Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[kaoden39]

We would be staying on property. Jenny, our dates would be May 20 -26 or May 21 - 27. Also what is dining plan like? Is it better to just pay out of pocket? They asked when I was pricing it on Disney's site but then I couldn't find much info about it.

If you go on the Disneyland website and pretend to book a trip you can see the eating plan.

 

[rentayenta]

I'll go back and reply to everyone after The Bachelorette but wanted to get Jessica her points.

May 20-26: 124 points
May 21-27: 128 points

Weekdays in May are 20 points per night and Fri/Sat are 24 points per night.

You can generally find points for $10 pp so that's a great price for a week at the GCV. You could find cheaper I'm sure but basically your looking at the GCV for $200 and $240 per night which is insanely good.

 

[rentayenta]

Jessica, the dining plan at Disneyland is nothing like at WDW. They give you vouchers. Its good if you want to pre-pay but know Disneyland doesn't have 1/4 of the dining options that WDW. I think you'd do better just eating and sharing with Lexi.

I've stayed at the Anabella (though it was a decade ago, yikes) and it was fine and recently at the Sheraton. Sheraton isn't quite walking distance and is definitely more of a business/convent hotel but the price was right and it was a fine room, decent food and pretty good pool. We did that for 2 nights and PP for 2 nights. I'd do OP again in a heartbeat and really try to make it work if we were going again. It was funny, having been at the Anabella which is across the street I didn't expect it to make that much of a difference. But it really did.

You'd return to the Anabella, PP, or Sheraton? I heard the Sheraton has the most comfortable beds.

There is nothing worse than a dirty hotel. We stayed at a hotel once that has since changed hands that was pretty horrible. The bathroom had mold on the floor, the maid service was sporadic, the couch was broken. I could go on but I won't. It was a "good neighbor hotel" and we had booked it with Disney travel. Believe me when I tell you that I lost it. It wasn't a "good neighbor" much longer.

We went to Beverly Hills one year to work out at a retreat with Richard Simmons. We reserved at a Marriott Hotel thinking that we would get a good hotel. The hotel was nice, they had great valets, the desk staff was nice, the people in the breakfast area were wonderful, but the maid service was so bad. We asked for extra towels and when we got back in the afternoon there had been no service in our room except for them to put the extra towels on our unmade bed and to take the tip I had left.

I complained to the desk and they kind of poo-pooed me. That really did not leave me really happy either. I wrote a straight forward email to Marriott headquarters and I heard back from the manager of that hotel. They apologized and comped 40% of our visit and are still offering me special deals. Have we stayed in another Marriott since then? No.

Once you receive bad service, it's hard to go back. We had that happen at a local hotel here. One of the breakfast workers verbally attacked me. It was so weird and so random, I think maybe it was early onset Alzheimer's or something because it was unprovoked and incongruent given the situation- at a breakfast buffet. Anyway I spoke with the manager as this guy was threatening. They gave me 2 nights for another time. No thanks. It was the oddest situation. He did it front of the other breakfast guests. Everyone was shocked. He screamed at me for taking more than one mini muffin and how I spread cream cheese on my bagel.

 

[jenny105]

The Jolly Toger looks horrific! Also Little Boy Blue. Wonder of that's still there? I've heard that the Portofino's pics on their site are far better than in real life. Eek! I can handle a lot but a dirty hotel room isn't one of them. It's funny how much hotels can differ even within the same chain. We have a Hilton Garden Inn here that's immaculate. The one in Anahein was no bueno. I'm sure wear and tear has something to do with it. I'm sure the one in Anaheim sees more families. Ours here is more business focused.

We were confused as to why they even had us tour those hotels! The rest of the hotels they showed us were very nice and then we saw those two and were like 'Ummmm....ok.' We had just come from the Crowne Plaza which was BEAUTIFUL and then we went to that. Kind of a let down.

Jessica, the dining plan at Disneyland is nothing like at WDW. They give you vouchers. Its good if you want to pre-pay but know Disneyland doesn't have 1/4 of the dining options that WDW. I think you'd do better just eating and sharing with Lexi.

I wasn't a fan of the dining plan at DL. It stinks that you don't get any change back! We ate at the Blue Bayou restaurant and we had an ADR but I was surprised at the amount of people who walked up & got a table. That's like walking up to Le Cellier with no ADR and expecting a table. It just does not happen in Disney World.

 

[rentayenta]

We were confused as to why they even had us tour those hotels! The rest of the hotels they showed us were very nice and then we saw those two and were like 'Ummmm....ok.' We had just come from the Crowne Plaza which was BEAUTIFUL and then we went to that. Kind of a let down.



I wasn't a fan of the dining plan at DL. It stinks that you don't get any change back! We ate at the Blue Bayou restaurant and we had an ADR but I was surprised at the amount of people who walked up & got a table. That's like walking up to Le Cellier with no ADR and expecting a table. It just does not happen in Disney World.

I'm not familiar with the Crowne Plaza. Whats it near?



I agree, dining at Disneyland ismtotallymdifferent than at WDW. Disneyland has Napa Rose and a couple other great places but the choices are just so limited. We found Whitewater Snacks at the GCV to be one our favorites for a quick cheap meal.

64 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

98 until ADRs!!! ​

278 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[jenny105]

I'm not familiar with the Crowne Plaza. Whats it near?



I agree, dining at Disneyland ismtotallymdifferent than at WDW. Disneyland has Napa Rose and a couple other great places but the choices are just so limited. We found Whitewater Snacks at the GCV to be one our favorites for a quick cheap meal.

The Crowne Plaza isn't within walking distance. It's on Harbour Blvd but a few loooong blocks down, near the Marriott Suites (which was also pretty nice).

I loved Pacific Wharf Cafe. I'm a sucker for soup in a bread bowl.

 

[rentayenta]

The Crowne Plaza isn't within walking distance. It's on Harbour Blvd but a few loooong blocks down, near the Marriott Suites (which was also pretty nice).

I loved Pacific Wharf Cafe. I'm a sucker for soup in a bread bowl.

Me too! I wanted to try Boarwalk Pizza and Pasta but we ran out of time. It couldn't possibly be that I ate chicken nachos 3 x from WWS. Oh and the red corn dog cart. Had one of those too. I guess it's the TS that are more limited at Disneyland. I can't wait to eat and drink around the World during F&W.

 

[eandesmom]

You'd return to the Anabella, PP, or Sheraton? I heard the Sheraton has the most comfortable beds.[

I'd return to any of them And we were at the Crowne Plaza. With a car no biggie and we didn't go to DL/DCA on our CP days anyway (did a beach day, a Knotts Day and then a Long Beach/QM day).

I'd probably rank them like this

PP. Very reasonable for an onsite and on the nicer side of a WDW Mod in my opinion, or a lower end deluxe. Room layout was wonderful with the daybed, plus we were the family of the day at check in and got a DCA park view upgrade! Business center was fabulous. Loved breakfast at PCH. Halfway decent espresso. Fireworks from the pool can't be beat. Beds were super comfy.

CP/Sheraton. Great package deal with Alaska, nice rooms and pool. Decent food. Messed up a couple of small things and gave us a comp bfast which was nice. Decent espresso bar. Biggest con was that it was very busy with a couple of conventions and hs dances so long waits at the elevator and a crowded lobby.

Anabella. Great location and back then, quite reasonable and good room for family. I've no idea how it is now, it seems the room categories have changed a bit and it doesn't include the continental bfast but we were quite happy with it at the time.

 

[rentayenta]

I'd return to any of them And we were at the Crowne Plaza. With a car no biggie and we didn't go to DL/DCA on our CP days anyway (did a beach day, a Knotts Day and then a Long Beach/QM day).

I'd probably rank them like this

PP. Very reasonable for an onsite and on the nicer side of a WDW Mod in my opinion, or a lower end deluxe. Room layout was wonderful with the daybed, plus we were the family of the day at check in and got a DCA park view upgrade! Business center was fabulous. Loved breakfast at PCH. Halfway decent espresso. Fireworks from the pool can't be beat. Beds were super comfy.

CP/Sheraton. Great package deal with Alaska, nice rooms and pool. Decent food. Messed up a couple of small things and gave us a comp bfast which was nice. Decent espresso bar. Biggest con was that it was very busy with a couple of conventions and hs dances so long waits at the elevator and a crowded lobby.

Anabella. Great location and back then, quite reasonable and good room for family. I've no idea how it is now, it seems the room categories have changed a bit and it doesn't include the continental bfast but we were quite happy with it at the time.

I agree. I'd liken the PP to the POR at WDW with less pretty grounds. I think I need to give it another try because everyone's reviews are good. We had a disappointing experience June 2010 but every property has an off day. I've seen the fireworks from the poll and love how the pipe the music in.


I haven't been to a Sheraton in years but remember comfy beds. The Hyatt is a great chain but don't think there is one at Disneyland. Is there one at WDW?

 

[eandesmom]

I agree. I'd liken the PP to the POR at WDW with less pretty grounds. I think I need to give it another try because everyone's reviews are good. We had a disappointing experience June 2010 but every property has an off day. I've seen the fireworks from the poll and love how the pipe the music in.


I haven't been to a Sheraton in years but remember comfy beds. The Hyatt is a great chain but don't think there is one at Disneyland. Is there one at WDW?

Interesting. I think the room itself is far superior to POR in terms of decor and comfyness and space/layout but then again I love that look. The daybed really made it for us. And the view. There aren't really any grounds though so I'll give that hands down to POR and the pools are definitely superior at POR (I find a slide that doesn't end in the pool...interesting!). I definitely think checking in, looking like the Clampetts with our Mrs. Knott's fried chicken in bags and finding out we were the Big Kahuna family kind of sold us on the place. The upgrade and Mickey Rice Crispie treats didn't hurt either!

I did like the piped in music. I haven't stayed at DLH or GC to compare and for the rate difference there's a good chance (unless it's DVC) that we would book PP again.

I had one night at POR last spring and while I liked it...I think it's just "too" big for me and I have exterior entry issues. Combine that with first floor bugs and the river mosquitoes which adored me...I was happy to move to BCV. I did like it, don't get me wrong but room for room only I'd take PP.

Good question on the Hyatt, no clue but I"m sure there is at least one, or several in the Orlando area.

 

[rentayenta]

63 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

97 until ADRs!!! ​

277 days until WDW!!! ​

Interesting. I think the room itself is far superior to POR in terms of decor and comfyness and space/layout but then again I love that look. The daybed really made it for us. And the view. There aren't really any grounds though so I'll give that hands down to POR and the pools are definitely superior at POR (I find a slide that doesn't end in the pool...interesting!). I definitely think checking in, looking like the Clampetts with our Mrs. Knott's fried chicken in bags and finding out we were the Big Kahuna family kind of sold us on the place. The upgrade and Mickey Rice Crispie treats didn't hurt either!

I did like the piped in music. I haven't stayed at DLH or GC to compare and for the rate difference there's a good chance (unless it's DVC) that we would book PP again.

I had one night at POR last spring and while I liked it...I think it's just "too" big for me and I have exterior entry issues. Combine that with first floor bugs and the river mosquitoes which adored me...I was happy to move to BCV. I did like it, don't get me wrong but room for room only I'd take PP.

Good question on the Hyatt, no clue but I"m sure there is at least one, or several in the Orlando area.

I agree, the room layout is better at POR. It is a huge resort. Our first stay there we were in the boonies but the second was in Building 14, close with a great pool view. Our days at the POR are over though. Kids are just too big to cram 5 into a room. I'd still like to try the FW Cabins though. They look fun to me. Love the idea of having a golf cart too.

I'm telling ya, rent points for the GCV if it's a possibility. You won't be disappointed.

I haven't stayed at the BCV yet. I think I need a 6 week trip to give all the WDW DVC an equal opportunity to impress me.

 

[pooh'smate]

If you go on the Disneyland website and pretend to book a trip you can see the eating plan.

Thanks

May 20-26: 124 points
May 21-27: 128 points

Weekdays in May are 20 points per night and Fri/Sat are 24 points per night.

You can generally find points for $10 pp so that's a great price for a week at the GCV. You could find cheaper I'm sure but basically your looking at the GCV for $200 and $240 per night which is insanely good.

Thank you! Now I have to do the math. We will be staying on property for sure.

Jessica, the dining plan at Disneyland is nothing like at WDW. They give you vouchers. Its good if you want to pre-pay but know Disneyland doesn't have 1/4 of the dining options that WDW. I think you'd do better just eating and sharing with Lexi.

I think we will just pay as we go.

Than you everybody for all the info. I am sure I will be back to ask more questions.

 

[rentayenta]

Thanks



Thank you! Now I have to do the math. We will be staying on property for sure.



I think we will just pay as we go.

Than you everybody for all the info. I am sure I will be back to ask more questions.

Go on the Disneyland website, book a phony trip, and save some offers. They'll send you a PIN. I just got another one for 35% off. I seriously get one every 3 weeks. If you need DVC help, let me know. You won't be sorry by staying at one of the resort hotels. It's so great.

 

[rentayenta]

62 days until 7 month booking!!! ​

96 until ADRs!!! ​

276 days until WDW!!! ​

My kids best stop changing their minds on where to stay the second half.

 

[kaoden39]

Kids!

 

[rentayenta]

Kids!

They have been so naughty since M left. Seriously.

 

[kaoden39]

They have been so naughty since M left. Seriously.

Mine do that when Scotty isn't home and it really ticks me off. I wish they wouldn't test me like that.

 

[rentayenta]

Mine do that when Scotty isn't home and it really ticks me off. I wish they wouldn't test me like that.

I heary ya- exactly! It's like they know they can break me. Sometimes they are so loving and wonderful but yesterday, they fought with each other and me. Today is a much better day.

 

[kaoden39]

I heary ya- exactly! It's like they know they can break me. Sometimes they are so loving and wonderful but yesterday, they fought with each other and me. Today is a much better day.

I truly believe they know exactly what they can get away with. But I decided that I am not going to be as much of a push over and they are learning. It isn't fun for any of us.

 

[eandesmom]

I agree, the room layout is better at POR. It is a huge resort. Our first stay there we were in the boonies but the second was in Building 14, close with a great pool view. Our days at the POR are over though. Kids are just too big to cram 5 into a room. I'd still like to try the FW Cabins though. They look fun to me. Love the idea of having a golf cart too.

I haven't stayed at the BCV yet. I think I need a 6 week trip to give all the WDW DVC an equal opportunity to impress me.

I've only been in a BCV studio but it was great for 2! The Cabins are great but...your kids are probably too big for it. Ours were back in 2010. Biggest drawback is it is a double in the bedroom and the murphy is a double. We ended up with K and I in the bedroom double, Jeff on the murphy and Taylor on the couch!

The E's loved it though. Only one bathroom was a bit of a challenge but manageable. The whole thing was saved by the deck and the kitchen though. I'm not sure if we'd go back or not, only b/c a double is awfully small for Jeff and I, it's why we skip most of the mods and values as it is. Other than being squished, it was the bomb.

I will say though, YC, or any of the deluxes that sleep 5 was big enough for all of us, it worked out really well other than the no kitchen part (or laundry). When I look at summer point charts, for weekends, the deluxes that sleeps 5 becomes more and more attractive, especially if there is any kind of promo. Although with the new layout at Art of Animation....(about the same price as a deluxe though!) that might be even better. On a promo though 2 connecting rooms at WL or AKL is a pretty sweet way to go for a family of 5 or 6.