Paradise Pier Superthread

[diskids2]

If I had a choice of requesting a particular room type with NO guarantee of getting it, and booking a particular room type and KNOWING I would get it, I, personally would go ahead and BOOK the room type I know I would want, even if it meant paying extra.

We've almost always been upgraded at Paradise Pier, but we have NEVER expected it. It's nice to hope for something, but it would be a real bummer to not get it and then be unhappy.

I know exactly what you mean when I go to WDW I always book the category I want for the trip, the problem with the 2BRM suites is that you can't book a certain tower. The two room concierge theme park view is actually a tiny bit less than the two bedroom suite. And now after reading this thread, I am intrigued by the cabana rooms, but also know that is only a request. Are there major differences between the two hotels that I am not seeing in the literature?

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I know exactly what you mean when I go to WDW I always book the category I want for the trip, the problem with the 2BRM suites is that you can't book a certain tower. The two room concierge theme park view is actually a tiny bit less than the two bedroom suite. And now after reading this thread, I am intrigued by the cabana rooms, but also know that is only a request. Are there major differences between the two hotels that I am not seeing in the literature?

Well, the answer to this is very subjective--everyone's tastes and preferences are different. You will find those that love the DLH and hate the PPH, and those that feel the exact opposite.

We've stayed at the DLH and it is lovely--BUT, we just prefer the PPH for several reasons. We like that it is cheaper, has a laid back feel to it, find the rooms to be brighter, the housekeeping (in OUR opinion) is the best of the three resort hotels, the Cast Memebers (in OUR opinion) are more friendly, we love the views we usually get, etc.

If those things are not the most important to you, then stay where you think your needs and expectations will be best met.

Those with children might like the DLH much better--pools, fabulous renovation, it's just so classicly Disney, more kid friendly, etc.

I know it is so hard to decide when you haven't experienced either choice! You probably should just go with your gut instinct, and then next time around, give the other choice a try to see if you like that better--I know, not much of a help, but I find that if I pay attention to that instinct, I'm usually not disappointed.

 

[j2thomason]

Does anyone know if the pool is heated? We are going to arrive Monday (5/27) and it looks like its not going to be very warm, but my daughter really wants to try out the slide at the pool. We are from Alabama and its been 80+ degrees here for a month now.

 

[krispin41]

We've never faxed a room request, just called and done it over the phone--I imagine you could do either, although when checking in, REMIND them (nicely) of your requests. Occassionally, they are overlooked, but REALLY good about fixing(or exceeding) them!

I did this on our last trip, and unfortunately did not get the room we requested. (King size bed.) I had them notate it during the three times I had called before. They did send up another gift basket (I had ordered one for our room) and gave us a fast pass to use anywhere/anytime in the park (except for WOC or RSR.) We still had our park view room though.

 

[j2thomason]

I did this on our last trip, and unfortunately did not get the room we requested. (King size bed.) I had them notate it during the three times I had called before. They did send up another gift basket (I had ordered one for our room) and gave us a fast pass to use anywhere/anytime in the park (except for WOC or RSR.) We still had our park view room though.

Well that makes me sad. I faxed my request a couple of days ago. We check in Monday (Memorial Day). I hoping that a lot of people will be checking out after the long holiday/grad night/ 24 hour Monsterous weekend. But that may also hurt me. I booked a standard room and I'm hoping for an upgrade to a park view. I will update after check in on Monday.

 

[disneydreamer74]

Does anyone know if the pool is heated? We are going to arrive Monday (5/27) and it looks like its not going to be very warm, but my daughter really wants to try out the slide at the pool. We are from Alabama and its been 80+ degrees here for a month now.

Good question! I have been wondering the same thing. It has been in the 90's here in AZ for a few weeks now, and we don't get into the pool unless it is warm weather.

 

[krispin41]

Good question! I have been wondering the same thing. It has been in the 90's here in AZ for a few weeks now, and we don't get into the pool unless it is warm weather.

I don't remember it being heated. But I did spend more time in the hot tub.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

I don't know for sure about the pool being heated, but my son and I swam in it on Nov 15, 2012, and it was fine, so I imagine it is.
For those considering a park view, I say go ahead and book and pay more. We booked one, and stayed on the 14th floor. I typically think of myself as someone who thinks paying extra for a view when you don't spend much time in the park is silly, but man, did I love the PP view. They keep the lights on at PP very late, so the kids, DH, and I would see it every night, even when I stayed up to do FB posts and went to bed well after midnight, closing out a day of magic, and we'd wake up and start the magic over with a view of what we'd like to do first. (We are probably more of a DCA family than a DLR one, so that helped the thrill.)

 

[Haymak]

This may be a silly question but I have never stayed in a hotel long enough to use the pool. But should we bring our own towels for the pool or will they have them at the pool? Thanks

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Does anyone know if the pool is heated? We are going to arrive Monday (5/27) and it looks like its not going to be very warm, but my daughter really wants to try out the slide at the pool. We are from Alabama and its been 80+ degrees here for a month now.

This may be a silly question but I have never stayed in a hotel long enough to use the pool. But should we bring our own towels for the pool or will they have them at the pool? Thanks[/QUOTE}

We stayed at Paradise Pier at the beginning of May and I just checked The Boardwalk Buzz - the Paradise Pier Newsletter of Events you get when you check in. It advises that the pool is heated and that towels are available at the pool. Hope that helps.

 

[Haymak]

Yes, Thank you!

 

[disneydreamer74]

I am thinking about switching my PPH booking from Disney Travel to ORbitz. I would save myself some money. My issue is this: With Premium View..does this guarantee a view of the theme park, or could it possible by a pool view? This will be our first time staying here and we chose this hotel just for the DCA view. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[ashnjam]

I posted my family vacation video form October 2012 mostly my family and stuff. However there is a little video of the one bedroom PPH suite with Park View that might help someone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omnOfrh3z88

 

[j2thomason]

Well that makes me sad. I faxed my request a couple of days ago. We check in Monday (Memorial Day). I hoping that a lot of people will be checking out after the long holiday/grad night/ 24 hour Monsterous weekend. But that may also hurt me. I booked a standard room and I'm hoping for an upgrade to a park view. I will update after check in on Monday.

Originally Posted by krispin41

I did this on our last trip, and unfortunately did not get the room we requested. (King size bed.) I had them notate it during the three times I had called before. They did send up another gift basket (I had ordered one for our room) and gave us a fast pass to use anywhere/anytime in the park (except for WOC or RSR.) We still had our park view room though.


No upgrade for us I'm not feeling the magic yet.

 

[Astylla]

Originally Posted by krispin41

I did this on our last trip, and unfortunately did not get the room we requested. (King size bed.) I had them notate it during the three times I had called before. They did send up another gift basket (I had ordered one for our room) and gave us a fast pass to use anywhere/anytime in the park (except for WOC or RSR.) We still had our park view room though.


No upgrade for us I'm not feeling the magic yet.

Free upgrades like requests are not guranteed. Obviously upgrades can happen and are much more likely during slower/lower capacity times. I always say you should book the room type you really want :standard view , park view , etc rather than depending on an upgrade that may or may not happen.
This is the reason we are booking Concierge Park View to give us the best possibility of a room we will enjoy the most.

While I can understand feeling dissapointed I hope it dosen't affect your trip or future visits too much.

 

[ykmom]

Originally Posted by krispin41

I did this on our last trip, and unfortunately did not get the room we requested. (King size bed.) I had them notate it during the three times I had called before. They did send up another gift basket (I had ordered one for our room) and gave us a fast pass to use anywhere/anytime in the park (except for WOC or RSR.) We still had our park view room though.


No upgrade for us I'm not feeling the magic yet.

When we were staying there we had a park view room and I called to request a king size bed, I was told that there are not parkk view rooms with king size beds.

 

[carisa81]

Do the windows open in this hotel?

I usually stay at the GC. I really enjoy fresh air when staying in hotels. That was the only thing I didn't like while staying at the DLH. I would love to stay at the PPH and get a great theme park view.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Do the windows open in this hotel?

I usually stay at the GC. I really enjoy fresh air when staying in hotels. That was the only thing I didn't like while staying at the DLH. I would love to stay at the PPH and get a great theme park view.

Yes, the windows do open--about four inches!

It's just enough to stick your hand out to feel how hot/cool it is!

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I am thinking about switching my PPH booking from Disney Travel to ORbitz. I would save myself some money. My issue is this: With Premium View..does this guarantee a view of the theme park, or could it possible by a pool view? This will be our first time staying here and we chose this hotel just for the DCA view. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thee are different views with a Premium View--you would need to call the Hotel directly to find out exactly what is offered, and then specify when you book, what you want--a DCA premium view--NOT a pool view!

Sometimes it's just a matter of how high up you want to be.

The last time we were there (a couple of weeks ago), they asked if we wanted a lower or higher floor (we've never been asked that before).

The only request we've NEVER had met, is that of a King bed--however, that hasn't been a big deal for us, as we're fine with two queens.

 

[disneydreamer74]

Thank you Cheshirecatty, I spoke with a rep that assured me that Premium View was a view of the park. As you mentioned, it includes varying floor levels. I asked for an upper floor so we shall see what happens.