Decisions, decisions

[Merriweather]

Am trying to make a final decision on where to stay, and being a Libra (we see all sides of an issue too well, making it very difficult to make decisions) am having a very hard time. Planning a 7 day trip to DL from Washington state in two weeks - had to plan last minute, my husband has just returned from Operation Enduring Freedom, and we never knew for sure til the last minute when he'd be able to come home, he'd been there since first strike. Wanted a "forget it all, have fun" getaway, and of course Disney sprang to mind - and when I learned of the current admission offers for active duty military, well, that clinched it. Anyway, have got quotes at both Carousel Inn and Park Vue for $49 a night. Also have a quote for the Paradise Pier for $109. It will be just my husband and me, we're empty nesters. I keep waffling between splurging on PP, or saving over $400 and having that for going crazy in shops Just how posh are the rooms in Paradise Pier? Is there enough difference to make them worth the extra? Since my husband has only been back a week after six months at sea (in fact, he's been gone 9 1/2 months of the past 12 altogether), we're hoping for a more romantic atmosphere, but still have to watch the budget.
Oh, he's never been to Disneyland (been to WDW three times), I've been to DL 20 or 30 times, but all between 1964 and 1978.
All help appreciated to choose. Also, anyone know of romantic spots for strolls, coffee, drinks, etc?
Thanks, and sorry to go on and on.

 

[teri]

Welcome!

Well, hmmmm... I liken Paradise Pier rooms to a cross between a moderate and deluxe at WDW onsite resorts. The rooms have queen beds and a chair that folds out to make a cot. The bathrooms are decent-sized, but not deluxe. There is a mini-fridge in every room, and the place is clean and nice. The discount rooms are usually back-side parking lot views, but if the place is not full they will put you in front on request. Rooms in the front tend to be noisier since the music from Paradise Pier reflects off the glass of the hotel, but you cannot beat the nighttime view from the upper floors.

Thre is no end of places to eat now - PP, Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, Downtown Disney all have lovely places for breakfast and snacks, and all are within walking distance. Now, if you are staying "offsite" the places immediately around you will be much less formal and less inviting - and less expensive. That quick breakfast will cost you $12 instead of $24, and it will be like eating in Denneys or MacDonalds. The grounds and street atmosphere offsite is just busy sprawl... but all you have to do is cross the street, walk across the plaza past the park gates, and you are in Downtown Disney. Beautiful place! You can go to Disneyland Hotel and walk through the grounds there - very nice. Either way, you will be fine.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I too am having difficulty deciding where to stay! We are planning a trip for November 2002....myself, DH and 3 kids. We've been to WDW numerous times, and I'd never even consider staying off-site there again! BUT..... for the price difference is it really worth it?

Oh and btw...if it were just me and DH.....I'd splurge!

PS.....give your husband a HUGE thank you for all he has done for each and every one of us!!!