HELP me with hotels!

[FWDisFan]

DH suddenly decided tonight that we need a trip to Disney in February. I am trying to convince them to visit DL during the 50th anniversary (our first DL trip). Any suggestions on hotels?.....we would prefer to stay at a Disney hotel. I have 2 children ages 6 & 9 (it will be the 6 year olds birthday weekend!) if that plays a role. We would rather NOT rent a car....Any other key things I should look at? The kids have loved the theme pools at WDW but in February that may not make a difference.

(jumping for joy at planning another Disney vacation!!)

 

[drayke]

We've stayed at the Anahiem Sheraton, which is one of the DL associated hotels which is nice (and you get starwood points as long as you don't have a reduced rate too much). The rooms are nice and service generally good. They have their own shuttle to DL that runs on a regular basis however sometimes there they fill up their shuttles fast.

There are also some good neighbor hotels right across the street. I think best western and ramada are across the street and walking distance.

 

[abby]

We stayed at the DLH in April and enjoyed it so much we are going back at the end of January. My DD who was then almost five loved walking around the grounds at night, and playing with the remote control boats. Although a little expensive (check expedia) we believe it to be worth it...

 

[samkj]

I'll try to help. Paradise Pier is the least expensive and most basic (and furthest walk) of the Disney hotels. There is a character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at the PCH grill which is supposed to be lots of fun. Next in cost is the Disneyland Hotel. Here you will find lots of Disney Magic, with the Neverland Pool, Pixie Dust in the rooms and our personal favorite character dining spot, Goofy's kitchen. The Grand Californian is the most expensive, but also the most elegant (and closest to the park, with an entrance directly into DCA) There are rooms with bunkbeds which your kids would love and a nice sized pool.

Personally I would choose the GC. It is a beautiful hotel with all the amenities and the special touches you expect from Disney. For an extra fee upgrade to concierge level(at all the Disney hotels) and you can have snacks and drinks from the lounge thoughout your stay, as well as priority check-in. Don't forget to use Vacation Planning services for any add-ons, gift baskets, PS reservations, Fantasmic seating etc...

I hope this helps!

 

[FWDisFan]

Thank you SO much for the great tips! I suppose if we stayed at the GC we could still go to the Lilo and Stitch character meal (my sons ABSOLUTE favorite -- plus we have dragged him to many Princess meals!) Are all the hotels within walking distance of each other? Or is there a shuttle we could take? (please help....clueless about DL....I know the shuttles at WDW!)

 

[samkj]

Yes they are all walking distance, I think 5-10 minutes at the most from each other. There is a link in one of the "sticky" posts with a map of the area.

I have to laugh at your comment about dragging your son to princess meals. I have to call Disney Dining back this morning because I think I may have added my son's birthday info to our Ariel's Grotto princess lunch(the day before his birthday) instead of breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen (on his birthday)!

 

[doombuggy]

I have stayed at both the DLH and at Paradise Pier (before the rehab it was called Disneyland Pacific Hotel) and would recommend both. They are expensive however (I spent $169 for one night in 2002 at a discounted rate). There are plenty of other hotels in the area to fit whatever budget you may have.