2 families with a total of 6 kids (5-14) are thinking of disneyland next new years- how are the crowds and what benefits to the disneyland hotel are there if we stay there?
We are planning very tenetively on doing DL NYE 2003. What I know is that crowds are VERY HIGH. In fact, if you do go, plan on getting there early and DO NOT LEAVE. They often will close the park gates due to the crowds, so if you leave you risk not being let back into the parks.
The only hotel that has an advantage over the ones directly outside the park, in terms of location/closeness, is The Grand Californian. As for other "perks" I don't know, we have never stayed on property at Disneyland, with so many hotels within in 5 minute walk (and closer the DLH and PP) there is no need to.