Staying on Site VS. Good neighbor

[Disney Lvr of Old]

Hi! I just priced the big three with my military discount- DLH $314/n PPH $247/n and GCH $332/n with the last few nights a bit cheaper. For the 8 days I will be at DL the cheapest option is PPH at $2196 (tax included)

For $1000 less I can stay at the Del Sol or the Castle Inn.

I can't decide if I should bite the bullet and stay on site. We did the last time and the only thing I really remember was what MURDER the walk back to PPH was at the end of the night. LOL

But... my son is 3 years older and I will not have to push a stroller this time.

I could swing the cost but I just can't wrap my mind around whether or not it's worth it.

This is eating at me- I need to finalize this detail so I can forget about it.

Help!!

 

[LizzyS]

This kind of decision can only be made by you. Even with your discount, that's a high rate for a hotel. I enjoyed the stay we had at PPH for our 5th anniversary, but it hurt to pay that bill when I got home, lol.

If you are going to spend a fair amount of time at the hotel, it might be worth it to you. If you're the kind of people who spend most of your time doing the parks, I'd stay off site and use that money for something else.

 

[sherilaine]

We went through the same thought process our last trip - staying 8 nights at PPH or staying in the Kids Suites at Hojo. For us it came down to more than price - the room we'd get at the Hojo was bigger and better suited for us than a double queen standard room at the PPH. We like the bunks, the two bathrooms etc. So it wasn't just price, it was pay more for less and then add on about 40% more because we are coming from Canada with a crappy dollar.

If I were you - and you are looking at staying in the same type of room off site vs. on site and you are fine with paying the additional money - then it sounds like you might be wanting to do that but just aren't that happy with the price.

We buy things all the time that we love and think are worth what we pay for them - we don't always look for a cheaper alternative unless we either can't afford the one we want or there is something better about the one that is cheaper. There are many off site options for DLR but there are only 3 onsite ones and the price is what it is!

My only suggestion would be - are you going to be able to be in line, ready to take FULL advantage of the EMH - that would be the deciding factor - because if not, then it's not worth it to me - not the PPH which is really nothing more than a standard hotel with a Disney logo.

 

[lalasmama]

I've always hoped that the military discounts will be amazing for the room I want when I want, but unfortunately, it's never worked out for me. Not complaining at all--heck, the Salute tickets are amazing!--just wish they had an occasion discount on a basic room. So, because I just can't justify those kind of prices, I stay offsite.

What is your top criteria--luxury? Pool? Closed corridors? Comfort? Low price? That will help narrow things down a lot.

The "Good Neighbor" designation doesn't really mean a lot. Essentially, it means that they gave Disney a certain fee, and an agreement that Disney may sell some of their rooms on their website, and that they may sell Disneyland entrance media in the lobby. It doesn't mean there's a quality level that is met.

There are several motels on Harbor that are actually closer to the main gates than any of the Disney-owned hotels. Park Vue is the absolute closest; Best Western Park Place Inn is right next door to Park Vue, and only a few feet farther. From there, there is the Tropicana and Desert Inn and Suites.

Park Vue is my family's first choice. It generally runs about $150-200/night when you call them and ask for a military discount. Beds are comfortable, showers are hot, the walk is short at the end of the day. Seriously, I whined when I had a second-story room, LOL, because I'd become so spoiled! They have great customer service as well. And a hot breakfast.

Next door south to Park Vue is Desert Inn. I'm not a fan. I had some bad customer service after cancelling late (my father in law died 2 days before check-in, and I neglected to call them 2 days ahead of time to cancel). Their beds aren't comfy. Oh, and I ended up with a nice case of folliculitis from the hot tub. But, the prices are hard to beat ($70/night when booked really early).

On the north side of Park Vue is Best Western Park Place Inn. I've never stayed there, but it's a favorite here on the DIS.

North of Best Western Park Place Inn is Tropicana. It's a nice, basic motel. I felt like my room was a bit dark, but it was clean and comfortable, and still felt like a very short walk at the end of a very long day. I think I paid $127/night (military rate) in December. It's our "go to" place when we need to save a few dollars.

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

My only suggestion would be - are you going to be able to be in line, ready to take FULL advantage of the EMH - that would be the deciding factor - because if not, then it's not worth it to me - not the PPH which is really nothing more than a standard hotel with a Disney logo.

Good points- we are coming from the east Coast so EMH would be a definite. And you are so right about PPH; I was really hoping GCH would be more affordable because that would have decided me.

I wish I had decided on this later- then I wouldn't have 4 months to worry about it!

 

[Nevada Jen]

it depends if you will use multiple extra magic hours. If you will, then I would go for the DLH for those rates. (Actually, I would go with PPH but that is only because I have such a bad sense of direction that the single tower is always the closest for me when I factor in the wandering around lost trying to find my room time.).

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

I've always hoped that the military discounts will be amazing for the room I want when I want, but unfortunately, it's never worked out for me. Not complaining at all--heck, the Salute tickets are amazing!--just wish they had an occasion discount on a basic room. So, because I just can't justify those kind of prices, I stay offsite.

What is your top criteria--luxury? Pool? Closed corridors? Comfort? Low price? That will help narrow things down a lot.

Pool for my son would be the top choice. I like the idea of room service and I loved the café at the PPH too.

I am currently holding reservations at the Del Sol inn and Castle Inn. Both about $118/n with the military discount. If I'm going to pay $200 for a room (Park Place Inn or HoJo) then I would just stay at PPH.

I agree that no matter what the military discount is amazing with just the salute tickets. I plan on utilizing 3 sets of 2 for our 9 days there.

 

[bumbershoot]

The across-the-street places on Harbor are closer than any onsite hotel unless you start and end your day on Grizzly AND your room is *right there* in the Grand.

Otherwise...

We did the last time and the only thing I really remember was what MURDER the walk back to PPH was at the end of the night. LOL

Perception is a funny thing. Also, were you going all the way up to DLH and turning left? If so, you were taking the long route. That's what we did on our first time to PPH. When we moved to HoJo we were so happy because it felt so much shorter to walk!

Now I realize the walk is nothing.

Be sure you're going through the Grand, then you just go outside, walk across the street, and to your room!

Use the glass elevator in the middle of the lobby area when going up to your room; it's generally a LOT quicker b/c no one realizes what it is OR they are scared of the glass part.

I was really hoping GCH would be more affordable because that would have decided me.

Our room at the Grand was literally as far away from the center of the esplanade as it would have been to walk from the sidewalk outside HoJo. By the time DH and DS got from Grizzly to our room DS was turning slightly blue with cold from the air conditioning and was shivering like crazy.

Just because the building is right there doesn't mean your room is; alas they frown on setting up zip lines!

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

The across-the-street places on Harbor are closer than any onsite hotel unless you start and end your day on Grizzly AND your room is *right there* in the Grand.

Otherwise...

Now I realize the walk is nothing.

Be sure you're going through the Grand, then you just go outside, walk across the street, and to your room!

Use the glass elevator in the middle of the lobby area when going up to your room; it's generally a LOT quicker b/c no one realizes what it is OR they are scared of the glass part.

Our room at the Grand was literally as far away from the center of the esplanade as it would have been to walk from the sidewalk outside HoJo. By the time DH and DS got from Grizzly to our room DS was turning slightly blue with cold from the air conditioning and was shivering like crazy.

Just because the building is right there doesn't mean your room is; alas they frown on setting up zip lines!

I did know about cutting through GCH thanks to the DIS. and zip lines would be amazing!!! Thanks for the insight. I should stick with the cheaper option.

 

[SuperNinja]

I just got back from Disneyland. Like you I was contemplating too, but at the end I went with the Park Vue Inn.
Park Vue Inn is considered more expensive than others because of its location (right across the entrance to Disneyland).
I have to say we made the right choice. However, Park Vue Inn isn't really a hotel, it's like a motel set up. The wall is thin, and can get noisy.
But we just love it due to its proximity to Disneyland.

 

[thatgrljme]

Personally I like staying in the Disney bubble. On my first trip back in 20 years with my own child, we stayed on site at PPH and it was great. We loved the EMH as we're from Texas and were up early anyway, and we stayed concierge so when my son napped, my dad went down and had a beer.

We've also stayed at DLH, which we loved for different reasons, but that walk back is serious murder once you've been on your feet all day. It is so magical though and all of the little details really make it wonderful. We got that room with the Dapper Day discount, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to stay there.

 

[LizzyS]

I'm going to be serious here for a second. My husband and I got LOST in the GCH trying to cut through it. We came out some weird side door and had to awkwardly make our way back out towards PPH (we were staying there during this trip).

 

[GatorChris]

Do yourself a favor and don't stay at Paradise Pier. It's just not worth the price...even at the low price you're getting. You can stay at HoJo with a cool water park for your son and it'll cost approx $50 less a night - and that's if you get a Superior room with a view of the parks (which is cool). Plus the walk is about the same as to PPH.

But let me say this: the price you can get for Grand Cali is a really good price. If I could get that price, I'd probably stay there if I had the extra dough at the time. If you're looking for total value, that's the route. If money is a big concern, head to a Harbor Blvd hotel.

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

I think I have decided to go with PPH for 5 days and GCH for 3. I can't do GCH the whole time but the last three days the rate is 288/n and I don't think I will ever find a cheaper rate than that. And I've always wanted to stay there. I've weighed the pros and cons- I like EMH and the bubble. It's a once every few years trip so it makes sense to go big.

Thanks for your comments everyone!!

Phew.... so glad this is off my decision plate.

 

[Catvondita]

All the Disney Hotels seem crazy expensive to me. Ultimately it's up to you but keep in mind there are a lot of Good Neighbor hotels that are only a few minutes walk away from Disneyland. My fiancé and I will be staying at Best Western Anaheim Inn and its supposed to be about a 5 minute walk to the entrance. Its only about 5 doors down and across the street from the entrance and I believe we are paying $169 a night. Good Luck!

 

[goooof1]

I think I have decided to go with PPH for 5 days and GCH for 3. I can't do GCH the whole time but the last three days the rate is 288/n and I don't think I will ever find a cheaper rate than that. And I've always wanted to stay there. I've weighed the pros and cons- I like EMH and the bubble. It's a once every few years trip so it makes sense to go big.

Thanks for your comments everyone!!

Phew.... so glad this is off my decision plate.

Sounds like a great plan!! You will love the GCH and what a good way to end your trip! ENJOY!!

 

[avalon451]

We're staying at Desert Inn in September, practically at the crosswalk, for $99 a night. My stay there last year was comfy, quiet and they were very nice, service-wise. The best part was how close it was. Certainly closer than when we stayed at GCH, the first time. We really loved GCH, but I just can't stomach the price.

 

[northshoremama]

we've been to DL almost every year since 2008 and have always stayed offsite (tropicana or camelot). for our upcoming trip in september, i was looking into park vue inn because of all the great reviews here and on tripadvisor. in the end, i ended up booking a package through costco travel and we are staying onsite for the very first time (GHC). i'm pretty excited about it and can't wait to take advantage of EMH on Wed and Fri when we are there!

we have 4-day park hopper tickets...arriving before lunch on tuesday. the plan is to go into the park tues/wed (EMH)/thurs (MM)/fri (EMH)...and do a pool day on saturday before heading to the airport around 3pm.

it'll be interesting to see if we decide to stay offsite during our next trip..but like you said, i think it's doable every few years...

have a wonderful time!

 

[tdhickey]

8 days, I'd probably go with the PPH. That's a lot of pool time, EMH, and so on and worth the extra $1000 in my opinion.

 

[wench]

So, if you decide to stay on property, & pools are important for your son, DLH is the way too go. The monorail pool is great & they have 3 different waterslides, so there is one for every age. Then again, if you ever want to stay GCH, doing it on a military discount is the way to go. Paying full price there is hard to justify, but on discount, absolutely!