Good Neighbor Hotel Comparison for WDW People

[Breezer4]

I grew up at Disneyland, but I’m now much more familiar with WDW after almost 25 years as a Florida resident. We are planning a trip for next summer and looking at Good Neighbor Hotels because the price on property is so much more. We typically stay at value or moderate resort properties at WDW, and we do deluxe inside cabins on DCL. We’re rope drop to fireworks people, so the room is just a place to shower and sleep. Are all the Good Neighbor Hotel properties on Harbor Blvd similar to Value/Moderate at WDW? Any to avoid?

 

[DLgal]

They are mostly on par with the values, but VERY VERY pared down versions. You won't find themed pools, bars, arcades, food courts, or gift shops. They are mostly motels/motor lodges with exterior hallways and perhaps a free continental breakfast.

The ones that are actual hotels with interior corridors, for example, are basic big name chains. Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton.

The best hotel on Harbor, closest to the park is the Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance. This hotel is closest to a WDW Moderate, to include a themed waterpark style pool area and large rooms with bunk beds that can sleep 6. It can be pricey, though.

The closest "deluxe equivalent" hotel is the new Westin on Katella. That one isn't as conveniently located, but it's a lovely upscale hotel that can often be had for around $250/night.

 

[Jwaire]

Speaking of Westin, Jen Lafforge (DIS YouTuber) recently stayed there and reviewed it. I recommend her channel.

 

[DLgal]

Speaking of Westin, Jen Lafforge (DIS YouTuber) recently stayed there and reviewed it. I recommend her channel.

It's a gorgeous property. I almost booked a stay there in December until I was shown the price would be over $700/night. For that money, I can be at the Grand, which is where I booked instead. But usually that hotel is FAR more economical.

 

[chezcurrie]

Ditto what DLgal said. The harbor hotels are stripped down WDW Value hotels With no theming. The Hojo would be closest to say the Pop at WDW. Have stayed there and can recommend. If you are rope drop to fireworks people and don’t care about theming, pool, etc, the Park Vue Inn is very basic, but right across the street. Makes for an enjoyable end of day as you are watching everyone else slog to their hotels further down Harbor or on Katella. The fact that you are so close also kinda makes up for any theming because as soon as you cross the street the music starts playing and you are THERE.

 

[BobaFettFan]

You know, when I think of hotels at Land vs. World it all comes down to travel time.

Getting to hotels in World is a lot harder. Especially if you use the bus system. You're actually more inclined to spend time at the hotel and enjoy what it has to offer.

Disneyland is so compact in its offering that the best site I've found and the most value I get is the Best Western PPI right across the street.

The prices have always been ok (for Disney) and the staff have always treated me really well. Our last trip my son landed in the ER and we didn't have a car seat with us since we were staying across the street and ordered a car from Lansky to get from the hotel and back which had their own car seat. Getting back to the hotel from the hospital was a nightmare of calling companies that either didn't have a car seat or did not work at the time we needed. I was offering people cash to take us. We were trying for hours. Finally thought to call the hotel and they got us a ride in 30 minutes.

The beds are comfortable and I haven't heard my neighbors ever. I ask for a room away from the street.

There's a free buffet at ::edit:: Calaca Mamas :: edit:: (Thank you @DisneylandFan22 !) next door where you can carb load quickly then get in line at the gate to Disneyland.


Want a break mid day? Drop off or pick up a coat? Forget your wallet? Spouse's in-law that came with making you frustrated so you need a break? Walk to the hotel, rest, and get back with only losing a short amount of time.


I'll only ever stay there, honestly. I'm sure there are other good places, but BWPPI is just such a sure bet that I go there.

Pictured: Happy wife with happy son on the last trip.

 

[RunnerMom71]

Also check out the JW Marriott - recently stayed their for $350 / night. 10 minute walk (I'm a fast walker) via the Anaheim Garden Walk

 

[DisneylandFan22]

You know, when I think of hotels at Land vs. World it all comes down to travel time.

Getting to hotels in World is a lot harder. Especially if you use the bus system. You're actually more inclined to spend time at the hotel and enjoy what it has to offer.

Disneyland is so compact in its offering that the best site I've found and the most value I get is the Best Western PPI right across the street.

The prices have always been ok (for Disney) and the staff have always treated me really well. Our last trip my son landed in the ER and we didn't have a car seat with us since we were staying across the street and ordered a car from Lansky to get from the hotel and back which had their own car seat. Getting back to the hotel from the hospital was a nightmare of calling companies that either didn't have a car seat or did not work at the time we needed. I was offering people cash to take us. We were trying for hours. Finally thought to call the hotel and they got us a ride in 30 minutes.

The beds are comfortable and I haven't heard my neighbors ever. I ask for a room away from the street.

There's a free buffet at Captain Kidds next door where you can carb load quickly then get in line at the gate to Disneyland.


Want a break mid day? Drop off or pick up a coat? Forget your wallet? Spouse's in-law that came with making you frustrated so you need a break? Walk to the hotel, rest, and get back with only losing a short amount of time.


I'll only ever stay there, honestly. I'm sure there are other good places, but BWPPI is just such a sure bet that I go there.

Pictured: Happy wife with happy son on the last trip.

Captain Kidds has been gone for a few years now.

 

[BobaFettFan]

Captain Kidds has been gone for a few years now.

You're right! I forgot. It's now Calaca Mamas (burrito/taco/liquor place). I actually got food there one night and brought it to the wife when she said she was hungry after we got home.


Going up the stairs above it leads you to the free breakfast buffet.

 

[Steven G]

Also, I wouldn't focus on "Good Neighbor" hotels. Any hotel along Harbor is "fine", as long as you understand what you are getting. For example, "Park Vue Inn" is not a "good neighbor hotel", but I've been there multiple times and it was always good, although them removing the free breakfast has taken it down a notch.

 

[ParkHopper1]

FYI, the "Good Neighbor" designation means nothing other then they sell tickets and you can book them through Disney...there is no standard of quality over any other Hotel/Motel near the parks...there are many GNH properties that regulars would not be caught dead in so don't let that mistakenly sway your decision.

Rates can also often be cheaper when booked direct and you typically get a much more generous cancelation policy than booking through Disney so do your homework.

 

[SpaceMan5]

Disneyland is so compact in its offering that the best site I've found and the most value I get is the Best Western PPI right across the street.

That is what I have found over the years as well. We are opting for the BW Anaheim Inn Plus in Jan 2024 since they were a bit cheaper than BWPPI which I found surprising. I decided to roll the dice with BWAPI because of the many positive reviews here on the boards.