Help me solidify our trip? Which DLR hotel, takeout food recs, concierge?

[KalamityJane]

Here is the plan so far:

Fri - Oct 5
Arrive at SNA at 11am - taking DL Express. Guessing we will arrive at the hotel around 1-2pm.
Dinner and getting settled in between - possibly napping.
DCA to 11pm closing or until the kids are done.

Sat - Oct 6
EMH at DL

Sun - Oct 7
EMH at DCA

Mon - Oct 8
EMH at DCA

Tues - Oct 9
Surf's Up breakfast at 8:10am
Rented Cabana - Pool Day at hotel (possibly take in a matinee)
DL at 3pm then Mickey's Halloween Party

Wed - Oct 10
EMH at DCA
Goofy's Kitchen at 5pm

Thu - Oct 11
EMH at DL

Fri - Oct 12
DL Express to SNA
Flight from SNA leaves at 10am

Ok questions!

Where should we stay when?
Foodwise, best carryout? I have a birthday coupon to Tortilla Jos for one night. Probably order in pizza another night.
Concierge - in our situation, worth it?

Extra Info:

I currently have ressies at PPH and DLH for the whole stay, and DLH concierge and GCH standard for Oct 8-12. We usually open the park, and then come back to the hotel for lunch/naps around 11 or 12. We go back around 4-5 in the afternoon usually and stay until the parks close so we will have significant daytime hours at the hotel.

It looks like PPH is completely booked for our dates, and GCH standard rooms are all booked as well. DLH seems to be not as full as they still have standard rooms open (checked DL site and expedia).

The kids are 17mo and just turned 4 (and she is a tall 4 and will be able to ride all the rides as she is easily over 42"). I will be 5 months pregnant, so not able to ride that many rides, and depending on the heat, going to have to stop more often. We have 6 day PHs plus the MHP tickets.

I am leaning towards DLH for the pool and slides, and because the rooms are bigger. We don't mind doing a split stay. Thought about adding concierge but not sure if we will get our money's worth out of it - probably will order in Vons. We will not be eating out at the restaurants very much at all, the kids are just at that age where it is not that much fun However, what to do about food?

 

[KalamityJane]

Ok, I think I am going to rent a pool cabana for the morning of the 9th before MHP, so we will be at DLH that day at least, and I am going to cross GCH off the list as well as concierge. So maybe DLH from Oct 5-10 and PPH Oct 10-12? Or should I just skip PPH altogether?

 

[sechelt]

I'm surprised nobody's answered you. I think it's a personal preference but here's my two cents worth.

I wouldn't pay for concierge unless I had teenage boys that would eat the difference in price.

I'd stay the entire time at one resort. Our grandsons, ages 3 and 4, like the security of knowing where 'home' is so to move is upsetting for them.

As for location, I think the DLH is a good choice. The monorail staion is fairly close, if you don't mind being dropped off and picked up at the Tomorrowland Station, so less walking for little ones. When we stayed at GCH last time, one of the attendants noticed our lanyards with room keys and pulled us out of line. We were taken aboard before they opened the gates to everyone else. Can't remember what time of day it was but I like to think Disney hotel guests get special treatment.

DLH seems to be the most 'Disney' of the three hotels. When we stayed at GCH, I was disappointed to not see anything with Mickey in it, like at DLH. Perhaps it's changed with the reno but I loved the Mickey soaps, etc. and the Mickey glove holding lamps. We stay at GCH because it's our home resort for DVC, otherwise, I'd probably stay at DLH. GCH is a fabulous hotel but with little ones, I like the Disney touches at DLH.

You seem to have everything else planned and ready so, enjoy!

 

[julieheyer]

I'd stay at the DLH and enjoy the magic!!! Sounds like a great trip!!!

 

[julieheyer]

However, what to do about food?

I think the Vons delivery idea is good, use that fridge! Fruit, milk (& cereal), yogurt, snacks, PB&J, water bottles - will all save $ and be good to take into the parks as well as enjoy by the pool or in the room. I love Mimi's cafe, and if you sign up on their website you get lots of bogo coupons!

I'm not as big a fan of DTD dining, but do love the banana bread pudding at HOB. Dh thinks I'm nutso, but it's so good! :yummy:
HTH!

 

[KalamityJane]

Good point about "home" - I think we might just stay the entire time at the DLH. That is a crazy busy weekend though, I requested the Adventure Tower, but I think the odds of getting a crappy room are higher because of it being so busy. Wondering if we should check in to PPH for a night and then check in to DLH first thing in the morning before EMH?

Anyone have any tips on what rooms to request?

I got the cabana rented so that is all set! We went to Target and stocked up on groceries last trip and had sammies and snacks in the room and brought lunch to the parks sometimes - worked well.