DL Hotel VS Paradise Pier- Which One?

[keishashadow]

Looking forward to any advice/experience as to comparing the DL hotel & Paradise Pier for trip late June.

Thinking of going for broke & booking one of the onsites for DH, self & teenaged son. Probably our only trip out to the motherland ; so we want to do it right for our 7 or 8 night stay; yet not totally break the bank on our splurge.

While DL poolscape & grounds look fantastic & i like the idea of being close to monorail to gain access to tomorrowland, i'm leaning toward PP and hoping to snag an upgrade to park view (lol - it could happen, pigs do fly).

Is it really alot longer walk from PP vs DL hotel? Anything 15 to 20 min to gates via foot traffic or monorail is fine by us.

While I know they closed the PP gate & we can utilize the Grand Calif entrance; I'm confused as to how we'd catch the monorail on EE ams into DL park. is it only for DL hotel guests or do the other onsites have access to monorail too?

 

[bumbershoot]

I didn't find the monorail on EE days to be something I wanted to do, b/c many people said that walking over there from the entrance to DL would be a better idea time-wise (the monorail might only leave the DTD station at the start of EE hour, and if you're not on that first monorail you're even later).

Also, other than ONE time during our Paradise Pier stay, the monorail was closed.

During our PP stay, I had the wrong walking route. I walked out the back/side of PP, past their parking garage, past DLH, and all the way through DTD to the bag check and esplanade. Instead, one wants to leave PP by the front, cross a street to the Grand CA hotel, go through (make a fast left down a corridor after you enter the pretty doors) and follow signs (or the herd), and you end up in DTD, but much further into it. It's shorter and more pleasant IMO than the walk that the PP signs point you to (walking through all of DTD).

Staying at DLH you don't have that option, however, and as far as I know, you walk into DTD and get the monorail, or just walk all the way through DTD.

 

[silence]

I preferred our stay at the DLH over PP. The theming of the rooms was so much better and at the end of the day, a monorail trip felt so much closer to DLH than walking or monorail to PP.

Now, that isn't to say I didn't like PP, we enjoyed our stay there. But if we had a choice and $ wasn't that much of an issue, we would choose DLH.

Good luck, have fun!

 

[bradk]

how i explain it:

Grand Californian - the flagship hotel. The only one actually built by Disney (same architect who did Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge). don't let that private park entrance fool you - it's to DCA only.

Disneyland Hotel - retrofitted to have a Disneyesque feel. Glow-in-the-dark Pixie Dust in the rooms, the Neverland pool, etc.

Paradise Pier - it's a hotel.

on a sidenote, PPH used to have its own park entrance too. they sealed it up and left it that way. not that i've ever heard negatives about it, but the only positive i've ever heard is they pipe in music for the fireworks.

basically you get what you pay for. although i personally don't believe it's worth paying for anything on site.

 

[CoolPool]

While DL poolscape & grounds look fantastic & i like the idea of being close to monorail to gain access to tomorrowland, i'm leaning toward PP and hoping to snag an upgrade to park view (lol - it could happen, pigs do fly).

Is it really alot longer walk from PP vs DL hotel? Anything 15 to 20 min to gates via foot traffic or monorail is fine by us.

The DLH and PP are both nice hotels. The DLH wins hands down on total Disney environment and the Neverland Pool is much more WoW than the PP pool area. (However, PP does have a fun long pool slide - its just the pool itself is standard issue small rectangular Holiday Inn).

Neither hotel is 20 minutes from the entrance to DL unless you are incredibly slow or have walking problems. I do not "feel" that the PP walk is farther than the DLH walk. The DLH is closer to the monorail but I rarely use it because its really doesn't save much walking if you ask me. I would not use the monorail for EE as you will glide over all the people who went in the front gate and are already in line at the rides. The reason the PP "feels" further away is because you have to cross a busy street, veer through the GC, then veer through DTD to get to the DL entrance. Its probably not farther, just "seems" that way. And, as I always say, its a bummer to walk through the GC and not stay there.

Ok, if you are going in June and are not a total park commando (the only time that matters is the time you are in the park) then it wouldn't matter where you stay. If however you treat a trip to Disney as a total resort experience and go equally for the pool and amenities (like my family) then you will prefer to stay onsite. My six year old son would rather spend the day at GC's pool than riding the rides. That's just us.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks, i keep getting turned around as to the locations; have to print out the map & study it.

Not really worried about hotel theming per se; lucky to get enough of that @ WDW. Just want a decent, clean hotel with responsive staff and a secure environment. DH indulges me in my travel obsession; just hates staying in what he terms dingy motels with paperthin walls & isn't keen on always having to switch hotels during a week stay. Would like to just pick a hotel & stay put

Another Q:

while i keep reading we only will need 2 or 3 days @ DL; I could easily spend a week @ the MK alone so I don't think we'll get bored with 5 nights; perhaps renting a car & driving to beach or bus it to Universal/city tour?

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

I have stayed at all three DLR hotels. I know I'm in the minority, but for overall theming, I liked DL Hotel the best. GC is beautiful, especially the lobby, but the rooms were small and didn't seem as magical to me as our room at the DLH.

PP really isn't much in the way of theming. Besides the Goofy statue in the lobby and the lifeguard Mickey lamp in the room, you wouldn't really know you were at Disney. However, it's not a bad hotel and the walk is fine. By going out through the front and crossing the street into the GC, I would say the walk is just the same if not a little closer than the DLH if you are going to the main entrance. If you are going to or from the monorail, the DLH is a little closer, but not by much, it's not like WDW hotels where the monorail comes right to the hotel, the stop is still in Downtown Disney and you have to walk a bit to get to the hotel, it's just a little closer to get to the DLH.

When we stayed at PP we had an AP rate of $169 for concierge, to us as a family of 5, that was very worth it for all we saved on food and drinks, and definitely put the PP over the top.

 

[bumbershoot]

The reason the PP "feels" further away is because you have to cross a busy street, veer through the GC, then veer through DTD to get to the DL entrance. Its probably not farther, just "seems" that way.

Compared to the route the signs point you to (described above), the GCH walk is MUCH shorter. But when you have the wrong walking route, it's ages longer!

"Neither hotel is 20 minutes from the entrance to DL unless you are incredibly slow or have walking problems."

Or if you're walking (without a stroller) with a willful 3 year old who wants to look at all the store windows.

while i keep reading we only will need 2 or 3 days @ DL; I could easily spend a week @ the MK alone so I don't think we'll get bored with 5 nights; perhaps renting a car & driving to beach or bus it to Universal/city tour?

We spent 6.5 days at Disneyland/DCA in September, and had another trip in December, because we felt like we missed out on so much. DS and I were there 5 days in December (DH only 3), and we still want to go back, because there is still so much left to do!

Of course we do have a 3 year old, and we try to make the trip good for all three of us, so we have a hybrid commando/"dumbo or die"/split up and do other rides sort of style, and it's been hard for us to be at park opening every day of our trips. Part of our lack of seeing everything (we still haven't been on CA screamin', and beyond that there is just so much at DCA we haven't done!) is because we're relaxed.

But still, my point is, the thought of only 2 to 3 days to "do" all of DL and DCA makes me want to cry. We have a plan to go back for DS's birthday in May, and I might join the ladies' only group in April, and I'm still trying to figure out how to get there sooner...and after May we have until mid-September to use more of our APs! 2 to 3 days is nothing. You can, depending on your style and such, easily spend FAR more there, without needing to leave.

 

[keishashadow]

good to hear we'll find lots to do; so glad for all the info here.

Despite enjoying WDW as often as I can, must admit to being a commando; at least when it comes to being the 1st @ the gate. The older I get or the hotter it is; tend to migrate back to resort in early or late afternoon> Depending on when the park closes for the evening; we head back to use FPs etc.

From the advice here, getting to the parks from either hotel seems great compared to what we're used to dealing with as to travel time even when staying onsite @ WDW . The idea of walking in (no transportation involved) just seems heavenly.

honestly, just want to take our time & savour DL Especially, since we're finding airfare from PIT to be more than the hotel cost would be - eek. We're spoiled by cheap air to MCO. Probably will be our only trip for awhile.

OT - DH brought this topic up...@ WDW we tend to take a pedometer just to see how far we walk each day, ranges from 12 to 5 miles per day. Anyone ever "clock" themselves while @ DL for comparison sake?

 

[CoolPool]

I think you'd be very, very hard pressed to walk as much as you do at WDW. The parks there are HUGE compared to both DL and DCA. In fact one of things that will mystify you is the amount of stuff DLR crams into such a small space. Rides are steps away from each other. Honestly, its a whole different experience.

 

[keishashadow]

I think you'd be very, very hard pressed to walk as much as you do at WDW. The parks there are HUGE compared to both DL and DCA. In fact one of things that will mystify you is the amount of stuff DLR crams into such a small space. Rides are steps away from each other. Honestly, its a whole different experience.

Can't wait to see the original so very good to hear our feet will get a break

 

[B9erSteve]

I haven't stayed at any except the DLH. The GCH looks interesting but I can't justify the cost. And if I were to stay at PP I may as well save some money and stay off-site. Not enough magic. But the DLH... It has magic and history. Walking to the entrance with the glittering sidewalks. The responsive staff. Larger older-style rooms. The beautiful grounds. The pool is a blast! Then take a walk down the hall with the pictures of all of the famous people that have stayed there. If I'm on-site, I'm at DLH.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Well, as others have already stated, the walk to/from the front gates of the parks is about the same.

We very much enjoy both hotels. We actually like the room decor better at the PPH, I guess because the colors and decor of the beach theme is just more cheerful compared to the more muted tones of the DLH rooms. We also really enjoy the pool deck at the PPH because it has the longest slide (and it's also the ONLY main pool slide that non-swimmers are allowed to use) and it offers nice views of the fireworks with the music/narration piped in. And yes, the themepark view rooms on the higher floors at the PPH offer what I consider one of the best views you can get out of any of the three onsite hotels.

Here's our view from our recent stay there this last November. This is looking to the right at California Adventure.

Here's the same view at night.

And here's our view looking to the left. We had a wonderful view overlooking the Grand Californian hotel, and in the background you can see Space Mountain and the Matterhorn.

However, the PPH has no grounds to speak of.....at all.....and that is what makes the PPH feel more like a hotel rather than a resort. Because really, that's what it is. It's a Disney hotel, and a nice one at that, but it doesn't have that resort feel that you can get when staying at the DLH and the GCH. Other than the hotel itself, there's nothing to really explore or see at the property. The hotel IS the property (if that makes any sense).

I will say this. About the only thing we miss about the DLH when we stay at the PPH is the Neverland Pool theme, the waterfalls, and the pretty grounds. Those things certainly can add to the magic of a Disney vacation. If the price is right, then we'll book a room at the DLH. But if we can save a couple hundred dollars by staying at the PPH, then that's where we'll stay, and we still have a magical vacation.

As far as a free upgrade to a themepark view room at the PPH, I wouldn't count on it, but it does happen sometimes. You just never know.

Seriously, you'd be happy at any of the DLR properties. So if budget is behind which you choose, be comfortable knowing that you can't make a wrong choice.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

We've stayed at all 3 hotels and each has its merits. Our only stay at PPH was with concierge. We paid for a city view and was upgraded to parkview. The staff and service was great and the room was spacious. The view was unbelievable, similar if not exactly to disney-super-mom's picture. There's a pretty big slide at the pool, but it doesn't empty into a pool. Climbing up the stairs in February was pretty chilly as the pool is on the 3rd or 4th floor. You could watch the fireworks from the pool and they do pipe in the music there. There aren't any ground at this hotel though.The walk wasn't any longer than DLH, just different in that we would cut through GCH to and from the parks. We've stayed twice at DLH, first trip was with parking lot view in Bonita tower and the second was with a pool view and concierge in Sierra Tower. We didn't enjoy our first trip as much as we did the second trip. Besides the concierge, I never realized how much difference having a view made. We hardly ever closed our curtains. We also have a 6yo and a 9yo so they really enjoyed the Neverland Pool. It was closed one day due to an accident and it was nice having the option to use the 2nd pool in DLH. We enjoyed PPH a lot but we felt more immersed in the disney experience staying at DLH.

Regarding the monorail, anyone w/ a valid parkhopper/AP can use the monorail. However during busy times, preferences is given to guests of all 3 DLR hotels.

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for the pics; beautiful views . While i'd be thrilled with the view from HOJO's , i'm hoping to book a room onsite next week . Preliminary rate quote/info i'm getting is only valid on standard roooms:

* PP is least expensive;
* + $35/night for DL &
* + $45/night ($80/night more).

will be sure to post back end of next week & you guys can let me know if i got a steal or a deal lol.

OT - Saw a pic today in newsletter, Disney Files (?); showed where the DVC is going. A cleared spot slightly to the right (looking from theme parks) & across the street from PP. It appears to be wedged between the park area & GC (i can see a poolscape). Not that large; assume they're going to make good use of the space.

Wonder if construction will be an issue this summer as to access from PP & DL thru the GC walkway into park? Would think they'd keep it as non-distruptive as possible.

 

[staley7580]

Where the construction is wont bother the park entrance. Its on the other side of the hotel. I think I have a pic of it somewhere... Ill try to find it for you. we just got back this morning from the PP and it was our second time staying there. We LOVE it. but my kids are small, and ds loves the pool! We are going to try the DLH next year, and I am hoping we like it as much. the only issue I have with the PP is the beds suck. They are so hard, i might as well sleep on the floor! Now the beds at the GCH.. Love those!! So soft, and lovely! We much prefer staying on site, it makes a big difference to us.

 

[loribell]

Hey Janet - My plans are to stay at the DLH. Have never really cared for the look of PP myself. Of course would love to stay at GCH but it is just too much. I am still trying to decide what I want to do about a view though.

One thing I have noticed on our few trips out west is that the temps are much nicer that time of year. That is a big plus for us!!!

Dang I wish we could go a couple of weeks earlier or you could go a couple of weeks later.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I have stayed at all three DLR hotels. I know I'm in the minority, but for overall theming, I liked DL Hotel the best. GC is beautiful, especially the lobby, but the rooms were small and didn't seem as magical to me as our room at the DLH.

PP really isn't much in the way of theming. Besides the Goofy statue in the lobby and the lifeguard Mickey lamp in the room, you wouldn't really know you were at Disney. However, it's not a bad hotel and the walk is fine. By going out through the front and crossing the street into the GC, I would say the walk is just the same if not a little closer than the DLH if you are going to the main entrance. If you are going to or from the monorail, the DLH is a little closer, but not by much, it's not like WDW hotels where the monorail comes right to the hotel, the stop is still in Downtown Disney and you have to walk a bit to get to the hotel, it's just a little closer to get to the DLH.

When we stayed at PP we had an AP rate of $169 for concierge, to us as a family of 5, that was very worth it for all we saved on food and drinks, and definitely put the PP over the top.

wow, thats a good price, i had a question about ap rates at dlh, how much is it usely for concierge. If its about the same then might be worth it.
Also can you get the ap when there, and still get the ap rate (like say as long as i have the ap before i check in?)

 

[CoolPool]

You can book an AP rate room and have the AP added to your reservation; that way you get your AP voucher at check-in (no forgetting it at home and/or running around trying to get it before check-in). The newest special AP rate for Jan thru March 6th 2008 does not include discount concierge rates. The old AP4 rates (Aug-Dec 15th-ish 2007) were just about $30 (if I remember correctly) over the nonconcierge rates and were a major bargain.

I wonder if anyone would care to guess if concierge will be discounted in future???

 

[keishashadow]

hey lori, yep; i'm still wandering the DL boards trying to get up to speed

Would be nice to meet up @ DL. I've never been further west than Michigan-Ha. we were so happy to grab the last week of June & 1st of July for vacation this year; especially since we got shut out the during the 1st 3 weeks of October...cannot figure out a pattern @ DHs employer either lol.

i'll be so bummed if the rates don't come thru for us next week, would've planned it for fall but; DS couldn't miss the school time easily. Figure we'll need a day just for jet lag on the way back.

It's frustrating when you can spout off the rates for WDW by route (including most of the discounts & possible pincodes); yet are clueless as to whether you're getting a good rate or not @ DL .

wish there was an onsite date & rate thread here ; nice to be able to check the prior year before you commit.

DL seems to def. have a better vibe, just worried as to getting stuck in the more far flung building(s). Thinking the odds of getting upgraded to park view @ PP are better; assume 1/2 rooms face one way & the rest the other?

keep worrying about the $2.75 snack sized bag of doritos in park i read on a report somewhere recently ; need to get a handle on food budget too...thinking add 1/3 to WDW usual?