Disneyland Hotel Questions...just booked first ever trip!!

[PrincessJasmine08]

We'll be staying at the Disneyland Hotel March 28-April 2. Just booked on Sunday! I've been to WDW more times than I can count. I am a seasonal CM at Chef Mickey's at WDW and know the place backward and forward. Disneyland is brand new to me!!! I have a ton of questions, but thought I would start out with just a few! Feel free to throw any other comments/suggestions/advice in!

1. The CM was telling me about a daily resort fee when I booked. I couldn't really follow what he was saying. What I got out of it is that we'll be charged an additional $15 per person per day to stay at the hotel. Am I getting this right? What's up with this?

2. Does anyone have any pictures of the Disneyland Hotel?

3. Can I get a general explanation of how to get around from our hotel. The monorail goes through the hotel? Do we walk to the parks? Ride the monorail? Is this hotel a good location?


Thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[Dis-Ted]

While I'm new to the forum I've spent a lot of time at DLand and welcome to the park on this side! I think you're going to have a great time.

1. The CM was telling me about a daily resort fee when I booked. I couldn't really follow what he was saying. What I got out of it is that we'll be charged an additional $15 per person per day to stay at the hotel. Am I getting this right? What's up with this?

You're half right (it's cheaper than you think). The fee is per room, not per person, and covers a few nice things like parking which you'd be shelling out almost as much for if you were staying off property and drove in anyways. Your fee also covers internet access so you don't have to worry about that.

2. Does anyone have any pictures of the Disneyland Hotel?

I don't have many myself that don't include people but take a look at Tripadvisor's Disneyland Hotel page where people have posted a lot of photos over the years.

3. Can I get a general explanation of how to get around from our hotel. The monorail goes through the hotel? Do we walk to the parks? Ride the monorail? Is this hotel a good location?

It's not a difficult hotel to get around and since the park is much smaller than WDW you really don't have to worry about getting lost. The pool is in the middle and you can't miss it. The monorail doesn't go into the hotel but it's only a little walk away in downtown Disney which is right in front of the park.

Location wise you can't get much closer. The Grand Californian hotel is inside of California Adventure but that opens later and is a longer walk to the monorail and main park. So all things said you're as close as a hotel gets to the park and literally steps away from the shops and restaurants in Downtown Disney. The nice thing about the Disneyland hotel is that you're close to the park via the Monorail and also to dining so you don't have to have a car although without one you're fairly stuck with the options in the park as it's a bit of a haul to get outside the park from there.

In terms of getting outside the park your hotel and car are in the back of the Disneyland complex with easy access to the outside world. There's a lot of local restaurants from just about every price and taste range that you can drive to or walk to depending on your preference. I can't post links yet but Google Maps does a great job of showing where things are... as you'll see most everything is just around the park off Harbor Blvd. or Katella both of which are major roads (3/4 lanes per side) and connect to the 5-freeway, the major freeway by the park.

 

[mt mommy]

I think Dis-Ted did a great job answering your questions.....I just wanted to give a plug for Goofy's Kitchen.

I have been to WDW Chef Mickey's, and actually I like Goofy's better!! Book advanced seating there, you will LOVE IT!!

Have so much fun!

 

[daannzzz]

The DLH From our trip in July of 2007

G]

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

While I'm new to the forum I've spent a lot of time at DLand and welcome to the park on this side! I think you're going to have a great time.

You're half right (it's cheaper than you think). The fee is per room, not per person, and covers a few nice things like parking which you'd be shelling out almost as much for if you were staying off property and drove in anyways. Your fee also covers internet access so you don't have to worry about that.

I don't have many myself that don't include people but take a look at Tripadvisor's Disneyland Hotel page where people have posted a lot of photos over the years.

It's not a difficult hotel to get around and since the park is much smaller than WDW you really don't have to worry about getting lost. The pool is in the middle and you can't miss it. The monorail doesn't go into the hotel but it's only a little walk away in downtown Disney which is right in front of the park.

Location wise you can't get much closer. The Grand Californian hotel is inside of California Adventure but that opens later and is a longer walk to the monorail and main park. So all things said you're as close as a hotel gets to the park and literally steps away from the shops and restaurants in Downtown Disney. The nice thing about the Disneyland hotel is that you're close to the park via the Monorail and also to dining so you don't have to have a car although without one you're fairly stuck with the options in the park as it's a bit of a haul to get outside the park from there.

In terms of getting outside the park your hotel and car are in the back of the Disneyland complex with easy access to the outside world. There's a lot of local restaurants from just about every price and taste range that you can drive to or walk to depending on your preference. I can't post links yet but Google Maps does a great job of showing where things are... as you'll see most everything is just around the park off Harbor Blvd. or Katella both of which are major roads (3/4 lanes per side) and connect to the 5-freeway, the major freeway by the park.

THANK YOU!!!! I'm glad to find that I'm only half right on the resort fee. Since this isn't done at WDW hotels, I guess it kind of took me by surprise. I suppose it makes sense but I'm still having a little trouble wrapping my mind around why those things wouldn't be included in cost to begin with. I hate little fees tacked onto everything.

It's also hard for me to really understand the layout of Disneyland. I'm so used to WDW where we have to ride buses, boats, and monorails to get around! It's strange to think that everything will be within walking distance.

I think Dis-Ted did a great job answering your questions.....I just wanted to give a plug for Goofy's Kitchen.

I have been to WDW Chef Mickey's, and actually I like Goofy's better!! Book advanced seating there, you will LOVE IT!!

Have so much fun!

How would you compare Chef Mickey's versus Goofy's Kitchen? Having worked at Chef Mickey's for 2 and a half years now, I wouldn't really want to go there on my vacation. Is it different from Chef's or pretty similar? I think we're planning on doing 3 sit down meals. I might have to start another thread for dining though.

daannzzz...thank you for the beautiful pictures!! What view type is that room? We have a standard view.


A couple more questions....

Is there a gym?

From looking at pictures on tripadvisor it looks like there's a daybed in the room. Is this in all rooms? Does this mean we can have 5 people in the room? I have a friend who lives in LA who might come visit us for a night or 2, so that would put us at 5 people for those nights.

Do any of the rooms have balconies? They look like maybe partial balconies from the photos?

 

[SunLillyFairy]

I am staying there too, just next week. I did a lot of research and I found my best deal if I booked through AAA..., it was a less expensive than other packages, and a lot less then just calling them direct, it came with a few bucks in meal vouchers and some coupons.., and the "resort fee" was included. A AAA membership only costs like $50 a year, so even if your not a member you can easily become one. I would suggest you call them and get a quote and if it saves you a bunch of money you may be able to either 1) Call Disney or your travel agent and see if they can swing you the same deal, or 2) if it saves you hundreds (mine did over some others offered) then you may be able to cancel yours and book theirs. Of course, I'm sure there are other good deals out there, but it was my best deal:

$1699 after taxes/fees, included $175 in meal vouchers, some other freebies (like a coupon book and a souvenior pin). For 6 days/5 nights, 6 day hopper, family of 4. One place I called told me $2599.., that's a huge difference. Most others were about 300-400 more. I was surprised the difference between the 6 day and 5 day hopper prices was only $18 for the whole package, so we went ahead and paid for the 6th day even though we'll only be able to go in for a couple hours.

The monorail does not go "through", but is very close too.., and it is the closest and easiest transportation. Have fun, fun, fun!

 

[Dis-Ted]

No problem.

I've not been to WDW much but when it comes to Disneyland think smaller. Most of the rides and experiences you love will be in the park but it's just not as big a process to get there. The monorail takes you into the main park (the back) and it's about a 15 minute walk from there to the gates and another 15 to the back of California Adventure at a steady pace.

Don't know about the day bed but many rooms do open up to views of the pool with some balconies that I often see looking up from the ground.

If you're looking for a drink in the evening you'll be near the Lost Bar (behind the pool) which is generally open until after 1am. There's also a small snack shack next door that sells Chicken Strips and other hot food until late.

And yes there is a gym but don't expect a mega facility, it's pretty basic stuff.

There's also coin operated laundry which may come in handy with 5 people.

 

[toyota]

Here are some pictures from our May 2008 trip. We stayed in the Wonder tower. We requested theme park view (I forget what it was officially). The rooms don't have real balcony's (the windows open up to a rail that is about 12 inches away from the window).

View from our room:

Have Fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

It's also hard for me to really understand the layout of Disneyland. I'm so used to WDW where we have to ride buses, boats, and monorails to get around! It's strange to think that everything will be within walking distance.

I think it best to take off your WDW hat and be ready to put on a DLR hat. To me the need for transportation at WDW seems like such hassle. We got used to it, and understand why it is like that, but the walking distance hotels at DLR are just so convenient. Between that, the easy parkhopping and the typical longer park hours at DLR, we end up spending way more time inside the parks - like 50% more - because it is so easy to get there and take afternoon breaks.

It is great you are going out to DLR. If you love Disney you will love DLR. But do be careful about setting up WDW as some sort of ideal to which DLR must conform. No doubt WDW has great things about it. But so does DLR. If one gets too hung up about how DLR is "so different" they may not allow themselves to fully experience and enjoy some of DLR's strengths.

 

[daannzzz]

Ours was a pool view.

 

[Sherry E]

Unless the prices were raised in 2009, the Resort Fee for all three DLR hotels is $12 plus 15% tax per night, which comes out to $13.80 per night, on top of the room fee and tax. A lot of us feel it is unfair to be charged that because many of us do not use the services included in the Resort Fee. In the old days, they would just ask if you needed a Parking Pass and charge accordingly, but now it is lumped into the dreaded mandatory Resort Fee, which can add up if you stay more than one night! Of course, the 15% tax is also charged onto the price of your room, so that is quite lofty.

I have not been to Chef Mickey's, but from what I hear, Goofy's Kitchen is more or less the DLR eqivalent of it, or very similar to it. Now, Goofy's is my favorite restaurant in all of DLR, but in your case, since you don't want to replicate the Chef Mickey's Experience, you may want to try one of the other character meals instead - maybe Lilo and Stitch in the PPH? Storytellers (Chip and Dale) in the GCH? Minnie's in DL may be a bit similar to Chef Mickey's, too, but there are lots of characters.

The DLH has a lot of really nice features and lush grounds. Really nice koi fish pond, waterfalls and mini, remote controlled Jungle Cruise boats. You should enjoy it. You don't even have to take the Monorail, really. If you like the festive Downtown Disney atmosphere, you can walk the length of that from DLH and all the way to the front gates of both parks. Some folks don't like that long walk through DTD but others enjoy it because you can kind of window shop and sightsee along the way.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Looks like they have you pretty much covered! DLR is a different experience from WDW so try not to enter it with your WDW hat like hydro said. You may be thinking it's small because you can walk..and it is smaller but you will find most of the same attractions there and DCA has a lot of character of it's own. I hope you guys enjoy your trip!

 

[pixiewings71]

Welcome to our little area on the Dis! And wow for those pics, makes me REALLY want to stay there!!! Especially for the Neverland Pool...wow!

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

I am staying there too, just next week. I did a lot of research and I found my best deal if I booked through AAA..., it was a less expensive than other packages, and a lot less then just calling them direct, it came with a few bucks in meal vouchers and some coupons.., and the "resort fee" was included. A AAA membership only costs like $50 a year, so even if your not a member you can easily become one. I would suggest you call them and get a quote and if it saves you a bunch of money you may be able to either 1) Call Disney or your travel agent and see if they can swing you the same deal, or 2) if it saves you hundreds (mine did over some others offered) then you may be able to cancel yours and book theirs. Of course, I'm sure there are other good deals out there, but it was my best deal:

$1699 after taxes/fees, included $175 in meal vouchers, some other freebies (like a coupon book and a souvenior pin). For 6 days/5 nights, 6 day hopper, family of 4. One place I called told me $2599.., that's a huge difference. Most others were about 300-400 more. I was surprised the difference between the 6 day and 5 day hopper prices was only $18 for the whole package, so we went ahead and paid for the 6th day even though we'll only be able to go in for a couple hours.

The monorail does not go "through", but is very close too.., and it is the closest and easiest transportation. Have fun, fun, fun!

You should take some pictures and post them when you get home...I'd love to see them! Since I am a WDW CM, our Cast Member ID also serves as our admission media into Disneyland and California Adventure (also every other Disney park). We also get a nice discount on the hotels. I hope you have a great trip!

No problem.

I've not been to WDW much but when it comes to Disneyland think smaller. Most of the rides and experiences you love will be in the park but it's just not as big a process to get there. The monorail takes you into the main park (the back) and it's about a 15 minute walk from there to the gates and another 15 to the back of California Adventure at a steady pace.

Don't know about the day bed but many rooms do open up to views of the pool with some balconies that I often see looking up from the ground.

If you're looking for a drink in the evening you'll be near the Lost Bar (behind the pool) which is generally open until after 1am. There's also a small snack shack next door that sells Chicken Strips and other hot food until late.

And yes there is a gym but don't expect a mega facility, it's pretty basic stuff.

There's also coin operated laundry which may come in handy with 5 people.

THANK YOU!!! I am literally taking notes. Can you tell I'm a bit of an over planner? Maybe that's my teacher side coming out.

I think it best to take off your WDW hat and be ready to put on a DLR hat. To me the need for transportation at WDW seems like such hassle. We got used to it, and understand why it is like that, but the walking distance hotels at DLR are just so convenient. Between that, the easy parkhopping and the typical longer park hours at DLR, we end up spending way more time inside the parks - like 50% more - because it is so easy to get there and take afternoon breaks.

It is great you are going out to DLR. If you love Disney you will love DLR. But do be careful about setting up WDW as some sort of ideal to which DLR must conform. No doubt WDW has great things about it. But so does DLR. If one gets too hung up about how DLR is "so different" they may not allow themselves to fully experience and enjoy some of DLR's strengths.

I lol'ed at the "taking my hat off." We will definitely try to go into the experience thinking of it as something new rather than something to compare to WDW. I'm already so pumped about the fact that I get to see the only park Walt actually saw completed. There's something magical about that.

Unless the prices were raised in 2009, the Resort Fee for all three DLR hotels is $12 plus 15% tax per night, which comes out to $13.80 per night, on top of the room fee and tax. A lot of us feel it is unfair to be charged that because many of us do not use the services included in the Resort Fee. In the old days, they would just ask if you needed a Parking Pass and charge accordingly, but now it is lumped into the dreaded mandatory Resort Fee, which can add up if you stay more than one night! Of course, the 15% tax is also charged onto the price of your room, so that is quite lofty.

I have not been to Chef Mickey's, but from what I hear, Goofy's Kitchen is more or less the DLR eqivalent of it, or very similar to it. Now, Goofy's is my favorite restaurant in all of DLR, but in your case, since you don't want to replicate the Chef Mickey's Experience, you may want to try one of the other character meals instead - maybe Lilo and Stitch in the PPH? Storytellers (Chip and Dale) in the GCH? Minnie's in DL may be a bit similar to Chef Mickey's, too, but there are lots of characters.

The DLH has a lot of really nice features and lush grounds. Really nice koi fish pond, waterfalls and mini, remote controlled Jungle Cruise boats. You should enjoy it. You don't even have to take the Monorail, really. If you like the festive Downtown Disney atmosphere, you can walk the length of that from DLH and all the way to the front gates of both parks. Some folks don't like that long walk through DTD but others enjoy it because you can kind of window shop and sightsee along the way.

We wanted to stay at Grand Californian, but it was a bit too pricey, so a character breakfast there might be just perfect! Thanks for the suggestion!

Looks like they have you pretty much covered! DLR is a different experience from WDW so try not to enter it with your WDW hat like hydro said. You may be thinking it's small because you can walk..and it is smaller but you will find most of the same attractions there and DCA has a lot of character of it's own. I hope you guys enjoy your trip!

Thanks!

Welcome to our little area on the Dis! And wow for those pics, makes me REALLY want to stay there!!! Especially for the Neverland Pool...wow!

Thanks for the welcome! I'm sure I'll learn a lot here!

Toyota...thanks for even more beautiful pictures.

Talking about all of this makes me so excited! We had a Disneyland trip planned about 3 years ago and we had to cancel it. I was so bummed, but that 3 yr wait has also made me all the more excited!

One more question/clarification....
If we take the monorail to the parks we first walk to the monorail station at DTD and then walk about 15 minutes to the gate? What if we just walk through DTD to the parks? How long does that take? What is the faster route?

 

[fairycat]

One more question/clarification....
If we take the monorail to the parks we first walk to the monorail station at DTD and then walk about 15 minutes to the gate? What if we just walk through DTD to the parks? How long does that take? What is the faster route?

Congrats on your trip! We just stayed at DLH for the first time in Nov and it was so magical I loved it!!!

To answer the monorail question, the monorail is between the hotel and the parks at the start of DTD, it is maybe a 5-10 minute walk depending on excitement, time of day and where your room is located. The monorail actually takes you INSIDE the park to Tomorrowland right above Nemo.

If you wanted to get to DCA or the main gates, you would pass the monorail station and head all the way through DTD to the entrance. That is a 15-20 minute walk again depending on the above.

The entrances of the parks literally look at each other, there is next to no time getting from gate to gate.

Transportation for DLR is only about getting to the parks from the Airport, getting to any tourist sites you might want to see and any off sit restaurants. If you stay at DLH and only want to do Disney stuff, you will mostly be on your own two feet the whole time, no buses, monorails, boats whatever necessary!!! Which as a DLR native I love!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cinderella_68]

Thank you for the pictures!! I had been looking for pictures to show our 4 year old, who doesn't remember staying there. (And heaven forbid I actually pull out our picture CD's and sift through them... ) Now she is even more excited, especially about the pool! We reserved a pool-view, also. And we saved $100 off our existing ressie with the military discount!
For the OP, having grown up going to DL and having been to WDW only twice, I have to say that DL and WDW are kind of like cousins. They are both entirely different, with similar traits, but distinct characters.
DLH is most like the Contemporary in that the theme is loose. But I do love the wallpaper borders in the room!

 

[Mycutekitties]

We were in the DLH in Oct. We paid for a standard view but we were upgraded to a pool view and they let us have our room at 9:00 am!!
Pics:

Soaps:

I made these baskets and left them in the area by the bathroom. Also when I checked in they gave me pics of Minnie and Mickey (for free). I told the girls Mickey left the baskets for them:

They loved them!!!

 

[mt mommy]

I think Dis-Ted did a great job answering your questions.....I just wanted to give a plug for Goofy's Kitchen.

I have been to WDW Chef Mickey's, and actually I like Goofy's better!! Book advanced seating there, you will LOVE IT!!

Have so much fun!

Ok, so the differences in my opinion. Goofy's kitchen is much smaller than Chef Mickey's. So, the personal touch with the characters is MUCH better. The food, there may not be as big of a selection, but I thought that Goofy's was better. The characters all get together at Goofy's and dance around and sing with anyone in the restaurant that wants to, very FUN!

I have only been to breakfast at both places, so I cannot comment on any other meals.

HAve a wonderful time!!

 

[lulubelle]

I just have to say Mycutekitties, your children are so very cute! And you did a great job with the baskets, I love how they throw the Disney $$ aside and go straight for the candy - HA!

I love the DLH, there are so many things to see and do just at the resort. Have a great time.

 

[Mycutekitties]

Thanks