Let's justify a stay at the DL Hotel...

[kristabelle13]

Ok, so I decided to have a 36 hr stopover in LA on my way home from a trip - just so I can get a quick disney fix - one night - Jan 17. Yes, I know it's SW Marathon and MLK weekend. But not worried about crowds.

I booked a hotel on Harbor for one night - $99 taxes in.

But because I arrive at 7am at LAX and am not renting a car - I'm concerned that DL Express is going to be a) slow - you know, stop at DL hotels, then proceed to others and b) have problems w/the Harbor blvd closure for marathon? Parks open at 9 - and I'd like to be there as close as possible to open....I know it will be after - that's fine.

Then, returning to LAX, I figured, I'd have to take the 4pm shuttle for a 9pm flight because otherwise, the shuttle doesn't come near hotel til 6pm and that might be too late...

HOWEVER, if I stay at DL hotel - it's exactly $100 more (but that's $140 CDN at the moment...grrrrr) and I'd be right there - one of first stops on shuttle arriving (and more pick up options on return trip).

PLUS, extra magic hours at DCA on the Monday morning. (How many rides on TSMM can I get in in one hour?)

PLUS I could hit Trader Sam's without trekking over there then back to Harbor.

Also, I've never stayed at a DL hotel let alone THE DL hotel.

Also, it's Christmas tomorrow sooooooo, merry christmas to me?

Anyone have additional justifications? Or other "perks" I should be aware of?

One thing I don't know about - the pools are being refurbed at DL hotel or something? And it says on the website we can use the other pools - is this a "bonus" I should take advantage of? (Remember this is January..... brrrrrr.....and on the flip side, I'll probably never stay at GC - so maybe this IS an opportunity? I don't know anything about the pool situation there...

Please convince me this is a great plan (or if you think it's a horrible idea - I'd love that opinion too!)! Thanks for your input and Merry Christmas to you and yours

 

[bumbershoot]

Sounds like a reasonable rate.


Map with closure info is found here: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/star-wars-half-marathon/2016_SWDLR_Program.pdf

Remember that it's a Half, not a Full, so the timing of it isn't as long as it would be if it were a Full.

Looks like it would actually be MORE impacted for DLH, to get there that morning, though I'm sure all shuttles and cabs have info on what way to go.

 

[Nicolette11785]

This is a hard choice. For me, I would only stay at the DL Hotel if I could take full advantage of all it has to offer. For just a day and a half you will most likely want to be in the parks most of the time. To use the other hotel pools in January would take a lot of extra valuable time.

You can always get a cab to LAX instead of relying on the shuttle.

I completely understand wanting to experience the DL hotel though so that's what makes it a hard choice.

I got an amazing rate at the the DL Hotel in may for $199 and it will be my first and only time staying at a DL hotel but I am planning on spending lots of time at the hotel to make it worth it.

 

[Bud Ice]

Worth the extra for a one night experience. Onsite, free wifi, close to the park to make the most of the day.

 

[StormyCA]

Justify? Who needs to justify? Just DO IT!! You're worth it!!!

 

[jpessa]

Do it! I did something similar last month. Seeked advice on here as well. Decided to splurge. Best. Decision. Ever! I loved it. Going back in April for 6 nights I loved it so much. That extra hour you will get on Monday will be gold. Highly recommended it. Have fun!

BTW you got DLH for $199 on January 17th? Great rate!

 

[ADLFAN]

Merry Christmas to you! Book it! Haha, obviously I'm a fan of treating oneself! We loved the DLH and it's proximity to Trader Sams, the dining options on site, and the great pools. I would even trek over to the GCH to sit in the hot tub and absorb the atmosphere there, as well.

 

[Indiana Scott]

We try every year to justify it but never can.
Good luck!

 

[kappyfamily]

How in the world did you you get such a cheap rate! I'm there the same time but was double....

 

[ten6mom]

I am having the same dilemma. Fiance has never stayed on property and we are going for Spring Dapper Day and we are just staying one night. While none of hotels is cheap compared to what we normally pay it's a smokin deal. We are blocked that Saturday so it might be a great opportunity to explore the Hotel, which we have never had time to do....

 

[arcadiandj]

If you can afford it, it's a great hotel-you will not be disappointed. I agree with the previous poster, about being able to take advantage of all it has to offer. If you will be in the park most of the time, it could be somewhat of a waste. However, if you are able to take time to look around, stop in to Trader Sam's, etc... you will be glad you stayed there. Let us know what you do, and if you go, be sure to post pics!

 

[kristabelle13]

As always, I am overwhelmed by people taking the time to offer opinions and advice! Helps me to organize my thoughts about planning Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to respond!

Map with closure info is found here: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/star-wars-half-marathon/2016_SWDLR_Program.pdf

Remember that it's a Half, not a Full, so the timing of it isn't as long as it would be if it were a Full.

Looks like it would actually be MORE impacted for DLH, to get there that morning, though I'm sure all shuttles and cabs have info on what way to go.

Thank you for the map! I'm going to consider all this info...but, spoiler alert - I think I'm going to be like Nike and Just Do It

Justify? Who needs to justify? Just DO IT!! You're worth it!!!

I like you! You're right

Do it! I did something similar last month. Seeked advice on here as well. Decided to splurge. Best. Decision. Ever! I loved it. Going back in April for 6 nights I loved it so much. That extra hour you will get on Monday will be gold. Highly recommended it. Have fun!

BTW you got DLH for $199 on January 17th? Great rate!

Yeah, I totally lucked out - I started thinking about this new plan and when I went to look for the rate - totally got a deal!

Merry Christmas to you! Book it! Haha, obviously I'm a fan of treating oneself! We loved the DLH and it's proximity to Trader Sams, the dining options on site, and the great pools. I would even trek over to the GCH to sit in the hot tub and absorb the atmosphere there, as well.

God, I love hot tubs. That sounds perfect.

We try every year to justify it but never can.
Good luck!

I hope you get an opportunity some time soon!

How in the world did you you get such a cheap rate! I'm there the same time but was double....

Orbitz - plus the 15% off coupon, plus a 3% eBates - and it had a 20% off already....worked out to $198+tax - $7 - so, just over $200.

If you can afford it, it's a great hotel-you will not be disappointed. I agree with the previous poster, about being able to take advantage of all it has to offer. If you will be in the park most of the time, it could be somewhat of a waste. However, if you are able to take time to look around, stop in to Trader Sam's, etc... you will be glad you stayed there. Let us know what you do, and if you go, be sure to post pics!

Will do! I'm thinking maybe I can get into the parks, and get some stuff done right away, and then hope to check in a bit early to hit hot tub and some hotel amenities before going back for PTN and the fireworks and WoC (ambitious, I know )

 

[SMD]

Don't forget to factor 17% in occupancy and tourism taxes into your budget. It ends up being a significant addition when you're paying $200 for the room.

 

[kristabelle13]

Don't forget to factor 17% in occupancy and tourism taxes into your budget. It ends up being a significant addition when you're paying $200 for the room.

Yes, that was part of the total fee - thank goodness (or sadly, depending on how we're looking at it lol)

 

[arcadiandj]

Will do! I'm thinking maybe I can get into the parks, and get some stuff done right away, and then hope to check in a bit early to hit hot tub and some hotel amenities before going back for PTN and the fireworks and WoC (ambitious, I know )

When we were there I really had the sense the DLH was a part of the park. We walked around each wing and spent a decent amount of time looking around the main lobby-where they have some really cool memorabilia, etc... Then you have Trade Sam's, which was truly a highlight of the trip for me. FYI, we went around 11:30 and did an early lunch-so no waiting. We did that twice and never had to wait. Soooo, if you are able, see if you can experience DLH as part of the park. And again, post pics

 

[kristabelle13]

When we were there I really had the sense the DLH was a part of the park. We walked around each wing and spent a decent amount of time looking around the main lobby-where they have some really cool memorabilia, etc... Then you have Trade Sam's, which was truly a highlight of the trip for me. FYI, we went around 11:30 and did an early lunch-so no waiting. We did that twice and never had to wait. Soooo, if you are able, see if you can experience DLH as part of the park. And again, post pics

I love this advice! Thank you! my family and I walked into Trader Sam's last December at 5pm on a Saturday and totally scored seats but from what I read here, that's not normal lol I'm DEFINITELY planning to go there again and explore the hotel. I wish I had time for breakfast at S55 but I don't think I will, this trip.

 

[mdsouth]

Have fun! I think you are making the right decision to spend the night at DLH. Since you only have one day at Disneyland, the hotel stay will help you get the most out of the day. Plus, you get to stay in the magic bubble that much longer. And, like others have posted it was a great deal.

Please come back to this thread after your short stay and post some photos and let us know how the day goes.

 

[sherilaine]

You are talking one night, ONE night - I'd stay in the best of the best and be happy for that one night if I were you!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Orbitz - plus the 15% off coupon, plus a 3% eBates - and it had a 20% off already....worked out to $198+tax - $7 - so, just over $200.

Sigh; the 20% off is only showing up for my dates for DLH club level. Too rich for my blood!



It's all your fault, by the way. YOU put it into my head with your original question. We've now gone from Desert Palms the whole time we're there for Star Wars run, to 4 nights at Anabella and then 2 nights PPH Club level*. I thought I got a decent deal on PPH (booking direct), but even the standard PPH rooms aren't 199 LOL.

Darn you.

Oh, and thank you.


*talk about justification! I have a page of math telling me exactly what each of us needs to "get" out of club level to justify the cost. How sad is that? Oh and it should just be x (where x equals club room - standard room) divided by 3 people divided by number of days we'll have access to the club, but I was very very tired at the time and it took much longer than that.

 

[CalgaryTroy]

I love your analysis Bumbershoot! it sounds like something I might do.

RE: original post/question - I think 1 night is perfect to splurge! it's when the extra cost per night X multiple nights that cost becomes prohibitive/unjustifiable ( is that a word? )

go for it!