PPH during Christmas worth it?

[tink89]

We are traveling with a group of 12 in December . we are currently set to stay at the Marriot anaheim. I have been looking at prices to upgrade to the PPH( DLH or GCH is not in everyone's budget). Would you switch from Marriott to PPH?

We stayed at DLH last December and we loooved it. EMH everyday!! and having downtown disney right there was great too. No one has ever stayed on site except for 3 of us. some have not been back in 10 yrs.

Also I probably would not change anything until around august or until i know what will happen during construction. But if all stays the same would you switch from good neighbor hotel to PPH if price was not a factor?

 

[sherilaine]

If price was not a factor? Well then of course I would switch to have EMH during the busiest time of the year. However, normally it is a factor and that's likely the most expensive time as well.

 

[tarheelalum]

If price is not an issue I would change it just for the early admittance. But the Paradise Pier hotel is not very nice, by Disneyand standards, and quite pricey considering what you get for your money. But if everybody wants to get up early and go to the parks to get some rides in before the masses show up, then it might be worth it.

 

[tink89]

If price was not a factor? Well then of course I would switch to have EMH during the busiest time of the year. However, normally it is a factor and that's likely the most expensive time as well.

Yes this is true. I guess what i am trying to say is if you can easily afford to stay there would it still be worth it. And i do not mean money wise but rather experience wise. I hope i am making sense. Because i know all on site are not worth what you actually pay for them. yet i still paid $$$ to stay at DLH and think that the experience was worth it. and would do it again. When people ask how much i paid i always say way less because i fell like i would be rightly judged.

If price is not an issue I would change it just for the early admittance. But the Paradise Pier hotel is not very nice, by Disneyand standards, and quite pricey considering what you get for your money. But if everybody wants to get up early and go to the parks to get some rides in before the masses show up, then it might be worth it.

This is my dilemma. Some people say the love PPH others like you say it is not what they would expect from Disney given the price. We have stayed at DLH and I guess we have set the expectation too high now. We will for sure do EMH every morning and it would be nice being that close that the kids (16-18 yrs)could go back and forth if needed. Our only interaction with PPH was eating at PCH and while i agree that it does not compare to DLH lobby or pool wise. the rooms do seem bigger and some with a nicer view. The walk to the parks is not an issue for us. It is literally only 2 min further than DLH.

I think our only other option of staying closer is Courtyard Themepark. Hyatt place?, and Sheraton (only like half a block closer).

 

[Whistlebee]

If you are going to do EMH than I think it is worth it. We’ve stayed at PPH many times. The DLH is our favorite of the 3 hotels. PPH is not as nice, not as magical, and the value has gone down for me ever since Disney took away the shortcut through the Grand. HOWEVER, if you are going during one of the busiest times of the year AND you will utilize EMH, then I still think it is worth it. The rooms are large enough for 5 people, bright and cheery and theme park view rooms are really special.

Marriott Courtyard Theme Park is a great choice of you don’t stay at PPH. Large nice rooms, very close walking distance and excellent service.

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Get everyone's heads together and go over the options for staying at the PPI vs offsite like the Marriott. Since the off-site hotels are close, too, some in the group may not be so thrilled at the PPI cost when compared against the lower rates across the street. That difference cuts into dining and souvenir money. Well, unless you're paying for everyone's rooms, then hey! Go for it!

 

[tink89]

Get everyone's heads together and go over the options for staying at the PPI vs offsite like the Marriott. Since the off-site hotels are close, too, some in the group may not be so thrilled at the PPI cost when compared against the lower rates across the street. That difference cuts into dining and souvenir money. Well, unless you're paying for everyone's rooms, then hey! Go for it!

Everyone would love to stay on site, but i know that the additional cost for DLH or GCH would be a no but PPH is something everyone is considering. Most of us do not spend a ton on souvenirs. Usually spend less than $200 on purchases. Food Yes. We already have premium dinner vouchers included for one night. And would be doing a sit down meal at least once through out each day.

I would pay for the additional cost to upgrade not the total trip. We would all still pay a "portion" of it. They will want to know how much extra it would cost and i would not be able to get away with saying it cost the same as Marriott so i would have to give them a number.

Also if i may include that I have earned around $1k (see budget board) in Disney Gift cards/Reward dollars. It was going to go towards dinner for the whole family, but could use it to pay for the upgrades. I try to maximize our vacations the best I can.

 

[tarheelalum]

If you like the Disneyland Hotel you will be disappointed by the PP. Disney bought the Paradise Pier from a corporation in Japan but has never really put the money into it so it would be up to Disneyland standards. I would stay off property at one of the others hotels you mentioned.

 

[tink89]

If you like the Disneyland Hotel you will be disappointed by the PP. Disney bought the Paradise Pier from a corporation in Japan but has never really put the money into it so it would be up to Disneyland standards. I would stay off property at one of the others hotels you mentioned.

I thought the disneyland hotel was great. DD loved the pool. We are going with older teens this time so the pool is not a dig issue but we still need a pool and maybe something for DD10. I think PPH will cover that for us. Honestly just having EMH during those busy times were great. We were able to o everything we wanted and it was easy to go back to the hotel when it got packed and just go to the pool or shop in DTD

Your response is something i have heard before regarding PPH, which is why i am not so quick to just book(that and construction). It for sure has a bit of an older building. What did you find disappointing when comparing the two?

The courtyard theme park seems like a great option too, and I like the Anaheim Marriott too but no EMH everyday . And taking ART/shuttle to go back and forth does take extra effort. I am trying to find updated PPH videos but there are not many from 2018.

 

[Iceman93]

I think the DLH is the least impressive and most disappointing of the 3 DLR hotels. PPH is a noticeable step up in all ways that matter to me (room & furnishings quality, staff service level, room size, concierge lounge offerings, immersive theming). That being said, my family has also enjoyed several stays at the Anaheim Marriott, knowing full well we are not getting a "Disney" experience and that our walk to and from the parks will be a little longer (we're not really crack-of-down, EMH people anyway). I think you'll be happy either way!

 

[l4dyj8]

I love the holiday decor through the hotels and DTD. We stayed once at HoJo during the holidays and the holiday Disney bubble quickly fizzled.

PPH is decorated for the holidays in a beach theme. Santa is also set to appear. Of course it doesn’t compare to GCH. But you still get a tall tree, picture opportunities. And if you care about characters, they make an appearance now and then upon leaving surf’s Up/pch grill

DLH has fun holiday decor. But lacks the giant tree because their lobby can’t accomodate.

We have stayed at all 3 often. But I do like PPH for its predictable and traditional layout. Our very first stays at DLH and GCH were acatually disappointing. Solely based on chance for a standard room. Rooms and location can vary. We had the smallest Frontier bldg room at DLH our first stay. We faced a parking lot and the tiniest closet. (Luggage wouldn’t fit and sat next to the sink) The room was dark. I assume it wasn’t a traditional layout. Small sink area and bath/toilet were across the hall. One window versus along the whole wall. (Our second stay was fantastic and completely different.) The Same happened for GCH. I found it dark and much smaller. But all our other stays have been great.

My point, PPH, the rooms are all the same. And you either face the park or the sunset/pool. Not much of a gamble. The other 2 relies on too many factors. And if it’s not right, it’s a little disappointing.

 

[tink89]

I think the DLH is the least impressive and most disappointing of the 3 DLR hotels. PPH is a noticeable step up in all ways that matter to me (room & furnishings quality, staff service level, room size, concierge lounge offerings, immersive theming). That being said, my family has also enjoyed several stays at the Anaheim Marriott, knowing full well we are not getting a "Disney" experience and that our walk to and from the parks will be a little longer (we're not really crack-of-down, EMH people anyway). I think you'll be happy either way!

I agree that staying at the DLH I do not think it is much different from other hotels other than the light up firework headboard. DD10 obviously loved the teacup seats and the pool but aside from that i think the perks for us really lie in EMH and being closer than other hotels from a like category. For me being in that little Disney bubble and not having to walk or shuttle on the streets was very nice. And of course DD10 excitement from staying on site is priceless.

PPH seems to me a bit outdated yes but very charming with the beach theme and it has the same perks as DLH. Smaller pool, but we are going in December so it should be less busy(pool wise). I do not think i have very high expectations for PPH but I also do not want the rest of the family to be disappointed. PPH is also much much less than DLH or GCH for what i think the same experience.

I love the holiday decor through the hotels and DTD. We stayed once at HoJo during the holidays and the holiday Disney bubble quickly fizzled.

PPH is decorated for the holidays in a beach theme. Santa is also set to appear. Of course it doesn’t compare to GCH. But you still get a tall tree, picture opportunities. And if you care about characters, they make an appearance now and then upon leaving surf’s Up/pch grill

DLH has fun holiday decor. But lacks the giant tree because their lobby can’t accomodate.

We have stayed at all 3 often. But I do like PPH for its predictable and traditional layout. Our very first stays at DLH and GCH were acatually disappointing. Solely based on chance for a standard room. Rooms and location can vary. We had the smallest Frontier bldg room at DLH our first stay. We faced a parking lot and the tiniest closet. (Luggage wouldn’t fit and sat next to the sink) The room was dark. I assume it wasn’t a traditional layout. Small sink area and bath/toilet were across the hall. One window versus along the whole wall. (Our second stay was fantastic and completely different.) The Same happened for GCH. I found it dark and much smaller. But all our other stays have been great.

My point, PPH, the rooms are all the same. And you either face the park or the sunset/pool. Not much of a gamble. The other 2 relies on too many factors. And if it’s not right, it’s a little disappointing.

I really wanted to hear both sides of why some people like it and others do not. your input has really made me push to say yes to upgrade to PPH. I agree about DLH, I would stay there again if the price was right and at xmas time it is just to high to get the same amenities as PPH which is only right next door.

I really have to get my thoughts together and talk with the family and if everyone wants to do EMH then i think it can be worth it to stay on site at PPH.
I will also just have to wait and see what happens when construction on the new hotel starts and how that will impact PPH

 

[sherilaine]

I think it's important to really be honest about whether your group will actually be up in time to fully utlize the EMH. During that time of year park hours will likely be 8AM to midnight. So you'd want to be at the gates by 7AM - which for some people can be a bit of a challenge. I know hauling my family up that early is a task!!

 

[tink89]

I think it's important to really be honest about whether your group will actually be up in time to fully utlize the EMH. During that time of year park hours will likely be 8AM to midnight. So you'd want to be at the gates by 7AM - which for some people can be a bit of a challenge. I know hauling my family up that early is a task!!

We have gone many times for during christmas/NYE the last time being 12/2017. We stayed on site at DLH we were at the gates each morning by 6:45. That was with two girls 6, 9. We were always out of the parks by 2 pm to either go to the pool, eat, shop, or take a nap. We would go back around 5 pm and stay for another 3 or 4 hour. We always plan to see fireworks just once.so there is never a need to stay up until 12 am.

Being there at EMH everyday is very realistic for us. Everyone would rather wake up early and do most rides by noon than wake up late and not be able to do some rides.

 

[goooof1]

Well.....YEAH.... I would definitely upgrade to PPH !!! No, it's not GCH or DLH, but EMH....(and there will be more Disney x-mas atmosphere, too)
Go for it....PPH (.....really don't see a down side given your situation!)

 

[McNs]

I'm a fan of PPH. Sure it's no DLH or GCH but then it isn't as expensive. It has enough Disney for me, plus valet parking and room service, and the daily EMH is well worth a premium any time of the year not just the holiday season.

 

[tink89]

I think i am leaing towards going with PPH. Does anyone have an idea of how PPH or DLH will be impacted with the new hotel. Where will they set up check point? Will we be able to go through GCH again for the mean time?