Just back from DL and PPH, Any ?'s

[DisneyDreamer2]

We just returned from a 4 day trip to Disneyland. We stayed at Paradise Pier Hotel on the 11th floor theme park view at the AP rate of 79.00 night.

I'll be posting reviews and a trip report soon, but we are moving this week so it might be a while. But here are some highlights of what we did, so if you have trip planning questions ask away...

* Fantasmic Balcony Dessert Buffet- We were actually the first caller so we had the seats farthest west on the balcony with a perfect view. Absolutely incredible! They grouped the seats by party into private groups and gave us our own table for our drinks and plates. Desserts served were choc mousse cake, cheese cake, petit fors and mini eclairs, fruit kabobs, and cinnamon sugar fritters served warm with apple pie filling on the side, and cheese and crackers. I thought it was definately worth the price of doing it once and most definately if you are there at a really busy time. Only downside was there was a bright beam of light from the projector that was a bit distracting (I don't ever remember seeing it from the ground) We loved the balcony though.

* We were in Parade of the Stars on Tues 5/11. We danced with Donald and Daisey. Best memory ever. Did anyone here take pictures that night? Please let me know. Very exhausting but worth it! The cast members were THE BEST EVER!

* Ate at Plaza Inn Characcter breakfast. We arrived at 930 (the park opened at 10) and were the 1st people there. Got all our pictures alone then had the best breakfast.

*Also ate at French market, bengal BBQ, Red Rockets, White Water Snacks, Blue Bayou,& Ralph Brennans Take out in DTD.

* New rooms at PPH are fantastic! New pool slide is looking awesome, just like at Disneys Boardwalk at WDW.

Any questions, please ask away...

 

[Grog]

We loved PPH when we stayed there last year. I'm looking forward to seeing the new decor on my next trip.

 

[diggdug]

Glad to hear you had such a great time. We're going down in August and will be staying at PPH, Concierge level, park view. This is kind of a splurge trip for us and so I am concerned about staying 'on-site'. I've read so many good and bad things about PPH that my head is spinning.

What detail can you pass on about the new rooms at PPH? My son is a real water dog so he'll love the pool no doubt. What kind of theming are they doing with it?

Also, how was your check in experience? Were the rooms quiet? I've also heard that the elevators are slow. Is that what you found?


Thanks!!!

Diggdug

 

[Firefly777]

IMO, the view makes the hotel. I think you'll be impressed. There are two different sets of elevators at the PPH. There is a set of "normal" elevators which didn't seem to be any slower than normal, if I remember right. But there is a glass elevator that is pretty slow. It seems like it takes forever for it to get to your floor.

 

[5infam]

It sounds like PPH is adding a new slide like the Boardwalk. Do you mean the luna park clown slide at BWV? If so, that would be a neat touch. I have only stayed at GC but I stay using DVC points and have thought about PPH but had heard some so so things about it (like no theaming, etc.). Any pictures of your room or the view would be great too. TIA

 

[diggdug]

Originally posted by Firefly777
IMO, the view makes the hotel. I think you'll be impressed. There are two different sets of elevators at the PPH. There is a set of "normal" elevators which didn't seem to be any slower than normal, if I remember right. But there is a glass elevator that is pretty slow. It seems like it takes forever for it to get to your floor.

Agreed, though I don't usually get to stay in a hotel with any kind of a view, thus this will be a real treat for the whole family! I'm not too concerned with the elevators, just curious. IMHO, we're down there to have fun, not run a stopwatch on the elevator service.


Diggdug

 

[DisneyDreamer2]

We usually used the glass elevator and it was very quick because everybody was waiting for the other elevators. we were on the 11th floor and had no problems with them.

The rooms were quiet, but the doors were not as soundproof. You could hear people in their rooms from the hall and as well when in the room you could hear noisy kids in the hall. But we never heard the rooms beside us.

The rooms were beautiful with light woods, a sofa, bedspreads with palm trees and the bathroom had a great 11 option shower head.

Everything was very beachy and relaxing. And yes the new pool is like the roller coaster one at WDW Boardwalk Villas.

Funny thing abt the view- last two times we have had theme park views on the 5th and 11th floors. They are neat but I wouldnt mind the standard view either. the view is best at night but they turn off most the lights at PP abt 2 hrs after closing, so on a weekday when DCA closed at 6,most DCA lights werent on at dark, But on the weekend the view and lights were truly spectacular.

 

[Snurk71]

We have the dessert buffet this Sunday. A few questions, please.

1) Do you sit at tables throughout the dessert and show portion?

2) In reference to the tables, I assume you're not lined up on a bench across to watch the show?

3) Did any parties have to share tables? We'll have three in our group and I'm hoping we were pretty close to first made PS too.

4) How far in advance did you show to check in?

Any other tips/suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Snurk71]

Not that I want to sound like a hog, but DW and I enjoy desserts and can put away some food. Is the dessert all you care to eat, including a second or third trip if you deem hungry enough?

Thanks

 

[Amy&Dan]

You don't "sit" at tables but you do have a small table to set your drink. Report in around 30 minutes early. YOu can look around the Disney Gallery and then they will call you. We are HUGE pigs and ate plenty! You can go back as many times as you want. It is a little tight up there, 18 people on a small balcony plus the buffet table and CM's but it is so worth it! You sit in chairs not benches and even if you are in the back row the view is really awesome. Have fun!

 

[MamaKate]

Snurk71~ There aren't any big tables. There are 2-3 rows of chairs and about every 4 chairs there is an end table to set your empty plates and drinks on. And no you won't have to share your end table.

You should show up 30-40 minutes before the show. They start seating 30 minutes before the show and you'll have time to eat some of your desserts before the show starts.

As far as being all you can eat, you can go back as often as you like, but they do not replenish the desserts. They do put out quite a bite though. I've gone 3 times to the balcony & when I've left there was always leftovers. But they do run out on the more popular items.

Hope this helps!
,
Katie

 

[5infam]

Just curious what the cost is per adult, and if you recommend it, how much per child?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Right now it's running about $49 per person, regardless of age.

I would recommend it if:
* You can afford it
* You want to avoid the crowds
* You don't want to wait 2-3 hours for a decent spot
* Your time is limited, so you really would rather spend it on rides instead of waiting
* You can afford it
* I recommend it for the first show because you can stay & watch the fireworks afterwards (provided they have fireworks that night)
* You want to pamper yourself a bit, and watch the show comfortably instead of sitting on the ground, or standing behind people for the duration.

I don't recommend it if:
* You're on a budget
* You're watching the 2nd show, because you can find a decent spot unless Disney has record crowds

 

[DisneyDreamer2]

Wow, I have been moving these past few days and finally get back to check my thread and it has gotten more action than when I was checking it every few hours . But it seems all the experts here picked up my slack and answered all the questions. It does no good to show up earlier than 30 minutes because they wont sit you until then. There was soooo much food. I took one of everything and couldnt eat it all but many were going back for more. I did put down 5 sodas though and then still had to try a mint julep, after all it was included. So in addition to Mary Jo's list of reasons to try it, if you are planning on trying a mint julep during your stay anyway, you can justify the cost a bit more

 

[5infam]

Is it just me...or is $49.00 per person for dessert a little crazy? I know you don't have to wait in line to watch the show, but $100 per couple for a seat at a free show and some dessert just doesn't cut it for me. Not to mention if we had the kids with us, it would be $250 for dessert and a chair at a free show. Maybe I am missing the point because I have seen Fantasmic a bunch of times, but it seems like one of those things that is a waste of cash. I know many of you probably think different and hold a differnt value of the experience. However, even though I could afford it and never go to the parks on a budget, I guess I am one of those people that just doesn't get it. Just my opinion though...anyone else agree with me? (just curious)

 

[iceskatejen]

I think $49 is a bit steep, too. I'm on a budget, though I have a PAP just so I can go to DL/DCA whenever I feel the need. I'd love to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour and I chafe at the price for that (also $49 I think) and I know I'd get more out of that than I would the dessert buffet. I guess part of it is that I don't mind sitting and waiting for Fantasmic. I usually meet some interesting people down there by the river. I'm also somewhat of a picky eater and I imagine I wouldn't like all of the desserts they put out.

 

[Chumpson]

I agree, it sounds outrageous. I could get my family into the park for another day, for that price, which would be much more fun.

Fortunately for me, I have a wife that usually is ready for a break by Friday and doesn't mind sitting and waiting for a few hours to hold good spots.

 

[Bete]

and I won't pay that for dessert, either. We have the means but I still want value for the money. I will tell you if we change our minds after the trip. I don't like long waits but I figure with two shows, multiple nights to choose from we should be ok.

I rather have a nice meal for the money or more souveniors.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I won't pay it....I could....but I won't!!

I've lost 16 pounds and
it would just blow my diet!!

 

[DaveH]

Ok guys, I am going to Disneyland for the first time. I am only there for 3 full days and about 2 1/2 days. It is for my 50th birthday. I may not ever get the chance angain to go to Disneyland. The price is steep, but it looks like a special one time thing for me, so DW and I are planning on doing it. That does leave us time to try something else. We are going in late July and I am assuming a fairly crowded park each day. I will be taking breaks back at the hotel each day. Maybe because it is a one time maybe not another chance for me will make it more worthwhile for us.