Hotels- should I stay on site??

[BeckiC123]

I am planning a family trip to Disneyland in May. I am trying to decide whether to stay at Hotel Disneyland- or to stay in a nearby hotel. Hotel Disneyland is significantly more expensive than the other hotels- but if it is really worth it, I am willing to pay the money. But if the other nearby hotels are just as good, I would rather save money. Im confused!! can someone please give me some direction? Thanks:

 

[Hester]

I know many people disagree ... but I always say, stay on site if you can afford it. The overall experience is great!

 

[luvsmickey1968]

I have been to Disneyland 9 times.
Last May for the first time ever we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel.
It was really nice staying "on-site" but I must say that I felt very conflicted as we usually spend all of our time at the parks and really only sleep at the hotel. Therefore, we did use the pools and walked around the grounds but still did not spend much time at the hotel.
I actually told my friends when I came home that I almost wish that the Disneyland Hotel was just somewhere by itself so I could just go there to spend the weekend and spend the entire time at the hotel. I know it sounds nuts but I would have loved to spend more time there but I just need to get to the parks.
I spent a night at Paradise Pier and the Grand Californian on my last trip and I must say that the Grand Californian has a great location!
I choose to stay off-site so that I can spend more money on other things and so I can make more trips!
However, if I could afford to stay on-site and still do everything else and take the same amount of trips, I would!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I think I have decided to stay at the DLH for sure...I think for me it was because of the whole overall experience....Also, when we are there DL closes at 9, so I figure we can hang out a bit....I say if you can swing it do it...or stay tuned I will let you know on Saturday!

 

[avalon451]

Hmmmm... pay $59 a night Entertainment rate at HoJo, one block up (and the same distance as DLH) or pay $200 a night for DLH?

We stayed at the GCH the first time and I was glad we did-- it was fabulous-- but I'd never do it again. I'd far rather spend that money on fun stuff in the parks, character meals, souvenirs, etc. We loved HoJo, and we stayed at the Ent rate of $79 a night for the Disney view tower room. It was wonderful.

Even if the Ent rate wasn't available, I'd stay there, or across the street at BWPPI or Desert Inn, etc. We're not there for the fancy hotel room, although the kids do love a nice pool-- but HoJo has that great kids' water play area next to the hot tub, as well as the big pool. So it's really no contest for us.

 

[daisygirl902]

I had this same debate until I posted here, and a great dis-fan told me about the entertainment rate at HoJo - I booked last night, in a room that has a park view for $59 per night...I feel like that allows me to splurge on a really nice dinner, which makes it worth staying off property....this is coming from the girl who refuses to even consider staying off property at WDW

 

[pixiewings71]

I had this same debate until I posted here, and a great dis-fan told me about the entertainment rate at HoJo - I booked last night, in a room that has a park view for $59 per night...I feel like that allows me to splurge on a really nice dinner, which makes it worth staying off property....this is coming from the girl who refuses to even consider staying off property at WDW

Park view rooms are not $59 a nite, you might want to check on that. $59 rooms have no views.....the park view rooms are $79 a nite.

OP, I've stayed at the PPH & the GCH. I have yet to stay at the DLH. Honestly, we like staying off site just as much as staying on site. We like to stay at the HoJo, the staff is great, the rooms are great, the walk isn't that bad at all. For the savings (Ent Rate) it's more than worth it.

 

[DizMe]

For me, yes, it's well worth it. I've stayed at Hojo with the ent. rate. While nice, it's not even close for me. Easy decision in my case--if I can swing it, onsite wins hands down. If you care less about the grounds, experience, and amenities than the cost, then off site can save you money. I'm spoiled and want to remain "in the magic," and I want the beautiful grounds, special pool, and granite/marble/real glassware. I love the Disney touches. I like seeing characters in the lobby. I like the feeling of always being in the resort. I like riding the monorail in and out of DL and I like having MM whenever it's offered. Staying onsite gives you a "key to the magic," which means your room key gives you charge privileges in the parks, hotels, and some areas of DTD. I haven't yet figured out whether that's a good thing or not for me

There are many perks staying onsite and one big perk staying offsite (money!). If you go during a time when there is an annual pass promotional rate on the hotel, it often pays for one of your party to get an AP so you can take advantage of the discount. DLH is generally $149 standard with an ap promo rate, and an ap gives you the added bonus of 10% off food purchases almost anywhere in the resort.

Possible exceptions: large parties that might want a suite/kitchen would probably be better off staying offsite

 

[joseph821]

I am planning a family trip to Disneyland in May. I am trying to decide whether to stay at Hotel Disneyland- or to stay in a nearby hotel. Hotel Disneyland is significantly more expensive than the other hotels- but if it is really worth it, I am willing to pay the money. But if the other nearby hotels are just as good, I would rather save money. Im confused!! can someone please give me some direction? Thanks:

A huge plus is when you stay on site is that you get Magic Morning every day that it is offered during your stay.

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

OFFSITE!

Until the day I can afford GC without having a heart attack when I look at the bill - and that really is just for the landscaping and the location - the rooms alone would be never be worth the price.

But that's me - I am budget minded and forced to be by the size of my pocketbook. If you have piles of cash to burn without affecting the rest of your vacation money, stay at the GC.