WDW vet tries off-property at Disneyland

[Tara8595]

Okay - so after researching several months, we booked a stay at Park Vue Inn for my son's 5th birthday trip to Disneyland. I'm writing this because I know many of you guys are WDW fanatics, and when you make your way to CA, you think hm.... on or off property? on property is so expensive and off-property is so close - it should be okay.... DON'T DO IT!!!

If you are used to staying on property in WDW, stay on property at Disneyland.

Problems at Park Vue Inn: Bed mattress smelled like urine. Big bags of trash left in the walkway on 3 separate occassions, including once right in the doorway of the entrance to breakfast - how appetizing. Floors were so dirty we couldn't walk in barefeet without them turning black(ish). There was a putrid fecal smell wafting from the kitchen sink which was apparently so bad, it prompted them to leave our window open when we went to check in. Which, by the way, was after all our bags were delivered to our room. Fortunately nobody stole our stuff by removing the window screen.

Outside the hotel, the street corner smelled pretty bad too, between the exhaust and sewage smell and my son's daily proclamation (it sure is stinky out here!), made for a not-very-magical start to a couple of days. Plus, just the crossing of 6 lanes of city traffic was icky when you are used to Disney World.

The afternoon after check-in we were taking naps and were shaken (literally) awake by construction on the first floor that vibrated the entire hotel so bad that you could look down the row of windows and see them shaking. We thought it was an earthquake at first.

So... after the vibrations and the urine smell, it was the last straw. I called and made reservations at the Disneyland Hotel for the remaining 5 nights - thankfully at a discount. We were SO much happier there. Our first morning as we walked out of the Frontier Building, I actually cried - I was so relieved to be back to a REAL Disney experience.

Not without a cost - the move added an extra unbudgeted $800 to my total spend. ABSOLUTELY worth it. Hey - at least I got the rewards for my Disney Visa.

Anyhow - just thought I'd share. I know many of you are on the fence about where to stay. Park Vue problems aside - many of the hotels would have the same issues as far as the 'dirty city atmosphere'. And if you stay at an upscale hotel with a shuttle, you'd be better off than walking, in my opinion. But if you can stay at one of the three Disney hotels - do it!!! You won't be disappointed.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I am also a WDW vet who recently had my first DL trip. I stayed at 2 off property hotels. The Super 8 on Katella and the Camelot hotel. I loved both of them. I didn't have sort of the problems you mentioned.

I really don't want to come across as sounding mean, but these problems sound extreme and I've never heard of anything like this happening before in all my research about DL. I wouldn't want people to be warned off staying off property because of what happened to you.

I found both off property hotels to be clean, safe and overall good experiences.

I considered staying on property at first (I always stay at a moderate at WDW) but I just could not justify those prices.

 

[shellie may]

Uhhh Im a WDW vet who stays on property often and I had absolutely no problem off site at DLR. for our first visit we stayed at the quality inn on Manchester which is farther that the park vue but super cheap. I found the areas surrounding DLR to be city like but clean nonetheless. For our upcoming trip we are staying at the hojos which seems to get rave reviews on this site. Don't get me wrong I'm glad you had a great time after you switched hotels but maybe you shouldn't tell WDW vets to just not stay off property your don't do it attitude kinda makes it seem like the off site properties are all awful just because you had a bad experience. If I misunderstood your intentions I apologize.

 

[shellie may]

I really don't want to come across as sounding mean, but these problems sound extreme and I've never heard of anything like this happening before in all my research about DL. I wouldn't want people to be warned off staying off property because of what happened to you.

^^^^^^^ well said and I completely agree

 

[Tara8595]

Well, to each his own I guess. Maybe someone will find my opinion helpful. Certainly, it's not the only opinion. But it is definitely mine and I thought worth sharing.

 

[lk2500]

Well, to each his own I guess. Maybe someone will find my opinion helpful. Certainly, it's not the only opinion. But it is definitely mine and I thought worth sharing.

Doesn't sound like a lot of fun, my DW would probably have a similar reaction.

When were you there? What did the hotel management say when you brought this to their attention?

As far as the dirty city atmosphere... I've walked from the FFI several times. There's been an unsavory character or two along the street but nothing that I would consider dangerous or dirty.

 

[smiles33]

That sounds absolutely unacceptable! I, too, would have bolted for a DLR hotel if we had that kind of experience at HoJo last year. Fortunately, our stay in HoJo's Kids' Suite was amazing and the walk wasn't bad at all. We always immediately crossed over to the DLR side of the street so we didn't have to deal with the solicitors and crowds on the hotels' side of the street.

Since we can't get a two-room suite at a DLR hotel at a reasonable (to me) price, we will continue to stay at HoJo's Kids' Suites.

 

[Tara8595]

I was there 5/23-25, then we switched to Disneyland Hotel. I didn't think the people were dirty. Mostly the air was dirty... and stinky. And I know it sounds stupid - but I swear, just pushing the 'walk' button and congregating with he 30 or so other people just to cross the street was so unmagical and blicky. Like - at WDW - you NEVER see cast members out of their lands - it's just not done. But we saw cast members walking that street every time we were on it. Just takes away from the magic. And that's why I said - if you stayed further off and were dropped off, it would be better. I stayed at the Hilton a few years ago on a business trip and took the shuttle to DL and it was way better than being right across the street.

I really wanted to like the Park Vue. I was really excited about our room when we first saw it (before the smell....) When I checked out they asked why and I told them, first complimenting the staff on their friendliness - because they were all great, but then told them the list of issues, and she really didn't say anything - no thanks for the feedback, no 'sorry you had those issues' no 'we'll do a better job with the trash in the future' or anything like that. I'd imagine that if I had the same grievances at Disney, they would bend over backwards apologizing and what not. It was very weird.

I'm a little over the top when it comes to Disney World / Land, etc. I admit being a fanatic. It's what I do when I have time off. I just love it all, I cry for Illuminations, I cry for Wishes - that stuff touches me and I am all about the magic. So... if you are like that, and like being immersed in Disney, it's likely that you would have a better experience on property - that's all I'm saying.

 

[lk2500]

I was there 5/23-25, then we switched to Disneyland Hotel. I didn't think the people were dirty. Mostly the air was dirty... and stinky. And I know it sounds stupid - but I swear, just pushing the 'walk' button and congregating with he 30 or so other people just to cross the street was so unmagical and blicky. Like - at WDW - you NEVER see cast members out of their lands - it's just not done. But we saw cast members walking that street every time we were on it. Just takes away from the magic. And that's why I said - if you stayed further off and were dropped off, it would be better. I stayed at the Hilton a few years ago on a business trip and took the shuttle to DL and it was way better than being right across the street.

I really wanted to like the Park Vue. I was really excited about our room when we first saw it (before the smell....) When I checked out they asked why and I told them, first complimenting the staff on their friendliness - because they were all great, but then told them the list of issues, and she really didn't say anything - no thanks for the feedback, no 'sorry you had those issues' no 'we'll do a better job with the trash in the future' or anything like that. I'd imagine that if I had the same grievances at Disney, they would bend over backwards apologizing and what not. It was very weird.

I'm a little over the top when it comes to Disney World / Land, etc. I admit being a fanatic. It's what I do when I have time off. I just love it all, I cry for Illuminations, I cry for Wishes - that stuff touches me and I am all about the magic. So... if you are like that, and like being immersed in Disney, it's likely that you would have a better experience on property - that's all I'm saying.

Wow, disappointing management didn't try to help you out there. We didn't like our ground floor room at the FFI back in 2010 (too noisy) and they had no problem moving us to a higher floor the next day. I have nothing but nice things to say about the staff there.

Glad you ended up having a good time after the move though!

 

[Liray777]

Well, to each his own I guess. Maybe someone will find my opinion helpful. Certainly, it's not the only opinion. But it is definitely mine and I thought worth sharing.

I agree with you 100%, in fact, I enjoy Disneyland more so than WDW by just a hair, but end up @ WDW much more often than DL. Main reason being if you dont stay on property,(which is much more expensive than WDW) much of the magic I feel is "stopped at the gate". With "less than magical Anaheim streets" and in my opinion, not the nicest of hotel options close by. That being said I LOVE the DLH and am glad you were able to switch mid trip!

 

[CourtFool]

We enjoyed our stay at the Hojo last year, but then we have never been able to afford the Disney hotels.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Staying offsite is absolutely a different experience than a WDW onsite experience, so if you're looking for the WDW type onsite experience then yes, staying onsite at DLR would be a better option for you.

That said - the issues that you experienced with the hotel itself are pretty extreme IMO. Unacceptable, absolutely, and I don't blame you for checking out - I would have too. But just because your experience at PVI was so extreme doesn't mean the other offsite properties are the same. I've stayed at the Ramada on Katella and the Tropicana on Harbor (prefer the Tropicana for location) - and both of them were clean and well kept. We never had any issues. Yes, the "magic" stops at the gates - but we were also at our hotel w/i 5 mins of leaving the gates (from Tropicana), as opposed to it taking 15+ to get a shuttle or walk back to one of the further hotels. Less time wasted getting to the parks in the morning, and less time on our feet at the end of a long day.

Basically, it's all about priorities. If staying in the magic at all times is the top priority, onsite is the way to go. If proximity is more important, then some of the Harbor hotels are closer to the gates than the DLR resorts are.

 

[jeanigor]

I'm a regular at WDW. Either staying on points at DVC or at a value because I usually travel solo and cannot justify moderate or deluxe Disney resort prices for just myself.

That being said, I have visited DL twice in the past year. Both times I was able to get a great price at the Quality Inn on Manchester (as mentioned by a previous poster). Was it comparable to a DVC? Absolutely not. Was it comparable to a value at WDW? I think so. (And there is breakfast, so a win for my thriftiness.)

When I go at the end of the month, I won't be staying at a Disney hotel. They most certainly price themselves out of contention in Disneyland on my budget. I can't understand staying on property there, especially as a hard core WDW resort guest.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Wow, how horrible. I would have checked out too.

We stayed at the Hojo last summer and had a great time. Even when our air conditioner broke and we had to move out of our theme park view room with no others available, they worked with us.

I didn't mind being offsite in Disneyland at all. I thought it helped make it a different trip than Disney World since we normally stay onsite at Disney World. The atmosphere didn't bug me at all although I think it took my kids by surprise the first day.

I'm glad you were able to end your trip on a good note at the Disneyland Hotel.

 

[kylie71]

Your experience at the PVI is pretty bad. I would have for sure checked out, I have done it before at the Anaheim Plaza...

That being said, I do not understand the immersion concept I guess. I have stayed on property, and off for over 30 years, and no matter where I stay, we still get the car and drive to Knotts Berry Farm for fried Chicken dinner, or to the beach....
So, is that breaking the imulsion??
DLR and Southern, Ca is a Vacation destination in my book, and it's about the whole surrounding area's, and what the whole experience has to offer, not just Disney, per say.
Just my thoughts, of course....

I'm happy you had an enjoyable time at the DLH.

Lori

 

[All American]

I remember the family vacation where we were at some gross hotel in Atlanta, and my mom made my dad go find something else because there was no way she was going to let us stay there. Fast forward may years later, and my husband and I were in the same situation. There is nothing worse than looking forward to that hotel experience only to have it ruined by conditions beyond your control.

I'm glad you were able to remedy the situation. Yay! for not having to sleep in a stinky bed after a long day at the parks.

 

[Keyser]

Thanks for the review. We were about to book at Park Vue (and still might...), and in large part that was based on the very strong tripadvisor reviews it gets. It helps to have a differing view, if nothing else just so we reexamine choices. I really don't understand how it gets such good reviews there, though, when it sounds like your experience was at the other end of the spectrum. Your situation certainly sounds bad, I'm glad you were able to check out and move.

But, for us, a Disney hotel is just not an option. The Disney hotels are $300 (Paradise Pier), $400 (Disneyland Hotel), and $500 (Grand Californian) per night for the times we're looking at. Meanwhile, the offsite places within walking distance are all <$200, some even under $100, and those within bus/shuttle distance are similarly cheap. Honestly, I'm shocked that Disney can fill its hotels at the prices it charges. We stay onsite at WDW regularly, but the price difference is never that significant. (We don't stay at the most expensive deluxe WDW hotels, either, though - the one time we paid quite a bit more at WDW was for a few nights at AKL, but there we were paying for that unique experience, not just a "Disney Hotel".)

 

[blackjackdelta]

That is one persons opinion...3 days ago we had a review that was completely opposite. These seem to come more from the worlders more than any place else...just my observation of being on the boards. My kids will be staying at PVI in August so I will be up close and personal. I love staying at the Villas but this year no luck, so we are staying else where, doesn't change my experience at DLR, ir is not WDW..we have many things that World does not.
Hope you have a great experience and enjoy our home.

Jack

 

[Tara8595]

But, for us, a Disney hotel is just not an option. The Disney hotels are $300 (Paradise Pier), $400 (Disneyland Hotel), and $500 (Grand Californian) per night for the times we're looking at. )

Oh lordy - no way could I have paid that much! I was lucky that they were offering a discount. I think my weekend nights were $300 and the weeknights were like in the $270's. Not cheap, but not $400/nt either.

It was my son's 5th birthday and we flew from Virginia to get there and were there for a whole week.... so... well - in for a penny in for a pound.

To another poster - I've done the So. Ca. touring before.... I always wished I was back at Disneyland. So this trip I said - nothing but Disney!! It was great!! We spent 6.5 days in the parks and didn't get bored or run out of things to do, and still didn't get to do it all - and Cars Land isn't even open yet! We'll go back in 2014.... that will give me time to save up for DGC, and maybe the Cars crowds will lessen by then.

Off topic - a cast member told me that they normally have about 20,000 in CA Adventure/day and they were expecting 40,000/day for the rest of the summer. Kinda glad we missed it.

 

[HydroGuy]

Okay - so after researching several months, we booked a stay at Park Vue Inn for my son's 5th birthday trip to Disneyland. I'm writing this because I know many of you guys are WDW fanatics, and when you make your way to CA, you think hm.... on or off property? on property is so expensive and off-property is so close - it should be okay.... DON'T DO IT!!!

If you are used to staying on property in WDW, stay on property at Disneyland.

Tara, I think your review is helpful but your conclusion is based on insufficient data.

I for one would not stay at PVI because they have mixed reviews. One sees more consistent reviews from other hotels such as BWPPI, HoJos and CCI.

I think your conclusion for WDW vets is do not stay at PVI. Saying don't stay off-site I think is stretching one bad experience at a hotel known to have mixed reviews to others which do not.

The DLR hotels are priced very high and do not give the same advantages as the WDW hotels do. It is common to find folks who only stay onsite at WDW but are fine with being offsite at DLR.

Glad you were able to to get into the DLH and liked it. Bummer it overshot your budget.