Need some input - Paradise Pier

[bumbershoot]

...it actually was built by a Japanese company that eventually sold the building to Disney. And were also told that this is why the hotel has a 13th floor.

The glass elevator is for concierge level floors so it helps a little.

It also has a 4th floor, which must have been added by Disney, b/c Asian hotels don't normally have a 4th floor!

Since you're the second person to mention the concierge connection, it must be true. But since we've never stayed concierge there, it's a bit weird!

Well, the second stay we were chosen (at very very early checkin) to be the Big Kahuna Family, which got us upgraded to a suite, so that must be the floor we were put on. But the first time, we booked for relatively cheaply through Costco, and were simply upgraded to a theme park view...but still had the elevator!

Eh, it works on the way UP, and that's still a nice thing.

 

[Diznygrl]

I think the reason DL hotels seem to be so much more expensive is because there are only 3 of them vs. WDW's 20+. The important thing to remember is the PP Hotel is just that -- a hotel. It is not comparable to any resort at WDW, IMHO. Of course it is a NICE hotel and they do make a worthy effort as far as theming, but like a PP said, it's not like the huge places at WDW with fancy grounds and such. The only thing really comparable to a WDW resort experience would be the Grand Californian.

Since most of DL's "good neighbor" hotels are within walking distance, it can be more practical to stay at one of those instead and save the extra money for something else. In fact, if you stay at one that is directly across the street from DL's entrance, the walk is shorter than it would be from DLH or PP. Of course it's all a matter of personal preference. Some people want to be completely immersed in the Disney atmosphere and part of that is staying at a Disney hotel.

 

[Torgue]

I was asking this same question last year. We stayed at deluxe only at WDW and wanted to find something the same . I don't care what anyone says but you can't . The GC is pretty close to the WL but the PP does not compare to any deluxe accommmodations at WDW. We stayed at PP in Oct and had a suite with a park view . I would say save your money and stay at the Californian because DLH and PP are not very nice!

 

[disney-super-mom]

And I have the opposite opinion. Although none of the Disneyland hotels, including the Grand Californian, have the expansive grounds that the WDW resorts have, all the Disneyland hotels (the rooms/accomodations/service) are very nice and on par with any WDW deluxe resort room.

The only Disneyland hotel with any grounds to really speak of is the Disneyland Hotel, with the pretty waterfalls, ponds, two pool areas, volleyball and beach area, and some grassy areas.

The Grand Californian no longer has much in terms of grounds since the addition of the villas, but it does have a great bar and lounge, as well as a counter service and full service restaurants. The Disneyland Hotel also has a bar, a counter service and full service restaurants. However, all the Paradise Pier has right now is the PCH grill, which is a full service restaurant. Both the Paradise Pier and the Disneyland hotel has arcades, whereas the Grand Californian doesn't.

But all the Disneyland hotels are themed well, whether it's a fun theme or a more elegant theme, and if we can afford it, we will splurge to stay on site because it really does make a difference in your Disneyland experience.

The majority of establishments on Harbor are really motels, and I'm sorry, but they really do feel like motels. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but in reality, most are just a clean place to sleep and shower within walking distance of the parks, and that's about it. We do love the Howard Johnson for an alternative to staying on site because you can get premium park view rooms, the rooms are large, they have new pillow top beds and plush bedding, they have a nice pool area, they have a new water play park for the kids, it's walking distance, and they have that awesome Entertainment Book rate. We would also consider staying at the Candy Cane Inn (has it's own private shuttle to/from the parks and continental breakfast), the Fairfield (walking distance), and the Sheraton (not on Harbor but just around the corner with it's own private shuttle to/from the parks and it's a more deluxe hotel with the expected perks).

 

[bumbershoot]

I *think* that the Grand now does have an arcade...

I've now stayed at all 3 onsite hotels, and the Grand, to me, is by far the least value and they had the worst housekeeping. I now realize I prefer PPH, especially b/c of PCH Grill, where we seem to end up, for dinner, every visit!

 

[jenpace]

Well, the second stay we were chosen (at very very early checkin) to be the Big Kahuna Family, which got us upgraded to a suite

Molly, I just have to ask...what time was your 'very, very early check-in'?

I'm not hinging my hopes on it but getting chosen to be the Big Kahuna Family would be so fun

 

[bumbershoot]

We got in the night before, got to the Hilton around midnight, and left to move over to PPH at some point around 6am. It was still dark as we were driving over. Painful, but worth it!

Oh, and we checked in that early because we wanted to take part in MM on checkin day. Figured we needed to be there that early to get our stuff put with Bell Services, check in, get the car parking tag, park the car, and walk on over for MM. It worked out well!

 

[disney-super-mom]

We got in the night before, got to the Hilton around midnight, and left to move over to PPH at some point around 6am. It was still dark as we were driving over. Painful, but worth it!

Oh, and we checked in that early because we wanted to take part in MM on checkin day. Figured we needed to be there that early to get our stuff put with Bell Services, check in, get the car parking tag, park the car, and walk on over for MM. It worked out well!

Maybe the Big Kahuna family are the first people to check in each day? That would be a fun start to the day.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm not sure what their criteria are!

But DS and I missed out, as I was unpacking the car in the driveway, and DS was hanging out with me, while hubby signed us in. So I missed the whole thing, and had to go with hubby's re-telling of it. And it took AGES for the suite to be ready; it was well after 5 by the time we were told it was ready.

Those are the only negatives; having that huge room was really nice.

 

[Diznygrl]

And I have the opposite opinion. Although none of the Disneyland hotels, including the Grand Californian, have the expansive grounds that the WDW resorts have, all the Disneyland hotels (the rooms/accomodations/service) are very nice and on par with any WDW deluxe resort room.

The only Disneyland hotel with any grounds to really speak of is the Disneyland Hotel, with the pretty waterfalls, ponds, two pool areas, volleyball and beach area, and some grassy areas.

The Grand Californian no longer has much in terms of grounds since the addition of the villas, but it does have a great bar and lounge, as well as a counter service and full service restaurants. The Disneyland Hotel also has a bar, a counter service and full service restaurants. However, all the Paradise Pier has right now is the PCH grill, which is a full service restaurant. Both the Paradise Pier and the Disneyland hotel has arcades, whereas the Grand Californian doesn't.

But all the Disneyland hotels are themed well, whether it's a fun theme or a more elegant theme, and if we can afford it, we will splurge to stay on site because it really does make a difference in your Disneyland experience.

The majority of establishments on Harbor are really motels, and I'm sorry, but they really do feel like motels. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but in reality, most are just a clean place to sleep and shower within walking distance of the parks, and that's about it. We do love the Howard Johnson for an alternative to staying on site because you can get premium park view rooms, the rooms are large, they have new pillow top beds and plush bedding, they have a nice pool area, they have a new water play park for the kids, it's walking distance, and they have that awesome Entertainment Book rate. We would also consider staying at the Candy Cane Inn (has it's own private shuttle to/from the parks and continental breakfast), the Fairfield (walking distance), and the Sheraton (not on Harbor but just around the corner with it's own private shuttle to/from the parks and it's a more deluxe hotel with the expected perks).

You know, I thought about what you said here and I do agree with you. I love all the Disneyland hotels, the rooms are very nice, I've never had a bad experience at any of them, and even though the hotels are smaller than WDW resorts, they still offer a unique "Disney" experience that regular old offsite hotels don't. I guess I just didn't want someone who is so used to experiencing deluxe WDW resorts to get the wrong idea of what a DL hotel is like, especially since they asked if PP was comparable to places like the Yacht Club. Sorry if I sounded negative, I didn't mean it that way.

 

[jenpace]

We got in the night before, got to the Hilton around midnight, and left to move over to PPH at some point around 6am. It was still dark as we were driving over. Painful, but worth it!

Good to know! Thanks for sharing Molly

 

[4campers]

We base which hotel we are going to stay at on how many days we are there. We have stayed at all three on site hotels, and each has its own charm. I love the GC if we are staying for two or more days. We always plan on eating at Napa Rose! The best!
PP is our one night stay. Love the water slide. This time however, we are adding concierge level to allow for some extra surprises!! Something new for us while staying at a hotel! Plus, the cost seemed to make since.
Can't wait until the 18th!

 

[boiseflyfisher]

We base which hotel we are going to stay at on how many days we are there. We have stayed at all three on site hotels, and each has its own charm. I love the GC if we are staying for two or more days. We always plan on eating at Napa Rose! The best!
PP is our one night stay. Love the water slide. This time however, we are adding concierge level to allow for some extra surprises!! Something new for us while staying at a hotel! Plus, the cost seemed to make since.
Can't wait until the 18th!

How long are you staying? We are staying PP concierge starting on the 20th. Maybe we will cross paths.

 

[4campers]

How long are you staying? We are staying PP concierge starting on the 20th. Maybe we will cross paths.

Oh rats...we are only staying 1 night. However, there is a small chance of adding one more night!
Where is Eagle? Would love to talk about fishing

 

[boiseflyfisher]

Oh rats...we are only staying 1 night. However, there is a small chance of adding one more night!
Where is Eagle? Would love to talk about fishing

Eagle is right outside of Boise. We're there for 5 nights. Enjoy your stay!

 

[tinkrbl]

Does anyone know if at PP you can also get the 'roll away' for free of charge just like a DLH?

 

[blackjackdelta]

Eagle is right outside of Boise. We're there for 5 nights. Enjoy your stay!

WOW, I have a brother who lives in Eagle and works at HP.

Jack

 

[bumbershoot]

Does anyone know if at PP you can also get the 'roll away' for free of charge just like a DLH?

I don't know about that, but PPH has daybeds hidden away in their couches in every room.

 

[GrumpyCAdad]

Stayed at PP the first time I went with the family. Love it, except for the elevators. Hated the wait for the elevators.