To Stay On Site or Not To Stay On Site

[specialks]

We have stayed offsite at the Hyatt OC in the past. Very nice hotel, easy shuttle service, etc. Last summer we decided to stay at the Grand. I doubt we will ever stay offsite again. We were able to do SO much more staying at the Grand. We were literally 90 seconds from room to DCA. Disney guests get early entry to GCH - saves an untold amount of time that would otherwise be spent in line with the crowds. Early access to WOC passes - huge benefit. We didn't even use MM, but that can also save you a lot of time. It's just so much easier to go early . . . and then zip back to your hotel for an afternoon swim while the parks are hot and crowded. The GCH entrance to DCA is quick and easy, no waiting in long lines out front.

I'm not sure I would spend as much to stay at DLH . . . though I think DLH is usually less expensive than GCH. But . . . while it may be as long a walk as an offsite hotel, it's undoubtedly a much nicer walk through DTD than on Harbor Blvd.

The bottom line is, you're going to have a great time regardless. How could you not?

I agree with this. We will be taking our 4th trip in Oct. and we have stayed offsite not in walking distance the last 3 times. This time we received a special offer and since our stay is only 3 nights (not our usual 7) we are splurging and staying at the GCH. For my DH the "Disney feel" isn't enough of a reason to stay onsite, but the nice GCH pools and quick park access has made him want to give it a try. I personally don't think I would ever stay at the PPH or DLH because they aren't close enough for us compared to some offsites that have free breakfast. If money is tight then look to stay at one of the board faves near the pedestrian entrance, if you can afford it, I would go for the GCH!

 

[NancyIL]

I stay onsite at WDW, and prefer the Swan or Dolphin for proximity to Epcot. However, other than the Grand Californian - the off-site hotels at Disneyland are about as convenient as the official DLR hotels.

I can afford to stay onsite at Disneyland, but don't want to spend that much money to do so. I have stayed in Garden Grove and on Harbor Blvd., and when I return at the end of September, I'll stay at the Red Lion Inn - within walking distance.

**After posting this, I checked room-only and package rates at the Disneyland hotels! If my daughter were to join me, I might splurge just once and get the vacation package at Paradise Pier!

 

[dance2874]

We just returned from our trip a few weeks ago and we did a split stay- mostly off site and one day on site. I will never do offsite again there. I just wasnt worth the hassle of getting to and from the parks, the parking and trams, and there is nothing like the magic of the on site hotels, IMO. We only had one night at PP and LOVED it so much we will return there again in a heartbeat. And money was tight for us this trip, so that is why we didnt do it the whole time. We all agreed it would be worth saving up or staying less days to be on site next time. (and my DH is very cheap when it comes to these things so that is HUGE that he said that)