Benefit of staying onsite (apart from proximity)?

[ShaSoPa]

@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.

That does sound very nice, we are currently booked at Disneyland Hotel but I will keep this in mind, thanks!

 

[ShaSoPa]

Thank you all for your thoughts, I'm a bit torn and missing all the perks you get at Disney world but expecting a good time regardless!

 

[Disneyhanna]

I am a WDW frequenter and have been to DLR a handful of times over the years. I will pay whatever it takes at WDW to stay on property, but I will always stay off property at DLR. Even when early park entry for resort guests was still happening, I never really thought it was needed. Disneyland is just not that busy during the beginning of the day in my experience.

The Best Western Park Place Inn is the closet off property hotel you'll find, and costs around $250/night including fees. That's at least $100/night cheaper than Paradise Pier, and significantly cheaper than GCH/DLH. At WDW, I would swing the extra cash for better resorts for proximity to parks, easier transport, etc. However, the BWPPI is literally a five minute walk from your room to security. Even the Grand Floridan at WDW can't beat that!

If you've got enough cash to spare that you wouldn't think twice about what a hotel costs, then staying on property and staying in the "bubble" would be fun. However, if saving on the hotel means you could have some nicer meals or more souvenirs or an extra night, etc. I would pick that route. I'm all about staying in the "bubble" at WDW but I don't think it's nearly as important/necessary at DLR. Just my two cents!

Also, Disneyland is AWESOME! It's an entirely different feel from WDW. I prefer the Disneyland version of almost all of the rides that are at both parks! I'm sure you will love it!

 

[Blondie58]

Our onsite perk reasons are gone except for proximity. (IE: Magic Express (1-2-22) and fastpasses.)