How Best to Prioritize Money Choices

[nunzia]

I disagree about not staying onsite. With the issues your family has, I think it is very important, especially with Carsland opening. As far as magic, have you considered staying at the DLH? More expensive but MUCH more magic, especially after the remodel and the amazing pool area. I believe they still have the Disney themed shampoo bottles and stuff. I'd skip the Concierge idea to stay at DLH, or..for location but not as much magic, the Grand. I think that with CarsLand opening staying onsite will be a big bonus as I expect onsite guests will still be able to gain entry to DCA early and may get those great Fastpasses to 2 rides campaign they sometimes do for onsite guests. Also, please let whatever hotel you stay at know of you son's condition so that they can add some pixie dust to your stay.
I agree there is no point for the WOC meal as they have wheelchair seating. I don't know about Fantasmic! but we love getting the dessert seats for that..If you can afford it I'd do that for sure.

 

[larina]

If you are staying at PPH you can arrange your rental through them. It is cheaper and they seem to provide better things. At least that was true with strollers. The ones at the park were big and uncomfortable (we didn't have room for ours so rented last minute on arrival so had to rent from the park for our first evening for $15 (that is the per day rate). We rented from an outside company for the remaining 4 days for about $30. I know wheel chairs will be more, but I'm guessing you could save a bit renting from outside the resort.

We love PPH. Request an upgrade to a view room when you arrive. I think the view is a big part of my draw there. We do go back to the room at least one, usually twice a day. I loved being in the room and still feeling the magic. I've read lots of people not get the magic of PPH, and I know it isn't the same as the Grand or DLH, but we just love it. I can't imagine not having that view and the wonderful staff.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I agree with some of the others....

Don't pay for WOC dinner... get a fast pass! DH liked our Ariels dinner... but it was just meh for me. The highlight is that they still carry my favorite wine that was discontinued from WDW.... Magicale! It was definately a treat because it's the only wine that I really really like.

If you can upgrade to Concierge/Theme Park View... Do it!! We stayed in one 2 weeks ago and were amazed how magical the view is!! We watched WOC from the room the 2 nights we were there and loved it!! You can't see the projections, but even hearing the music on TV and seeing it from above is really great!!

The toiletries have all be changed to the H20 products--like at Disney World... but they use the ones that the Grand Californian uses... the Sea Marine and Sea Salt. I love it. I called to request an extra batch because we didn't need Mousekeeping the one day and they filled up a bag and brought it to me!! Tons!! We had lots to bring home!!

The concierge was pretty good there--not quite WDW amazing--but good! We used the DVD rentals both nights.

We played some boardwalk games and won some stuffed animals, the cost per game was 2.50... but we had fun. We also budgeted for pins, souvies and snacks.

Have a great time!!

 

[AutismMomma]

You have to stay in one of the 3 DLR hotels... You can rent from the stroller/wheelchair shop in the espalande and specifically ask for a loan agreement. A lot of new cast members don't know about it and its not documented anywhere. show loan agreement to security at bag check and take stroller back to your room...

This is applicable for wheelchairs & strollers?
We're staying at DLH and have been nervous about DS making that walk... he is 5, but has special needs and wears full foot orthotics so walking long distances can be a struggle at times. We were considering renting a stroller from an outside company so we'd be able to take it back to the room, but this would be much easier.

 

[larina]

If you are staying at PPH you can arrange your rental through them. It is cheaper and they seem to provide better things. At least that was true with strollers. The ones at the park were big and uncomfortable (we didn't have room for ours so rented last minute on arrival so had to rent from the park for our first evening for $15 (that is the per day rate). We rented from an outside company for the remaining 4 days for about $30. I know wheel chairs will be more, but I'm guessing you could save a bit renting from outside the resort.

We love PPH. Request an upgrade to a view room when you arrive. I think the view is a big part of my draw there. We do go back to the room at least one, usually twice a day. I loved being in the room and still feeling the magic. I've read lots of people not get the magic of PPH, and I know it isn't the same as the Grand or DLH, but we just love it. I can't imagine not having that view and the wonderful staff.

 

[Huff]

Not true...

Did this change? They used to allow Disney rented wheelchairs between the two parks. You just could not leave the secured area. Before this policy you would return your wheelchair in park and get a slip to take to the other park where they would give you another chair so you don't have to pay again.

 

[Huff]

Fantasmic does have a wheelchair area on the far right side towards the Mark Twain dock. The view is very good, right up front with a water screen directly in front. On a busy day this area can get rather packed so arrive early. There are no benches for guests not in a wheelchair so they must stand or lean against the railing. Theres some large rocks that the kids sit on but sometimes CM's tell them to move.

 

[jenanderson]

I think that with CarsLand opening staying onsite will be a big bonus as I expect onsite guests will still be able to gain entry to DCA early and may get those great Fastpasses to 2 rides campaign they sometimes do for onsite guests. Also, please let whatever hotel you stay at know of you son's condition so that they can add some pixie dust to your stay.
I agree there is no point for the WOC meal as they have wheelchair seating. I don't know about Fantasmic! but we love getting the dessert seats for that..If you can afford it I'd do that for sure.

This is why we were thinking of staying onsite...we figured that with how busy it would be that we could really use the early entry option as often as possible.

We did think about the other hotel options but were hoping that by booking the concierge, we could at least get some free breakfast and some drinks and other food. We are hoping that the concierge lounge has adult beverages in the evening as well. At the Poly, we would love to grab a drink and then go watch the fireworks out front.

 

[jenanderson]

If you can upgrade to Concierge/Theme Park View... Do it!! We stayed in one 2 weeks ago and were amazed how magical the view is!! We watched WOC from the room the 2 nights we were there and loved it!! You can't see the projections, but even hearing the music on TV and seeing it from above is really great!!

The toiletries have all be changed to the H20 products--like at Disney World... but they use the ones that the Grand Californian uses... the Sea Marine and Sea Salt. I love it. I called to request an extra batch because we didn't need Mousekeeping the one day and they filled up a bag and brought it to me!! Tons!! We had lots to bring home!!

The concierge was pretty good there--not quite WDW amazing--but good! We used the DVD rentals both nights.

We played some boardwalk games and won some stuffed animals, the cost per game was 2.50... but we had fun. We also budgeted for pins, souvies and snacks.

Have a great time!!

Did the concierge help you with anything before you got there? Normally we have the concierge at WDW help us with dining reservations and room requests.

Do you feel that the offerings in the concierge lounge was comparable to WDW? We normally like to use the lounge for a light breakfast, snacks and drinks for the kids and then an appetizer and some drinks for DH and I in the evening. I would love to hear how you think it compares.

Thanks!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Did the concierge help you with anything before you got there? Normally we have the concierge at WDW help us with dining reservations and room requests.

Do you feel that the offerings in the concierge lounge was comparable to WDW? We normally like to use the lounge for a light breakfast, snacks and drinks for the kids and then an appetizer and some drinks for DH and I in the evening. I would love to hear how you think it compares.

Thanks!

Well it was a totally different world. I waited for an IPO to contact me (like WDW), but then it was getting down to the wire and I was getting nervous. So I couldn't find a number, so I called the regular line and they transferred me to 4 different places which included housekeeping and the front desk--and no one knew what I was talking about. So I made dining plans myself and did the best I could considering it was our first time out there.

The breakfast is about the same. Fruit, cereal, coffee, tea, juice, pastries, bagels.... I wished there was bread because I prefer toast and always have had it at WDW.

We never made it during afternoon snack time.

Dinner was a bit odd for us. There were cheeses, fruit, a hot appy, and what I really loved is there were bags of chips and packaged uncrustables (we took some to the room with us). The biggest oddity to us was that they come to your table, kind of like a restaurant and ask if you want beer or wine. They bring them to you one at a time. If you ask for beer for your room, they pour it into a plastic cup to take with you. So obviously--you need to drink it right then. That's the biggest difference because that is around 6ish, then we normally go to the parks for a bit, and at night when we come back he likes to have one or two while watching tv before bed. (while on vacation of course, lol) Also--we were on the 10th floor and the lounge was on the 3rd.

Word to the wise... be patient with the elevators in the morning

Though I wish I had more planning assistance, and wish DH could have taken a few bottles for later... at the end of they day, we were happy with it. We liked the movie rentals, breakfast was quick--although we LOVED Goofy's, but we really liked the unlimited uncrustables, chips, and sprite. (just like at home ) We were upgraded to a suite with a living room and 2 bathrooms which was a super bonus! I guess I would really have to sit down and see if we came out ahead or not. If I'm able--I book CL because we enjoy it.

In comparison... after our 2 night stay there, we moved to GCV in a studio and loved being so close to the action. As far as decor, though--Paradise Pier has a much brighter feel. I think you'll have a great time no matter what you choose!! If you have more questions, just ask!! It's still fresh in my mind!

 

[CrazyDuck]

This is applicable for wheelchairs & strollers?
We're staying at DLH and have been nervous about DS making that walk... he is 5, but has special needs and wears full foot orthotics so walking long distances can be a struggle at times. We were considering renting a stroller from an outside company so we'd be able to take it back to the room, but this would be much easier.

Not for strollers or ECV's. They only allow you to take wheelchairs back to the 3 DLR hotel rooms and only with the loan agreement.

Did this change? They used to allow Disney rented wheelchairs between the two parks. You just could not leave the secured area. Before this policy you would return your wheelchair in park and get a slip to take to the other park where they would give you another chair so you don't have to pay again.

That policy you mentioned has changed since they put the wheelchair rental location in the esplanade between the 2 parks. Now if you rent a wheelchair you can take it between the 2 parks without having to return it.

 

[jenanderson]

Well it was a totally different world. I waited for an IPO to contact me (like WDW), but then it was getting down to the wire and I was getting nervous. So I couldn't find a number, so I called the regular line and they transferred me to 4 different places which included housekeeping and the front desk--and no one knew what I was talking about. So I made dining plans myself and did the best I could considering it was our first time out there.

The breakfast is about the same. Fruit, cereal, coffee, tea, juice, pastries, bagels.... I wished there was bread because I prefer toast and always have had it at WDW.

We never made it during afternoon snack time.

Dinner was a bit odd for us. There were cheeses, fruit, a hot appy, and what I really loved is there were bags of chips and packaged uncrustables (we took some to the room with us). The biggest oddity to us was that they come to your table, kind of like a restaurant and ask if you want beer or wine. They bring them to you one at a time. If you ask for beer for your room, they pour it into a plastic cup to take with you. So obviously--you need to drink it right then. That's the biggest difference because that is around 6ish, then we normally go to the parks for a bit, and at night when we come back he likes to have one or two while watching tv before bed. (while on vacation of course, lol) Also--we were on the 10th floor and the lounge was on the 3rd.

Word to the wise... be patient with the elevators in the morning

Though I wish I had more planning assistance, and wish DH could have taken a few bottles for later... at the end of they day, we were happy with it. We liked the movie rentals, breakfast was quick--although we LOVED Goofy's, but we really liked the unlimited uncrustables, chips, and sprite. (just like at home ) We were upgraded to a suite with a living room and 2 bathrooms which was a super bonus! I guess I would really have to sit down and see if we came out ahead or not. If I'm able--I book CL because we enjoy it.

In comparison... after our 2 night stay there, we moved to GCV in a studio and loved being so close to the action. As far as decor, though--Paradise Pier has a much brighter feel. I think you'll have a great time no matter what you choose!! If you have more questions, just ask!! It's still fresh in my mind!

Thanks for letting me know that there really is not an IPO who will contact me. I would have been trying to get a hold of someone to help make arrangements and it is good to know that it doesn't happen (wish it did though).

The food things all sound good and what we were expecting. The wine situation is a bit odd after being used to WDW where you pour your own. Did you ever try to ask them to pour an extra glass that you could take back to your room for later? Did they serve wine/beer later in the evening (like right before the fireworks)? I will be honest in saying that the adult beverages were part of the thing we love about the concierge benefits. We would go get sangria or beer in the afternoon to have out by the pool while the kiddos were in the water. We would get another glass later in the evening for fireworks and relaxing. Like you....not a huge drinker but this is our vacation and I appreciate the opportunity to have a couple of drinks if we are hanging out at the hotel.

I love that you got an upgrade! That would be a totally sweet surprise! We will have to hope for some pixie dust magic!

 

[Laurawill]

If you find the name of one that will drop off and pick up - I would love it if you would share!

It would be great just to get one from DL but I worry if we wouldn't have one and I think renting would just reassure us that we have one for sure. Plus, we could then get a smaller kid's size chair.

Two companies that I believe both deliver and you might have a better chance of getting a child size chair are, Deckert's Medical Supply (714-542-5607) or OC Medical (714-956-4690)
I haven't used either of them but I have heard good things about both of them on MP.

 

[disfaninca]

Hi Jen! It's great to see you on the DLR part of the DIS boards!! I'm not a whole lot of help when it comes to the hotels and such, as we usually go to DL for day trips.

We are going to DL next month, so if there is anything you need me to check out for you while I am there, I would be happy to.

I do have to say that the Blue Bayou is a great place to eat, mainly for the atmosphere. The food is ok, but the atmosphere is awesome! It is located right inside where to Pirates ride begins. It is pretty cool.

 

[jenanderson]

Two companies that I believe both deliver and you might have a better chance of getting a child size chair are, Deckert's Medical Supply (714-542-5607) or OC Medical (714-956-4690)
I haven't used either of them but I have heard good things about both of them on MP.

Thanks! I will call both of these tomorrow to look into pricing and options.

 

[jenanderson]

Hi Jen! It's great to see you on the DLR part of the DIS boards!! I'm not a whole lot of help when it comes to the hotels and such, as we usually go to DL for day trips.

We are going to DL next month, so if there is anything you need me to check out for you while I am there, I would be happy to.

I do have to say that the Blue Bayou is a great place to eat, mainly for the atmosphere. The food is ok, but the atmosphere is awesome! It is located right inside where to Pirates ride begins. It is pretty cool.

Hey Candy! We are so excited to be going to DL. As you know, Ben has been just so incredibly sick this winter so we are totally hoping that a bit of Disney magic will help him out. He has only made it to school 1/2 day this month and only a few days in January. While he spends a lot of time trying to keep caught up with work...he loves to spend time dreaming of our upcoming trip! Our biggest concern right now is that he will be well enough to travel by June. If he is, we will be planning every moment of magic that we can possibly afford on this trip.

I am not sure that we would even know what to ask you to check out at this point. Our next decisions have to do with great counter service restaurants, making plans for how to tackle each park and just learning about the parks.

I am going to have to look for photos of Blue Bayou - it sounds so cool to have it be at Pirates! We had thought one or maybe 2 sit down meals but eating counter service or off site the rest of the time. Any advice about what you guys love would be great.

We are seriously hoping that Earl of Sandwich will be open by the time we come because both kids LOVE that place!

Can't wait to see if we can figure out how to see you guys while we are out there!

Jen