WDWer going to DL -- Resort Advice Needed!

[Miffy]

Hi everyone,

I've never been over to the DL forums, so I feel like I'm taking a trip already.

My DH and I (no kids) usually stay at AKL in WDW, so I realize there's no truly comparable place at DL.

But I wanted to hear what everyone has to say about the DL resorts, since I haven't ever stayed there.

I've been reading reviews--of course!--but any other input would be very welcome.

Because of the great airfares from NY right now, we're thinking of going to L.A. in early November.

Thanks so much.

 

[Hound 109]

Hi everyone,

I've never been over to the DL forums, so I feel like I'm taking a trip already.

My DH and I (no kids) usually stay at AKL in WDW, so I realize there's no truly comparable place at DL.

But I wanted to hear what everyone has to say about the DL resorts, since I haven't ever stayed there.

I've been reading reviews--of course!--but any other input would be very welcome.

Because of the great airfares from NY right now, we're thinking of going to L.A. in early November.

Thanks so much.

Welcome to the left side of the Disboards.


Here's the starting point for all WDW vets:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


& the rest of HydroGuy's tip threads are worth a read:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


Although not completely comparable to the AKL, the Grand Californian compares in quality, immersion & price.

But it's probably more of a cross between the WL & the Grand Floridian....& can't beat the location. The other 2 resort hotels are a slight step down but are great too.

Unlike WDW, at DLR it's not mandatory to stay "on site". I'd say 1/3 of the Disers do.....but 2/3rds don't.

Have a great time considering a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi everyone,

I've never been over to the DL forums, so I feel like I'm taking a trip already.

My DH and I (no kids) usually stay at AKL in WDW, so I realize there's no truly comparable place at DL.

But I wanted to hear what everyone has to say about the DL resorts, since I haven't ever stayed there.

I've been reading reviews--of course!--but any other input would be very welcome.

Because of the great airfares from NY right now, we're thinking of going to L.A. in early November.

Thanks so much.

WDW vets who only stay onsite at WDW have a hard time accepting that staying onsite at DLR is not as big a deal and not as big an advantage as WDW. So first I would say at least be open to off-site at DLR. Off-site itself is a misnomer of sorts because there are probably a dozen off-site hotels that are closer to the parks than the two of the three DLR hotels.

If you really want a Disney hotel there are three - the Grand Californian which would be closest to the AKL but closer still to WL. A deluxe hotel for sure. There is also the DL Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel. These are at least moderate level hotels.

Here is more info for onsite and offsite hotels:

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Bret's Disneyland Lodging Map" (shows hotel locations around DLR) www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap

As far as early November I would caution you. It is considered off-season. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

DLR is in transition up until Nov 13 this year for the holiday makeover. You may want to consider that.

 

[IBLarsen]

Hi, there are 3 Disney Resorts on site, and then there are several 'good neighbor' hotels across the street from DL. Most of the hotels along Harbor Blvd are all very easily walkable. A favorite on here is Hojo's. We personally have stayed on the Fairfield Inn, nothing fancy, but perfectly adequate and comfortable beds to sleep in. Close walk, with small children (for us). I believe there is more info in one of the stickys??? They are also a great starting point for just about anything Disneyland related.

Here is a map link that has been posted on here previously, it gives some of the hotels along Harbor, there are others that are not as walkable, but you can do the ART shuttle service for a fee.

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

Hope this helps to get you started!


Oh, Hydroguy beat me to the posting! Read what he says!

 

[Miffy]

OMG! You guys were so so so fast!!!

I'm absorbing everything. So ... no need to stay "on-site." That being the case, I guess I'm going to start browsing around.

I was kind of flabbergasted at the prices at the GC, which looks very much like WL.

I'll come back when I've done more research.

Thanks again to everyone. Much appreciated.

 

[Miffy]

HydroGuy:

The info about off-season is tremendously helpful.

We're thinking of being there Nov 10-14, so we'd get one night and 2 days of on-season stuff. I can't believe there aren't fireworks some nights! That is definitely shocking to a WDWite!

 

[DLR29]

HydroGuy:

The info about off-season is tremendously helpful.

We're thinking of being there Nov 10-14, so we'd get one night and 2 days of on-season stuff. I can't believe there aren't fireworks some nights! That is definitely shocking to a WDWite!

Similar to the shock of not having nightly Fantasmic at DHS during busy seasons like summer!

 

[heatherfeather24]

OMG! You guys were so so so fast!!!

I'm absorbing everything. So ... no need to stay "on-site." That being the case, I guess I'm going to start browsing around.

I was kind of flabbergasted at the prices at the GC, which looks very much like WL.

I'll come back when I've done more research.

Thanks again to everyone. Much appreciated.

I'm going to echo the no-need to stay on site from a WDWer's perspective. I'm in the midst of only my third trip to DL First trip, we spent the money to stay at DLH. Pretty, but not particularly immersive -- from a WDW perspective, I'd liken it to the Dolphin/Swan, but with just a touch more Mickey. All-in-all, a lovely hotel, but not themed the way even the moderates are at WDW. Second trip we stayed at a Residence Inn and this trip we're at Portofino Inn and Suites. I don't feel like we're missing anything by not being on grounds. That's not to say that someday if it's in the budget , we won't splurge for the Grand Californian, but given that I won't even consider staying off-site in Florida, I really do mean it when I say, IMO, there is no need to be on site at DL.

 

[laura&fam]

Similar to the shock of not having nightly Fantasmic at DHS during busy seasons like summer!

What's DHS? I'm planing a November trip and trying to guess when they will have Fantasmic is frustrating. . . nightly? only weekends? who knows.

 

[Miffy]

What's DHS? I'm planing a November trip and trying to guess when they will have Fantasmic is frustrating. . . nightly? only weekends? who knows.

DHS = Disney's Hollywood Studios. The park they used to call MGM Studios. The November schedule is posted on the Disney website, so go over there and check your dates and you'll see which nights they're showing Fantasmic. No need to guess!

 

[Judy from Boise]

the studios park in WDW.

 

[laura&fam]

DHS = Disney's Hollywood Studios. The park they used to call MGM Studios. The November schedule is posted on the Disney website, so go over there and check your dates and you'll see which nights they're showing Fantasmic. No need to guess!

I'm only seeing October. Am I doing something wrong? Here is where I am looking:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...onthly?name=CalendarMonthlyPage&date=20091018

 

[Miffy]

I'm only seeing October. Am I doing something wrong? Here is where I am looking:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...onthly?name=CalendarMonthlyPage&date=20091018

Ok. Now everything is clear to me. You're going to Disneyland, correct? DHS is in DisneyWorld in Florida, whose November schedule is in fact posted.

However, the Disneyland November schedule isn't up yet. And, since you're going to Disneyland in Anaheim, there is no DHS there, although I see that Disneyland also has Fantasmic!, in Frontierland.

Everything make sense now? Except for their not having the November schedule up.

 

[laura&fam]

and I had my hopes up that I could see the DL November schedule . . . sigh.

 

[tinkermell]

HydroGuy:

The info about off-season is tremendously helpful.

We're thinking of being there Nov 10-14, so we'd get one night and 2 days of on-season stuff. I can't believe there aren't fireworks some nights! That is definitely shocking to a WDWite!

If I were you, I'd try to wait until most of the Christmas decorations and ride attraction overlays are done. The Haunted Mansion will be done already with the "Nightmare Before Christmas, but the Small World Holiday.......I'm not sure about. Not to mention the castle, New Orleans Square, Big Thunder Ranch, Mainstreet and so on. To me it is worth the wait!

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... I'm planning a November trip and trying to guess when they will have Fantasmic ...

FWIW, here are the November calendars from '06 and '07:

Nov. '07
http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200711.asp

Nov. '06
http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200611.asp

For the first week of November, Fantasmic will likely be shown Fri./Sat./Sun.

During Thanksgiving week (Friday, Nov. 20 - Sunday, Nov. 29) it's likely that Fantasmic will be shown nightly.

Hope this helps a little bit.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

If I were you, I'd try to wait until most of the Christmas decorations and ride attraction overlays are done. The Haunted Mansion will be done already with the "Nightmare Before Christmas, but the Small World Holiday.......I'm not sure about. Not to mention the castle, New Orleans Square, Big Thunder Ranch, Mainstreet and so on. To me it is worth the wait!

IASWH (Small World Holiday) is expected to open on Friday, Nov. 13.

 

[laura&fam]

They are really leaving Small World holiday overlay until that late? I'm surprised. I thought they would probably have it done at least a couple of days before the official opening.

We went the week before the start of the official Christmas season one other year and the only thing that wasn't up were the letters at the entrance to DCA and the parades, fireworks, and snow. In fact I think they may have even had it snow too.

We've booked and I'm not changing it now. We won't count on anything but hope for the best. I've found that's always the best attitude for Disney anyway.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I love both experiences, but to me the onsite experience and Epcot are what make WDW worth visiting. Take either one of those away, and I'm not sure that WDW offers me enough to visit there.

On the other hand, I've only been onsite at Disneyland once and that was when I was 2. My parents have never stayed onsite at the DLR since, but only stay onsite when visiting WDW.

Disneyland is more integral to the DLR experience than the parks are to the WDW experience. And there are some offsite hotels closer to Disneyland than the Contemporary is to the MK and as close to Disneyland as the Yacht and Beach Club are to Epcot's International Gateway.