Will the price difference for DLH be worth it?

[jpessa]

Ok here's my story: DD5 and I are going on vacation to Thailand, leaving Sunday November 22nd. We live in Phoenix, and since we had to fly through LA anyway, we're leaving Friday afternoon to LA so we can spend Saturday November 21st in our favorite place! I'm also getting us annual passes, yippee!

I currently have the Carousel Inn booked for the 2 nights. I got a great deal: $250 all in. A couple days ago on a whim I also booked DLH for $920 all in. My thoughts for wanting the DLH: those days both parks have emh at 7am. We're rope drop, nap in the afternoon and park close people. Non EMH people will be at a disadvantage and it should be crowded. Also, if I had access to EMH, the Sunday I'd hit the parks from 7-9am before heading to the airport (I want DD5 to be exhausted for the first 14.5 hour flight). I've also never stayed at DLH and think it could be fun. I've also booked a welcome to Disneyland Tour for Saturday. (only 3rd time there - tons at WDW as used to live on East Coast) Time is limited, but we'll be back. Lots.

I can afford the difference, but it's a lot of money for anyone. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to spend it, right? But I'm not pinching pennies at this time.

OK! With all that, what are your thoughts /experiences? Is it worth it? I understand everyone is different. I normally don't splurge like this. I'm a master saver. But sometimes we should treat ourselves, right? But if it's not worth it, I can save it for a different splurge.

Thanks!

 

[Geemo]

Ok here's my story: DD5 and I are going on vacation to Thailand, leaving Sunday November 22nd. We live in Phoenix, and since we had to fly through LA anyway, we're leaving Friday afternoon to LA so we can spend Saturday November 21st in our favorite place! I'm also getting us annual passes, yippee!

I currently have the Carousel Inn booked for the 2 nights. I got a great deal: $250 all in. A couple days ago on a whim I also booked DLH for $920 all in. My thoughts for wanting the DLH: those days both parks have emh at 7am. We're rope drop, nap in the afternoon and park close people. Non EMH people will be at a disadvantage and it should be crowded. Also, if I had access to EMH, the Sunday I'd hit the parks from 7-9am before heading to the airport (I want DD5 to be exhausted for the first 14.5 hour flight). I've also never stayed at DLH and think it could be fun. I've also booked a welcome to Disneyland Tour for Saturday. (only 3rd time there - tons at WDW as used to live on East Coast) Time is limited, but we'll be back. Lots.

I can afford the difference, but it's a lot of money for anyone. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to spend it, right? But I'm not pinching pennies at this time.

OK! With all that, what are your thoughts /experiences? Is it worth it? I understand everyone is different. I normally don't splurge like this. I'm a master saver. But sometimes we should treat ourselves, right? But if it's not worth it, I can save it for a different splurge.

Thanks!

If you're getting annual passes see if there is a special rate for AP holders.

 

[jpessa]

If you're getting annual passes see if there is a special rate for AP holders.

Yeah, only for nights Sunday through Thursday according to what I saw online. If I call could there be a different answer?

 

[Geemo]

Yeah, only for nights Sunday through Thursday according to what I saw online. If I call could there be a different answer?

For ONE question, you can/might get three different answers from three different CM's.

It's always worth a try.

Good Luck

 

[millie0312]

I think each person is different but to our family we think staying onsite is worth every expensive penny! The EE and the theming and the closeness to the parks and mostly the Disney bubble (we love walking through DTD to get to the parks)- worth it every time. We only go once a year so that might make a difference to you, but I say if this is one trip you aren't scrimping on and have the money do it! Next trip you can stay across the street but DLH is so great! Plus with that being a busy week and you being an EE family and nap in the afternoon family- it just seems right

 

[meggles]

We are staying at the Grand Californian right now and are totally spoiled. I don't see us staying offsite ever again. Totally worth it.

 

[5forMickey]

If money isn't the issue then I 100% would stay onsite. Like the PP said, we got spoiled on our first onsite stay and can't imagine ever not staying onsite again, it just made such a hugh difference in our trips. You will have a completely different stay if you are able to take advantage of early entry and I think the Hotel is wonderful!!! What a fun sounding vacation for you.

 

[jenmiller114]

I swear I could have written every word you said in your OP. LOL. We like to go early, rest in the afternoon and return for the evening stuff. And on the shorter trips, it is definitely worth staying onsite to be able to take advantage of EMH, especially with the crowds that they are anticipating. And we always go for a couple hours in the morning before getting on the plane to return home. We fly from TX and that time change is a huge advantage when going to the west coast.

I have been trying to convince myself that it's worth the price to stay onsite too. We are going Nov 22 - 25 and I have the Hyatt booked right now. I have waffled on DLH and every time I try to book the discounted rate, it's gone before I pull the trigger. I can tell you there are no AP rates. I have called 3 times and had no luck. I have seen the discount pop in for the seasonal rate but the hotel seems to be filling up so not really likely anymore are going to come up. Now I am kicking myself for not doing it when I had the chance because they only have premium rooms available and they are going for full price. Having a hard time with that since we are sailing on the Wonder in December. I should be saving money... not spending more!

I think your plan sounds great so go for it. Wish the amount of time you have, it will be worth the money.

Jennifer

 

[jpessa]

Thanks everyone, I will do it! I'm so excited. I've stayed at GCH once before, when I went for my 40th birthday (again only 2 nights). It totally spoiled me! But I've also stayed on Harbor and liked it.

I booked on Orbitz with the promo code "feelgood" which is good for 15% off, so it's better than nothing.

 

[jpessa]

Oh by the way, I'm flying into and out of LAX, so I'm booking the Disneyland Resort Express (with the AOC code, so $38 round trip for both of us as kids are free). Mostly because I don't want to bring DD5's carseat, so this is my only option. Am I right to think DLH is the first dropped off after airport, and last picked up before airport? This also makes a difference!

 

[luulu1999]

If I could afford it I SO would! I would love for us to be able to stay there even a split stay but I just never can justify the extra cost!

 

[hootey]

Congratulations! I hope you LOVE everything about your DLH experience! The Resort Express is a GREAT way to start and end your DLR trips, you ought to be the first dropped off and the last picked up. Relax and enjoy the ride to and from the airport. When you are checking in at the DLH be sure to ask about the DLH character meat n greets in the hotel lobby. Have them list ALL the extras you get staying at the DLH. Be sure to use the pool/hot-tub/waterslides in the afternoon when going back for your naps. Enjoy your STAY!

 

[mesaboy2]

Oh by the way, I'm flying into and out of LAX, so I'm booking the Disneyland Resort Express (with the AOC code, so $38 round trip for both of us as kids are free). Mostly because I don't want to bring DD5's carseat, so this is my only option. Am I right to think DLH is the first dropped off after airport, and last picked up before airport? This also makes a difference!

What AOC code is this? I'm planning on using the Express next year....

 

[jpessa]

What AOC code is this? I'm planning on using the Express next year....

It's an Orange County tourism board code. When booking online just add the code "AOC" to the "I have a promo code" field for $10 off round trip from LAX or $5 off round trip from SNA.

 

[jpessa]

Congratulations! I hope you LOVE everything about your DLH experience! The Resort Express is a GREAT way to start and end your DLR trips, you ought to be the first dropped off and the last picked up. Relax and enjoy the ride to and from the airport. When you are checking in at the DLH be sure to ask about the DLH character meat n greets in the hotel lobby. Have them list ALL the extras you get staying at the DLH. Be sure to use the pool/hot-tub/waterslides in the afternoon when going back for your naps. Enjoy your STAY!

WOO HOO! thanks for the enthusiasm and tips, I'm even more excited now!

 

[Angrose]

I also think you will be happy you chose the DLH! Don't forget to bring swimsuits and take advantage of their fantastic pools. It's hard to say how hot it will be, but last year it was high 90's that weekend. We went the weekend after Thanksgiving last year, mid to high 70's and it was still warm enough to swim. Have fun!

 

[calilou]

Another vote of confidence for your change to DLH! We love it there and consider staying onsite worth every penny if you can afford it. Have fun!

 

[MommyJKM]

Oh by the way, I'm flying into and out of LAX, so I'm booking the Disneyland Resort Express (with the AOC code, so $38 round trip for both of us as kids are free). Mostly because I don't want to bring DD5's carseat, so this is my only option. Am I right to think DLH is the first dropped off after airport, and last picked up before airport? This also makes a difference!

We've only taken Disneyland Resort Express from SNA but it stopped at GCH then DLH, only a 5 minute difference. And picked up was GCH then DLH then airport. I would assume it's the same for LAX because of the routing.

 

[mesaboy2]

It's an Orange County tourism board code. When booking online just add the code "AOC" to the "I have a promo code" field for $10 off round trip from LAX or $5 off round trip from SNA.

Thank you!

 

[stlm]

You'll love DLH! My favorite!!
First stop from the Airport will be DLH as it will also be the last stop before departing to LAX.
Enjoy!