GC or PPH and a bunch of questions!

[polynor]

Ok -- first time posting here but I've been reading all the threads with great interest...

We're going in late July -- it will be me, my husband, our then 15 mth son, and my sister in law (30's). We don't mind sharing a room.
We've gone to DL about 3 yrs ago and stayed in DLH (which I thought was really fun - but we had no kid in tow). Since we've been there already, I'd like to try somewhere else.

1. Base question: Std room Grand californian for $380 or Paradise Pier Concierge for $338? (don't suppose they might offer discounts then???)
2. Is the GC location a much bigger factor to consider over PPH?
3. Do all the rooms contain a pack and play (GC and PPH)? Are they large enough to accomodate a pnp?
4. Do all king room contain a sofa bed (GC and PPH)? We've yet to stay in a hotel where he manages to go thru the night in a pack and play - likely he will make it in a king bed between us.
5. The fridges in the rooms (GC or PPH) - are they large enough to hold a quart size container of milk plus yogurts?
6. Also, SIL lives in San Diego and she'll be driving in, while we'll be flying in fairly late (10pm arrival). If I make the reservation, will she be able to check in before us? And will they charge her credit card (we're paying)?
7. We're only staying two nights and intend to go to a park on the day we check out -- will they do baggage storage the entire day for us like in WDW?
8. Are we insane???

We're also looking at Residence Inn Maingate 1 bdrm suite. Of course it's much cheaper, has more room, includes a full breakfast, is "walking" distance...but...the bathroom is still awkwardly placed and it won't be as convenient for one of us to whisk the boy away for a nap.

Planning a DLR trip puts me totally out of my element after knowing *exactly* what we'd do for WDW trip...

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[hlbtimes2]

1. Base question: Std room Grand californian for $380 or Paradise Pier Concierge for $338? (don't suppose they might offer discounts then???) Probably no discounts, as is peak season. I dont think I could bring myself to spend that much on one night, for one room. Thats about 3 nights rate for us!
2. Is the GC location a much bigger factor to consider over PPH? Depends on where your room is. It is closer, but if your room is far from the lobby its going to be a long walk. PP is across the street from GC (if you cut thru the GC) so its not that much further then some of the rooms at GC. Take a look at this for more details http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as
3. Do all the rooms contain a pack and play (GC and PPH)? Are they large enough to accomodate a pnp? Not sure about GC, but the rooms at PP do.
4. Do all king room contain a sofa bed (GC and PPH)? We've yet to stay in a hotel where he manages to go thru the night in a pack and play - likely he will make it in a king bed between us. I know at PP our room had 2 queens and a sofa bed, which would probably work for you. One adult and the baby in a bed, one adult in the other bed and one on the sofa.
5. The fridges in the rooms (GC or PPH) - are they large enough to hold a quart size container of milk plus yogurts? They are small, so height of the milk container could be a problem, but I'm sure you could make it work. We stored milk, juice, pop and water in ours at PP and were fine. But we just had those small (12oz?) bottles of milk
6. Also, SIL lives in San Diego and she'll be driving in, while we'll be flying in fairly late (10pm arrival). If I make the reservation, will she be able to check in before us? And will they charge her credit card (we're paying)? I would call and ask the hotel that question. I'm sure you could switch cards when you got there. Typically hotels dont charge the card until check out. They may get a pre-authorization / hold on the card, but they dont actually charge it until check out.
7. We're only staying two nights and intend to go to a park on the day we check out -- will they do baggage storage the entire day for us like in WDW? Yes, not a problem.
8. Are we insane??? Dont know you well enough to make that diagnosis!

We're also looking at Residence Inn Maingate 1 bdrm suite. Of course it's much cheaper, has more room, includes a full breakfast, is "walking" distance...but...the bathroom is still awkwardly placed and it won't be as convenient for one of us to whisk the boy away for a nap. There are other hotels that are close that would be affordable and close enough for naps. YOu might consider the Best Western Park Place Inn.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Forgot to ask- do those prices include the 15% hotel tax and $10 ($12 with tax) nightly resort fee? If not, that is going to really run the price up!

 

[polynor]

Thanks for your response -- it does not include the tax and resort fee -- so yeah -- it's REALLY hefty. We've never spent that much on a hotel room (at the PPH price). We did get a 5% AAA discount on the PPH room - so that's something... I've read the boards and trip advisor, so I'm realistic with what to expect (not the Ritz) from both.

We keep thinking that we won't make it out to DL again -- so why not? However, we thought that a couple of years ago so we stayed at DLH.
But we've never traveled to Disney with him -- we've only traveled with toddler in tow once so far. This will only be our 2nd trip to DL and I would like to splurge (this is a BIG splurge)...

I always thought the first time we'd spend that much would be at the Grand Floridian...

lib

 

[mmmears]

Just back from the GC -- it is really a beautiful hotel.

Our room had a pack'n'play in the closet, and there was room to set it up.

Also, we had a mini-fridge, which was empty and so had plenty of space to keep things cold.

We always request a room by the main elevators, and have always received one.

The GC is expensive, but really beautiful and in a great location, too.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

If you think you'll be heading back to your hotel in the afternoons or early evenings stay at PPH. We've stayed at GCH (standard room) and PPH (concierge room) and if you think you'll be taking advantage of their snacks, sodas, beer, wine and appetizers, PPH might be the better value.

1. Doesn't hurt to ask what discounts they have.
2. We love the convenience of GCH and would love to stay there on every trip. However our finances doesn't permit that unless they have a good rate.
3. We did notice pack n plays in our rooms at GCH, but did not notice at PPH.
4. We've never had a king room so can't comment. We usually get 2 queens or a queen and a bunkbed.
5. Fridges are small. It could probably hold a half gallon of milk or smaller. If the milk is in a plastic container with a cover you could easily lie it on its side to fit.
6. They'll probably use her card for incidentals. Just ask to switch cards when you check in. We did that once with mil.
7. Yes, just call bellhop to come get your bags in yoru room. They'll hand you a ticket. Pick up your bags when you're ready to leave.

We did PPH concierge in Feb for our son's 9th birthday. They upgraded us to a DCA view and it was amazing. DS thought it was awesome that he got to see his 2 favorite rides each evening and each morning (TOT & California Screamin). We even had a plate of mickey chocolate rice crisy treats delivered to our room courtesy of the hotel our first night.

 

[dizzyami]

It looks like you have gotten a lot of reponses to the technical questions - so I will just tackle the GCH vs. PPH concierge. I have actually done both, and for the amount of time you will be there would recommend the GCH. Unless you plan on walking back and forth many times to take advantage of the concierge - I doubt it would be worthwhile at the PPH. If you are planning on hitting DCA during your stay, then the GCH is a great option, with a quick way back to the room during the afternoon (my preferred time to hit DCA). If you are planning for DL only in the two days - then I would almost do PPH without the concierge.