DL, good, bad, ugly

[Gisele]

True, I have seen a bit of this or that at times. But not to the degree stated. Again, that has been my experience. Also I am well aware of sarcasm, being facetious, satire, and just plain joking around. All of which at one time or another like in this case have been guilty of. Imagine that! Well with exception to the petting zoo that is very true.
Too bad not everyone can see my posts as they truly are meant to be taken. I'll some how try harder next time to be understood more clearly. lmao

 

[SweetAlex]

I don't have much to add other than... Dirty?! Seriously? I have never seen a cleaner place in my life than DLR. Most bathrooms had cleaners in them during all hours, going from stall to stall as they vacated. I never noticed a single piece of trash other than after a parade or show and even then, it was whisked away in record time. We always marvel at how they manage to keep it so clean when so many many people are there, tossing aside their trash without any regard to others or the staff. Maybe the people of California are just messier than floridians and they can't keep up .

 

[GatorChris]

Hmmm. This sounds a lot like me the first time I came to DL after falling in love with WDW. That was back in 2006.

I can't speak to rides breaking down, because I haven't experienced that too much at DL. No more than at WDW. In fact, I've seen breakdowns more at WDW - BUT!!!! I've spent a lot more time in FL than Anaheim.

For Disneyland Hotel, I'm hoping that you're wrong. I'm a big fan of WDW hotels and I know that Paradise Pier couldn't really stand up to even the AllStars of Florida. That's why I saved some money on our last trip and stayed at the HoJo. I'm staying at DLH next month and I'm hoping that it takes me back to that WDW feeling I get at the Florida resorts.

When it comes to cleanliness, Disney does it best. That said, I did notice on our last trip that the bathrooms tended to be untidy most of the time. Don't know if I kept timing it wrong, showing up before maintenance or after some messy kid, but I did see this a lot. As for the parks, they were clean. Didn't notice trash lying about or duct/duck tape on any rides (we didn't ride the Matterhorn). But I didn't go during the craziest busiest time of the year.

AS for going back to WDW, I'd like to do the same thing. But costs are preventative to fly out there, plus FP+ just makes me shake just thinking about getting up early and trying to book FPs for an entire trip. Ugh. Even with 4 marvelous parks, great food options, and fantastic resorts, FP+ is like a magnet repelling me away and keeping me in CA. What are your thoughts about that?

 

[DahliaRW]

Hmmm. This sounds a lot like me the first time I came to DL after falling in love with WDW. That was back in 2006.

I can't speak to rides breaking down, because I haven't experienced that too much at DL. No more than at WDW. In fact, I've seen breakdowns more at WDW - BUT!!!! I've spent a lot more time in FL than Anaheim.

For Disneyland Hotel, I'm hoping that you're wrong. I'm a big fan of WDW hotels and I know that Paradise Pier couldn't really stand up to even the AllStars of Florida. That's why I saved some money on our last trip and stayed at the HoJo. I'm staying at DLH next month and I'm hoping that it takes me back to that WDW feeling I get at the Florida resorts.

When it comes to cleanliness, Disney does it best. That said, I did notice on our last trip that the bathrooms tended to be untidy most of the time. Don't know if I kept timing it wrong, showing up before maintenance or after some messy kid, but I did see this a lot. As for the parks, they were clean. Didn't notice trash lying about or duct/duck tape on any rides (we didn't ride the Matterhorn). But I didn't go during the craziest busiest time of the year.

AS for going back to WDW, I'd like to do the same thing. But costs are preventative to fly out there, plus FP+ just makes me shake just thinking about getting up early and trying to book FPs for an entire trip. Ugh. Even with 4 marvelous parks, great food options, and fantastic resorts, FP+ is like a magnet repelling me away and keeping me in CA. What are your thoughts about that?

We loved the DLH when we stayed there a few years back. It was definitely better than Port Orleans which is where we stayed at WDW. Much more Disney feeling, and while POR felt like a motel, DLH feels more like a hotel.

 

[princessmocha]

Hmmm. This sounds a lot like me the first time I came to DL after falling in love with WDW. That was back in 2006.

I can't speak to rides breaking down, because I haven't experienced that too much at DL. No more than at WDW. In fact, I've seen breakdowns more at WDW - BUT!!!! I've spent a lot more time in FL than Anaheim.

For Disneyland Hotel, I'm hoping that you're wrong. I'm a big fan of WDW hotels and I know that Paradise Pier couldn't really stand up to even the AllStars of Florida. That's why I saved some money on our last trip and stayed at the HoJo. I'm staying at DLH next month and I'm hoping that it takes me back to that WDW feeling I get at the Florida resorts.

When it comes to cleanliness, Disney does it best. That said, I did notice on our last trip that the bathrooms tended to be untidy most of the time. Don't know if I kept timing it wrong, showing up before maintenance or after some messy kid, but I did see this a lot. As for the parks, they were clean. Didn't notice trash lying about or duct/duck tape on any rides (we didn't ride the Matterhorn). But I didn't go during the craziest busiest time of the year.

AS for going back to WDW, I'd like to do the same thing. But costs are preventative to fly out there, plus FP+ just makes me shake just thinking about getting up early and trying to book FPs for an entire trip. Ugh. Even with 4 marvelous parks, great food options, and fantastic resorts, FP+ is like a magnet repelling me away and keeping me in CA. What are your thoughts about that?

We stayed at DLH last week and I did not get the same feel as the OP did. I felt like it was Disney through and through. We were in the Fantasy Tower and had a fabulous view of DL. I could lay in bed and watch the fireworks from our window. I didn't feel like our room was run down at all. You are not quite as isolated as WDW when you are at their resorts and I could see other areas of Anaheim, but that did not detract from the Disney feeling for me. Hopefully you feel the magic while you are there.

 

[DLandgirlie]

I appreciate reading about visitor's experiences and unfortunately can't comment on how DL compares to WDW, cause I've never been to WDW.
Whenever I go to DL, I just automatically expect things not to be "perfect", one cause now that I'm an adult, I see flaws more frequently and two, the resort is just always crowded. So I just chalk it up to crowds, and my overall experience is 99% positive when leaving the parks, plus it's kinda "fun" when things don't go perfectly right, ya know? cause then you have those "remember the time..." vacation stories

Now it may be a completely different story if I take/win a trip to WDW lol I'll make sure to report back

 

[mom2rtk]

For Disneyland Hotel, I'm hoping that you're wrong. I'm a big fan of WDW hotels and I know that Paradise Pier couldn't really stand up to even the AllStars of Florida.

Stand up to it in what way? We almost always stay at a value resort when we go to WDW. We stayed at the PP a full week December 2013 and again December 2014. The hotel and rooms were far nicer than any value room we have stayed in at WDW. The room was nicer, the pool was nicer, the amenities were far nicer. And the proximity to the parks was FAR superior.

 

[mt mommy]

Disney Parks seem dirty? My 2 cents is many people and their children have no regard to clean up after themselves!! After being in a mall, a grocery store, anywhere people don't seem to find a garbage to pick up after themselves.

I think CM's try their very best to keep up with disrespectful people. After being in public restrooms anywhere, not just DLR, I pick up paper towels off the floor and throw them away!!

After being at any other amusement park DLR is AMAZING!

 

[mom2rtk]

Disney Parks seem dirty? My 2 cents is many people and their children have no regard to clean up after themselves!! After being in a mall, a grocery store, anywhere people don't seem to find a garbage to pick up after themselves.

I think CM's try their very best to keep up with disrespectful people. After being in public restrooms anywhere, not just DLR, I pick up paper towels off the floor and throw them away!!

After being at any other amusement park DLR is AMAZING!

I will preface this by saying we had no complaints about the cleanliness of the parks on our December visit. I had some issues with the number of ride closures, but that's about it.

That said though...... if the parks do happen to be dirtier because people are dirtier, then Disney needs to step up the pace and have ample staff to clean up after them. Because while I will pick up after myself, many others won't.... and who else does that leave?

 

[HydroGuy]

Hmmm. This sounds a lot like me the first time I came to DL after falling in love with WDW. That was back in 2006.

I can't speak to rides breaking down, because I haven't experienced that too much at DL. No more than at WDW. In fact, I've seen breakdowns more at WDW - BUT!!!! I've spent a lot more time in FL than Anaheim.

For Disneyland Hotel, I'm hoping that you're wrong. I'm a big fan of WDW hotels and I know that Paradise Pier couldn't really stand up to even the AllStars of Florida. That's why I saved some money on our last trip and stayed at the HoJo. I'm staying at DLH next month and I'm hoping that it takes me back to that WDW feeling I get at the Florida resorts.

When it comes to cleanliness, Disney does it best. That said, I did notice on our last trip that the bathrooms tended to be untidy most of the time. Don't know if I kept timing it wrong, showing up before maintenance or after some messy kid, but I did see this a lot. As for the parks, they were clean. Didn't notice trash lying about or duct/duck tape on any rides (we didn't ride the Matterhorn). But I didn't go during the craziest busiest time of the year.

AS for going back to WDW, I'd like to do the same thing. But costs are preventative to fly out there, plus FP+ just makes me shake just thinking about getting up early and trying to book FPs for an entire trip. Ugh. Even with 4 marvelous parks, great food options, and fantastic resorts, FP+ is like a magnet repelling me away and keeping me in CA. What are your thoughts about that?

I did not understand or relate to the OP's experience with the DLH. We just stayed there for the first time last July. We were in the Adventure tower as I paid extra for a room with a view.

After the renovations in recent years, I thought the DLH was quite nice. I think most would agree the DLH feels like something more than a WDW moderate but less than a WDW deluxe.

Thus IMO the DLH easily was much better than the CBR moderate but not as nice as the deluxe AKL. I read the OP a few days ago and can't remember everything he/she said about the DLH, but I think the DLH is a solid choice for anyone accustomed to WDW moderates or values. For those who stay at WDW deluxe hotels, the GCH will feel more in line with experience.

My two cents. Hope that helps!

 

[AngiTN]

I'm currently planning a first trip to DL in 35 years (so let's say first trip ) and am one who is very used to WDW and the resorts. I read the OP review the other day and what struck me is why it wasn't titled DL, So-So, Bad, Ugly because it got the feeling the trip was a disappointment and there wasn't much good in the report. I too think negative people find more negative things in the same exact situation than those looking for positive things find.

I did not understand or relate to the OP's experience with the DLH. We just stayed there for the first time last July. We were in the Adventure tower as I paid extra for a room with a view.

After the renovations in recent years, I thought the DLH was quite nice. I think most would agree the DLH feels like something more than a WDW moderate but less than a WDW deluxe.

Thus IMO the DLH easily was much better than the CBR moderate but not as nice as the deluxe AKL. I read the OP a few days ago and can't remember everything he/she said about the DLH, but I think the DLH is a solid choice for anyone accustomed to WDW moderates or values. For those who stay at WDW deluxe hotels, the GCH will feel more in line with experience.

My two cents. Hope that helps!

Interesting comparison. What would you say to someone who likes the Deluxe, doesn't mind the Mod but wants a unique DL experience? DLH is my assumption, because I understand the GCH is quite close to WL. Would you agree that DLH is a more unique experience to DL than the other resorts?

 

[mom2rtk]

AngiTN, I'm sure HydroGuy will be along with some input for you.

In the meantime, I'll offer what I have told many others asking the same thing. We have stayed at all 3 onsite hotels. We were at PPH the last 2 years just as a means of finding the cheapest way to be onsite (although I still consider it superior to the values at WDW). If you're looking for a signature experience, you're right to be considering the other 2.

If convenience is important, then GCH is your place. It doesn't get any better than riding Grizzly Rapids and being changed and back in the park having fun 15 minutes later. After taking so long to get places at WDW, it's an amazing thing.

But if you are looking for more of a charming Disney vibe, then DLH is the place to be. I really recommend it for DLR first timers.

 

[AngiTN]

AngiTN, I'm sure HydroGuy will be along with some input for you.

In the meantime, I'll offer what I have told many others asking the same thing. We have stayed at all 3 onsite hotels. We were at PPH the last 2 years just as a means of finding the cheapest way to be onsite (although I still consider it superior to the values at WDW). If you're looking for a signature experience, you're right to be considering the other 2.

If convenience is important, then GCH is your place. It doesn't get any better than riding Grizzly Rapids and being changed and back in the park having fun 15 minutes later. After taking so long to get places at WDW, it's an amazing thing.

But if you are looking for more of a charming Disney vibe, then DLH is the place to be. I really recommend it for DLR first timers.

Thank you. This is exactly the impression I was gathering. And exactly what I want.

 

[lovebug33]

While I have seen trash at Disneyland, I would never consider the park dirty. Go to the Adventure Dome in Las Vegas. You have to wade through trash on the floor some days. One day, we actually had a lovely conversation with a cm who was following us in line to snow white picking up trash. I think Disney has become for some people synonymous with perfect and if everything isn't perfect, it seems like they have failed. I feel Disneyland has much higher standards than most theme parks.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thank you. This is exactly the impression I was gathering. And exactly what I want.

If you have more questions on a first timer's impression of DLH, Mesaboy2 stayed there last summer for his first visit. You might want to PM him.

 

[HydroGuy]

Interesting comparison. What would you say to someone who likes the Deluxe, doesn't mind the Mod but wants a unique DL experience? DLH is my assumption, because I understand the GCH is quite close to WL. Would you agree that DLH is a more unique experience to DL than the other resorts?

mom2rtk had some good thoughts that I agree with.

GCH is kind of a cross between WL (which I have visited for Whispering Canyon several times) and AKL (which I have stayed at). The thing that makes it interesting as mom2rtk pointed out is the proximity. I watched the WOC show one night a few years ago at DCA and was literally in my bed at the GCH 5 minutes after the show ended. Granted I can power walk, and I was alone for that show so I could navigate the after show crowds quickly, but that was amazing. Not all rooms at GCH are that close to DCA, but many are.

DLH does feel more Disney than GCH in many ways and for someone who likes WDW deluxes but can handle something a notch or two below, I think the DLH is a great option. It may be worth paying for the premium option and getting into the Adventure Tower - which is not guaranteed but did not seem too hard to get. We had a great view of DL, DCA and DTD from our room on the 8th floor (if memory serves).

I would say if you have younger kids then DLH will feel better than the GCH. The GCH is more majestic and an "adult only" group may prefer the GCH if they can handle the sticker shock.

 

[GatorChris]

After the renovations in recent years, I thought the DLH was quite nice. I think most would agree the DLH feels like something more than a WDW moderate but less than a WDW deluxe.

Thus IMO the DLH easily was much better than the CBR moderate but not as nice as the deluxe AKL. I read the OP a few days ago and can't remember everything he/she said about the DLH, but I think the DLH is a solid choice for anyone accustomed to WDW moderates or values. For those who stay at WDW deluxe hotels, the GCH will feel more in line with experience.

My two cents. Hope that helps!

Very interesting analogy. We're big moderate fans - I could spend my life at Coronado Springs. I always felt like DLH would be a bit more than a moderate but with prices that rival AKL with a savanah view. So I've never invested in a hotel stay there. At least until I found a great rate that made it more in line with moderate prices. Fingers are crossed.

 

[dennis99ss]

I guess I will jump back in. Interesting takes on my post.

I guess it simply proves that some things just don't compute.

But, to those who care, we had a great time. If the post is negative, it is because it is a comparison to WDW, and, again, just in my experience. Not the total experience for everyone for sure.

I found the discussion about the different levels of hotels very interesting. It has been a long time since we stayed in the all stars/port Orleans levels. And, when we did, we were with an extended family trip, and so it took on a different feel anyway.

But, going with this vibe, I think that the GCH would be more WDW'ish than the DLH. But, that is just my thoughts.

And, I don't think the hotel alone gives the Disney feel. It is a part of it, but not all of it. I just thought some of the intangibles were missing.

To the parks, do I think DL is better than six flags, yes. But, did I think it stood up to the Disney standard, no. (cleaning, etc. wise. Not the park itself)

I wrote the post as an informative one, or a heads up, or, just something to piss some people off, whichever is best for you is good for me.

 

[Laz]

My perceptions:

DLH: Much more of a Disney feel than any of the WDW hotels. Maybe it is the employees.

Breakdowns: Did not seem to notice many except RSR. In fact it broke down while we were on it. Got to walk out, see the inside all lit up. Really cool! We also got a fast pass for any return time.

Cleanliness: Someone was always spotted work on keeping things clean.

Again, just my perceptions

 

[mom2rtk]

We spent the day in DL on Saturday 12/13, the final Saturday for most APs to have access to the parks. It was crazy busy..... and lots of rides went down. Pirates was down most of the morning. BTMRR was down a while in the afternoon. That side of the park was just packed without a ton to do, so we decided to take the train over to the opposite side of the park...... only to find the train was down. When we hoofed it over there wanting to do the Nemo subs, we found those down too. It was just crazy and so frustrating. The train finally came back up later but at a reduced capacity. It took us 60 minutes to get through a fairly short line and finally get on.

Those ride closures made for a vastly less positive experience than we had in the days leading up to it earlier in the week. It was very frustrating for my husband who had just gotten there, and had not had the benefit of the better days earlier in the week.