Which onsite hotel?

[NJlauren]

Me, DH, and DD (22 months at travel). 3 nights 3ish park days in mid May check in Monday check out Thursday.

I am now considering onsite, I've already considered offsite and posted a thread on it(got tons of great information!) now I want to know about the onsite hotels.

Are there any major benefits I am missing? Worth it? Which one for us? I was considering GCH and DLH but not against PPH.

Any info is appreciated and welcome.

 

[Xenorye]

From sitting back and observing what other people say for the past couple of years, I think the general consensus you're going to find is that there's a clear preference of 1. GCH, 2. DLH, and 3. PPH. If your budget allows, go for GCH, if not quite, go DLH, if not quite that, PPH.

All in all, you probably won't be disappointed with your choice regardless.

 

[maltdizzy]

They are all good hotels with great themes...the one big plus they offer is early morning access. The GCH is a sister hotel to Wilderness Lodge at WDW with similar theme...DLH is the most nostalgia themed, great for people who are looking to immerse themselves in the park where Walt walked.

With the exception of the GCH...you'll find they are no closer than many off-site hotels. Before they built DCA/DTD and the other hotels, it was typical to tram or monorail between DLH and the park.

Seems like a lifetime ago, but the big thing was to monorail from Tomorrowland to the DL Hotel, drink at the bar, and then monorail back.

 

[5forMickey]

We love DLH and especially with a little one that would be my choice. GC was nice when we stayed there but the rooms were a little small for my family, it's a beautiful Hotel and the location can't be beat. We haven't stayed at PPH yet. We prefer onsite so much so that we won't go if we can't get rooms on site (we'll technically we'll just change our dates).

Worth is a personal thing. It's a passionate topic that can get out of hand. Some can justify the extra cost, some can't, some won't and to some it doesn't matter. Try to make your decision based on what your top priorities are. I would say decide if your okay with paying the rates and then take cost comparison out of the equation. Some will bash the onsite Hotels because of the price (and it's steep) but if that's not an issue then disregard those comments. I think when people are really disappointed is when the price tag is a big stretch for them and they go expect perfection so if the least little thing happens they will be disappointed. So I guess my point is don't try to compare cheaper Motels and "justify" the cost. Your not comparing apples to apples. You kind of have to decide if your willing to pay that or not and go from there. I don't care for most of the motels on Harbor (though the new Hotel's look good) so it wouldn't matter to me how much the price difference was, or how many steps closer to the entrance it might be, I'm not willing to stay there even for free. Remember the places on Harbor (new ones excluded) are Motels and not Hotels so there is a little difference for those of us that it matters to. I have stayed at the Marriott and Hilton on convention and the rooms are okay but I don't like the distance.

For us, a Hotel is not just someplace to rest your head. it is an important part of the whole experience and that is what makes it valuable to us. I like nice places where I feel comfortable and safe, and I think this is one. I like not leaving once I get there, it's like I'm in happy vacation mode and forget the streets surrounding me. The DLH is just part of the whole experience for our family. We LOVE early entry and take full advantage of it because I don't really like the heavy crowds. Early entry allows us to be in the park while it is not as crowded and then leave and enjoy the Hotel. I don't mind the walk back through Downtown Disney. I hate getting on a shuttle to go back to the Marriott and same with driving. We love hanging out at the pool and grabbing a bite to eat there. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the onsite Hotels. Good luck and enjoy that little one -- hoping this is just one of many trips in your future!

 

[NJlauren]

From sitting back and observing what other people say for the past couple of years, I think the general consensus you're going to find is that there's a clear preference of 1. GCH, 2. DLH, and 3. PPH. If your budget allows, go for GCH, if not quite, go DLH, if not quite that, PPH.

All in all, you probably won't be disappointed with your choice regardless.

Thank you!

They are all good hotels with great themes...the one big plus they offer is early morning access. The GCH is a sister hotel to Wilderness Lodge at WDW with similar theme...DLH is the most nostalgia themed, great for people who are looking to immerse themselves in the park where Walt walked.

With the exception of the GCH...you'll find they are no closer than many off-site hotels. Before they built DCA/DTD and the other hotels, it was typical to tram or monorail between DLH and the park.

Seems like a lifetime ago, but the big thing was to monorail from Tomorrowland to the DL Hotel, drink at the bar, and then monorail back.

Thank you!

We love DLH and especially with a little one that would be my choice. GC was nice when we stayed there but the rooms were a little small for my family, it's a beautiful Hotel and the location can't be beat. We haven't stayed at PPH yet. We prefer onsite so much so that we won't go if we can't get rooms on site (we'll technically we'll just change our dates).

Worth is a personal thing. It's a passionate topic that can get out of hand. Some can justify the extra cost, some can't, some won't and to some it doesn't matter. Try to make your decision based on what your top priorities are. I would say decide if your okay with paying the rates and then take cost comparison out of the equation. Some will bash the onsite Hotels because of the price (and it's steep) but if that's not an issue then disregard those comments. I think when people are really disappointed is when the price tag is a big stretch for them and they go expect perfection so if the least little thing happens they will be disappointed. So I guess my point is don't try to compare cheaper Motels and "justify" the cost. Your not comparing apples to apples. You kind of have to decide if your willing to pay that or not and go from there. I don't care for most of the motels on Harbor (though the new Hotel's look good) so it wouldn't matter to me how much the price difference was, or how many steps closer to the entrance it might be, I'm not willing to stay there even for free. Remember the places on Harbor (new ones excluded) are Motels and not Hotels so there is a little difference for those of us that it matters to. I have stayed at the Marriott and Hilton on convention and the rooms are okay but I don't like the distance.

For us, a Hotel is not just someplace to rest your head. it is an important part of the whole experience and that is what makes it valuable to us. I like nice places where I feel comfortable and safe, and I think this is one. I like not leaving once I get there, it's like I'm in happy vacation mode and forget the streets surrounding me. The DLH is just part of the whole experience for our family. We LOVE early entry and take full advantage of it because I don't really like the heavy crowds. Early entry allows us to be in the park while it is not as crowded and then leave and enjoy the Hotel. I don't mind the walk back through Downtown Disney. I hate getting on a shuttle to go back to the Marriott and same with driving. We love hanging out at the pool and grabbing a bite to eat there. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the onsite Hotels. Good luck and enjoy that little one -- hoping this is just one of many trips in your future!

Thank you! Your post is extremely helpful! To be honest I'm worried about being disappointed by not staying onsite. I have done WDW many times and have never not stayed onsite. So I worry if I try offsite I'm going to end up being miserable! I know DLR and WDW are different so I was I trying to be flexible but I'm already worrying I'm going to be disappointed....

I think you helped make up my mind!
Thank you again, also since you seem to be a DLR regular any other tips are appreciated.

 

[dmcdixie]

I would highly recommend the DLH for your group. I think with the age of your daughter the pool at DLH and theme of the rooms is better, the only reason for Grand is close access and I think it is geared more to the older crowd!

 

[hootey]

We stay at the DLH or we stay home, that is the clearest way I can put it. We like the early admission, the DLH grounds, the many restaurants, the pool and hot-tubs, the character meet n greets at the DLH. Did I mention the rooms? The DLH has rooms like no one else, total DISNEY immersion! Start with early entry into the parks, ride all the big rides, see the shows after the parks open. Wander beck towards the DLH around noon for lunch, have a short nap, hit the pools & hot-tubs, enjoy the art work & historic photos in the lobbies, get cleaned up and head back to the park for the parades & evening events. We do this for five or six days at a time. Never, do we have to leave the Disney Bubble. Short of a Disney Cruise ship, it is the only place I know of in North America to completely forget the world for few days and honestly relax

 

[Nonsuch]

Me, DH, and DD (22 months at travel). 3 nights 3ish park days in mid May check in Monday check out Thursday.

If your dates are flexible, Dapper Day is early May. (excellent onsite rates)
Fantasmic and Fireworks are generally only Friday to Sunday.
Many guests try to avoid Grad Nites, although I have not had any issues.
GCH will have a renovation during 2016-2017, but will remain my first choice. (I'm a GCH fan)

 

[jammyjam25]

Personally, I would always choose DLH simply because the theming of the rooms, towers, pools, etc. just really captures the spirit of DL for me. GCH and PP are both lovely properties but don't hold the same charm as the DLH (again, just for me).

Extra Magic Hour, delivering purchases back to your room, plus the fun little extras the hotels provide such as movie nights, trivia in the park, free hotel tours, early morning DCA power walks, etc. are all on-site perks that contribute to the "value" you receive versus staying offsite as well!

 

[NJlauren]

First thank you everyone so helpful!

I would highly recommend the DLH for your group. I think with the age of your daughter the pool at DLH and theme of the rooms is better, the only reason for Grand is close access and I think it is geared more to the older crowd!

Thank you! This is what I'm thinking now too!

We stay at the DLH or we stay home, that is the clearest way I can put it. We like the early admission, the DLH grounds, the many restaurants, the pool and hot-tubs, the character meet n greets at the DLH. Did I mention the rooms? The DLH has rooms like no one else, total DISNEY immersion! Start with early entry into the parks, ride all the big rides, see the shows after the parks open. Wander beck towards the DLH around noon for lunch, have a short nap, hit the pools & hot-tubs, enjoy the art work & historic photos in the lobbies, get cleaned up and head back to the park for the parades & evening events. We do this for five or six days at a time. Never, do we have to leave the Disney Bubble. Short of a Disney Cruise ship, it is the only place I know of in North America to completely forget the world for few days and honestly relax

Thank you! I am leaning towards DLH now! I love the not leaving the bubble idea even if it's only 3 days! I feel like I can be in the bubble at WDW too! So excited to try it at DLR!

If your dates are flexible, Dapper Day is early May. (excellent onsite rates)
Fantasmic and Fireworks are generally only Friday to Sunday.
Many guests try to avoid Grad Nites, although I have not had any issues.
GCH will have a renovation during 2016-2017, but will remain my first choice. (I'm a GCH fan)

Thank you! My dates are pretty inflexible, DH has a work trip and we are adding a Southern California trip to the end of it, we could do it before the work trip, but that would involve missing a family wedding and I'm not sure it's worth the pain if you know what I mean.

I will be waiting for grad nights to be announced to try and avoid them a little (if you know where I can find this info let me know!) I'm ok missing fireworks and Fantasmic, ideal no but ok. Hoping to be able to see World of Color though.

 

[NJlauren]

Personally, I would always choose DLH simply because the theming of the rooms, towers, pools, etc. just really captures the spirit of DL for me. GCH and PP are both lovely properties but don't hold the same charm as the DLH (again, just for me).

Extra Magic Hour, delivering purchases back to your room, plus the fun little extras the hotels provide such as movie nights, trivia in the park, free hotel tours, early morning DCA power walks, etc. are all on-site perks that contribute to the "value" you receive versus staying offsite as well!

Thank you! Some of those perks sounds amazing! Early morning DCA power walks where do I find out about this? And trivia in the park?

 

[Nonsuch]

...I will be waiting for grad nights to be announced to try and avoid them a little (if you know where I can find this info let me know!) I'm ok missing fireworks and Fantasmic, ideal no but ok. Hoping to be able to see World of Color though.

World of Color generally runs every night, all year. DLR wants a "Nighttime Spectacular" every night, so when WOC was down for refurbishment Fantasmic ran every night. Paint the Night could also serve as a "Spectacular" so it will be interesting to see the "off season" schedules.

Grad Nites dates must be available, since I found a high school with a June 2016 date already set.
Google has failed me, I cannot locate a complete schedule.

 

[MommyJKM]

We always stay at GCH...you would probably love the easy access with a small one to leave for a break, go back to change a diaper/clothes, nap, etc. We started staying there when my DD was 4months old and you just can't beat the access.

When my DD was about 2 we would do the pre-ordered room service breakfast or my DH would take my DD down to Storytellers to eat and I would do the Morning Power Walk through DCA or the free yoga class. Then we would get a coffee to go at Hearthstone Lounge and do Early Entry from the GCH into DCA. Then in the evening when she was tired we would go back to the hotel and watch the movie on the lawn at GCH and grab a glass of wine or beer and go up to the WOC viewing area on the 6th floor. It's just a lovely place to stay.

The Early Morning Entry is great if your little one is an early riser (which most are) you can go into the park early and leave for an afternoon break.

She/He may also be into doing the private Build-A-Bear or Anna&Elsa boutique or RideMakerz morning access, that is offered when staying onsite.

 

[NJlauren]

We always stay at GCH...you would probably love the easy access with a small one to leave for a break, go back to change a diaper/clothes, nap, etc. We started staying there when my DD was 4months old and you just can't beat the access.

When my DD was about 2 we would do the pre-ordered room service breakfast or my DH would take my DD down to Storytellers to eat and I would do the Morning Power Walk through DCA or the free yoga class. Then we would get a coffee to go at Hearthstone Lounge and do Early Entry from the GCH into DCA. Then in the evening when she was tired we would go back to the hotel and watch the movie on the lawn at GCH and grab a glass of wine or beer and go up to the WOC viewing area on the 6th floor. It's just a lovely place to stay.

The Early Morning Entry is great if your little one is an early riser (which most are) you can go into the park early and leave for an afternoon break.

She/He may also be into doing the private Build-A-Bear or Anna&Elsa boutique or RideMakerz morning access, that is offered when staying onsite.

Thank you! So helpful! I swear I wasn't even thinking onsite and now I feel crazy I ever thought offsite! I hope she is into build-a-bear how cute!

She is totally an early riser! I don't see that changing anytime soon!

 

[NJlauren]

World of Color generally runs every night, all year. DLR wants a "Nighttime Spectacular" every night, so when WOC was down for refurbishment Fantasmic ran every night. Paint the Night could also serve as a "Spectacular" so it will be interesting to see the "off season" schedules.

Grad Nites dates must be available, since I found a high school with a June 2016 date already set.
Google has failed me, I cannot locate a complete schedule.

Thank you! Ok I'm all overlooking up grade nights in the coming weeks I guess . Please correct me if I'm wrong but it's only at DLt? So we could just plan to avoid the DL if it had a grad night and go there just during the day?

Feel free to keep the tips coming as I haven't been to Disneyland in 18 years!

ETA: I have the parks backwards DCA for grad night...so I could just go to DL that night

 

[jammyjam25]

Thank you! Some of those perks sounds amazing! Early morning DCA power walks where do I find out about this? And trivia in the park?

No matter which onsite property you're at you can ask about the power walks upon check in and sign up for a morning! Same with Trivia, they have three types you can do while in the park and you get a small prize when you turn your form in. The recreation tab of the DL hotel page has more info about both (and other perks)! - https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/disneyland-hotel/recreation/

 

[NJlauren]

@jammyjam25 thank you!!!!

 

[Nonsuch]

...Please correct me if I'm wrong but it's only at DL? So we could just plan to avoid the DL if it had a grad night and go there just during the day?

Grad Nite is now a "mix in" event. Grads arrive all day and are free to park hop. Grads are required to be in DCA from 10PM to 2AM (when the park is closed to the public). The June 2016 dates I have found are marked "tentative" so it seems schedules have not been officially released.

 

[NJlauren]

Grad Nite is now a "mix in" event. Grads arrive all day and are free to park hop. Grads are required to be in DCA from 10PM to 2AM (when the park is closed to the public). The June 2016 dates I have found are marked "tentative" so it seems schedules have not been officially released.

Thank you, I really appreciate all your information! I'll keep looking, I'm not to worried about it to be 100% honest, I'll deal with the days I go and if we have grad nights we will make the best of it! Some DL is better then none right!