Reconsidering DLH for Feb 2019 without new hotel construction...

[VTHappyGirl]

I am visiting in mid February 2019 for a 4 night/3 day visit...first time to DLR but WDW vet.

I have booked a very convenient place on Harbor Blvd mostly because the upcoming construction around DLH/downtown area sounded like a pain. Doesn't hurt the price is much, much cheaper too.

Not sure what shape the area will be in during February but reconsidering DLH to stay 'in the bubble'. Is the theming and hotel experience that significant to overcome the shorter walk and no construction leftovers to switch over to DLH?

 

[tenneycjt]

definatelygfo for the disneyland hotel the magic is great and if u take the monorail it cuts down on the walking alot, he headboards light up, there are great historical photos in the lobby, food is good all around, I prefer the grand for its proximity to the park but disneyland hotel is a close second

 

[azdisneylover]

I would stay at the DLH over anything on Harbor Blvd. Getting early entry every day into the parks make a world of difference to me and dh. Our teenagers, on the other hand, sometimes sleep in and meet up with us! The stroll in DTD is nice. Wish they would hurry up and fill in the places they forced to close earlier in the year. What ever you decide, have a great time.

 

[GeneralTso]

Staying on property makes a HUGE difference to us. Literally not walking down city streets and losing all the "magic" inside the bubble. The other hotels try real hard with the theming, but nothing compares to an on property hotel. We've stayed at both, and onsite is far superior in our opinion. We aren't just sleep and shower in the hotel folks though. We like to hang out, linger, enjoy the lobby.

 

[lalasmama]

I am visiting in mid February 2019 for a 4 night/3 day visit...first time to DLR but WDW vet.

I have booked a very convenient place on Harbor Blvd mostly because the upcoming construction around DLH/downtown area sounded like a pain. Doesn't hurt the price is much, much cheaper too.

Not sure what shape the area will be in during February but reconsidering DLH to stay 'in the bubble'. Is the theming and hotel experience that significant to overcome the shorter walk and no construction leftovers to switch over to DLH?

WDW'ers think/talk a lot about the Disney Bubble, but many DL'ers agree that the Disney bubble isn't as obvious at DLR as it is at WDW. DLR is in the middle of an actual city, and the closest motel/hotels aren't on Disney property. DLR also doesn't have the value/moderate/luxury levels of on-site accommodations. Unless you're staying at GCH, you'll have to walk the length of DTD, which may be in any state of disarray due to the closing and reopening of the closed businesses on that side of DTD.

Here's my thoughts... For my family, we stay across the street on Harbor. Are they as high class as on-site? Of course not. Are they as pretty? Nope. Do they require you to cross the street off of Disney property? Yup. May you see the man in the wheelchair playing Disney song on the sax at the corner? Yup; every trip the last many, many years. Are those things worth the price difference for you? I can't answer that.

 

[smartlabelprint]

WDW'ers think/talk a lot about the Disney Bubble, but many DL'ers agree that the Disney bubble isn't as obvious at DLR as it is at WDW. DLR is in the middle of an actual city, and the closest motel/hotels aren't on Disney property. DLR also doesn't have the value/moderate/luxury levels of on-site accommodations. Unless you're staying at GCH, you'll have to walk the length of DTD, which may be in any state of disarray due to the closing and reopening of the closed businesses on that side of DTD.

Here's my thoughts... For my family, we stay across the street on Harbor. Are they as high class as on-site? Of course not. Are they as pretty? Nope. Do they require you to cross the street off of Disney property? Yup. May you see the man in the wheelchair playing Disney song on the sax at the corner? Yup; every trip the last many, many years. Are those things worth the price difference for you? I can't answer that.

Agree. It’s not worth it for us.

OP is this your only planned trip to DLR? That would make a difference in my mind.

 

[MacMama0930]

OP, the DLH is very special. Who is in your traveling group? That would make a difference for me. I’ve stayed off site and at all 3 on site hotels multiple times. We love the GCH for its proximity to the parks but we love the DLH for its charm, it’s theming, it’s pools. I mean...light up headboards? Sounds cheesy but they’re anything but! The rooms are also decent size.

If you have anything less than a 16 yr old traveling with you, DO IT! Book the DLH. The walk through DTD can feel long after a day in the parks, but the people watching and scenery make it totally bearable! Much better than crossing the street and seeing people pan handle.

That’s my two cents.

I think that end of DTD will be just fine in Feb. I think it’s coming up too quickly to have any drastic plans in the works by then.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

DTD will probably be in better shape in Feb. than it is now. By Feb., Black Tap Burgers and Ballast Point Brewery should be open, Wetzel's Pretzels will be open (should reopen in a week or two), and there may be some decision on what to do with the western end (although, I'll take EOS, the food trucks, and the bands for now).
OP, how important is "the bubble" to you and your trips? How important is the savings and what would you do with the money? We've stayed on site and really enjoyed it. When the kids were little, that worked better. And we've stayed off site and really enjoyed it (and really enjoyed spending the savings on extras in the parks). For the way our trips are structured right now, off site works better. And we spend the savings on luxury perks like dining packages for shows, tours, very nice TS meals, collectible souvenirs, etc. My parents are getting less mobile, so I can see a time soon when moving back on site may work better for us; but for now, off site at our favorite hotels works just fine. There is no right or wrong, only what will work better for you and your group.

 

[VTHappyGirl]

Thanks for all the input.....

I am traveling with my 9yo son and we are in town on a flight layover from east coast so I added a few days for this surprise DLR visit.

I am sure we will be back to DLR ...probably a Halloween visit in another year or two. We really like the history of DLR so that is tugging at me to try and switch on-site if the construction is now not an issue.

My primary concern was really the construction mess/hassle...we can walk the distance although tired feet go more slowly but that is not a big deal.

I also now see that rooms at GCH are in the same range as some of the rooms at DLH so depending on room type GCH seems like an option too.

Overall I just don't want to feel like we missed out on any DLR experience peering thru the windows of the best western across the street.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... My primary concern was really the construction mess/hassle...we can walk the distance although tired feet go more slowly but that is not a big deal.

I also now see that rooms at GCH are in the same range as some of the rooms at DLH so depending on room type GCH seems like an option too...

Be careful about room location at the GCH. Some of the rooms at the back are farther away from the gates than rooms across the street at the closest off site hotels! (And at the end of a long, long day, you'll feel every step as you drag yourself to the very, very back of the GCH... BTDT!) We don't feel like we miss out on any DLR experience by staying off site. But, like I said above, we spend the money saved on special experiences in the parks so the trips feel really special no matter which hotel we choose. If you decide to stick with off site, look into booking some dining packages (F! is really fun and WOC might be back by then) and other fun things to make some great memories with your son.
And if you haven't already seen this classic thread, look through it for good information (most of which is up to date): A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

 

[DizMe]

I'm one of those for whom the hotel is a huge part of the experience. I always stay on site if I can. Which Harbor motel did you book? I've stayed in almost all of them and they are decent places when your focus is either to use the money you would have spent on site for something in the parks, or because your budget doesn't allow for it, or just because it isn't important enough to you to spend the extra for it. But it isn't the same. It's a great idea when you need a suite or more than one room due to cost, though. Those Harbor hotels that offer free breakfast aren't any better than those that don't, IMO, because I find that food inedible. The one hotel I have not stayed in is the Courtyard Marriott, but the cost is so high it's not that much less than staying on site so I don't really consider it.

I do, indeed, find a 'bubble' when I stay on site; you never really leave the Disney atmosphere. You don't deal with traffic and peddlers etc. There is a magical feel for me. It all comes down to what kind of person you are (is the hotel just a place to sleep and shower?) and how much it's worth to you and whether or not that cost is an issue. For me, it's worth it because I love how it feels special, love exploring the hotel and having dining and amenity options right there.

 

[Whistlebee]

If money isn’t an issue, I’d stay on-site. We love staying on-site but we have also had many great trips staying off-site. The Grand is amazing for location and the DLH is classic Disney. Your 9 year old would love the pools and slides at the DLH but since your visit is in February I’m not sure it’ll be warm enough to use them. If you are both early-risers and will be able to use early entry each day that is a nice perk.
If money is an issue, I’d book a hotel on Harbor. You will still have an amazing time. I like to stay on-site during busier times to take advantage of the early entry or on longer trips when we’ll be able to enjoy the hotel more. If I know we’ll be spending all of our time in the parks then I’ll often pick an off-site hotel. Hope that helps some.

 

[MaggieDerm]

We just recently stayed at the DLH for the first time and I have to say it was totally worth it for us. We typically stay on Harbor which is fine but staying at the Disneyland Hotel was just perfect. The pool is great and the water slide is even better! Watching the fireworks from our window was a special treat. Maybe consider a split stay where you can enjoy the DLH for at least part of your stay.

 

[MrsD.Duck]

We started off property many moons ago and worked our way up to the grand californian, stayed paradise pier once, it was just ok to us. One trip just the husband and I stayed off property and hated waiting for the shuttle to go back and forth. For our trip this summer the hubby and I are back at the grand there is nothing like walking thru downtown disney first thing in the morning. If it's duable stay on site.

 

[ExcitedMama]

There’s not much of a bubble on site. You have to walk through DTD to get to the parks. Will you be up super early and ready to use the early entry perks of staying on site? I’ve stayed at DLH and it was great, headboards are fun, but it isn’t exactly super themed or that special, unless I get another great rate we will stay off site. The cost is not worth it to us. Lately my kids are enjoying staying at the park until close which means no one is in a big hurry to get up in the morning which also diminishes the advantage of staying on site to get in early. Crowds have been so heavy the early morning perk hasn’t been what it used to be either. We have fun visiting DTD and checking out the GCH lobby during holidays and DLH for Goofy’s without the crazy price tag of staying on site.

 

[VTHappyGirl]

Update -- new 25% off promotion started today so easier choice ....did DLH and maybe then Harbour road for the next visit!

Thx for the input....

 

[tink89]

DLH is definitely worth it to us. We were on site for the first time in December. Being able to walk through DtD is much better in my opinion than walking on harbor. I actually enjoy walking in DtD to the park and back. It does feel like a bubble to us. If I need something I can go the one of the hotel shops. We can go and change for dinner or DH can take DD to swim while I shop. We were there during one of the busiest times and trust me EMH was a big perk.

If i am staying off site it is at the Hilton or Marriott which is either 15 min walk or a 15 min go down stairs and wait for the shuttle. Plus then having to wait at the harbor security lines for another 5-15 minutes depending on how busy. DD much prefers DLH and their pool and being able to sleep in another 45 minutes.

As far as construction everything has stopped for now. Can't say what will be going on in February. Disney is great about covering up and bringing up walls where constructions is at.

 

[StarlitNight05]

DLH is definitely worth it to us. We were on site for the first time in December. Being able to walk through DtD is much better in my opinion than walking on harbor. I actually enjoy walking in DtD to the park and back. It does feel like a bubble to us. If I need something I can go the one of the hotel shops. We can go and change for dinner or DH can take DD to swim while I shop. We were there during one of the busiest times and trust me EMH was a big perk.

If i am staying off site it is at the Hilton or Marriott which is either 15 min walk or a 15 min go down stairs and wait for the shuttle. Plus then having to wait at the harbor security lines for another 5-15 minutes depending on how busy. DD much prefers DLH and their pool and being able to sleep in another 45 minutes.

As far as construction everything has stopped for now. Can't say what will be going on in February. Disney is great about covering up and bringing up walls where constructions is at.

Agreed 100%. Walking through DtD on the way to the parks feels more like a vacation than walking down Harbor. While offsite is great for value, I just don't enjoy seeing the panhandlers in certain areas and waiting in the (usually) long Harbor lines. It takes away a bit of the magic for me. We usually stay at GCH, but are trying out DLH for the first time in a few weeks. I can't wait! The hotel seems very charming with loads of Disney history.