DL Hotel or Good Neighbor?

[nun69]

So here is my debate....I have already booked the DLH for 3/29-4/6 (8 nights) and it came to $2530.00 . I also booked at the BW Stovall's Inn (cost $75.00 a night + taxes). SO my dilema is where to stay....I know the kids (and me and DH) were very spoiled when we stayed on grounds at WDW and think we will be dissapointed if we stay anywhere else at DL. But, we also have 3 kids (13,6 & 14 months) so we were thinking of general Disney experience, convience to the monorail and walking, and the great pool area for when we get tired during the day. I have read all the postings about the monorail and am pretty sure it will at least be running partially while we are there. We will probably get a 5 day park hopper and actually spend one day at Sea World (since it is one time free visit for us since I am on active duty). Money is and isn't an issue since we are going to use our tax refund. I guess I just want some backing for spending that much money on a hotel since we probably will not go again for quite awhile(baby #4 on the way )!

 

[dizzyami]

If money is not an issue - I would say GO FOR IT!!! You will not be dissapointed staying on property and being immersed in the Disney magic. We are very spoiled when it comes to our Disney trips - our first one we had $2500 that we could only spend on a vacation - and chose Disneyland. Our three trips since have all been on property. Enjoy the vacation with your family - you mentioned you won't be back for a while with baby 4 on the way (congrats) - so enjoy yourselves. That really is not that bad for an 8 day trip - have a great time!!

 

[MATTERHORN]

So here is my debate....I have already booked the DLH for 3/29-4/6 (8 nights) and it came to $2530.00 . I also booked at the BW Stovall's Inn (cost $75.00 a night + taxes). SO my dilema is where to stay....I know the kids (and me and DH) were very spoiled when we stayed on grounds at WDW and think we will be dissapointed if we stay anywhere else at DL. But, we also have 3 kids (13,6 & 14 months) so we were thinking of general Disney experience, convience to the monorail and walking, and the great pool area for when we get tired during the day. I have read all the postings about the monorail and am pretty sure it will at least be running partially while we are there. We will probably get a 5 day park hopper and actually spend one day at Sea World (since it is one time free visit for us since I am on active duty). Money is and isn't an issue since we are going to use our tax refund. I guess I just want some backing for spending that much money on a hotel since we probably will not go again for quite awhile(baby #4 on the way )!

Well I just answered your stroller post so here goes. I would use a good neighbor for your circumstances, but I also would pick a different one that is directly across the street. A lot of those are actually closer than the DL hotel so walking convenience is even easier. You have to fold your stroller up and take everything out to use the monorail in DL so it's not even as easy as WDW. A big thing for me too is using the onsite pools but during that time frame it's not a guarantee due to weather so not sure how to decide for you there.

I am sure you are aware you are going during peak Spring Break time. It's too bad you couldn't go a different week and you could probably do the DLH for much cheaper! I personally like the Desert Inn and Suites right across the crosswalk. They have rooms that have 2 queens plus a parlor with sofa bed, or rooms with 4 queen beds and 2 bathrooms for around $89-$129 a night. That might work out better for your family as far as room. Our family personally doesn't mind being squished in a room for a few days, but some do!

Good luck with your decision, but I would definitely stay closer so you don't have to pay to park or shuttle it with little ones.

Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

Forgot to say that staying onsite is fun but not nearly as important at DL as it is at WDW!
And I know you said money is not an issue, but I know for me with three kids, money is always an issue!!! A suite across the street would cost you half, about $1200 with all taxes included. But if you really think it would make or break your trip, then you should spend the extra and stay onsite.


Andrea

 

[DangerMouse]

If it's DLH vs. Stovalls, then DLH all the way. There are some nicer off-property hotels, but if money isn't an issue, then you will be happy with DLH. Try to request an upper floor in the Sierra Tower, DTD view. It's to DIE FOR!

BTW, I totally agree with Matterhorn about staying off-site. Have you checked other hotels that are highly recommended (i.e., Candy Cane, HoJo, BWPPI?) They might save you some money, but be MUCH nicer and closer than Stovall's.

 

[got2travel]

Like others have said, staying onsite at DL is not nearly as important as it is at WDW. It's nice, and the DLH is wonderful, but it is not necessary. You can have just as great a stay at an offsite hotel.

However, do not choose Stovall's. It's farther away and it's not that great. Dessert Inn (not to be confused with Dessert Palms) was mentioned before and I agree, it's a good place. Others to check into would be Carousell Inn, Tropicana Inn, Camelot Inn, BW Park Place Inn, Howard Johnsons and Candy Cane Inn.

 

[nun69]

thanks, gonna go check out the other hotel rates now!