DLH Worth $800 More?

[Zbugz]

I am looking at either the CCI or the DLH for four nights in early November, and the price difference is $800 by the time I figure in parking and breakfast. I can use a AAA discount for both and have the extra money, but I am having a hard time justifying the additional cost for a hotel.

I am well aware of the difference in amenities between the two properties, and the ones that would appeal to me the most at the DLH are the pool and EMH. It will be me and my two teens, one of whom is wheelchair-bound. I realize this will be a matter of opinion, but I would like to hear if you think the DLH is worth the additional $800? In other words, does the value of its amenities add up to an extra $200 per night?

TIA,

Zbugz

 

[elaw]

It's a totally subjective question ... but for me it is. The resort experience is very important to me.

some pics from my last stay at the DLH

We had an awesome view of the fireworks from our room

 

[CajunMomof3]

This is our first trip to DL, but we had the same issue.
We decided to pay the higher room price because we love being in the magic. We have always stayed on site at WDW and decided to do the same at DL. The pools looked amazing, and I can't wait to play with, I mean look at, the new headboards! LOL

 

[sechelt]

Normally I'd say save the money for spending in the parks but DLH will be very convenient for a wheelchair. You can wheel your teen from your room all the way to the parks without crossing busy streets or needing special transportation. That would be worth the extra money to me. I'm sure both teens would love the specialness of the hotel and walking through DTD every day too. And if they're like my teens and want to see a movie, the theatre is just outside DLH.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Shell4624]

Awesome View!!! Would you mind sharing which tower you were in and what room category you booked? I have booked a premium view disney resort view room for end of Oct. I would love to have a room in this same wing.

It's a totally subjective question ... but for me it is. The resort experience is very important to me.

some pics from my last stay at the DLH

We had an awesome view of the fireworks from our room

 

[Royal Consort]

If you had asked me a month ago I would have said no. We were booked at a good neigbour hotel across the road for our trip at the end of the year but changed our reservation to the Disneyland Hotel about a month ago. This increased our price 100% though There were several reasons we did this: 1) the protests that were occurring in Anaheim - I'm sure it would have been fine had we stayed but we're not Americans and I like to feel 100% safe and secure when I'm travelling to other countries. 2) Early entry into Disneyland Park/California Adventure- You can get a lot done in an hour and with Carsland, we really wanted to maximise our time. 3) Disney magic - biggest regret in Disneyland Paris was not staying at the Disneyland Hotel. It's a hefty price tag but sometimes when on holidays it's worth splurging to get the greatest experience you can within a realistic budget. 4) I saw the Mickey lamps - I mean COME ON, Mickey holding the lamps!!!!

If I was a local and knew I would be returning every so often I think a good neighbour would be fine. Since I live on the other side of the world I think it's worth throwing myself into it 100%!

 

[Zbugz]

It's a totally subjective question ... but for me it is. The resort experience is very important to me.

some pics from my last stay at the DLH

Thanks for sharing your photos. Those were well done and give me a better idea of what to expect.

 

[Zbugz]

This is our first trip to DL, but we had the same issue.
We decided to pay the higher room price because we love being in the magic. We have always stayed on site at WDW and decided to do the same at DL. The pools looked amazing, and I can't wait to play with, I mean look at, the new headboards! LOL

The headboards fascinate me, too. Since my daughter's in a wheelchair, I'm not sure if the pools would still be a pleasant addition, or might make her feel sad since she couldn't do the slides or swim like she used to.They sure look fun, though.

 

[Zbugz]

Normally I'd say save the money for spending in the parks but DLH will be very convenient for a wheelchair. You can wheel your teen from your room all the way to the parks without crossing busy streets or needing special transportation. That would be worth the extra money to me. I'm sure both teens would love the specialness of the hotel and walking through DTD every day too. And if they're like my teens and want to see a movie, the theatre is just outside DLH.

Good luck with your decision.

Good points!

 

[Zbugz]

If you had asked me a month ago I would have said no. We were booked at a good neigbour hotel across the road for our trip at the end of the year but changed our reservation to the Disneyland Hotel about a month ago. This increased our price 100% though There were several reasons we did this: 1) the protests that were occurring in Anaheim - I'm sure it would have been fine had we stayed but we're not Americans and I like to feel 100% safe and secure when I'm travelling to other countries. 2) Early entry into Disneyland Park/California Adventure- You can get a lot done in an hour and with Carsland, we really wanted to maximise our time. 3) Disney magic - biggest regret in Disneyland Paris was not staying at the Disneyland Hotel. It's a hefty price tag but sometimes when on holidays it's worth splurging to get the greatest experience you can within a realistic budget. 4) I saw the Mickey lamps - I mean COME ON, Mickey holding the lamps!!!!

If I was a local and knew I would be returning every so often I think a good neighbour would be fine. Since I live on the other side of the world I think it's worth throwing myself into it 100%!

I would've done the same thing under your circumstances. That EMH is really important to us. We like to pack as much as we can in during it.

Thanks!

 

[BlueBayou]

I am probably rare on these boards as I am not a huge DLH fan. Our stay there was just meh. Not bad, but not magical. But when you say one of your sons is in a wheelchair - that makes me think staying onsite or walking distance would be better.

The CCI has a great shuttle - but I see that being a pain to load and unload off of. Also one thing I really like about CCI is the way the courtyard is so pretty. Part of that is that the parking lot is not blacktop, it's pavers. I can see the pavers being less than ideal for a wheelchair.

My vote would be for Paradise Pier. We stayed at PPH a year ago with my mom who has mobility issues. She uses a scooter or wheel chair. Unlike DLH - you would have to cross a street - but then you travel through the GCH which is extremely ADA friendly.

But between your two choices I would go with DLH.

 

[Renae De Liz]

I've only ever stayed at GCH, not the new DLH, but yes I would spend the extra money, and I don't take spending $800 lightly. But I only take rare trips to Disney, and I want it to be as immersive as possible, and GCH adds so much to our trip so it'd be absolutely worth it!

 

[elaw]

Awesome View!!! Would you mind sharing which tower you were in and what room category you booked? I have booked a premium view disney resort view room for end of Oct. I would love to have a room in this same wing.

It was the Adventure Tower, Club Level / Premium DTD view (I think)

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

I would say DLH even though it is 800 dollars more. I have to order a hospital bed for my husband who is unable to use any regular beds hotel or at home. DLH was wonderful in making sure Deckerts has accesss to the room prior to our arrival ( Our 6:50am flight got us to DLH at around 10 am). Husbands hospitale bed was already set up and our room was ready for us at 10 am. I was impresses with the room, the service, and the wonderful staff including the grounds keepers. The out door staff even takes time to move a water hose for my husband if it was crossing the sidewalk on a walk way he needed to use. WOW.

You will be in a ground floor room at CCI as they do not have an elevator. I would upgrade to one of the larger rooms if staying at CCI with having the wheelchair.

The pool at the DLH is so well themed -- makes even sitting by the pool fun. If you go or are planning to go to DL ofter then maybe CCI is just fine. If this is a trip before the kids get to old the DLH. The early entrance to one park or the other every day of your stay is well worth some of the extra you are paying.

Watch for specials on room rates for all three hotels when booking. Keep your fingers crossed for Disney to put out some fall special room rates.

Like a PP mentioned PPH is a great hotel -- big rooms, lovely staff , and might even be closer to DL if using the way PP menitoned to get to DL. There is an entracne thru GCH if you are going to CA. This entrance is near the water ride and just up the road LOL from soaring.

Have a wonderful time no matter where you stay

 

[BlueBayou]

DLH was wonderful in making sure Deckerts has accesss to the room prior to our arrival ( Our 6:50am flight got us to DLH at around 10 am).

We also had a great experience renting my mom's scooter from Deckerts.

 

[KateDrake]

Normally I would say save the $800, but with the wheelchair I think DLH would be worth it. Disney is so amazing at handling disabilities, and making the person feel like they aren't missing out. My niece has MD, and it is great staying on property whenever we go with her. They make her feel like being in a wheelchair is no big deal. She normally only wears leg braces, but the walking at the parks is just too much for her.

The other thing that could be cool is that you can utilize the monorail if you stay on-property. That saves a lot of walking and pushing the wheelchair for days you are going to DLR. You also won't have to cross any streets, etc. and you can be sure the rooms are big enough, etc. Normally I wouldn't splurge, but with a wheelchair, I'd do it. It will be so magical!

Hope you have an amazing trip!

 

[hootey]

We have stayed at some of the other motels in the area, we do prefer the DLH. We like the resort concept, we pay for the resort concept, and we use it. When you have spent more time in hotels than you sometimes do at home, you learn a little about them. What you like and do not like comes to mind quickly. The wife and I like the DLH a lot, our sons love it. Of course there are the rooms, decorated like no others. The grounds, decorated like no others. The disney hotel staff, these fine people are true gems. Last but not least, there are the characters, truly professionals at work. The DLH is not biggest, it is not the fanciest, it is a long way from the most expensive but, it is one of the nicest hotels in the united states. We go there to relax and that is exactly what we do....

 

[revwog1974]

We stayed at the PPH a few years ago with my mom who is disabled. Her handicapped bathroom was great; the space really worked perfectly for her. The rest of the room was pretty tight to maneuver the wheelchair. But the best way to get from PPH to Disneyland crosses some streets and that was a bit of a pain. It also felt like an excessively long walk for the on-site price. I know you didn't ask about PPH but some have mentioned it. The smooth path through DTD would make the DLH a great choice. With a wheelchair we gave always made the choice to stay on property. When I go without my mom, I stay off-property.

 

[Congo Queen]

To tell you the truth I have had a great Disney vacation staying at both of these properties. It just depends on what is impt at that time for that trip. Fit your mindset accordingly, and you will be happy at either one. If I am on a need-to-save-some-$ trip, then I am at CCI and so pleased that we are still v close to the parks and staying at a clean, well maintained motel with a reliable shuttle and such a nice free breakfast and pool. If I am at DLH (which I was just last week) I am pleased we are on a bit of a splurgy trip, can afford it, and go with enjoying all the amenities of staying in such a lovely on-property hotel (awesome waterslides/pools, themed restaurants/lobbies/rooms, EMH, ability to send parks purchases back to hotel rather than carrying around all day,etc). That said, one thing to check with your wheelchair situation is whether the CCI shuttle bus can easily accommodate a wheelchair rider. If they could, that would be a plus I think. Have fun!

 

[Zbugz]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I really appreciate it.

The monorail is tempting for returning at the end of the day, if we stay at DLH. From what I've read, it wouldn't be the best option for entry during EMH.

I am going to consider PPH, too. It would be $465 extra for 4 nights. Perhaps that will be the best middle option.

I doubt I would use the bus for CCI, since we probably could walk back to CCI in the time it would take us to load onto it. It is nice to think of the option being there, though. The grounds of CCI do look appealing.

I don't mind paying big bucks for something, if I think I am getting the value out of it. My whole dilemma could be solved if WDTC would just announce some room only discounts.