Disneyland Resorts/Booking Questions - 2017 Trip

[dwheaton]

Hello. I'm starting to plan a family trip for next summer and am strongly considering Disneyland. I know there are a lot of close off-site hotels, but I'd like to try and stay on-site if possible since we won't be going there regularly from Missouri. I have a few questions on it.

1) When is the best time to book Disneyland resorts (how far out) in terms of rates and availability?

2) I'm thinking the Grand Californian is probably too pricey. Disneyland Hotel is high but still in the possible ballpark. Is it worth the extra $100 a night or so to stay there versus the Paradise Pier?

3) Are there any discounts that might be available for a stay in late May/early June?

4) Any other tips for traveling at that time of year?

 

[Nonsuch]

3) Are there any discounts that might be available for a stay in late May/early June?

If you can visit a month earlier, the Spring Dapper Day is April 23.
Some of the best rates of the year: DLH $249, GCH $289

 

[disneyfirsttimer18]

The extra money to stay at DLH versus PPH is so beyond worth it, IMHO.

IIRC, there were some discounts put out this year travel had to completed by June 16.

 

[Laundress]

These days nothing seems to be really "worth it" but we think staying at the DLH does make our vacation a lot more magical. HAving the Monorail close to the entrance of the hotel is nice at the end of the day when my feet have lost their enthusiasm for all things Disney.

 

[seth_r]

What I usually do is book it now, and get the reservation at least. If sales ever go on before your 30 day payment deadline you can rebook at the new rate.

 

[dwheaton]

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning towards the Disneyland Hotel because this may be our only DLR trip in the next 3-4 years. It would likely be before June 16, so that would be great if there would be a discount. Even 15-20% would be huge given the prices at the DLH.

To answer the comment from Nonsuch, we're locked in by our girls' school schedules, which go into mid-to-late May.

 

[GatorChris]

I think you're on the right track with the DLH. For what PPH gives you, you can get for half the price over at the HoJo. But DLH has a cool feel. Not quite as immersive as a moderate or deluxe at WDW, but still good.

As for discounts, those will be hard to come by in the summer. Be prepared to pay full price. You can book now just to have it in place. You may even want to use a Disney travel agent to help get the best deal possible. And getting the best deal is a lot easier at DL than at WDW....you know, where everyone in the USA is up early trying to get that free dining plan.

 

[julesann]

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning towards the Disneyland Hotel because this may be our only DLR trip in the next 3-4 years. It would likely be before June 16, so that would be great if there would be a discount. Even 15-20% would be huge given the prices at the DLH.

To answer the comment from Nonsuch, we're locked in by our girls' school schedules, which go into mid-to-late May.

I have booked my best rates for on site hotels by going through Orbitz and Cheap Tickets and using their promo codes--right now (though it won't work after 12/31) is 18% off with a special code plus their general rates are often lower too. If you use their phone app sometimes you can can get an additional discount. I don't know when they will offer 2017 special discounts, but if you check Mousesavers they will tell you when it happens.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

We typically go the last week of May or 1st week of June. There is almost always a late spring discount that you can watch for. You could book now and then adjust when the discount becomes available. It is a great time to go! The weather is great, the full summer crowds haven't hit. Sometimes the hours are a little shorter as they will not have the full summer hours yet and there are GradNights to avoid, but other than that it's our favorite time to go!
We love PPH and haven't stayed at DH yet so I cant really comment on the hotels.

 

[dwheaton]

We typically go the last week of May or 1st week of June. There is almost always a late spring discount that you can watch for. You could book now and then adjust when the discount becomes available. It is a great time to go! The weather is great, the full summer crowds haven't hit. Sometimes the hours are a little shorter as they will not have the full summer hours yet and there are GradNights to avoid, but other than that it's our favorite time to go!
We love PPH and haven't stayed at DH yet so I cant really comment on the hotels.

Your comment raises a question for me: why are so many down on PPH? Is it just because it isn't as good as the others? Is it a lot further away in terms of a walk from the parks? I would love to stay at the DH, but it's like $100 more per night at minimum. That's a lot to spend for a room.

 

[5forMickey]

I haven't stay at PPH so my thoughts are a little one sided. We choose DLH over the Grand because of the room size. I would love to put DLH where the Grand is and that would be perfect but since I have to choose between the two, I prefer the room size and overall resort at DLH (sigh, even if I have to walk further). I think with PPH it just feels more like a regular Hotel. If it was my only choice I would probably stay there without a problem because I love early entrance, some people have posted some really nice views from their rooms at PPH. Is DLH worth $100 more -- to us yes but not to everyone. Worth is subjective - but if you can live with it I would say try it and see what you think. If the $100.00 is going to strap you or make you not enjoy other things then start with PPH.

Also, I would do a room only reservation for now. They are easier to change and unless airfare discounts are involved, it's usually cheaper to book the tickets, rooms and airfare separately.