Help me decide what to do...

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I don't know what to do. We are going to DL in December for 5 nights with 2 kids and 5 days in the park. I really really really want to stay at the DLH, I just don't know if it is worth the extra money or not. We had planned to stay at the Desert Inn and Suites for about 900 or we could stay at the DLH for about 1775. I just don't know what to do. My head keeps telling me to stay at the Desert Inn and Suites because of the price difference. My kids will be 5 and 2, will they even be old enough to appreciate us staying at the DLH?

 

[cirquelovers]

Well, I guess that depends on a few things; Is this a pinching pennies, or money doesn't matter? Is this a once in a " decade, or something" trip?

I think there is a huge difference between Desert Inn, more like a motel 6 and is much older feeling than DLH which has many amenities and the Disney touches. The Desert Inn is very close to the entrance to Disneyland and other places to eat, though not very cheaply for what they are. The DLH has DTD very close by and the monorail which is nice at the end of an evening.

I think your 5 year old would remember it later but doubt if the 2 year old would. The rooms have the Tinkerbell touch and I love the Mickey hands lamp holders.

They both have their advantages, it just depends what's important to you

 

[mommyof2boys1girl]

We faced a similar choice when I first started planning our trip. Kids ages 5, 3 and 19 mo. Where to stay?

We basically made our choice by deciding that, with the money we would save by staying offsite, we could take another trip, perhaps even a trip each year, instead of every 2 years! For us, the extra money just wasn't worth it - my eldest really wouldn't even notice any of the 'disney' touches - he's actually just excited to stay in a hotel (never happens with us!)

We may consider the DLH or another DLR hotel when the kids are all old enough to appreciate it, however, I doubt it. For me, the extra cost just wasn't worth it, but this isn't a 'once in a lifetime' experience for us - hopefully just the first of many DL vacations!

Having said that, if you really have your heart set on the DLH, it may be enough to taint the whole vacation for you if you "settle" for the Desert Inn - they are in two seperate classes of hotel, from what I can tell. (haven't stayed at either) Make sure, in your heart, you are happy with whatever choice you make, and you will have a fabulous time no matter where you stay!! And honestly, your DD will probably be so excited to be there you could pitch a tent in the parking lot and she'd be just as happy!

Good luck!

 

[boiseflyfisher]

For that kind of savings, I would stay off site. You are looking at double the price and that extra $875 could go a long way toward character meals, souveniers, tours, etc.

 

[Dobie]

I think it depends on what you would do with the extra $875.

If you won't really notice not having it, I would say splurge for the DH. It has a great pool area that your kids will love.

If, however, you have to scrimp and save and do without, and maybe not pay off a debt, or go into debt, then maybe the Desert Suites would be better. It has the advantage of being closer to the main gate for little feet, too.

 

[BillyFan]

For us the only real draw to the DLH is the pool, so if you were going in the Summer and planned on spending time a the pool, then maybe it would be worth it.
Check ot the Hojos. The rooms are just as nice, the beds mory comfortable and the grounds and customer service are top rate. It's about the same walk to the parks as the DLH too!

 

[victorandbellasmom]

I agree with Dobie. If you aren't going to notice the $875, splurge and stay at DLH. If you would have to scrimp and save to stay at DLH, I'd stay across the street and do something special like a character meal or a tour.

 

[pixiewings71]

For that big of a difference, there's no question. I'd stay off-site and use that money for stuff inside the park. I'd just stay at the HoJo.....it's as nice as the PP hotel (I've stayed at both but not at DLH) and save the $$$.

Good luck!!

 

[mAlien13]

You are really getting a mix of responses, mommy2allyandaveri!

I have to throw my hat in with the off site crowd. I just don't think the benefits of staying onsite in DLR are worth that extra expense. There are so many other things to see and enjoy.

Then again, my family is in the parks all day when we are there. A hotel is a place to sleep, shower and keep our clean clothes. My kids like to swim at the end of the day if the pool is open, and DH and I do love a hot tub soak, but other than that I just care if it is clean, comfortable, and within walking distance.

 

[mindylovesmickey]

We faced a similar decision for our stay last month and I ended up deciding on the DLH and I would do it again in a heartbeat!! We will be going back several more times this year on our AP's and we are going to be doing the HOJO ent rate several of those trips, but we are also going to throw in another DLR stay after my dh gets back from this deployment. I say that if it doesn't take away from what you would spend on character meals or souvies, etc, then go for it. If you have to give up stuff maybe it's not the best idea.

 

[pixiewings71]

Here's a question for you. You are in Sac, I'm in Suisun, we are pretty close......are you guys considering upgrading to AP's? The reason I ask is simply the AP rates that are offered later in the year are amazing.....we stayed at the GCH in a DTD view room at the beginning of Nov. for $240 per night....that's over half off. We stayed at the PP at the end of Jan. for $129 a night, that is comparable to the offsite hotels *regular* rates. I've seen the DLH as little as $159 per night......I know they raise their rates yearly but it's something you may want to consider. Get an AP on your Dec. trip, plan something for off season and stay at the DLH then. Just a thought.

 

[DSNY4ever]

A lot of good advice has already been given, but here is mine- We stayed at the DLH last year at christmas time (with an AP rate) as someone mentioned above so it was a little bit of a better deal. The lobby was beautiful with the Christmas decorations, Christmas tree and Santa was in the lobby area in the evenings to take pictures with the kids...but on the other hand anyone can go into the lobby for free without staying there and enjoy this as well. I say with your kid's ages stay at the Dessert Inn and walk over and have a character breakfast there or even walk into the Grand Californian in the evening and enjoy the decorations and see the Santa in their lobby (also beautiful). We ended up doing our stay at a cheaper hotel and then just two nights at the DLH (But with two little tikes it might be harder to do a hotel switch).

Wait a minute...I know a mommy of Ally and Averi! I'll PM you!

 

[rentayenta]

If it's your first trip I would splurge, and have, for the DLH. You cannot beat the proximity to the parks and with 2 young children, it's nice to hop back to the room for a midday break. If it's not your first trip, I'd stay off site. Try the HoJo.