best hotel for 3 and 5 year old

[Rachael Q]

We are travelling with friends who have two young kids and they wanted to stay at the Disneyland Resort Hotel, however it is fully booked for the duration of our trip.

They are not planning on staying all day at the parks. Mainly the mornings and then back to the hotel for the afternoon. They wanted the DLH because of all the activities that were available for the kids.

What would be a good suggestion instead? DH and I will be at the Holiday Inn Express Maingate, but there is not enough there for the kids

What is available for the kids at the DLH? Is there a play area?

 

[mickeysgal]

I think its the Neverland pool theme that captures the attention of families with small children. Its quite charming. Plus there is the alure of staying "on property" even though in DL terms this doesn't count as much as it does in WDW - in my opinion!

Are you sure they're sold out for the time you're going? Remember to check all sources...Expedia, Travelocity, AAA, Disneyland hotel reservations directly, renting points from a DVC member (who may be able to snag a reservation), and Disney travel company (package rates). For our upcoming stay, we wanted to try Disney's PP hotel. We weren't able to grab it using a straight hotel only reservation for the entire time we needed it, but was able to get it by booking a package for hotel and tickets. When we broke the cost down, the hotel was the same (as it would have cost individually) and the tickets were the same (everyone plays at the child price promotion), so we booked it this way.

Good luck!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Yes, I think the pool area and grounds (waterfall, koi pond, kiddie pool and sand area) are the big draws for families with little ones. We also wanted to be close enough to return to the hotel for naps and then go back to the parks in the late afternoon/evenings.

I had also heard about the fabulous ways the hotel staff makes your stay magical, everything from folded towel shapes to 'arranging' stuffed animals in your absence. I'm not sure if this ALWAYS happens, but we've bought stuffed Mickey and Donald to bring along just in case!

Another perk: As a resort hotel guest, you are guaranteed to be allowed back into the park even if the park attendance is near/at capacity. If you stay off-property and leave, you may not get back in if it's a busy time.

 

[Rachael Q]

We have checked:
disney website
disney phone
expedia
expedia.ca
travelocity
ares travel
Bcaa/caa/aaa
Getaway today

We have tried room only and package.

Are there actually any children's play areas or activities (other than the Neverland pool area or is that it?)

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Are you meaning a playground? I don't believe so. (I'm going for the first time in April, so what I know comes from guidebooks or this DIS board.)

The Grand Californian has a playroom/daycare setting where parents can bring the kids (5yrs and up) for dinner, play and watch movies for the evening. That would apply to the older child, but not the younger, and there is a fee. It sounds like GC has other activities, but I have no idea what they are.

 

[amw]

Are there actually any children's play areas or activities (other than the Neverland pool area or is that it?)

Here's a list of "recreations" from the Disney website:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...ing?name=DisneylandHotelRecreationListingPage

Yes, there's a playground. Also, Koi ponds, waterfalls, mini-beach with sand Volleyball, etc.

I would love to stay there, but can't afford it. My DD6 is Peter Pan-obssessed. Would love the pool, and the tinkerbell borders in the bedrooms We, however, need a separte bedroom for the girls so we'll have to stay off-site