Disney hotels - DL vs WDW

[Jet]

I've been to WDW several times with my family and wouldn't dream of staying off Disney property there. Although more expensive, the Disney hotels are in better locations and have better transportation options than most off-property options. Plus, you get Fastpass access to some of the better rides, which saves time.

My family is now planning a summer trip to DL (first time since I was only 5!), and I'm wondering if the DL hotels offer the same advantages and conveniences. It seems like there are lots of non-Disney hotels that look attractive at DL, so I'd really like some feedback. Any comments?

Also, does Dreams Unlimited book DL vacations? I can't find anything about DL on their home page. Thanks!!

 

[Michelle]

Hi Jet! Yes, Dreams does book DL vacations...just check the "DL" links from the main page, on the left-hand side.

As for offsite versus onsite...you're right that at Disneyland there are MANY offsite options that are convenient. However they can't beat the convenience of being onsite, where you can literally walk to all the parks and Downtown Disney. But you do pay for the convenience in terms of higher pricing for the Disney resorts versus the offsites. And the Disney hotels really are deluxe hotels in terms of amenities, especially the Grand Californnian.

If you want to try Dreams I suggest asking them to price both an offsite and one of the Disney hotels for comparison purposes...the packages available are identical at both the offsite or onsite resorts, so it just boils down to the accommodations you want.

Good luck deciding!

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed at many of the WDW hotels and all three of the Disneyland hotels. Staying at a Disney Hotel just has a special feeling about it. You know that feeling. The Grand Californian is even more conveinient thany any of the hotels at WDW and is themed as nicely as well. The rooms are a bit small but are decorated well. BUT.... at Disneyland I can stay off site and still be happy as alot of the less expensive motels, lodges and Inns are just as close ( or closer) as the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel. While most of the offsite places are not themed nearly as much or at all and are not quite as nice, they are still convenient and easy on the wallet. If I had a bit higher salary I would always stay at one of the Disney hotels though.

 

[rgoble5972]

I agree with daannzzz: as long as I had the money, I would stay on Disney property. As a convert to staying on-site at WDW and a recent (December 2001) convert to staying on-site at DL, I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else.

For Disneyland, I don't think that the Grand Californian can be beat for convenient location--we loved it!

 

[WDWfanatic288]

we would never stay offsite at WDW but DL we always do...we get marriot gift certificates and stay for free at Farifield Inn!

I would love to stay at GC but if we can stay for free then why not? its only about a 5-10 minute walk..no biggie!


its not as a big thing to stay onsite as at WDW...GC is very conveinent but if you dont wanna pay that muhc money off-site is right there too(unlike at WDW)

 

[danicaw]

Hubbys folks live in the LA area so staying on site was never something we considered until last year. We stayed at GC for our anniversary and it was awesome.
The convience to DCA is wonderful. We were the third couple on Soarin' that first morning and had great seats (not that there are bad seats). We also like being able to run back to the room to dry off after the rapids.

 

[scanmom]

We stay offsite at DLR, the hotels across the street are so close, you can walk ove in about 5 min or less! And you can save ALOT of $$ by staying offsite! Also, ANYONE can use fastpass, even offsite gueats, all you need is a valid ticket into the park, which you will have if you are IN the park. Now that EE has been cancelled, there is not much reason to spend all that x-tra money on a Disney hotel. Also, we went in Oct. and stayed offsite and got a pkg. that included EE!!!

 

[wdwluvr]

We stayed at the DLH last summer for the first time. We usually stay off site but this time were able to stay at DLH for $85/night because I won a contest and we upgraded and paid the difference between the hotel we were offered through the contest and the DLH. Anyway, we loved this hotel! When we went to WDW we stayed at BC and the rooms at DLH were so much more disney themed than the BC rooms. But it wasn't loud and overdone like the theming at the All Stars. I loved the Disney touches throughout the room. The border has pixie dust on it that glows in the dark, the furniture has sketches of early DL by Herbert Ryman. The fixtures holding the lights in the bathroom are Mickey's hands. The picture on the front of the bathroom cabinet where the kleenex box is has a picture of Sneezy. The wall paper in the bathroom has pictures of topiarys of Mickey and friends. The bedspreads have sketchs of rides with a floral print. And the Peter Pan themed pool is awesome. Goofys Kitchen is right there too. We loved being able to walk to the monorail or the parks through Downtown Disney. It was so convenient. I think it is definitely worth it to stay here. If you have any questions you can pm me! Good luck with your decision!