Hotel / Resort question for someone familiar with WDW resorts

[TinkBride]

My DH and I are planning a trip to DL for Sept. (I am lovingly referring to it as my pilgrimage ). We are seasoned Disney World vets and are making our first trip to Walt's original park! I am so excited!

But, my question is about the good neighbor hotels. When we go to WDW we always stay on site due to the proximity and ease of the location. But, in looking at the resort map, it appears that the good neighbor hotels are just as close to the maingate as the on site hotels?

My question is in comparison to the value, moderate, and deluxe resorts at WDW, how do the good neighbor hotels compare? Are they as accessible? Price? Are they as well maintained? Is it worth the extra money to stay onsite?

Sorry, I feel like while I know about "typical Disney" that maybe I am in unfamiliar territory......lol

 

[Disney Dreams]

"On-site" is very different at WDW than DL. While I would suggest to everyone that they stay on-site at WDW, the geography of DLR is very different. There are literally off-site motels, that are a shorter walk to the Main Entrance than DLH.

That said, if you want the "Disney Magic" when you go back to your hotel at night, you will want to stay at 1 of the 3 Disney on-site hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, Paradise Pier Hotel).

As for "worth," only you can decide that.

One tip for planning your upcoming "pilgrimage,"

While both WDW and DLR are Disney, they are VERY different. There are similarities, but lots and lots of differences. Many WDW "regulars" get confused and frustrated on this board when trying to peg the elements of their DLR vacation into the mold of what they are familiar with at WDW. Fight the urge to do this and you will find the planning easier and your vacation more enjoyable.

People on this board are very helpful and LOVE talking about Disney. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

- Dreams

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would read this thread if you have not.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

You will find many answers to your questions in the stickys at the top and many folks will chime in with their observations and opinions.

Jack

 

[franandaj]

Being a local for over 25 years and having taken numerous day trips, I've watched the DLR explode with all the numerous hotels off site. I've also been to WDW quite a few times and would never stay off property there. While DLR is different, I had the good fortune to stay on points at the GCH last year. I got so hooked that we bought into the Villas and I have seven stays coming up this year, the first one coming up in just over three weeks.

I'm one of those that really likes to be immersed in the Disney magic and I can't imagine staying off property. However, I am currently reading TRs from people who stay at HOJO's and other places who have a perfectly marvelous time. I've also read that it is the same distance from Hojo's to the esplanade between the two parks as it is from the large Mickey hat which hangs over the path between DTD and the DLH. If you're on a budget, staying off property can help because there are alternate places for meals right there on Harbor Blvd. McDonald's, Mimi's, I think there is an Acapulco, and lots of others.

You just can't beat the Grand, IMO. It's right there in the middle of everything and you have your own entrance to DCA which is perfect for F&W. However, YMMV, as the PP said, only you can determine the value.

 

[nana50]

I'm an off-site gal. As long as they have a dedicated shuttle I'm O.K. We just stayed at the Hojo and at the Sheraton Anaheim. To me, night and day. I will never stay at Hojo's again. I like having a clean, upgraded hotel to stay in as that is part of the fun. Someplace not so crowded that there is room in the jacuzzi. My kids love the Hilton and the Sheraton. We just arrange it to leave on the hour or the half hour and catch the shuttle out front. We have room service for breakfast and we love it. It is all in what you are used to. I'm spoiled. We never take vacation very far, so I splurge when I go to Disney. although the Sheraton with it's big big room and a real sofa, cost $129.00 a night and was worth every penny. Hilton will sometimes have rates for $89.00 a night and they are a great place to stay also.

 

[Dobie]

I have to agree with the PP. Staying at the Sheraton is quicker and easier than staying at any bus only resort in WDW. You know exactly when the bus is going to leave, and it is only 5 minutes away. The Sheraton is very quiet, comfortable, and attractive.

If, however, I feel that I can afford the Grand Californian, I stay there!

The "maingate" motels are just that--motels. They are crammed into very narrow spaces, with outdoor entrances. Your pool area is likely to be in the parking lot.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

im staying at hojo's the new kids suit I cant afford one the Disney site hotels, but for 100 a night hojos new kid suit looks nice an I have stayed at hojos an we loved it. my son loves the water park were hoping for a few nice days not to cold in dec so he can play in it. if not well we will just have to tell him its to cold.

 

[TinkBride]

Thanks everyone for your insight, opinions, etc.! You have all been a great help!

I keep reminding myself that this is not WDW and I am trying to approach it with a fresh perspective and not use my previous Disney knowledge to sway me one way or another. I am just so thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to make the trip! While I am finding some similarities, there seem to be so many differences, and I can't wait to check them all out!!

 

[carolinamama]

We're in the same boat.

I went out and grabbed the Unofficial Guide to DLR to help me get started, and I sought out tripadvisor.com for info on individual hotels.

For us, the ones close to maingate just don't fit our style. We ended up narrowing it down to Embassy Suites South, Hampton Inn & Suites and Doubletree Suites, and we were just going to take ART. They all ran roughly $135 - $150 a night with a AAA discount. We thought for sure we wouldn't stay on property this time because it IS so different at DLR, and this is really a SoCal vacation for us with 3 days spent at DLR.

Well, lo and behold, after they came out with the 5 for 3 deal, we decided to stay at the Grand Californian. It's still more than the others, but the deal made it not such a stretch to stay. The price under the special for DLH was more comparable to above mentioned hotels.

Even though we're staying on property, we're not beholden to park prices for things like food like we would be in WDW. I've scouted out the closest Trader Joe's (my fave!), and I know we'll hit it up for some food to keep in the room for breakfast and snacks. They don't have the counter service refillable mug, and that's fine - we can buy drinks, and as long as they have an ice maker, we're golden. We figure that we'll save some on food and drinks to help make up for the difference.

It is definitely a different mindset! I keep calling the Grand Californian the Grand Floridian, go figure!

 

[onelilspark]

I just came back from my pilgrimage (seriously, check out the title of my TR!)

I prefer to stay onsite at WDW whenever possible, so I had the same trouble grasping the concept of hotels at DLR. We wound up staying at the Hojo on Harbor Blvd. So glad I listened and took the advice of people here! The best way I can describe the walk is that from the Hojo to the sign for the Pedestrian Crosswalk into DLR was like walking from the Ranchos section of Coronado Springs to the Pepper Market (in the main building.) From that sign to the main gate of DL or DCA, it was like walking from where the buses drop you off at Epcot to the main gate.

ETA: I also picked up a copy of the Unofficial Guide. Best guidebook ever, IMO

 

[franandaj]

It is definitely a different mindset! I keep calling the Grand Californian the Grand Floridian, go figure!

When we ate at V&A's in January, I kept saying, "What time do you want to get to the Grand Californian?"