The Pools at the Disneyland Hotel

[LisainCalifornia]

So we just got back from a stay at the Disneyland Hotel.There are no pools available at ALL there right now. We stayed in the Wishes Tower (AKA Bonita), and you can't enter through the middle of the resort at all. We had to walk all the way around to a tiny entrance around the back of the hotel (near parking lot) and had to wait in a long line to get on the elevator. When we got up to our room, the view is as bad as you can imagine with earth movers, backhoes, and various guys in hard hats can be. It is also VERY noisy. Even through double thick glass, it woke us up this morning at 7:00 am. It goes on all day long, and doesn't stop till these guys go home.

It is inconvienent, and not a resort experience at this point. I will post pictures and video soon. I am confident once they are done, it will be a great place to stay once again.

We love the Disneyland Hotel and have stayed there many times so it was "okay" (and I use that term loosely!) for us to live with the hotel like this, but I felt sorry for the families who have never been there and this is a once in a lifetime trip.

 

[emacat]

Sounds like a mess, and I have to say I would be irritated to have paid that much extra to stay at the DLH, having to walk around to other entrances and having no pool without walking to one of the other locations. I'm sorry to hear you're having to deal with that.

We're planning our first DLH (not hojo) stay in Dec, and hopefully it will all be done then.

 

[jlwhitney]

Hmm..makes me wonder if I should try to switch to Paradise Pier. We are staying for 4 nights in mid May. I do not care about the pool, but wonder if the construction will get in the way. Plus, I could not book a renovated room through DVC (they arent allowed to) so I have to have a non renovated room (unless we get lucky when we check in)

Does anyone know how many rooms are left to renovate and when they are suppose to be done?

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Here was our "view":
http://img850.imageshack.us/i/disneylandhotelconstruc.jpg/

and here is a video I took from the room:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqq6rcssH9Q

 

[newmouse82]

kind of freaked out now, we leave for our trip on the 13th staying at the DLH. This is our first trip and our DS still needs midday naps. I don't care about the pools but I will be really mad if our first trip is ruined from the extra walk and noise. What kind of room did you have?

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Were you in the tower that has registration for now? I am confused as I was told that they are almost done with second tower, that ours is not even started yet ( one room is done), that the tower with the out side elevator is complete. When I look at your picture it appears you are staying in tower with registration as with the dark windows the one to the right looks finished and one across is half done?

Did you ask desk manager what was happening? Did they offer to change your room our even your reservation to another hotel? Was no compensation asked for?

I know one pool area has been open up until this report. I wonder if even with great planning the massive rains set construction back a bit. You should have been offered pool privledges at both of other pool areas. ( I know this was done when GC had pool construction.)

I have planned our trip for near a year now to only find out pirates was having a Convention-- ok premier. That rides were down that sere suppose to be done or not started until after our trip. I like to make informed plans but for some reason Disney is not proud of the plans they have made as they never share information till I think they know ppl have plans made.

It would cost me a small fortune to change our air service. Son-in-law took off a week of work. And grand kids are to excited about spending birthdays at disneyland ( 4-13 new 7 year old and his sister 4.21 soon to be 4 princess.

This is so not fair to the average traveler. ME.

The wood walls up all over Disneyland is going to leave a strange memory in the kids memories.

One good thing is Grand son would be in heaven if we got a construction site view. He does not want to be a fireman nor a police man-- he wants to drive an excavator and have a dump truck, his dream since he was 3 or so.

Anyway cannt think of anymore questions or thoughts for now. But do contact DLH even after you got home. IMHO they need to make this right. Suffering like you did while on vacation is not fair and losing sleep re: construction is not acceptable at all.


Patty

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Hi Patty,
We just got home today, a few hours ago--so I haven't really had time to do much of anything except laundry!

We stayed in the Wonder Tower (not the Magic Tower with the registration). We had a remodeled room, but just overlooked all of the massive pool construction. The reason we had to walk around the to the back of the Wonder Tower is that they are remodeling the "lobby" of that particular tower. The walk was very long compared to our usual walk to the Dreams tower--just because it is like you are walking around the block to get to an "annex" entrance of the hotel. We were told when we checked in that this was the only entrance to our tower, and yes--I did try to change towers, but they told me the same thing that they always say when we stay at the Disneyland Hotel "the hotel is sold out and there are no other rooms available...". The truth is that we only stayed one night, so we didn't fight it too hard. We were already in the L.A. area visiting relatives, and just checked in for one night so we could take a stop off to the parks before leaving town.

We stay there about 3 times a year, so for us we have seen the hotel in all kinds of different states during this remodeling process. We stayed for 2 nights in November, and paid extra for a premium view and were given a similar dump truck/jackhammer/dirt pile view, and I did call and complain after we were home. They gave us a 100.00 credit to our bill because I did complain.

This time, we knew more what to expect, but it is pretty startling when you are in the middle of it. We love the Disneyland Hotel and know that this is just a temporary condition--but like I said I feel sorry for the families who will only stay there once and this is it! If you have a Downtown Disney View it may not be as bad as far as noise. At least you would have a good view away from the pool area! There are lots of construction walls up around the pool area and Wonder Tower.

 

[rosiep]

I dream of someday staying at the Disneyland Hotel..but it is a major expense and will not be for a long while. Naturally I am grateful for the improvements but I would be heartbroken if I were there now. I glad that it was not a once in a lifetime trip for you.

Aren't we lucky to be Disneyphiles and do our homework?

 

[DahliaRW]

Are you sure the neverland pool was closed? That's the one right by the tower with registration. It was suppose to not close until the Fall.

 

[Emmamouse]

wrong thread!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Are you sure the neverland pool was closed? That's the one right by the tower with registration. It was suppose to not close until the Fall.

It could be it was only closed for that one day we were there. We only stayed one night. I didn't ask about it--we just walked by and it was closed. Maybe they were doing some involved electrical work and had to temporarily close it? I really don't know.

 

[KCmike]

I love the next video where you surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland. That was so sweet.

And yest that first video looked like a warzone. I feel bad for the out of towners who made this their choice for a vacation. They better have gotten a great discount on their room rate.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Were you in the tower that has registration for now? I am confused as I was told that they are almost done with second tower, that ours is not even started yet ( one room is done), that the tower with the out side elevator is complete. When I look at your picture it appears you are staying in tower with registration as with the dark windows the one to the right looks finished and one across is half done?

Did you ask desk manager what was happening? Did they offer to change your room our even your reservation to another hotel? Was no compensation asked for?

I know one pool area has been open up until this report. I wonder if even with great planning the massive rains set construction back a bit. You should have been offered pool privledges at both of other pool areas. ( I know this was done when GC had pool construction.)

I have planned our trip for near a year now to only find out pirates was having a Convention-- ok premier. That rides were down that sere suppose to be done or not started until after our trip. I like to make informed plans but for some reason Disney is not proud of the plans they have made as they never share information till I think they know ppl have plans made.

It would cost me a small fortune to change our air service. Son-in-law took off a week of work. And grand kids are to excited about spending birthdays at disneyland ( 4-13 new 7 year old and his sister 4.21 soon to be 4 princess.

This is so not fair to the average traveler. ME.

The wood walls up all over Disneyland is going to leave a strange memory in the kids memories.

One good thing is Grand son would be in heaven if we got a construction site view. He does not want to be a fireman nor a police man-- he wants to drive an excavator and have a dump truck, his dream since he was 3 or so.

Anyway cannt think of anymore questions or thoughts for now. But do contact DLH even after you got home. IMHO they need to make this right. Suffering like you did while on vacation is not fair and losing sleep re: construction is not acceptable at all.


Patty

I really do not think Disney is going to offer anyone compensation when there are still other choices available. The construction(ongoing with the hotel) has been posted for many months now. Disney changes plans all the time and we all get caught up in those plans. Many people would love to stay in one of the resort hotels construction or not. You still have time to make other reservations and hopefully your trip will come out OK. Best of luck,

Jack

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Thank you Blackjack for your insight. Actually rooms are at a premium 6th and 7th of may. We are going to have pirates invade the resort. We are not able to change plans at this juncture.

1. Most hotels are unwilling to remove or change room set up to accommodate a hospital bed. Disney was very helpful to say the least. I am sure doing the wishes trips for guests that might be taking last trip probably keeps disney resorts in the know.

2. I actually had reservations at another resort and was in process of getting the hospital bed issues worked out. I guess with the economy being what it is some of the people taking reservations "could be " giving wrong information. Poor gal taking in house reservations actually gave me in correct information even after I let her know front desk let me know they did have roll-in roll-out showers. I made those reservations back in 2010 but needed to cancel due to misinformation. Hotel has offered to place with different accommodations but no way would I ask anyone to move on our account. Staying at DLH is 1.7k more then other hotel.

3. I think you will notice I asked the poster if they had let front desk know of issues. I agree that if you are saying folks need to let desk know what issues they are unhappy with.

4. I also agree that lots of others would be happy staying at DLH construction are not. I am so sure my grandson would be thrilled watching construction and excavating all day. He loves that stuff.

5. This will be husbands last trip so only trip with grand kids. He can sleep anywhere so noise does not worry me much at all. If I get tired enough I think I could sleep standing up.

6. Pool issue did surprise me as I know Disney offers use of other pools in disney resorts.

Please do not take my reply personal as that is not the way it is meant. I was just feeling as if I left to much unexplained. I value your answers to questions I have asked and also of others.

We are going to have a fun time no matter. But I might ask a favor -- KEEP THE RAIN AWAY.

Patty

 

[LisainCalifornia]

I love the next video where you surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland. That was so sweet.

Thanks! Those are my beautiful kids. They are growing up now--but we thought we would surprise them with this trip. I am just amazed I was able to keep the secret for 2 months! I love how my little one (10 years old) was so worried about finishing her science project! She is the one who also figured out we were going to Disneyland rather than the airport to fly home. No worries, the Science Project is in progress as we speak. It is due Monday!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I take nothing personal in life and especially on a board. I hope your trip turns out the way you wish and that you can work around the changes Disney makes. I am a Disney shareholder and it is very important tom me that Disney make changes to bring the people into the parks and evryone be happy which is not always possible. I am am also a senior citizen(I absolutely hate that term) and I wish Disney would have more offer to the people of my age, but they do not.

As for the rain, I love it. Past experience that it really knocks the crowds down but unfortunately I have no influence with Mother Nature so I hope the rain stays away, it will.

Even though I do have 5 kids and they are all less than 24 yo,and since they are all in college I hope they stay on task, finish their education and start their families when they can afford to do so. So I hope you enjoy your grandkids.

If you have read any of my posts I am not of the typical board genre of a person, but I do love Disney and I love seeing people have fun with their families.

I am in route to Phoenix for a firearms recertification course, so I will post later when I get the chance and hope to see you on the boards. Remember you need to post how your trip went.

Jack

 

[disneyfan67]

Hmm..makes me wonder if I should try to switch to Paradise Pier. We are staying for 4 nights in mid May. I do not care about the pool, but wonder if the construction will get in the way. Plus, I could not book a renovated room through DVC (they arent allowed to) so I have to have a non renovated room (unless we get lucky when we check in)

Does anyone know how many rooms are left to renovate and when they are suppose to be done?

If I was you, I would really consider staying at PP instead of the DLH right now. Last August I used my DVC points to stay at the DLH and got stuck in a standard, non remodeled room. I have to say it was one of the worst hotel rooms I have ever had. Finally after the shower quit working properly and the middle support on one of the beds broke, I went to the front desk and demanded something to be done. I was able to be moved into a new room in the dreams tower and wow, what a difference in quality and comfort. The pool area wasn't tore up then, so that wasn't a factor.

I'm just telling you this because I hate to see you use your points and get stuck in a bad situation like I did at first. Once the DLH is completed, it's going to be a great place to stay, but now, not so much. I wouldn't risk the chance.

 

[skiingfast]

FWIW, I was not there on Friday but I did hear from someone who was at the DLH that the pool was in fact open.

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

I'm really concerned about our upcoming stay on the 22nd....I thought this would be our last trip to DL and I booked the DLH but I booked the 15 night Hawaii DCL cruise for next April...so maybe I should call and switch our reservation to PP for this trip and stay at DLH next year when all the renovations are done....thanks for posting the picture, I had no idea it was such a construction zone.

 

[jlwhitney]

I just called Disneyland hotel to ask if I can request a renovated room (as with DVC we couldn't) and she was able to so there is a request for a renovated room and to be in dreams tower.

For anyone interested I asked the status of the construction on the rooms and she said Dreams and Wonder are completed and they are working on Magic right now. So she said the chance was pretty high of getting a renovated room.