Grand Legacy nice pool or other suggestions.

[Jenny-momof3]

DH and I just were able to align the stars to make our very first trip to DL... and just the 2 of us! July 25-29. WVe been AP holders at wdw for 10 years but never been to DL. I’ve been scouring the boards for days narrowing down our choices.

We will fly into LAX from Ohio and Uber or better to take Disney express?

Currently leaning towards Grand Legacy for hotel. We will definitely want to come back and swim each afternoon so want something with a nice pool. Thoughts on the pool there? Or will gladly take suggestions on a different hotel with a nice pool within the same price range and close proximity to the parks.

Also looking at the Howard Johnson. I know it’s further away but really how much further is it? DH and I each walk 10-12 miles on a daily basis so we don’t mind the walking part But I assume it will be very hot.

Which brings me to my next question.... we’re used to mid to upper 90’s in July with very high humidity. Wondering just how hot it generally feels end of July there.

And one more thing.....sorry. When I go to book a package through the Disneyland site, it shows that I would get extra magic hours. Is that for everyday? Or do I pick just one morning?

TIA. So many posts on here have already been such a huge wealth of information!

 

[dieumeye]

I can help with a couple of these questions...

In July, the weather will probably be nice. Sunny with highs in the 80s or 90s. Could be in 100s but only if there's a heatwave. Also, even with warm days it can drop into the high 60s once the sun goes down. It's going to be less humid than Ohio or Florida!

For early entry, please check the difference between "Magic Morning" and "Extra Magic Hour". They are two similar, but different, early entry situations with different rules. The rules could change between now and then, but as it is currently, I'd guess you are seeing a "Magic Morning" offering, which means you'd be able to enter Disneyland one hour before official park opening, one time, on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. And during that hour Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open.

 

[kirstie101]

I’d say the distance difference btwn the two properties is maybe a minute or two. We love the Hojo pool! It’s big and they have nice landscaping near it and plenty of lounge chairs.

 

[alvernon90]

This week's Disneyland podcast features our fearless leader Pete going on an absolute rant about the Grand Legacy. He was in rare form because he hates the place so much. It's not just that he thinks it's filthy and overpriced, but he was saying things like the rooms are decorated with the chalk outlines of dead hookers. (Pete is not the world's most PC podcaster.)

I've never been, but that level of vitriol would lead me to take a second look.

 

[ChrissyLou]

I've never stayed at the Grand Legacy (but it has some really suspect reviews from a wide range of travelers). I have stayed at HoJo's and their garden pool is nice - in addition, the hotel is very highly rated by the majority of their visitors. My favorite non-Disney resort pool in the area is the Sheraton Park, but that is a further walk the other direction from HoJo's--although I still think it's only 15 minutes, maybe 20 if you walk real leisurely - it's not that much farther than HoJo's. It has never had more than a hand full of people in it when we've been there, there is a pool bar with food/drinks and it's surrounded by palm trees/landscaping so i feel like it is more of a resort than one of those typical Harbor hotel that has a pool in the middle of a parking lot. We've had two great trips to the Sheraton. Also the Candy Cane Inn's pool area is landscaped nicely, but quite small - it seems to be another hotel that is loved and recommended by the majority.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

Exactly the info I was hoping to find! Legacy is definitely out then. I will look more into the HoJo and Sheraton.

DH was fine with paying to stay at an official Disney hotel as we always stay onsite in WDW. But I’m just not seeing much of a benefit unless I’m missing something?? I assume the emh there is actually emh and not the magic morning that I liked get at a neighbor hotel?

 

[Winnowill]

We stayed at the Grand Legacy last summer and it was fine. We loved its proximity (since our normal stays have had long walks or have been unwalkable). We thought our room was quite small, and the parking was really tight (not that that will affect you), but we were fine with it. We didn't notice it being particularly dirty in any way. The pool was adequate - our girls enjoyed it each day (even though they both have pools at home). Better than a lot of pools in the area, but not fantastic.

 

[avalon451]

So, a couple of notes... you might want to check out the sticky thread at the top of the page that include Hydroguy’s tips, like the WDW vs DLR information, hotel rule, etc. Tons of good info!
If you would consider staying onsite, I’d look into that, maybe the Disneyland Hotel. It’s about half to 2/3 cheaper to stay offsite, and we usually do. However, the benefits especially with Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opening up, could be considerable, depending on how important that is to you. Right now they’re guaranteeing an entry reservation for onsite hotel guests for entry. There is no word yet how that will change after the initial period, which is over by your trip. But having early entry every day might help, even though SWGE isn’t open for EE. Maybe they’ll be doing a FP system to enter the Land by then. if they are still giving any kind of advantage to onsite guests at that point, it might be worth it.
As far as EE/ MM, it’s also explained better in one of the sticky tips threads; but briefly: any guest who purchases a 3-day or more park hopper gets one “Magic Morning” or early entry to Disneyland only during their trip. Those are in Tues, Thurs and Sat, and lately sometimes Sunday, too, which wouldn’t surprise me for the SWGE opening. Only onsite guests get “Early Entry” privileges to BOTH DLR or CA (Mon, Wed, Fri) every day. You can’t get int CA for EE unless you’re staying onsite. And since you can book Maxpasses as soon as you get in either park, which start at regular park opening time, that can really help you get the rides in if you’re there early.
One other thing: you mentioned booking packages through the Disneyland website. I strongly suggest you price everything out separately. There’s no real advantage to booking through them unless you’re really excited about a lanyard. You can save a lot, especially with the offsite hotels, by booking with them directly, and maybe even getting AAA or military or AARP discounts. Also, you can get park tickets through Disney sanctioned secondary sellers like Undercover Tourist, Last Minute Travel or GetAwayToday. I recently got ours through LMT for quite a bit better price than any of the others. Like, $50 off for each 5day park hopper. Check it out. Remember that a “Good Neighbor” designation for an offsite hotel means nothing- they just paid for the privilege of getting Disney’s little stamp on them.
Hope this info helps! I’ve stayed at HoJo and it’s nice and very walkable, and great pool.

 

[tarheelalum]

DH and I just were able to align the stars to make our very first trip to DL... and just the 2 of us! July 25-29. WVe been AP holders at wdw for 10 years but never been to DL. I’ve been scouring the boards for days narrowing down our choices.

We will fly into LAX from Ohio and Uber or better to take Disney express?

Currently leaning towards Grand Legacy for hotel. We will definitely want to come back and swim each afternoon so want something with a nice pool. Thoughts on the pool there? Or will gladly take suggestions on a different hotel with a nice pool within the same price range and close proximity to the parks.

Also looking at the Howard Johnson. I know it’s further away but really how much further is it? DH and I each walk 10-12 miles on a daily basis so we don’t mind the walking part But I assume it will be very hot.

Which brings me to my next question.... we’re used to mid to upper 90’s in July with very high humidity. Wondering just how hot it generally feels end of July there.

And one more thing.....sorry. When I go to book a package through the Disneyland site, it shows that I would get extra magic hours. Is that for everyday? Or do I pick just one morning?

I wouldn't stay at the Grand Legacy. Too many bad reviews. Out of those two, I'd stay at the Hojo. Even if its 100 degrees it will feel a lot better than 90 with 95% humidity. You will love the weather. In general, booking a package through Disneyland is usually a bad idea. And please note, the Disney good neighbor hotel designation means nothing here. Book things individually and save money. And you only get early entry on a daily basis if you are staying in one of the three Disneyland properties, which quite honestly, are way overpriced. Most stay offsite along Harbor Blvd or Katella Ave and walk to the park or live in SoCal and drive. Uber from LAX costs more usually but is much faster. If you have small kids, take the bus.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For a trip with just your DH, I would look at the Premium Rooms at the Candy Cane Inn. The pool there is on the smaller side, but the pool area is very pleasant, very clean, relaxing -- very enjoyable. Premium Rooms come with amenities that are a nice treat when it's a couples trip. CCI has a private shuttle, is a close walk (about 8-10 minutes -- it's just a bit closer than the Grand Legacy), has great customer service, free breakfast (generous continental -- delivered to the room with the Premium Rooms), etc. They offer an AP discount and other discounts.
Here are some helpful threads from the stickies at the top of the first page:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/
"Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158
"Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

 

[lalasmama]

Personally, I'd use Uber/Lyft to/from LAX. Might be a little more expensive, but Disneyland Resort Express (which is NOT owned or operated by Disney) gets consistently mixed reviews. Just recently here on Disboards was another experience where they were running so late, and had no idea when the bus would get there; the person had to get a ride share so they didn't miss their flight back.

 

[DaveNinja]

I've stayed at both the Grand Legacy and Hojos multiple times. Grand Legacy is fine and, at least a couple years ago, usually half the price of Hojos. The Grand Legacy pool is in the parking lot but its surrounded by fence/hedges so it seems pretty private. They also had a little bar/cart that would sell drinks and beer.
If both prices are the same, I'll take Hojos any day but if not, I'll stay at the Grand Legacy.

 

[deedubb]

I can't comment on the hotels, but if you haven't booked your flights yet, you might want to also look into flying into SNA vs LAX. Much closer to DLR, and much less hectic airport. If the price is similar, I would choose SNA. In fact, I always choose SNA even if I'm paying more, but that's because they have car rentals on-site in addition to it being a much calmer airport and I get to avoid the insane LA traffic.

 

[tarheelalum]

I second the above post about LAX. It sucks but I understand people can often fly cheaper into LAX but you pay a price in time, traffic and aggravation. SNA is like a dream and LAX is a nightmare. If you can afford it, fly into Orange County John Wayne airport. You'll be in Anaheim in 20 minutes or less from SNA and you'll get to take your picture with a giant John Wayne statue.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I can't comment on the Grand Legacy as I've never stayed there but I have stayed at the Sheraton Park several times and find their pool area idyllic. The walk also isn't bad and you pass many places to stop and pick up breakfasts, drinks, snacks, etc. along the way.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We like the Sheraton Park, too -- that is another one of our go-to hotels at DLR. If there are no mobility issues, the walk is fairly easy. We see other hotel guests walking to the TS lot to use the free shuttles there, too.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

Wow you guys are a wealth of information! Definitely going to look into flying into SNA instead. I think it will be worth the extra money in air fare. And I assume the Uber would be less since it’s closer too?

So I think we’ve ruled out staying at an official Disney hotel. So much $$ when there’s so many close options.

DH would like something a little nicer than the HOjo. He was looking at the Hilton by the convention center. Also looking at Anaheim Marriott. Will look into Sheraton Park too. We really don’t mind we asking as I said before we both walk 10-12 miles everyday. But I definitely want something we can take a mid day break and swim at. Any other suggestions of hotels to look at?

We will be getting a 5 day ph pass with max pass. We’re not worried about the star wars stuff....we’ll get to see the Star Wars land at wdw plenty. But we can’t wait to see cars land! If we rope drop and have max pass should we be ok? Or do we really need to stay onsite to get emh for that?

 

[StarlitNight05]

Have you checked out the Hyatt House? It's right on the corner of W Katella and Harbor Blvd. The walk isn't bad at all (maybe about 10 minutes). The hotel itself is fairly new and the rooms are very nice. I LOVE their beds. DH and I were just talking about our last stay there and how we slept so well. They have a free breakfast that is actually pretty good. We didn't use their pool, but the pictures look really nice. We really liked the access to Walgreens and CVS for stocking up on snacks, bottled water, and some wine/beer. There is a Blaze pizza also located very close to the hotel that we ate at a few times. They have a nice beer selection too if you or your DH enjoy a good brew.

 

[tarheelalum]

Also consider the Hotel Indigo. Its not a bad walk at all and the hotel is nicer than most in the area for the price if you book in advance. Good savings with AAA. Check IHG.com for booking direct which is often the cheapest option. Always remember the the closer you get to booking any hotel in the area the more you will pay. Try to book a rate you can cancel without penalty 8 months in advance if you might be considering going.

 

[ChrissyLou]

To piggyback on some of the above comments, I wholeheartedly agree if you can fly into SNA you should, it is hands down less stressful and more convenient (time and otherwise) than LAX.

We have not stayed at Hyatt House, but friends of mine did and they gave it a thumbs up. Now although the hotel is new and the pool area is nice looking, the pool does not have the tropical vibe (palm trees, flora, fauna) that I like, which may not be important to you at all, I know the pool itself is, but you may not care one bit about plants or lack of.

Before you finalize your plans check out Trip Advisor's reviews on the Hilton. I looked into staying at the Hilton for a change of scenery for our next visit and after reading many downright awful reviews we chose to make our reservation for Hotel Indigo instead (we got too good of a rate w/ our airfare to pass up), all hotels will have good and bad, but when I see several consistent poor reviews over a three month period of time (Hilton) that would make me reconsider.

As mentioned in my earlier post we're big fans of the Park Sheraton for several reasons (not just the pool, although the pool is the best in the area for things that I like in a pool) and we've had great stays there. Now I'm happy we're staying at the Indigo, it has great reviews and and some of the features in the pool area look great - nice chaise lounges/cabana seating area - but there isn't a palm tree in sight and does not have the feel of the pool at the Sheraton -- but as above poster mentioned maybe you should check that out also.

I would love to know where you decide.