Big Diliema! Wanna help me choose?

[sirgoofie]

HELLO EVERYONE! going to dl in aug, ITS A SURPRISE TRIP FOR MY DW AND KIDS. She always does our trip planning and this year I wanted to surprise her. So I am trying to be sneaky with the disboards. So I need your talented help!
Here is my dilima... we can stay thru Costco travel- and get the character meal, and all that stuff... I can choose to go to DLH for our 3 night 4 day trip- or go to the Hyatt Regency Orange for the 3 night 4 day trip. The Hyatt is a 100 dollars cheaper. Its not really so much about saving a $100. Its more then that- at the DLH they are starting pool construction which will be during the afternoons. Which I was planning to have the family relax in during the afternoons with a nap. I already know about the tower constructions too, which doesnt help. Doesnt seem like it will be really relaxing. The hotel operator couldnt give me details as which pool etc.. all she could say is we could go to the other 2 resort hotels pool to swim. I dont think that is convienant at all or very relaxing. Plus- we would be all sorta cramped in a standard room w/ 2 q.'s. But the perks are- we are right there in the parks and MM for both Sat and Sun of our stay. However- we love to stay out till midnight when the parks are open that early.. so getting up at 5am the next morn to be at the parks at 7am might not happen. Atleast not 2 days in a row with a teenager. So then I am back to the Hyatt Regency Orange- they just finished all of thier construction- the pics look nice. We would get the new kids suite which makes being in the hotel actually nicer- way more spacious and comfort- which is almost a neccesity to unwind with 3 kids. but still only 1 bathroom- they do have free complimentary shuttle to disneyland- thats nice. But my concerns are what if we miss that shuttle? This hotel is not within walking distance so getting up and being on time is going to be stressful. The pool looks nice too. So what would you do? I cant ask my wife... or I will blow the surprise. So I would need some womanly opinions hehe. And to make up for not going to DLH (which we have never been too) I would take them in 2012 or maybe even 2011 to the DLH when all the construction is done. But need some urgent advice thank you!

 

[nana50]

The pool sitution is a concern. The construction may be also. I'm not sure how close the Hyatt is, I'm sure you'd have to drive or take the shuttle. Usually shuttles run every 30 minutes, so if you miss one, it's only a short wait. By the time you drive yourself, park, and take the tram you could have been dropped off by the shuttle and on a ride.

 

[bumbershoot]

Splurge for a Downtown Disney view, or the other view that just isn't a pool view.

Stay at PPH. Which I know isn't one of your listed options, but surely you can get that through Costco Travel as well.

I'd go for PPH. I like it better.

Or, what about this....look into getting APs so you can have this trip and your wife can plan a trip, LOL. Maybe even have someone check AP rates for the hotels during the time you'll be there. See if that works out better?

 

[Scrapmouse]

Sirgoofie, I applaud your efforts to surprise your DW and kids. And I'd be overjoyed if my DH did that for me too. But to be honest, as a wife and mother, as much as I love surprises, when it comes to planning trips I like to be involved.

I know you don't want to ask your DW because you want to surprise her. But maybe the surprise could be that you ARE taking her and kids to Disneyland. Then you and DW could sit down with the kids and you can present them with all the info you mentioned and as a family you can all decide what would be the best hotel for this trip. Therefore, it's sort of a compromise. You still get to surprise everyone with the trip. But then you and DW & kids get to have a say in what hotel to stay in.

What do you think? Maybe that will help alleviate some of the stress you have of picking the hotel. Hope this helps. And hope you and your family have a fun trip. Let us know how things turn out.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Sirgoofie, I applaud your efforts to surprise your DW and kids. And I'd be overjoyed if my DH did that for me too. But to be honest, as a wife and mother, as much as I love surprises, when it comes to planning trips I like to be involved.

I know you don't want to ask your DW because you want to surprise her. But maybe the surprise could be that you ARE taking her and kids to Disneyland. Then you and DW could sit down with the kids and you can present them with all the info you mentioned and as a family you can all decide what would be the best hotel for this trip. Therefore, it's sort of a compromise. You still get to surprise everyone with the trip. But then you and DW & kids get to have a say in what hotel to stay in.

What do you think? Maybe that will help alleviate some of the stress you have of picking the hotel. Hope this helps. And hope you and your family have a fun trip. Let us know how things turn out.

I'd have to agree with this. The surprise that you're going will be FANTASTIC. Then you can plan together.

 

[sirgoofie]

thanks- to bumbershoot- I did a quote of 1718 for Pp- its not entirely out of an option- but I looked at the pics and the rooms seem so hot and cramped and the pool- well being on the roof- with no real trees looks so hot too. And that big slide looks so hot- I can onloy imaging the kids getting burnt going down on a roof top slide in the middle of August heat! I dont know.

thank you to Scrapmouse- Prolly will get the wife and kids involved. I already know the kids will say whatever makes mom happy. They wont care. I already know them, the wife will just stress about it even more since she always wanted to go to Dlh. And APs are out of the question- for several reasons- this will be our last trip for atleast 2 years... we have a very strict family plan ahead which includes a full year at college to get our degree and working and juggling the kids- plus we have a goal to save up a certain dollar amount. Adding an Ap will throw my wife for a loop as she will always want to go to disneyland atleast once a month! That cant happen this year LOL. No No the mere though of the Ap oh my gosh! LOL

As for the first persons comment- cant remember your name sorry, yis there is a shuttle free at the hyatt. but if we miis it- then we have to wait for them to drop off the original people, come back to get us then get there- makes it a whole hour lost. Not keen on that. I will just have to be real strict on timing issues. Oh I found out it was Nana! Nana I saw your dis pics and loved those! Do you think my family who loves space- would be really cramped in a DlH room? Family of 5 with about 6 luggages... hehe. I know 6 luggages... !!!

 

[sirgoofie]

Ahh another vote from Newbie mouse to tell the family! Maybe I should... I guess I will tonight at dinner. DW always makes Sunday dinner a family thing so I guess this will make for a great topic. Ok... just trying to convience myself this is a good idea hehe. I always planned a dream to load everyone in the car late at night for a last minute ice cream splurge... and just keep driving all the way to DL. When they wake up- then we will be there! Oh what a shock! Hhehe maybe when the DLH is completed I can do that! Cant wait to hear more responses ! Ty!

 

[stitchy626]

I'm not one for lying but how about this scenario....if can you get a friend or co-worker to go along, tell your wife that the two of you have been asked to help plan a trip to DL for this friend. Give her the options that the "friend" is considering and ask what she thinks would be best.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

It's a tough call. I guess I would decide which senario would tick me off the most. Would I be mad if I had to go to a different pool? Or would I be mad at having to catch a shuttle and what happens if I miss it?

For me the answer would be that the shuttle would put the most stress on me. I hate having to stick to something that may break down or have me mad because people aren't moving fast enough.

Yes the pool construction isn't ideal but the pool at The Grand looks lovely too. Or the waterslide looks like great fun.

I have 3 kids and I didn't feel cramped in the hotel room at DLH but mine are smaller than yours and we didn't have that much luggage. We don't spend a ton of time in the room either. We go in off season though so we don't really take breaks.

I love the idea of driving for ice cream but how are you going to get all the luggage without anyone suspecting anything? So maybe letting her in on the surprise might be better.

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I say plan it and tell them right before....we did this with my mom and she LOVED IT! We got worried like the day or 2 before we went that we would not pack all of the right things for her...we made her a certificate and had it open it and she was SOOO EXCITED!!!! Stilla huge surprise!

As for the hotels....the last time I stayed at DLH (in Feb) the room had 2 beds AND the pullout couch. I have to say I LOVE staying on property, NOTHING beats it! The pool thing stinks, but you can do to the other pools. I have NEVER stayed at PP, but some people love it! I just love DLH...it is hard NOT to stay there! and only 100 LESS...can't beat that. We always say we will use the pools, and we end up napping !!!

Good luck!

 

[dismom73]

Here's another vote for keeping it a surprise. If there is only $100 difference I would most definately stay at DLH, you can't go wrong with location and service. To me it's well worth a small inconvience like construction. I would let your wife and/or your kids know you are taking them somewhere a day or two in advance though. As a wife and mother I would need some notice to make arrangements for some things like bills, mail, etc.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I too would recommend staying at the Paradise Pier if the DLH construction bothers you, otherwise don't worry about the construction and stay at the DLH. No dependence on annoying, perhaps over-full shuttles so no anxiety about whether or not you will make it in time. I personally hate having to deal with shuttles; I like to be able to feel like we can come and go as we please. You won't ever entirely leave the Disney atmosphere, and you'll have the MM, DCA entrance, and other tiny perks available to you.

I admit that I don't always react well to surprise, but for some reason a surprise like this seems fun to me and I think I would be ok with my DH doing this, provided he really did his research and covered everything that needed doing so I'm not left feeling anxious and upset by the incompleteness of his preparation. And I mean everything from travel arrangements to packing needs to snacks to appropriate budget planning. It would actually be quite refreshing to not have to do that stuff and just be able to go for once, but I might be too worried to enjoy myself if this stuff simply didn't get done at all. You should know your wife and her needs, so plan accordingly.

 

[sway_559]

I love the idea of the surprise! As a Mother I would want to pack and run through a check list though.

I would suggest doing a scavenger hunt, and at the end they find a huge sign or something that says something like " You've got one hour to get yourselves ready, and packed because.....WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!!" or something along those lines. That way they can all feel a bit prepared but the whole surprise was a big one . As far as the hotels are concerned, I'd still probably stay at DLH, just for the whole effect. Plus, I hate the idea of having a schedule to catch a shuttle. Just my 2 cents, have fun and what a good hubby you are

 

[disneydreamerbelle]

Don't forget that at DLH you can hop across the street and use the GCH pool. It is very nice with lots of trees and a water slide too so you wouldn't be stuck on the roof! The walk isn't too bad from the Dreams tower so just put a request in for that.

As for the construction I have not heard a complaint yet about it bothering anyone and I am sure we would have if it were an issue.

If it's not too late go for the surprise!

 

[stitchy626]

I love the idea of the surprise! As a Mother I would want to pack and run through a check list though.

I would suggest doing a scavenger hunt, and at the end they find a huge sign or something that says something like " You've got one hour to get yourselves ready, and packed because.....WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!!" or something along those lines. That way they can all feel a bit prepared but the whole surprise was a big one . As far as the hotels are concerned, I'd still probably stay at DLH, just for the whole effect. Plus, I hate the idea of having a schedule to catch a shuttle. Just my 2 cents, have fun and what a good hubby you are

Awesome idea. I do all the planning and it can be so stressful so I would love it if someone did this for me but I would want to pack for myself. The scavenger hunt is a perfect compromise. Oh and staying on property all the way simply for the fact that you can be on your own schedule and not the shuttle's.

 

[azdisneylover]

First off, You rock as a hubby! Costco does have the get 5 nights for the price of 3 still going through September. Are both pools at DLH going to be out? The PPH pool and slide was nice. I think If I had to walk to another pool, I would stay at the DLH and walk to the Grand's pool! Better yet, I would go inside the parks, then swing by the Grand's pool, then grab food from Whitewater then head back to the room in DLH for a nap! LOL Is the Grand Californian out of the question price wise? Remember, the price from Costco includes tax and all the fees! Costco for August 13-August 18 for 5 for 3 day park hopper, room, 2 adults and 3 kids 8 and under:
PPH -$1921.52
DLH -$2023.50
GCH -$2437.50
If you do include the wife, why not surprise her with some cool Disney stuff? Disneystore online is having a sale...You can get her a purse, charms, towel, key chain, kitchen stuff, the list goes on and on.
I would love it if my hubby would surprise me with a trip to DL!

 

[Jenna319]

What's this about pool-hopping? I am staying at DLH in September. I thought you could not pool-hop? Does this mean the neverland pool will be closed when I'm there? Or just construction around it?

 

[mrswh]

As for the first persons comment- cant remember your name sorry, yis there is a shuttle free at the hyatt. but if we miis it- then we have to wait for them to drop off the original people, come back to get us then get there- makes it a whole hour lost. Not keen on that. I will just have to be real strict on timing issues. Oh I found out it was Nana! Nana I saw your dis pics and loved those! Do you think my family who loves space- would be really cramped in a DlH room? Family of 5 with about 6 luggages... hehe. I know 6 luggages... !!!

Definitely not even close to an hour lost if you miss a shuttle. The shuttles depart the Hyatt every half hour - we have found them to be very reliable. So the very most you'll ever be waiting for the next shuttle is 29 minutes.

Can you get a Queen 2BR suite at the Hyatt with your package? It is even better than the kids' suite because it has a living room (with fridge, pull out sofa and TV) AND two full rooms (including bathrooms). Have you looked into doing this without the promotion? For the dates we are looking at in August, the 2 BR suite is $200ish a night. Pretty darn cheap!

We love the Hyatt OC! It would be nice to stay on property but can't justify the extra cost and 1/3rd of the space. The shuttle is super easy at the Hyatt, kids eat free for lunch and dinner and there is a full service Starbucks in the lobby which is HUGE! We stayed at the end of March, after the remodel, and the rooms (and lobby) are fantastic.

BTW, so sweet of you to plan this surprise! I am sure they will love it!

 

[sirgoofie]

wow- everyone has so many great ideas. I read one post and think Ok I will tell her, read another post and say Ok I will keep it a surprise... LOL... same with the hotel... one minute I say DLH ... I like the idea of maybe carrying our suits in a small backpack, grabbing white water shacks lunch- cause it was sooo good... then head out to GCH's pool. Then back to ours for a nap. So many ideas. I didnt know that the Hyatt had rooms with 2 bathrooms! That is so huge!!! ever try getting ready to be somewhere with 5 people trying to get ready at the same time? LOL..... esp with females. I know for a fact that my wife will want to get her nails, hair done and a pedi, plus have a new outfit and some refreshed make up... before she goes on a trip. I know this for a fact- so maybe a few days before I will hand her a certificate and encourage her to go to the salon. She will have no idea... why!
Dinner came and gone... I almost told them.... a few times, but didnt. They all asked why I had a huge smile on my face and a slight twinkle in my eye, this is all so exciting. I just said how happy I was we are all together. Which is true... hehe. I looked at trip advisor- good reviews for both hotels. I was wondering to get to the GCH pool- how inconvient that would be? do I need to go to the lobby, explain our pool situation with DLH, get a new kkey to open the pool gate etc? Do I need to walk clear out of DTD to get to the Grand or is there some sort of short cut? I can only imaging the chaos! I think that is what is making me give up on DLH. I just want a really low key relaxed vacation... RIGHT!!! Or try to anyways. As far as the packing goes- I was going to have everything packed in the suitcases in the garage. Then load up the car from the garage. Nobody in our family hardly goes in the garage. I was thinking of ordering the Disney luggages, they are on sale. As far as snacks go- I was thinking of placing an order for Vons. Mostly gatorade, water a few sodas, muffins. And have it delivered to the room . As far as clothes go- school starts about 2 weeks before our trip- I was going to be extra sneaky- and as the wife does laundry- sneak out the good new clothes and stick it in the garage. She tends to show me the great deals she gets shopping for school clothes! I will just have to pay extra attention this time around and take some notes! keep the ideas coming! I sure do appreciate it!

 

[sirgoofie]

and to Mrswh, I dont want to loose my $200 deposit to do the room without the promo. i really like the grounds at Residence Inn Maingate- to my shock it is actually more then the DLH!!!! I couldnt believe it! I was really bummed about that, since online it seemed to be cheaper doing it myself. But then again I wouldnt get that perk of character dinning. But thanks for the idea- gotta go... dw and kids just got back from the store!