First DL trip in years, which hotel?

[figmentgirl]

Hi All! Have had a dozen trips to WDW but only one to DL when I was 12 years old and we stayed in a motor home. Please let me know what you like and dislike about the various resorts. Which do you reccomend for a family of 4, our sons will be 13 and 10 and are used to the Polynesian in Florida. It doesn't have to be a Disney resort. Also, how many full days should we spend there?

 

[figmentgirl]

Wow 48 views and not one person has a favorite hotel? Maybe WDW is better after all...

 

[DangerMouse]

The DLR boards move a bit slower than the WDW side of the Dis, so try to be patient with us.

My favorite place to stay is off-site at the Howard Johnson. They are very popular amongst many here because of their Pirate Themed splash playground, lovely grounds and awesome customer service. They also have amazing rates available certain times of the year.

You won't find anything comparable to the Poly at DLR. The GCH is nice and its location can't be beat, but way overpriced, IMO.

I'm sure you'll get more answers soon. Enjoy your trip planning to Walt's original park!

 

[HydroGuy]

Check the sticky for reviews: * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

I will tell you about the GCH come July. But I have stronger feelings about location than actual hotels. I have become a strong believer in walking distance hotels. There are many hotel options at DLR where the door of your room is closer to the DL and DCA gates than some of the bus and boat drops are at WDW.

See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

 

[Princess Row]

I have never stayed off site but this coming weekend i am required to with m cheer team. We are staying at the Park Sheraton so i can let you know about that one. But i've stayed at DGC and DLH, honestly GC is nice but we prefer DLH. DLH has alot more of the "disney magic" in it lets say. Although GC is right in the park and its a close walk if you need to change DLH isnt that far, just right off the monorail.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Personally, I think any of the DLR hotels are perfectly great for various reasons. I would look at all of them and pick the one that looks the best to you and fits in your budget.

CGH - Location location location, literally a few steps from California Adventure and about a 5 minute walk to the front gates of Disneyland. The only DLR hotel that has rooms with balconies. Rooms are a little smaller than the rooms at the DLR or the PPH. Gorgeous lobby. Craftsman architecture and theming.

DLH - Large rooms (being refurbed now and the new rooms are gorgeous with headboards that light up), most rooms have sofa beds, beautiful grounds with waterfalls and ponds galore, 3 minute walk to the DTD monorail station. DTD view rooms will have a nice view of the Disneyland fireworks. Disney themed with Mickey Mouse touches. Here is a picture of the new rooms (you may be able to guarantee a newly refurbed room if you reserve a DTD view room, but I'm not positive on that):

PPH - Large rooms, most rooms have sofa beds, and the most bang for your buck (given that it's the lowest priced DLR hotel). A 5-6 minute walk to the DTD monorail station and a 6-7 minute walk to the private entrance (located in the GCH) of California Adventure. Upper themepark view rooms should have a nice view of the new World of Color show. Beach/nautical/surfing themed with Disney touches. Here is a picture of one of the rooms (doesn't come with the kids - hahaha):

 

[Homemom]

We have stayed at DLH and GC. We love GC. The proximity to the parks is awesome, especially with our little one needing a break or a nap. We love the decor and the little extras like turn down service with chocolate. My DD loves the bunk beds.

 

[dismom73]

Personally, I think any of the DLR hotels are perfectly great for various reasons. I would look at all of them and pick the one that looks the best to you and fits in your budget.

CGH - Location location location, literally a few steps from California Adventure and about a 5 minute walk to the front gates of Disneyland. The only DLR hotel that has rooms with balconies. Rooms are a little smaller than the rooms at the DLR or the PPH. Gorgeous lobby. Craftsman architecture and theming.

DLH - Large rooms (being refurbed now and the new rooms are gorgeous with headboards that light up), most rooms have sofa beds, beautiful grounds with waterfalls and ponds galore, 3 minute walk to the DTD monorail station. DTD view rooms will have a nice view of the Disneyland fireworks. Disney themed with Mickey Mouse touches. Here is a picture of the new rooms (you may be able to guarantee a newly refurbed room if you reserve a DTD view room, but I'm not positive on that):

PPH - Large rooms, most rooms have sofa beds, and the most bang for your buck (given that it's the lowest priced DLR hotel). A 5-6 minute walk to the DTD monorail station and a 6-7 minute walk to the private entrance (located in the GCH) of California Adventure. Upper themepark view rooms should have a nice view of the new World of Color show. Beach/nautical/surfing themed with Disney touches. Here is a picture of one of the rooms (doesn't come with the kids - hahaha):

This is the first time I've seen a picture of the refurbished rooms at DLH, I love it!

 

[figmentgirl]

The DLR boards move a bit slower than the WDW side of the Dis, so try to be patient with us. QUOTE]

OOPS... Sorry. I'm used to the WDW DISboard pace
Thanks to all for the info. I looked up the HOJO prices and my jaw dropped at the rates! Amazing. The GC looks beautiful but refurbished rooms at DLR are calling to me, plus the Disney theming and history is very attactive. The photos and links are a great help!

 

[disney-super-mom]

OOPS... Sorry. I'm used to the WDW DISboard pace
Thanks to all for the info. I looked up the HOJO prices and my jaw dropped at the rates! Amazing. The GC looks beautiful but refurbished rooms at DLR are calling to me, plus the Disney theming and history is very attactive. The photos and links are a great help!

I know, aren't those new DLR rooms just GORGEOUS!!! You made a great choice!

Hopefully there's a way to guarantee getting one. Like I said, perhaps by reserving a DTD view room in the Dreams tower (since that is the building they are working on now), but I'm sure someone else will be able to confirm this or not.

Hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[tholczer]

We love the DLH. Love the pool. Love the size of the rooms. And the prices are usually good. We had the option to stay at the GCH this year for the first time with the amazing summer rates, but the family opted for the DLH, we love it so much. We stayed concierge one year, and if you can splurge, it is fabulous. Not sure how that's working, though, with all the reburbs going on. The prices may be sky high for those rooms.

Anyway, even if you don't get the refurbed room, you will be happy.

Tracy

 

[aristocat65]

Wow 48 views and not one person has a favorite hotel? Maybe WDW is better after all...

I was going to answer yesterday, but I didn't have time.

If you're used to the Poly, you would like the DLH as the rooms are a good size and it is very "Disney". If you can get a renovated room, even better.

The GCH is great for location, and a beautiful hotel as well. You can actually walk into California Adventure from the the hotel. (That's not something you can do at WDW) The rooms are a little smaller though, and the price reflects its fantastic location. If you are used to Poly prices though, you may not mind. There are also a lot of specials on now.

We have actually never stayed at a Disney hotel while in Disneyland, as they are expensive, and there are so many others close by. I 've just been too cheap. We really like Embassy Suites South about a mile down the road on Harbor. We have stayed at Candy Cane Inn also, and while it was great and walking distance I just prefer a hotel to a motel and that is why we don't stay closer. The Sheraton Park looks really nice, and I would like to try that.

Having said that, with all the specials on now for Disney hotels, If I were to go this year (I hope) I would stay in a Disney Hotel. We really miss the "immersion" feeling that we get at WDW when we stay off property at Disneyland. The last couple of visits, I really wished I was in a Disney hotel.

While Hojo's and some of the other properties are fine, I really think that if you are used to staying on property at WDW, you will really feel something lacking if you don't stay with Disney.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

 

[teacups]

We stayed at DLH our first stay and it is a great hotel and the kids loved it... but the walk was just too far.