Newbie alert!!! Is the DLH really worth the extra?

[Lugalugs]

Hi everyone!!!

Been reading these posts/threads for what seems like ages and now have decided to take the plunge and ask a few questions, hope you don't mind!!

I'm celebrating a big birthday at the end of November and am so excited that I've decided to go to DLP for 3 nights to mark it!! We are myself, darling hubby and our twins aged 3 and a half (very important half!!!). They are not overly excited about meeting loads of characters as they are still quite shy but we are probably looking for that little extra sparkle in the hotel/experience.

Because it's a special holiday I have been pricing up the Disney Lane Hotel but at the moment the best deal appears to be 1 night/day free. But even with that discount it's over £1,000!!! The Newport is almost half that price. So my question is in your most expert opinion is the DLH worth twice the price or will my money be better off on food/presents.

Also the last minute deals seem to finish on 7 November, does that seem to indicate that another offer will be on after that date?

Many thanks for all your help/advice/tips!!

Lugalugs

 

[wmoon]

Hi

We have had 7 trips to dlp, 4 of which we stayed in the DLH. Is it worth the money, probably not but that doesn't mean it isn't great staying there.

We have also stayed at hotel new york twice and the Cheyenne. I would go back to any of them but in the winter DLH would be my first choice especially with a wee one.

It certainly fees worth the money when you are coming out the parks on a freezing night after watching all the Christmas stuff to closing time and being inside your hotel minutes later. It's also great for being able to nip back for breakfast after emh, or for a buggy, a rest or a change of clothes.

We went same dates as you last year and booked a 50% off deal through voyage prive. Haven't been keeping an eye on their offers but you may want to register with them. The first time we stayed it was really last minute and just had the one night free thing. No idea if any other Disney offers will come up, we are just bak from a 40% off deal, hopefully someone else can tell you.

No matter where you stay though dlp is magical at Christmas, our DS was just over 3 the first time we did it and it was amazing!,, buy your thermals now! x

 

[MazdaUK]

Well worth it with small ones in my opinion - you can pop back for a recharge if they get tired, maybe a nap even so they can stay up later in the evening (and not wake you up so early in the morning). Also, the characters are wandering around without crowds so they can see them on their own terms, if you see what I mean - no big queue to end in tears, and if they just want to wave from a distance that's fine too. PLus breakfast is a lot calmer than in the other hotels. whichever hotel you sty at its well worth sending park purchases back to your room to save carrying (and maybe losing) your purchases.

 

[Isila]

if the price the one you are ok to pay, go ahead.

I had the same dilema, but I chose a cheaper hotel - I think I'd rather use the price difference as spending money in DLP.

But again, if I'd be happy with a DLH price, I'd book.

 

[torsie24]

Yes, I think DLH is worth double the NPB.

Especially in winter, and especially with little ones.

Be warned you won't want to stay anywhere else again.

 

[Lugalugs]

Thanks everyone so far. Feel like I'm asking a question on Radio 1's "ask the nation"

So far seems to be definite yes to DLH especially with my babes. Been reading a few reviews of the hotel though and feel I don't want to get my expectations too high and be left flat!!

The current deal is 1 day/night free so theoretically that's a 33% discount (if my maths is right!)

If a better deal comes up nearer the time can I change?

Aaaaaahh I'm so indecisive (sp?)

Lugs

 

[nicola]

Ive stayed in nearly all the hotels onsite and off and the DLh is DEF worth it! In fact since we stayed there we have never stayed anywhere else and dont imagine ever will.in my opinion non of the other hotels even come close.DLH is in a league of its own that is far and sbove all the others...your little ones will just love it and ibpromise u if u stsy there your holiday will be MUCH more special!!

 

[wmoon]

It seems to be a bit hit and miss if they let you change to a better deal if one comes out. When we booked this time it was 30% but it changed to 40%, the advice on here was to phone the French number as there as even more success changing deals but they transferred me back to the English reservations. The man I spoke to was lovely and let us add pre paid lunch at cowboy cookout and dinner at cafe mickey at no extra cost to make up the difference.

Are you booking your flights separately? We use easy jet or air France, whichever is cheapest then book the hotel with Disney and use ezyshuttle for the transfers.

My DS used to be really shy with the characters but the characters are great and seem to sense how to behave with the kids that are a bit wary. A character meal is a good way to meet them. My DS always prefered this as the characters came to him.

 

[DLPDreams]

The DLH is lovely (but as I've never stayed anywhere else, I can't compare). If I am honest, I think it is overpriced but you are paying for the location and the breakfasts (which are by far the best by all accounts). That is the main difference as although the rooms are different decor, they are a similar standard to say the HNY (some people say they are a bit larger in the DLH?). Also, you get one fastpass per person per day to use (in addition to the ones you can pick up at FP machines in the park). This can be a good perk if used well - it can only be used at certain times - normally not between 1 - 4 pm I think (time changes sometimes).

With little ones, if you have the money, I wouldn't think twice about staying anywhere else - it could be very cold and being able to nip back to the room or hotel quickly makes a huge difference.

We went in June this year and we were back in our room after a long day (Dreams was on until about 11.25 pm), about 10 mins max after Dreams. The parks gets very, very busy leaving at the end of the day (no matter what time the park closes) and being right next to the park makes a HUGE difference.

The breakfasts are lovely - looking over Main street with a lovely buffet to chose from - no timed slots like the other hotesl, (although in June twice we were told that the main buffet was closed and asked to go into a side room which did not please me at all ). So, if the breakfasts continue to be so busy (I think this is partly down to the fact that word is out that you can buy breakfast there without staying in the hotel), I can eventually see times being introduced which imo will take the magic away from this hotel. Slightly OT though....

We have always loved this hotel and agree with Torsie - having pushed the boat out and stayed there the first time, we did not want to stay anywhere else on subsequent visits which can be rather expensive!

We didn't have a very good stay in June though (I'm hoping it was a one off blip and after a letter to DLRP about it, hope the issues are ironed out now). We had booked the HNY to try for a change but as the trip got nearer, I got cold feet and upgraded! We go back to the DLH end November and are hoping to have a better stay this time! If not, we won't stay there again. It certainly was not worth the money we paid for June due to the service we received. BUT, like I said, up to that point we have not had issues at all and had loved the hotel.

If we go back next year I'd love to try the Sequoia Lodge - it really appeals and has been recently refurbed. But, it will be a bit of a shock walking through the village every day to get to the park .

 

[Bexx]

Hi everyone!!!

Been reading these posts/threads for what seems like ages and now have decided to take the plunge and ask a few questions, hope you don't mind!!

Of course we don't!!! Welcome to the DIS If you have not had a look yet, DLP posting rules are here, and DIS posting guidelines can be found here.

I loved my stay the DLH and if you are looking for "that little extra sparkle in the hotel/experience" then it's the place to stay. A significant birthday is a great excuse to try it out, but beware, it can then be hard to stay anywhere else!

 

[Hipster Meg]

I'm going to go against the crowd and say 'it depends!'. We''ve been lucky enough to stay here and at the SL and tbh I think the DLH is really over priced - you're paying the the location more than anything and personally I'd rather stay at a lower priced hotel and either put the spare money towards shopping and nice meals or towards another holiday! Having said that though it is lovely being so close to the park when it's cold and you've got whiney, tired children and the breakfast is awesome. Seeing as it's for a big birthday though it might be nice to really push the boat out. It all depends on whether or not you think it's worth the massive price difference. Personally I'd book the HNY over the NPB and then see about upgrading to the DLH if there's a flash sale.

 

[Ware Bears]

I think you should splash out for the DLH for your big birthday! I did last year and it was wonderful.

We wouldn't (and couldn't!) justify the money to stay there this summer just gone but intend staying there again one day, most probably when it's a significant birthday or anniversary.

I'd say go for it, mark your birthday by a stay there and enjoy it!

 

[tennisfan]

I'm going to go against the crowd and say 'it depends!'. We''ve been lucky enough to stay here and at the SL and tbh I think the DLH is really over priced - you're paying the the location more than anything and personally I'd rather stay at a lower priced hotel and either put the spare money towards shopping and nice meals or towards another holiday! Having said that though it is lovely being so close to the park when it's cold and you've got whiney, tired children and the breakfast is awesome. Seeing as it's for a big birthday though it might be nice to really push the boat out. It all depends on whether or not you think it's worth the massive price difference. Personally I'd book the HNY over the NPB and then see about upgrading to the DLH if there's a flash sale.

I'm with you, DLH is a nice hotel but overpriced. I would only stay there again if there is a big discount. Having said that if you can afford it & its for a special occasion go for it

 

[Lugalugs]

Thank you all sooooooooo much for your replies! It means a lot.

After chatting with hubby we've decided to go for the DLH!!! Now maybe a bit of Disney chicken to play as to whether to book now or wait till after Nov 7 to see if any other offers become available.

Already got my tesco club card vouchers for the tunnel so I've saved there already!!

Will have to do like everyone does on here and start saving little bits everyday to put towards the extras!!

Really excited now I've finally decided!!

Lugs

 

[Ware Bears]

Really excited now I've finally decided!!

Lugs

Yay!!!

 

[torsie24]

Thank you all sooooooooo much for your replies! It means a lot.

After chatting with hubby we've decided to go for the DLH!!! Now maybe a bit of Disney chicken to play as to whether to book now or wait till after Nov 7 to see if any other offers become available.

Already got my tesco club card vouchers for the tunnel so I've saved there already!!

Will have to do like everyone does on here and start saving little bits everyday to put towards the extras!!

Really excited now I've finally decided!!

Lugs

Wooo!

Have an amazing time!