Disneyland Hotel

[DisneylandGuy22]

I will be staying in the Disneyland Hotel for the first time in september for 4 nights. I have a few questions for those who have stayed there before. Which tower is best to request? Do I get early entry even if i have an AP and staying at a Disney Hotel? Any other perks to staying in a Disney Hotel?

This will be my 6th trip and all other times I have stayed off property. My AP expires in October and just wondering if I should renew or not or would it be worth it?

Anyone else going to be in Disneyland the time of September 5th-13th?

Thanks

 

[abby]

My DD and I stayed at the DLH in April,the first for both of us, At first, when we entered the room, I was somewhat disappointed seemed like any hotel room. But after awhile the special touches grow on you. We ended up loving it. We were in the same tower as the check in desk (forgot the name) and looked over the parking lot. But we discovered we could still see firework's at night by looking out sideways. My DD loved the pool and the remote boats. I loved being able to wonder over the property at night and relax, we will stay there again.

 

[DisneyParkFan]

I stayed in the Sierra Tower and overlooked the Lat Bar/Neverland pool.

The Bonita Tower is over by the waterfalls and Koi ponds, the Marina Tower is where check-in is. I liked the Sierra tower because I could walk directly to the monorail in Downtown Disney.

I don;t about Early Entry for AP, maybe someone else can answer that one. But one perk was that I could cahrge things back to my room and have them delvered there the next day. There is a Express line located in Tomorrowland for hotel guests to take the monorail back to the hotel. I think I went in by the main gate only once or twice by choice (not counting crossing over from DCA) every other time was entering DL by the monorail.

I hope I answerd most of your questions.

 

[karylrocks]

They just recently began allowing Disney hotel guests to use Early Entry. You need to show the card you receive at check-in for room charges.

 

[DLovinFam]

They just recently began allowing Disney hotel guests to use Early Entry. You need to show the card you receive at check-in for room charges.

From what I read, and I hope I understand this correctly, we can use EE every day that it is offered during our stay? (those who stay on-site) Is this correct?

 

[Buttercup26]

Right now this is true, they just recently started offering it, not sure if it's permanent.

 

[CalGal]

DisneylandGuy22:
I think the best tower to request depends upon your view. I would prefer Sierra Tower if you have a view room. One side of the Sierra Tower overlooks DTD, and should have views of the FW (although the FWs need to be viewed from the hub or Main Street for the full affect). The other side of the Sierra Tower overlooks the Neverland Pool. Both are nice views, although I would prefer the DTD view. The Sierra Tower is the closest to the parks. The Marina Tower is my favorite for standard rooms. It's convenient to the shops, pool, etc. The Bonita Towe is the furthest from the parks, and I believe their standard view rooms look off toward parking lots.

I was able to use the EE on Sat. with my hotel ID/charge card as reported, but not without a little confusion. The cast member taking tickets was not aware of the new on-site benefit and had to ask someone else about it. That really annoyed the guests behind me in line who were anxious to get into the park. Because of the EE confusion, my pass was "overridden" and I wasn't able to get FPs. I got the message that my pass had not been used for entry that day. I was able to get the problem corrected at City Hall.

 

[karylrocks]

The Sierra Tower is the closest to the parks. The Marina Tower is my favorite for standard rooms. It's convenient to the shops, pool, etc. The Bonita Towe is the furthest from the parks, and I believe their standard view rooms look off toward parking lots.

Do you happen to know which buildings/rooms have bathrooms with a separate vanity area? I have a standard room booked and would really like the Marina tower but it is very important that we have the split bathroom since there will be 5 of us getting ready every morning.

 

[DisneyParkFan]

Do you happen to know which buildings/rooms have bathrooms with a separate vanity area? I have a standard room booked and would really like the Marina tower but it is very important that we have the split bathroom since there will be 5 of us getting ready every morning.

My room was in the Sierra Tower and the bathroom was separate from the vanity area in my standard room. I hope this helps.

 

[CalGal]

Do you happen to know which buildings/rooms have bathrooms with a separate vanity area? I have a standard room booked and would really like the Marina tower but it is very important that we have the split bathroom since there will be 5 of us getting ready every morning.

Gosh, I think the vanity area was separate in the Marina Tower as well, but it's been over a year and I can't remember for sure. Sorry...

 

[Amy&Dan]

Karylrocks: I am going to add my distant fuzzy memory and say that it is the Bonita Tower that has the all in one bathroom. We have stayed at the DLH 5 times so it runs together but I want to say that the rooms we had in Bonita had this setup. Not a big deal for us because our kids are young so they don't do much in the bathroom other than brushing their teeth in the mornings! I would also add that in the Bonita you can get a nice view standard, we had one once and could see the Sierra and Marina Towers, plus Disneyland and way off in the distance Knotts. I might suggest you call the hotel direct and ask about this bathroom questions so they can note that on the reservation.

To DisneylandGuy22: The Disneyland Hotel is wonderful. We have enjoyed all of our stays there. I think each tower has its pluses and minuses. The walk to and from each tower is really about the same, maybe one minute further depending on where you are going. To me the perks of staying onsite are the non stop Disney magic. I also prefer the walk up and down DTD as opposed to a busy city street, again it just seems less like being in the real world. Also I love the convenience of having charging privilidges at the stores in the parks as well as the fact that they will deliver your packages to the hotel by 7:30 the following morning. Great pool area at the DLH. And I love being right there near Goofy's and Hooke's Point (two of my favorite restaurants). Also the rooms are very oversized, you get a free daybed or rollaway which is so nice for my family of two kids who can't stand to sleep with each other anymore! And last but not least, we love our Mickey wake up call each morning. To me its just a lot of little things that add to my Disney experience. After you try it out then you'll know if all of these things are worth the price tag to you! And we will be at Disneyland from September 7-14 and staying at Paradise Pier. We don't love it quite as much as the DLH but its my daughter's birthday trip and she loves it. I just know I am going to miss the Neverland Pool but we will still be onsite and at Disneyland so I am happy. Enjoy your trip and your planning!

 

[DLovinFam]

I was able to use the EE on Sat. with my hotel ID/charge card as reported, but not without a little confusion.



Can someone tell me about the DLH ID/charge card? Does this mean you can charge your purchases on your hotel ID/charge card and then pay the total before you check out? Just curious Thanks!

 

[All Aboard]

My room was in the Sierra Tower and the bathroom was separate from the vanity area in my standard room. I hope this helps.

Interesting, I wonder if there are differences within the same building. We stayed in the Sierra Tower a couple of months ago (4th floor, overlooking the pool, about 3/4 of the way down the hall towards Bonita, right between the roof of Captain's Galley and the edge of the pool) and our bathroom was all-in-one. The toilet room had a door, but it was within the bathroom. In other words, if you were using the sink and shut the main bathroom door, no one could get in to use the sink, shower or toilet.

If you've ever stayed at the Contemporary Resort at WDW, the bathroom layout is very similar. Except that at DLH, the bathroom is longer to accomodate the very large countertop and double sinks.

 

[CalGal]

I was able to use the EE on Sat. with my hotel ID/charge card as reported, but not without a little confusion.



Can someone tell me about the DLH ID/charge card? Does this mean you can charge your purchases on your hotel ID/charge card and then pay the total before you check out? Just curious Thanks!

You should receive a white hotel identification card -- it's really just a piece of paper roughly 2x3" that identified your departure date and which you should sign at check-in. It states that you will need to present a valid photo ID for charging, and that it may be used at the other hotels, Monorail Station (for express boarding although they will also accept your hotel key for express boarding), and most Theme Park Locations. The card expires at 11:00 AM on your departure date. I assume you will need to present a credit card at check-in to receive these charging priveleges. All charges will appear on the bill that is slid under your door the morning of your departure.

I can't tell you how things work if you don't provide a credit card at check-in for incidentals. You might get an ID card that specifies that it cannot be used for charging.

Warning -- if you have a Disney Visa, it may be better to use it for charging at some places, since there are some discounts you otherwise might miss.

 

[thelionqueen]

I am so jealous you are going to stay at my home away from home, the Disneyland hotel. This hotel (IMHO) is the best hotel in the world!! We have stayed in all 3 towers, and honestly like them all for different reasons. I will highlight the reasons below, hopefully this will help. Also, in every room they have a separate vanity from the bathroom (with my favorite mickey mouse hands that hold the towel bar)

1. Marina Tower (same as hotel lobby)
-Faces Disneyland, and on the higher floors (7 & up) you can see the
fireworks easily from your room, great perk!!!

- Easy access to gift shop (Fantasia I think it is) lobby & pool.
- Close to Goofy's Kitchen and awesome coffee shop & bakery.

2. Sierra Tower (my personal favorite)
- Depending on which side you choose, you can have a pool or Downtown
Disney view. We have had both and love both for different reasons.
- Closest to DTD and monorail.
- Close to different coffee shop in DTD
- Close to movie theater (we are big popcorn eaters, this was awesome)
- Close to bar and boats (obvious attractions for kids and adults)

3. Bonita Tower
- Close to dancing waters show at night (love this show!!)
- Close to beautiful waterfalls and water garden (can hear at night again
depending on which side you're on)
- Great view of courtyard area and pools
- Close to smaller, less crowded pools
- Closer to secret entrance of DCA

As you can see, each building has it's own great features, just choose what is important to you and you will be happy.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Where is this secret entrance to DCA, it may help our movement about.
Thanks

 

[thelionqueen]

Where is this secret entrance to DCA, it may help our movement about.
Thanks

They say this is a secret entrance for Paradise Pier occupants, but it is for everyone. It is really convenient as it puts you right at the Paradise Pier area without trekking through the entire park.

There is a wooded (bushes really) walkway across the street from Paradise Pier. There are golf carts all over that can take you over there (about a 5 min walk) if you think it's too far. If you consider all the walking to monorail and through parks it really is a lot shorter.

It's next to the Grand Californian too. If you head across the street from Paradise Pier, you'll see it. have fun

 

[bubbasmom99]

I really wish DL would get with the program like WDW and have their room key/room charge/admission media all coded onto one card. It is soooo nice to not have to pull out different cards/papers.

Just a wish....

In answer to your question, my personal preference is Sierra Tower with a view of Downtown Disney

 

[DisneylandGuy22]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions, I called me travel agent so she could put my request in for a DTD/Park view but they said they didnt have anything available but when I check in on the 5th they might be able to help me out so I guess I will wait and see when I get there

Hope to maybe meet up with someone if there are people there sametime as me and we can all share the magic as to what walt wanted it to be

See you in the parks!!