

[joihan777]

Ashleeh,
Another option is to rent a Disney Vacation Club room. It is about the same as a room in a Disney hotel, but each room comes with a full kitchen.... a great way to save $$$ by dining 'in'... not to mention probably more healthier.

 

[AshleeH]

Thank you, guys! All of this information is awesome - I'm getting very excited about this trip (14 months and counting ). I did see where the Disney hotels have 25% off this summer for the same window we would be using next year - I'm hoping we find a deal like that then! We won't be staying there on a Friday, so I think we'll be able to get a great room for the nights we'll be there.

Don't hesitate to keep posting your own experiences! I'm wanting to learn all I can before we get into the serious planning phases.