Hotel resort questions

[MickeyMoush]

First- Happy Thanksgiving!

Second- Thanks for those of you who helped me before w/ all my questions regarding AP and taking two toddlers and a 7 year old on my own to DL and CA. I did survive with the toddlers- but there were moments I wanted to pull my hair out but that's pretty much every day anyway

Now for my questions... I have read post (recent ones and some older ones and super threads) on hotels. I still have some questions. Sorry since you answer them over and over!

I would like to stay at one of the Disney hotel probably in late January for 2 nights. I will be on my own with the two toddlers and 7 year old again. So distance is important to me, as I don't want to be walking far in the evening by myself. I think DGC is out of my price range so I was looking at DLH or PP. They both look a similar distance apart from getting into the park?

1) From either PP or DLH, I'll have to cross a street to get to the parks? (How do you all feel about that safety wise in the evening as a woman with children?)

2) I have read about the "shortcut" from PP to go through DGC to CA... where do you get into the park? Is it that area that I've seen that is near the GRR?

3) How/Where do you all make hotel reservations? I have filled in the "hotel only" request part to see rates and it is giving me amounts for all three hotels in Jan, but are those the best rates? I saw the special showing 25-35% off during that time, but I'm not sure that is reflected in those quotes.

4) If we stay at DLH, can we take the monorail with a stroller? I have never been on the monorail so I am clueless!

Thank you so much!

 

[BlueBayou]

Hi - we have stayed at all three Disney Hotels (plus 5 of the walking distance Harbor ones).

1) You would not have to cross a street at the DLH hotel - but the walk is longer than PPH. And all of the walk to DLH is in Downtown Disney, which can be nice or a real pain (kids wanting to stop in stores etc). Our first stay at PPH was last month - and we liked it a lot better than DLH. There were always people crossing at night with us - plus you are crossing right at the security gate to the Grand Californian. Normally there was a person in the booth and somebody by a gate (maybe VIP or delivery parking) to the right of the booth as you enter. I have DDs 8 and 11. I can't recall if I ever walked with them alone - but I did go to and from the park alone twice at night and felt totally safe.

2) Any Disneyland Resort hotel guest can use the DGC entrance to DCA. It is through the resort on the other side of the pool. It lets you into park at GRR.

3) I would price online and then call Disney vacations and price it that way. Also check expedia too.

4) You can take the stroller on the monorail - but it has to be collapsed. So sometimes for us when we had little ones - we would rather walk. If you are not using the monorail - DLH is the farthest hotel. Another thing about the monorail - is it drops you in tomorrowland - not where we always want to begin touring. We do like the monorail and use it almost daily when we are there. You can get the the monorail from PPH hotel by walking through the Downtown Disney AMC parking lot.

 

[skiingfast]

1) From either PP or DLH, I'll have to cross a street to get to the parks? (How do you all feel about that safety wise in the evening as a woman with children?)

Safety wise just fine. As noted by the PP you take a bridge over Disneyland Drive from the DLH. From PPH there is one crossing and traffic is not rushing by it like on most streets since it's inside DLR.

2) I have read about the "shortcut" from PP to go through DGC to CA... where do you get into the park? Is it that area that I've seen that is near the GRR?

From DLH, you walk into DTD, go strait to DLto the normal entrance. From DLH to PPH you can go into the GCH just past, Studio 365. Go in up the steps and make a left along the edge of the lobby. Keep going outside along the pool, you are forced to make a right, then make a left through a tunnel under the building the DCA gates are on the other side.

From PPH, you go out the front and up the side walk to the northeast corner of the PPh. Cross the street here. Follow the sidewalk into the GCH go in the front doors. Make a left at the edge of the registration desk. Then either go strait into DTD and right to the DL gates. Or make a right along the edge of the lobby. Keep going outside along the pool, you are forced to make a right, then make a left through a tunnel under the building the DCA gates are on the other side.

3) How/Where do you all make hotel reservations? I have filled in the "hotel only" request part to see rates and it is giving me amounts for all three hotels in Jan, but are those the best rates? I saw the special showing 25-35% off during that time, but I'm not sure that is reflected in those quotes.

Like suggested above compare to other sites, and also check a la carte pricing. often when you do a package you pay the max for some components and the discount is off another component.

4) If we stay at DLH, can we take the monorail with a stroller? I have never been on the monorail so I am clueless!

The monorail is not a perk of staying at the DLH. It only goes to Tomorrowland from the DTD station near the DLH. It is rarely faster than walking, and will only save steps if you are going to or from near Tomorrowland.

 

[MickeyMoush]

1) You would not have to cross a street at the DLH hotel - but the walk is longer than PPH. And all of the walk to DLH is in Downtown Disney, which can be nice or a real pain (kids wanting to stop in stores etc). Our first stay at PPH was last month - and we liked it a lot better than DLH. There were always people crossing at night with us - plus you are crossing right at the security gate to the Grand Californian. Normally there was a person in the booth and somebody by a gate (maybe VIP or delivery parking) to the right of the booth as you enter. I have DDs 8 and 11. I can't recall if I ever walked with them alone - but I did go to and from the park alone twice at night and felt totally safe.

2) Any Disneyland Resort hotel guest can use the DGC entrance to DCA. It is through the resort on the other side of the pool. It lets you into park at GRR.

3) I would price online and then call Disney vacations and price it that way. Also check expedia too.

4) You can take the stroller on the monorail - but it has to be collapsed. So sometimes for us when we had little ones - we would rather walk. If you are not using the monorail - DLH is the farthest hotel. Another thing about the monorail - is it drops you in tomorrowland - not where we always want to begin touring. We do like the monorail and use it almost daily when we are there. You can get the the monorail from PPH hotel by walking through the Downtown Disney AMC parking lot.

RE: 1-Thanks! Oh- okay I did not know it was a bridge to go over from DLH. That sounds better. I don't mind going through DTD. My main concern is that several times I have walked out to Mickey & Friends parking in the wee hours on my own and although I haven't had any trouble or any signs of trouble- I am often very "alone" and don't seem to be walking out with big crowds. I don't like crossing the big street either. The walk is a bit far (but all is relative after walking around the parks all day)- it's mostly that I don't want to be isolated. I like that around all three hotels that there seem to be more activity from what you are explaining. That would make me feel better than walking to the parking structure.

RE: 2-I had seen that area across from GRR and wondered if guests were allowed to enter/exit from there- so thanks for the clarification.

RE: 3-Do you have the number for Disney vacations? I've never used Expedia or anything like that always afraid I'll do something wrong. I will not know the dates until about 2 weeks before- will that be a problem?

RE: 4-I think that the monorail won't be of use to me. Not easy to fold up the stroller and that's why I never take the tram either. That's okay. I will go on it for fun when I just have the 7 year old someday, if you are allowed to do that?

Thanks again for the helpful info!

 

[MickeyMoush]

Safety wise just fine.

From DLH, you walk into DTD, go strait to DLto the normal entrance. From DLH to PPH you can go into the GCH just past, Studio 365. Go in up the steps and make a left along the edge of the lobby. Keep going outside along the pool, you are forced to make a right, then make a left through a tunnel under the building the DCA gates are on the other side.

From PPH, you go out the front and up the side walk to the northeast corner of the PPh. Cross the street here. Follow the sidewalk into the GCH go in the front doors. Make a left at the edge of the registration desk. Then either go strait into DTD and right to the DL gates. Or make a right along the edge of the lobby. Keep going outside along the pool, you are forced to make a right, then make a left through a tunnel under the building the DCA gates are on the other side.

Like suggested above compare to other sites, and also check a la carte pricing. often when you do a package you pay the max for some components and the discount is off another component.

Thank you! I am going to print your directions out for when I go! I am happy to hear what you are saying safety wise. Like I said in other reply- I'm happy that going to either hotel PP or DLH that I'll be in more crowded areas. That sounds fine to me. Not too concerned about the walking distance if I'm around others.

You mentioned stairs... am I able to go that way with the stroller? I assume there is a ramp too?

I only need a la carte- as I just need the hotel. We have passes. I am still unsure about where to call or what sites to look at.

I forgot to ask- since I will be there two nights- and I read check in is later in the day- what do I do when I get there? Can I park in hotel parking, walk to parks and walk over mid day to check in? Then at checkout, just checkout in morn and go to parks but leave car there until ready to leave that evening?

Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving. I love this site and am thankful for all of you helpful people here.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Thank you! I am going to print your directions out for when I go! I am happy to hear what you are saying safety wise. Like I said in other reply- I'm happy that going to either hotel PP or DLH that I'll be in more crowded areas. That sounds fine to me. Not too concerned about the walking distance if I'm around others.

You mentioned stairs... am I able to go that way with the stroller? I assume there is a ramp too?

I only need a la carte- as I just need the hotel. We have passes. I am still unsure about where to call or what sites to look at.

I forgot to ask- since I will be there two nights- and I read check in is later in the day- what do I do when I get there? Can I park in hotel parking, walk to parks and walk over mid day to check in? Then at checkout, just checkout in morn and go to parks but leave car there until ready to leave that evening? Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving. I love this site and am thankful for all of you helpful people here.

You can check in when you get there, but your room might not be ready. The front desk can send you a text message when your room is available, but that's not always reliable. If you check-out then go back to the parks, you can leave your luggage with bell services, or just keep it in your car.

 

[skiingfast]

You mentioned stairs... am I able to go that way with the stroller? I assume there is a ramp too?

I only need a la carte- as I just need the hotel. We have passes. I am still unsure about where to call or what sites to look at.

Yes there is a ramp just to the side of the stairs.

By passes do you mean tickets? If so you should looks at disneland.com, and other third part sites such as expedia, orbizt, hotels.com, cosco, or AAA. Some will have good deal on rooms, some will be the same as booking through disney itself. Pay attention to the cancellation policies, just in case you have to change things. Also call Disney and ask for the best rate.

If you mean you have an Annual Pass call Disney directly for the APH rates, they often are better than what the AP website publishes.

 

[Rhonna]

you take a bridge over Disneyland Drive from the DLH.

Am I reading this wrong or has something changed in the last 4 years since we were at DL?

We stayed at the DLH and just walked through DTD every day. Or took the monorail. There was no bridge. What bridge is being talked about here?

(And why is there concern about safety when walking through DTD to an onsite hotel?)

 

[skiingfast]

Am I reading this wrong or has something changed in the last 4 years since we were at DL?

We stayed at the DLH and just walked through DTD every day. Or took the monorail. There was no bridge. What bridge is being talked about here?

You may not of noticed it because is has high walls on the sides, lots of vegatation on them and carts lining it as well. The bridge crosses over Disneyland Dr.

From the DLH as you walked past the monorail station and under the tracks 50 feet to the east you were going onto the bridge.

 

[bumbershoot]

You may not of noticed it because is has high walls on the sides, lots of vegatation on them and carts lining it as well. The bridge crosses over Disneyland Dr.

From the DLH as you walked past the monorail station and under the tracks 50 feet to the east you were going onto the bridge.

Exactly.

But you just have no idea it's a bridge when you're there in DTD.



Crossing to/from PPH is NOT a big deal. There are lights and a crosswalk, and there are ALWAYS people. Even if you hit a point where there are no fellow tourists, I've never crossed there when there hasn't been AT LEAST one employee, if not a few of them, either going to or coming from work.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

If you mean you have an Annual Pass call Disney directly for the APH rates, they often are better than what the AP website publishes.

Yes they have APs.

OP, I'm glad you survived your trips with the little ones. I'd call Disney direct (714) 520-5045 and check AP rates vs. any room only promos.

 

[Rhonna]

You may not of noticed it because is has high walls on the sides, lots of vegatation on them and carts lining it as well. The bridge crosses over Disneyland Dr.

From the DLH as you walked past the monorail station and under the tracks 50 feet to the east you were going onto the bridge.

Wow, I guess we'll have to pay better attention on our next trip. Didn't realize this at all, lol! Too busy picking up our coffee from Compass Books and paying attention to all the stuff in DTD. They did a very good job of hiding the road.

 

[MickeyMoush]

You can check in when you get there, but your room might not be ready. The front desk can send you a text message when your room is available, but that's not always reliable. If you check-out then go back to the parks, you can leave your luggage with bell services, or just keep it in your car.

Oh I had read that on another thread about the text. That is good that I could check-in at the desk anyway and then go on to the parks. I plan to not take too much luggage, so I won't mind putting it in the car when I check out- I'll be dragging most of the things I need with me in the stroller anyway. Thanks!

 

[MickeyMoush]

Yes there is a ramp just to the side of the stairs.

By passes do you mean tickets? If so you should looks at disneland.com, and other third part sites such as expedia, orbizt, hotels.com, cosco, or AAA. Some will have good deal on rooms, some will be the same as booking through disney itself. Pay attention to the cancellation policies, just in case you have to change things. Also call Disney and ask for the best rate.

If you mean you have an Annual Pass call Disney directly for the APH rates, they often are better than what the AP website publishes.

Okay- great, as long as I can get around with the stroller, I don't mind walking (in the areas with people around).

Yes, as 3Minnies1Mickey said, I was meaning annual passes. I will call and see what they can tell me, even though I don't have set dates yet to at least get an idea. Thanks!

 

[MickeyMoush]

Am I reading this wrong or has something changed in the last 4 years since we were at DL?

We stayed at the DLH and just walked through DTD every day. Or took the monorail. There was no bridge. What bridge is being talked about here?

(And why is there concern about safety when walking through DTD to an onsite hotel?)

Hi Rhonna,

I was just asking about safety due to the fact that I'll be there on my own (hubby not with me) as I cart around the two two year olds and the 7 year old, and although I know this is the Happiest Place on earth- I still had concern of stepping outside the gates of the parks and then walking in the late night over to one of the hotels and being vulnerable as a woman alone (with three kids). I grew up in So Cal and actually not too far from DL and I know that there can be danger everywhere. The reason I had this concern too was just based on my few experiences of walking back to M&F parking late and feeling very isolated, especially on that path that is beside DTD and there are lots of bushes- just sort of freaked me out a little. So now after hearing all the descriptions on here of there being lots of action in DTD and walking through there for DLH or all employees and people on the way to PP, it sounds like either walk would be a much better one than the one to M&F parking. Sounds like it will work out fine

 

[MickeyMoush]

Yes they have APs.

OP, I'm glad you survived your trips with the little ones. I'd call Disney direct (714) 520-5045 and check AP rates vs. any room only promos.

Thank you for the phone number! I am going to call for sure, and like I said to Skiing Fast- going to inquire about a couple dates in Jan, but unfortunately I can't book yet. I will not know the for sure dates until about 2 weeks before. Do you think this will be a problem?

Yes, I did survive the trip- I know you were one of the people helping me with my original questions. We did spend the day at CA when I took the little ones and since I had the 3 day passes at that time, I wanted to spend as much time as possible, so I think I did push it some with wanting to spend too much time there with them. They both had a meltdown around 4- cause were past naptime (but they had napped on the two hour drive down) and two toddlers melting down at the same time is NOT good. I was trying to get them both into the stroller so I could walk and hope they'd knock out, but neither wanted to get in! In fact I was so surprised at how much of the day they did not want in the stroller and wanted to both walk. That actually was not good for me. I wanted at least one to be restrained, but they did not. I was pushing around this big stroller with tons of stuff in it and trying to wrangle around the little ones. Scary My 7 year old was a lot of help in keeping an eye on them too. At one point I tried to put their harnesses on to keep them nearby and they both freaked. I never use them- they play with them at home sometimes, but they did not want them on while they were already tired. I think that it made more of a scene and people probably thought I was torturing my children! I was sure at any point that a CM would come over and tell me that they were going to take my kids from me. I was trying to get the harnesses off and it was even worse. I finally got them off and was basically carrying two- one in a wrap and the other on my hip and pushing the stroller. Of course my 7 year old was wanting to just keep on going and going to another ride and I told her I was about to lose my mind and that we might even have to go home! Then, for the first time, I found the area where the Turtle Talk with Crush thing is- I forgot what that whole area is called, but what a FABULOUS place! That area inside with the dim lighting- cushy sofas and movie clips to watch- that saved me! One of my little ones fell asleep and my back got a break and it was the perfect temp in there. If only I had found that area earlier. Now I know, so I will take advantage of that next time. The third time we went, my husband bought a one day ticket and came along, so I had his help and even then it was challenging.

All that being said, I still decided to upgrade to AP knowing that sometimes my hubby will be able to watch the little ones and then I'll take the 7 yr old alone and other times I'll take the toddlers and just make shorter days. Now I'm going to have the opportunity to stay there for those 3 days/2 nights and hope to really enjoy it and not have to rush around and get them more used to being there. I can't wait! Going to a hotel on our own will be an adventure too, but I think we'll be able to do it.

Thanks again!

 

[skiingfast]

Then, for the first time, I found the area where the Turtle Talk with Crush thing is- I forgot what that whole area is called, but what a FABULOUS place! That area inside with the dim lighting- cushy sofas and movie clips to watch- that saved me!

The Animation Building.

 

[MickeyMoush]

The Animation Building.

Yeah, that's it! Totally escaped me.