Tell me about Paradise Pier….. worth it?

[tink3kids]

I quite like PPH - The view of DCA from the upper floors is absolutely amazing.

 

[GatorChris]

The opinion of someone who stayed at PPH one November and then HoJo the next. ....

PPH doesn't get you in the bubble like DLH does, but DLH is waaaayyy more expensive, so that's out of the question for someone concerned about spending too much. PPH felt sorta Disney, but so does the HoJo when you're in the Superior room and have a park view. Both hotels you have to cross a busy street to get to the parks. The difference would be PPH you get to walk either through the Grand Cali or past DLH and through DD. That part is nice. Walking through DD back to your hotel at night is sooooo much better than walking either past all the hotels or pass a rugged bus stop. Both have water features, though PPH is more geared for older kids while HoJo caters to the 10 and under crowd. Neither have free breakfast. HoJo has free parking while PPH makes you pay $17/day. PPH has a character meal while HoJo has a Mimi's next to it - not quite as magical. Elevators are great at HoJo - not so much at PPH.

Bottom line: We're staying at the HoJo again this November....unless our APs can get us pricing at PPH within $40/night (an extra $350 for the trip, $500 with parking added in). Not likely, but at that point, it might be worth it to us. Might be. That's still a lot of money just so I walk through DD on my way home at night.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

wow! Thanks for the honest responses everyone! I DEFINITELY feel that staying on site will be something we will do for a treat at some point (maybe for our tenth wedding anniversary? 2 more years to go! We had our honeymoon in Disneyland 8 years ago and stayed at the hojo). But based on what I am reading, I think in order to really have the special experience I will save my money on this trip and stay at the hojo again, or the Camelot, and splurge in 2 years on the Disneyland hotel… Thanks everyone!

 

[bumbershoot]

Online it stated it was only for certain days. Since we won't be there more than a long we

The package info is for the tickets. Just staying onsite gets you the hotel privileges. Which are beyond the package.

Does anyone know if there is an extra charge for this or if it is included

There is no extra cost. But with such a short stay you must know how it works. Items are delivered to luggage services after a certain time and you pick them up. They are delivered the day after purchase. Because of the time they are available, that cannot be the day of checkout. So if you checkin Friday and then check out on sunday, you would have to do all the shopping on Friday to have it available on Saturday.

Everyone, however, can have purchases delivered to the front of the park they are in, rather than carrying them around all day. For a short stay that can be a better option.

The only reason would be for EMH and if you got a premium view room into DCA. It really isn't a Disney experience from what I've read, it is pretty far away from the park entrances, and for that kind of cost, I think it a waste.

That's your opinion from reading. But some of us here are telling you that we have different opinions based on staying there.

$800 is still a lot, but it's a really good hotel that makes many of us quite happy.

 

[whoever]

That's your opinion from reading. But some of us here are telling you that we have different opinions based on staying there.

$800 is still a lot, but it's a really good hotel that makes many of us quite happy.

You are right, I've only stayed at the Grand and very much think it worth it. Trying out the DLH on the next trip though. PP isn't even on the radar for us yet though.

 

[lovebug33]

For me, it wouldn't be worth it. That is 1200 dollars more than what you were looking at originally (if you add in the flight). My entire trip to Disneyland for 4 days is only 1400 dollars. That is 5 nights at the Carousel Inn and 4 day park hoppers for two adults. Add in about 100 bucks for gas. It isn't worth it for me just to stay on site.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

Oh man! $1400? I wish! To fly, for us, and stay off site, with 2 adult 4 day park hoppers and a child PH we are looking at around $3000 at least. Factor in meals and stuff (because our trips only happen every few years and we like to make the most of them) we are looking at at least $4000 or more. But so worth it When my husband and I didn't have kids we used to drive the 2400 miles (12+ hours of driving/day) and camp and it was much more affordable.

 

[pindecisive]

So if you checkin Friday and then check out on sunday

Good to know, thank you! All the shopping Friday it is!

For me, it wouldn't be worth it. That is 1200 dollars more than what you were looking at originally

I made the mistake years ago of pricing the trip without looking at the package option. Paying for tickets and hotel separately really jacked up the cost - so I ended up staying offsite.

The only reason would be for EMH and if you got a premium view room into DCA. It really isn't a Disney experience from what I've read, it is pretty far away from the park entrances, and for that kind of cost, I think it a waste.

The Grand Californian was quoted almost $200 more per room per night than PPH. I've heard a lot of positives about both hotels, but to me? Paying $200 dollars per night more isn't justifiable (a waste) unless it's my wedding or anniversary.