Worth the money to stay on property?

[GeneralTso]

For us, yes. It's worth it. Every penny.
We've also stayed off property several times and it's fine. Just fine. It's not awesome or anything near the experience at GC or DLH. Not even close.
We're not "we just need a place to shower and sleep" kind of folks. We looooove the theming, the view, the immersive experience. It matters to us.

It's a cost benefit thing. Many families can't afford or justify the added expense for lodging. That's what dictates most decisions of where to stay.
Just because someone can't afford to stay there (or has any desire to, actually) doesn't mean it'll be that way forever.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

Sometimes we stay on property and sometimes we don't. It's truly a vacation experience for us when we stay on site and sometimes get Club level. If it's a quick trip especially over the holidays we stay off site. If your party won't be up and in line at EMH opening, then I say it's not worth it.

 

[taniahappy]

If the $difference$ (money-wise) isnt that big of a deal for you and its a super extra special trip I would do it, if not mmm no.

I prefer to spend that money on food, drinks, souvenirs or just more nights in another hotel.

 

[V2000]

So I haven't been to DLR since I was a child and am taking a group of 4 in October. I'm having a heck of a time deciding on where to stay. It is a lot more money to stay on property i've noticed and am wondering: is it really worth it?

I agree that is does depend on your party and if the benefits for you are worth it.

Perks for me are:

• Being able to go back to the room to rest
• Never leaving the magic (even at the resort you are still experiencing Disney)
• Using the resort pool
• Accessing Early Magic Hours
• Being able to go to DTD with easy access
• Using the monorail back to your room

Are you staying more than one day?

 

[V2000]

I love stay at the resorts and for me it's worth it. However, I stay as a treat and usually stay when I am celebrating something special like a birthday, holiday, or anniversary.

 

[STLstone]

I think it is totally worth it. Since you haven't been since a child I really think it's worth it to enjoy the amenities and completely surround yourself in Disney. My favorite is the Disneyland Hotel but if cost is an issue the PPH is great too! Plus you'll get Extra Magic Hours in the park by staying on site.

If I'm staying at Disneyland Hotel, but I did not buy my 3-day Park-Hopper Ticket through Disney, will I still get EMH for all three days?

I didn't know if the tickets have to somehow be tied to your reservation for it to work.

 

[5forMickey]

If I'm staying at Disneyland Hotel, but I did not buy my 3-day Park-Hopper Ticket through Disney, will I still get EMH for all three days?

I didn't know if the tickets have to somehow be tied to your reservation for it to work.

You can buy your tickets, or AP, anywhere. They will ask to see your room key for EMH.

 

[whoever]

If you have the money yes. We just stayed offsite for the first time ever... It was a bit sad.

 

[minniecarousel]

We stay because we have DVC. I wonder if we'd stay there if we didn't own though.

Generally, staying across the street is so cost effective. If you aren't using the room for more than sleeping, it sure makes sense.

That says - ha-ha! I love staying at the Grand!

 

[MissErikaRae]

If I'm staying at Disneyland Hotel, but I did not buy my 3-day Park-Hopper Ticket through Disney, will I still get EMH for all three days?

I didn't know if the tickets have to somehow be tied to your reservation for it to work.

You can buy your tickets anywhere. They ask you for your room key when you enter the park to validate you are a resort guest.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I think it depends on a few variables. One, is this a once in a lifetime or once every few years kind of trip? Or do you think you'll go on a fairly regular basis? If it's a special sort of trip that won't happen often, onsite has a lot more magic as you don't have to leave the Disney bubble. However, going regularly, it's definitely not worth it. Two, do you think you'd use EMH every morning? If so, stay onsite. If not, don't bother. Three, how tight is your budget for your vacation? I used to swear by onsite hotels, but they're really expensive. If you have to cut back on other things you'd like to do during your trip to make onsite happen, don't bother. Four, are you there just to sleep, or do you spend time in your hotel? If you're there just to sleep, don't bother.

IF you are looking for an offsite hotel/motel that's in a reasonable walking distance, check out HOJO or Courtyard (though courtyard is almost as expensive as PPH). Both are about a 10-12 minute walk, have very nice accommodations, have amazing staff, have water play areas onsite, and have very comfortable beds. HOJO also has free parking, which is rare. There are closer motels like Carousel, Best Western Park Place, etc., but we always pick the ones that are a little further. They just seem nicer without breaking the bank.

 

[avalon451]

Glad we stayed at GCH our first trip, but never again. Right at the cross walk for $300 less a night? Yes, please! It's closer than any of the hotels except GCH, and even there, if you get a room way back in the labyrinth, it could still be a farther walk from your room than from Park Vue, BWPPI, or Desert Inn. As far as "worth it for EMH", since I don't have an AP and generally buy parkhoppers, I get one MM with that for DL, and that's enough 7 a.m. early entries for me, for one trip. I'll do the one MM, then rope drop at CA on a non-EMH day, and call it good.