Benefit of staying onsite (apart from proximity)?

[ShaSoPa]

Hello, all,

I've done some reading here, and I need you experts to tell me if I'm correct. Since staying onsite (with vacation package, tickets included) does not guarantee me my park reservation...and because there is not extra magic hour or other exclusive park access for those staying onsite...and because Genie+ will be available to all (?)...is the proximity to the park the only benefit to staying onsite at this time? Please let me know if I'm missing something, will I at least be able to make those park reservations early, compared to staying off site? For context, we're talking about a March trip and a November date is listed as to wen I can reserve a park. Thank you so much for helping out a Disneyland newbie (have done DW twice, pre-covid).

 

[CaptainAmerica]

The morning extra magic hour currently "paused," not "cancelled." It is expected to return once staffing and capacity get back up to normal, whenever that is.

 

[ShaSoPa]

Ah, that's good, so there's hope for the return. Thanks for the reply.

 

[PirateBrigade]

Proximity is probably the #1 primary reason to stay on-site -- all three hotels avoid major roads/intersections outside of the park, PPH requires you to either cross West/Disneyland Dr. outbound via GCH (not allowed in inbound), or walk adjacent to a seldom used service road/parking lot behind DtD.

In terms of raw distance, DLH hotel is further away from the esplanade than some of the closest Harbor Blvd hotels, but again there's the issue of crossing Harbor, dodging exiting cars from multiple driveways (unless staying you're right at the intersection).

Everything else is just soft flourishes -- light up headboards at DLH, the ability to have in-park purchases sent directly to your room (double check that this is still happening, there were delays in May 2021 when I tried it), etc...

 

[ShaSoPa]

Thank you, that context does help!

 

[poptart90]

What about package deliveries at the DLR Hotels or for the DVC rooms with the full kitchen. Can anyone whose stayed recently at either weigh in on whether these are allowed now?

1. Grocery Delivery (like Von's)
2. Food Delivery (thinking Grub hub type deliveries)

Thanks!

 

[ShaSoPa]

I want to know this about food delivery, too, haha!

 

[5forMickey]

I want to know this about food delivery, too, haha!

I had family stay at DLH two weeks ago. They ordered food delivery from a local store that was delivered to the hotel. They met them in the lobby to accept the delivery.

 

[Nabas]

Ah, that's good, so there's hope for the return. Thanks for the reply.

The other onsite benefit will be to able to buy an Individual Attraction Selection at 7 AM. (Offsite guests have to wait until park opening.)

This could be significant if, for example, you really want to experience Rise of the Resistance but fail to get a 7 AM Boarding Group.

Deluxe Resort Guests get extra evening evening hours which, so far, have been 2 hours at Epcot on Monday and 2 hours at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday.

 

[ShaSoPa]

The other onsite benefit will be to able to buy an Individual Attraction Selection at 7 AM. (Offsite guests have to wait until park opening.)

This could be significant if, for example, you really want to experience Rise of the Resistance but fail to get a 7 AM Boarding Group.

Deluxe Resort Guests get extra evening evening hours which, so far, have been 2 hours at Epcot on Monday and 2 hours at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday.

This is significant, yes! I was hoping there would be something like this to tip me over the edge. I'm surprised that Disney isn't making any of this clear, though, I guess they want to be able to change policy at the drop of a hat - seems like there will be something, though. Thanks, all.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I have no idea when you are thinking about going. In the past, you could have items purchased in the park sent to the hotel, and you could pick them up later that day or the next morning depending on when you purchased it. That was a perk of staying onsite. Not having to cross busy streets is another perk of staying onsite.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

If you are staying at a disney hotel you can get food delivery through the tv in your room from most of the downtown disney food outlets! They deliver to the lobby.
Thats a fun bonus to get an earl of sandwich or sprnkles cupcake sent over!

I also like to charge to the room and just settle bill through hotel

 

[DisneyJulieZ]

The other onsite benefit will be to able to buy an Individual Attraction Selection at 7 AM. (Offsite guests have to wait until park opening.)

This could be significant if, for example, you really want to experience Rise of the Resistance but fail to get a 7 AM Boarding Group.

Deluxe Resort Guests get extra evening evening hours which, so far, have been 2 hours at Epcot on Monday and 2 hours at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday.

Isn't that only for Disney World though?
I think we're all here on this Disneyland (California) forum discussing only Disneyland items...?

If any of this applies to Disneyland, that would be great!

 

[biochemgirl]

Does staying onsite open the dining window for the length of the stay? This would be a benefit to be able to book the hard to get ADRs a few days ahead of the pack.

 

[taaren]

Does staying onsite open the dining window for the length of the stay? This would be a benefit to be able to book the hard to get ADRs a few days ahead of the pack.

Nope. Staying onsite you're still competing for the dining reservations with everyone else.

I wouldn't be able to afford staying on-site if I weren't DVC, but because I am we stay frequently. The real benefit is the location. To me, its worth it so I'm glad we bought back when we did. For the trips we stay off-site I frequently find myself I wish I had more points for the sake of my feet.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I'm not really sure there are any perks at this time. I heard there's a different park reservation bucket for onsite hotel guests, so I guess maybe it might make it easier to get a reservation if you're staying during peak times, but if you're like me and plan ahead, this isn't really a big deal because you'll probably easily get your reserved parks/days anyway. Honestly, for the price you pay, I really prefer just staying at a hotel with less expensive suites. The only downside to offsite is having to cross city streets and leave the Disney bubble.

 

[jodybird511]

@ShaSoPa, since you mentioned that you are a DLR newbie, you may not know, so I'll mention--if you stay at Grand Cali, there are dedicated entrances from the hotel directly into Downtown Disney and California Adventure. For our family this is a perk, not only bc of proximity, but also because of lower crowd levels at the entry points. I must also say that it is SOOOOOOO nice to be able to walk out of DCA at night directly into your hotel. That being said.....we are DVC and stay on points--I would never pay rack rates for Grand Cali.

 

[StormyCA]

Onsite perks that I can think of:

Delivery of souvenir packages to the hotel - currently suspended

EMH - currently suspended

DCA 'private entrance' - currently available (may be restricted to DGC guests only from time to time)

Using the Disneyland Dr entrance to DGC - entrance is restricted to DGC guests and those with dining reservations, exit available to all

 

[MissSha]

There really isn't a benefit to stay on property anymore as far as I'm concerned.

Sure...the resorts are absolutely lovely. For sure! But I don't have to quote all the perks mentioned in this thread that are no more, and after using a rental car this August trip, we realize that Disney transportation is also more of a hassle than anything too! Driving around ourselves was the best thing ever, and there are many other nearby off-property resorts that have suites costing WAY less than Disney.

 

[Nonsuch]

Does staying onsite open the dining window for the length of the stay? This would be a benefit to be able to book the hard to get ADRs a few days ahead of the pack.

It does not, but likely would not be helpful anyway.

While it is possible to search for dining reservations 60 days in advance, the individual restaurants make reservations available at random dates and times. There is a long thread about searching for dining reservations, with some guests using paid services to find reservations