PP, GC or Res Inn or Doubletree-- Single Mom

[esk]

OK, WDW vet taking 2 kids (8 and 5) to DL for first time while DH is deployed.

My dilemma:

we fly in early on a Thursday and will have 2 days. Fly out around noon on Saturday which I believe will mean a 9 am pick up at the hotel.

Total package with everything (airfare, transfers, Ariel meal, hotel, 2 day PH tickets) is $1874 for PP and $2005 for GC.

Otherwise, for Residence Inn, it would be $1660 and $1700 for Doubletree.

So here is where I'm stuck:

Res Inn and Doubletree offer free breakfast. We need breakfast, although not a big egg/bacon/biscuit deal, but breakfast. Could bring little cereal boxes I guess, but we need more than a granola bar.

PP and GC are on site, and I read a post about panhandlers and homeless on the walk back to Doubletree and Res Inn. Don't want to deal with that with 2 kids by myself; while DD will hold my hand, DS tends to get distracted and look at stuff, I would feel safer going through Downtown Disney.

But is $200 or $400 extra dollars, plus cost/having to find breakfast, worth not having to see panhandlers? Ack!

DD5 still sort of believes the Princesses are real, and will it completely ruin it for her if she sees a Denny's, Taco Bell and then Disneyland? Should I sheild her from it?

I need help, please help me decide!

 

[Dobie]

If you can afford GCH, go for it. You don't have a lot of time. GCH is right in the middle of everything and is simply lovely. You can grab something at La Brea bakery on the way to the park.

 

[DisneyWithTot]

I'd also stay at GCH if I were by myself with my daughter. You can bring little cereal boxes and some bananas and buy milk at WWS. We bought milk and bananas there (you can also buy cereal boxes too) for DD4 and got muffins from La Brea and Blue Ribbon Bakery on different days (the evenings before). Yeah it's a little expensive for milk and bananas but they're healthy and a lot cheaper than buying a full breakfast.

 

[Judy from Boise]

for the difference in price, I think GC is the way to go! You will not regret it.

 

[jenpace]

I think your concerns about staying offsite while you're alone with your kids are valid. If it were me...hey wait, it is me since I'm here now with my two dd's 11 and 7. Anyway, check out the price to upgrade the PPH to the concierge level. You have access to the lounge all day and can easily have a nice breakfast, snacks, drinks and other food throughout the day. It's been a perfect fit for our family. No worries about bringing or buying snacks and waters for your whole trip.

 

[debdreamsofdis]

If I were going by myself with kids, I would definately stick to on property. I would suggest PPH. GCH is nice, but with a $200 price difference, you an take that money and use it for 2 nice character breakfasts .

 

[skiingfast]

I also read about the panhandlers. I've never seen them myself and had never heard that before. I never seen police for that matter trying to remove that element like in Vegas. All in all I'm not sure I believe it. Harbor is a long street and I'm sure it could be true but in the resort area? I don't know.

 

[jenpace]

I also read about the panhandlers. I've never seen them myself and had never heard that before. I never seen police for that matter trying to remove that element like in Vegas. All in all I'm not sure I believe it. Harbor is a long street and I'm sure it could be true but in the resort area? I don't know.

Believe it. We're from Santa Cruz where there are lots of homeless people so I guess we're used to that element and it's definitely a factor on Harbor Blvd. It's why we'll never stay at the HoJo again in spite of it being a wonderful hotel. Harbor at night = creepy.

 

[Somegirl]

Believe it. We're from Santa Cruz where there are lots of homeless people so I guess we're used to that element and it's definitely a factor on Harbor Blvd. It's why we'll never stay at the HoJo again in spite of it being a wonderful hotel. Harbor at night = creepy.

I'm from the Santa Cruz area too and now I'm concerned about the homeless on Harbor. We'll be at the Doubletree Guest Suites, are the homeless an issue on that section of Harbor? I'm planning on taking ART at night but figured my DD and I might walk once or twice during the day. We've always stayed at the DLH or Candy Cane so we've never had an issue before.

Anyway back to the OP: for the price I would stay at GC for sure, that sounds like a great deal. You could pick up breakfast in Downtown Disney or do cereal in the room. I think you'll feel very comfortable there with your DDs.

 

[esk]

OP here --

I booked it, at PPH.

After I had them take off the insurance, it came down to even less of a difference.

I priced it with Expedia at the other hotels and I forgot....they don't add tax, so it came down to about $140 difference for the PPH. And as debdreamofdis said, $200 will pay for my parking at home airport and some snacks, so I'm not going with GCH.

Thanks everyone for the advice!! I probably knew all along, but it is nice to have a sounding board.

Now I have to do some research and figure out where La Brea Bakery is. A big muffin seems like a good idea for my kids, with an apple or banana from home!

 

[Somegirl]

OP here --

I booked it, at PPH.

After I had them take off the insurance, it came down to even less of a difference.

I priced it with Expedia at the other hotels and I forgot....they don't add tax, so it came down to about $140 difference for the PPH. And as debdreamofdis said, $200 will pay for my parking at home airport and some snacks, so I'm not going with GCH.

Thanks everyone for the advice!! I probably knew all along, but it is nice to have a sounding board.

Now I have to do some research and figure out where La Brea Bakery is. A big muffin seems like a good idea for my kids, with an apple or banana from home!

Sounds like a great deal! Have fun!
I think La Brea is right at the entrance to Downtown Disney if you're coming from DL. It's been awhile, but that's what I remember.

 

[spacemermaid]

Sounds like you'll have a fabulous trip!

La Brea Bakery is in DTD, near to the esplanade area that connects DTD, Disneyland, and California Adventure

 

[tholczer]

You can't go wrong with LaBrea. We eat there at all times of the day. Their breads are especially fabulous. And it's right there next to security, so it's close to the parks. If you want a splurge, try the Sugar Bun.

Now I can't wait for our trip!

Tracy

 

[jodeja]

For what it's worth, I've gone to DL twice with my 2 young boys by myself. In 2007 we stayed at Residence Inn and last year stayed at HOJO. We always used ART to get back to the hotel at night and I felt very safe, even though I tend to be somewhat on the paranoid side when going places alone with the kids.
I am hoping we can splurge this year and stay at DLH. IF Oregon ever gives me my tax refund!

 

[specialks]

As another breakfast option, check out Jamba Juice. They had some yummy breakfast wraps when we were there last Sept. You get a deal on one if you buy a jamba juice. Perfect way to start your day!

 

[DisneyLovin]

I've seen people asking for money but they weren't pushy or anything. I wouldn't worry about your safety too much cause Disney area is full of people at all times of day and night. I'm surprised they don't get asked to stop by the cops or something though.

 

[NancyHawaii]

I have reservations at both.

Which one would you recommend? I'm bringing 3 kids (1 a teenager).

Thanks, Nancy