Help!....which should I choose - Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier?

[colbybug]

I am planning on booking a trip April 1st and I need to choose between these two hotels. I will be traveling with my hubby and 4 yr old son (celebrating both of their birthdays!). We have never stayed at a Disney property before.
Is one better than the other? If so, why? Can anyone tell the advantages and/or disadvantages of one over the other? Thanks so much for sharing your opinions with me!

Thanks,
Kathy

 

[victorandbellasmom]

That's funny, we were just trying to make that decision too. We'll be there roughly the same time (March 28-April3) and I've never stayed at either PPH or DLH. Our deciding factor was the pool. On our last trip (GCH), the trip was so much more relaxing and less hectic when we took a break in the middle of the day to hang out at the pool. The kids loved the slides at GCH and I've always wanted to go to the Neverland Pool as a child so we booked the DLH. We also liked the fact that downtown disney is right out your door and that there are other things to do on property (boat racing and such) at the DLH.

 

[hlbtimes2]

DLH is closer, and has a better pool.

PP is usually a little less expensive, but the rooms are slightly larger. One side of the building has a great view of DCA.

 

[Michelle2]

In my opinion, I would go with DLH too. It is a little bit closer than PP, and it does have a great pool! To me, it also has a more "Disney" feel, especially if you have kids with you. I love the atmosphere there...very whimsical!

Even if we stay at the Grand Californian (which has been our last few trips), we always make a trip over to the DLH to look around, or we look around while we are there eating at Goofy's kitchen. It seems like alot of things that we want to do and see is always over there! (great restaraunts too!)

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have stayed at both and unless PP saves you a bunch of money I would hands down pick the Disneyland Hotel. Don't get me wrong, I love PP and it saved me around $700 staying at PP last time but the DLH is just very special to me. It has a lot of Disney touches, the pool, the room decor and the grounds are beautiful. It is a bit closer but not by much so that wouldn't be a big factor for me personally. I think with a 4 year old you just can't go wrong with the DLH, especially the pool. PP's pool is just a square basic pool with a very cool slide but nothing else that exciting or unique. Either way you go, staying onsite is wonderful and makes any trip more magical in my opinion. Good luck with your decision!