Is Disneyland Hotel worth it?

[disney-super-mom]

We're going to DL in two weeks and will be staying at the DLH for the first time (normally we stay at the Hilton or the HOJO). We wanted to make this trip extra special for our kids, which is why we made reservations at the DLH. However, I read so many comments and reviews which say to save your money and stay off site. Others say they love the DLH because of the special Disney touches everywhere, great pool, excellent service, etc... Needless to say, I'm a little confused and wondering if we're making a mistake, or are we making the right decision?

So is it worth the extra money to stay at the DLH or isn't it?

Looking for you best advice!

 

[sierranevada]

Personally, I think staying at the DLH makes the trip that much more special. Everytime we pull up in front of the hotel, I get that tingly feeling!! Staying onsite keeps me immersed in the magic!! And it is a great way to take a break during the day with kids! I love the CM's, the Disney touches throughout the hotel, the atmosphere and the pixie dust in the room's wall borderpaper! As soon as we pull up, I know that we are at the Happiest Place on Earth! I always love to leave a wake up call and when the phone rings, make my son answer so he hears Mickey say "It's time to get up!". The pool is great - the arcade is great, the remote controll boats are great, the watershow is great... need I say more!

You will have a wonderful time and it will be a special treat for the kids!!

Enjoy!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Thanks Sierranevada,

It's nice to see a positive review of the DLH from you. I have to say that I just read reviews of the DLH on tripadvisor.com, and I have to say that some of the reviews are awful! Others have nothing but praise. I've never seen such different opinions about a Disney property!

What's your advice on which building to stay in for convenience, room size, view, and overall themeing?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[Gathrn]

It is something you have to do to decide for yourself.
I can not stay offsite now that I have stayed at the DLH. It was wonderfull and being that I was staying at DLH there were perks that I was able to enjoy:
Sending packages back to the hotel instead of lugging them around, or trying to get them at the gate.
charging to the room, so i did not have to lug $$ with me. (Note: this can be dangerous... )
When we wanted to take a break, we were able to play in the pool and have alot of the Disney Magic almost right outside our room, not to mention the usual stuff at the Disney Hotels.
All in all we had fun, and I am sure you will too!

Also I recomend the concierge thing. It may be a bit more, but for what you get it is worth it. You get a private elivator to the Concierge Lounge, Breakfast, snacks, They will make all your priority seating reservations, and more. (Ok, I am addicted...I know)
Anyway, Hope that helps.

 

[sierranevada]

I think the Sierra Tower is the best - it is a little closer to everything. Either view is great - I prefer the pool/resort to look over the pool area but if you are high enough, you can see the fireworks from the DTD view. Definitely ask for a room with 2 queens and a daybed - not chair. These rooms have about 50 sq ft more than rooms with just 2 queens. Don't forget to leave your curtains open during the day or leave the lights on for a few hours to charge up the pixie dust so that it will glow in the dark at night! Make ressies at a character breakfast if you can. Goofy's kitchen is at DLH and is a blast!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Disney Super Mom: Go for the DL Hotel! We have stayed there 4 times in the past year and have loved each stay. Most of the negative reviews seem to refer to the Bonita Tower. We actually have stayed in that one 3 times and had a great experience. Like I was saying in that other post (and no you didn't hurt my feelings, just wanted to give an honest answer but still love that hotel best behind DL Hotel!), hotels are always working and fixing something. I always figure if I check into a dog room I will immediately request another room before I unpack. Don't let the reviews about the Bonita make you too nervous. It takes about 1 minute longer to walk there, you will not have to deal with pool or Lost Boys Bar noise like we did in the Sierra Tower. Also it is nice to walk though the fountains and see the Koi Pond. We had friends who stayed there in June and they loved it and that guy is soooo picky! I was a nervous wreck recommending them to anything for fear they would not like it! Try it once and if you don't like it you know the HOJO is your Disnyeland home away from home! Have fun! Oh best thing for your kids is that pool, they will love it! Also, maybe you will luck out when you check in and Goofy will be in the lobby. We have seen that a couple of times and that will get your visit off to a great start! Also one other thing I love about that hotel is that roll aways are free. If you don't get a daybed room and need that extra bed they will bring one up very quickly (they claim to have enough to never run out) and there won't be a charge.

 

[disney-super-mom]

O.K. everyone, what the heck, we're going to do it! You all have such nice things to say about the DLH (which is a relief) that we just have to stick with our original reservations at the DLH. No more seconds thoughts from me on this!

I really appreciate all your thoughts and advice about the DLH.

We can hardly wait until our trip to DL. Only 13 days left, and (fingers-crossed) staying at the DLH will make this trip that much more special!

Thanks again.