Disneyland Hotel vs. New York Hotel - which to choose? Also, is half board worth it?

[jpessa]

Hi to the experts!

I'm a WDW and DLR vet going to DLP in June! So excited. The offerings are different than what I'm used to so making sure I'm asking the right questions.

First off it's just me and DD7, staying 4 nights. Arriving on the eurostar from London and leaving to go to Charles de Gaulles Airport. My aim is to spend one day on the Paris sightseeing tour and the rest at DLP. (I've been to Paris before but DD hasn't so I want to make sure she at least gets a taste of it.)

First question: if the DLH worth the extra money in your opinion? With the 2 night's free offer right now it's 755£ for NYH and 1350£ for DLH. I can afford the difference, but is it worth it? Is this like the Grand Floridian at WDW, which I don't really like the theming of? I want to be waking distance to the parks.

Secondly, is half board worth the purchase? Breakfast will no longer be included so half board will be breakfast and one meal each day, which should fill us. We're not huge eaters and like to try various Disney snacks. Also, I'm vegan so my options are limited.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[stocst]

We have chosen the DLH as we love the location as we have will a 4 and 5 year old with us it will allows us to make the most of EMH without having to get them up and out too early as we can easily return for breakfast at about 9,30am.

If you are planning to stay in the DLH and will be eating in Inventions it will be worth buying the Half Board Plan. The DLH charges £23 for breakfast per day and the Half Board is £60 or £62 if you upgrade. A meal at Inventions is about £56 . So that is definitely worth it. However if plan to eat anywhere else it will not be quite as much a saving.

I have spent a lot of time trying to work out the best thing to do and we decided not buy the vouchers as on at least day we are planning to visit Paris and will be eating in the Village on some nights which again reduces the savings.

 

[micksn]

Yes the DLH is like the Grand Floridean. The rooms are bigger, the public areas are more relaxing and it has a distinctive smell.
The HNY is at the end of the Disney Village so is easy to walk into the parks. It has a more modern feel, the rooms are a good size and the public areas are smart.
We often visit the DLH for a rest while in the parks. The shop is worth a visit, there are comfy sofas and it's nice for a coffee or afternoon tea.
DLP restaurants are quite meat and fish heavy, I don't feel there are many vegetarian options. The buffets do all have good salads and vegetables though. have a look on dlp guide for menus.

 

[C3PO]

The location of the DLH can't be beat. But apart from that, I don't think it's worth the high supplement. When we stayed there a couple of years ago, it was fine and we had a 3-year-old with us, so it was what we needed. But I wasn't terribly impressed by the rooms or the hot items on the breakfast menu. The other hotels are just a short walk away, so I won't be returning to the DLH unless I get a really excellent deal.

I would say that in the past HB has been good when included in the price, but wasn't worth paying for it on its own. Especially when travelling with someone with a small apetite. I'll be visiting the parks again in March with my 5-year-old, and decided not to buy HB - we still have breakfast included. My son eats so little that it just isn't worth it. Then I managed to change my deal to include HB for a £16 supplement. For that price, I won't mind the fact that he won't eat most of the food he's served. With the new breakfast changes, it might be worth doing the math and seeing if you really think it's worth it.

 

[Vala]

I had the pleasure - and I use that term for sake of the Phrase only - in staying in HNY for Halloween.

I liked the rooms and the Location. But the Service... At check in we asked for separate beds. Both parties in the room have boyfriends, and they were not along for the ride if that makes sense.

First we were given a room with a King Bed despite being assured it was two Queens. Not a good start, but okay, stuff like that happens.

When we asked to change this WE WERE CHECKED INTO A ROOM THAT ALREADY WAS OCCUPIED!!! First we thought how nice it was that they left us a plush. Then I spotted the papers on the desk (including cash money, god only knows why this wasn't in the safe) and a suitcase, so we hightailed out of there.

When we went down to reception again to complain no Manager saw a Need to come. All the CM we spoke to did was walking up with us to check the next room was okay and upgrade us to Concierge Level Breakfast... which they refused to honor the second night. There were a number of other issues with rooms of our Group, but those are the ones I personally experienced.

Especially the Little stunt with the occupied room does not give me warm and fuzzy Feelings towards this Hotel.

 

[Ware Bears]

Yikes, that's not a good experience, Vala!

The DLH is lovely and the location really can't be beaten but I'm not sure I'll ever stay there again now that breakfast isn't included. Adding that really pushes the price up and whilst I know I don't need to add it, I don't see the point of staying in nice hotels and not enjoying their facilities. I've been pricing up for October next year and I can get club level at HNY or NPB for two thirds of the price of a standard room at DLH now that breakfast is no longer included in the standard rooms tariffs. With HNY and NPB club level we'll still get one hotel fastpass per person a day plus we'll have the use of the lounge for drinks and afternoon snacks. Well worth the walk IMO.

I want to be waking distance to the parks.

HNY is 10 minutes walk away, NPB 15 minutes although if you're fast walker you can do it in less.