YEAH!! I booked the Disneyland Hotel!

[Lives4Disney]

OK, thanks to everybody here that helped me with all my crazy, confused plans.


Thanks to the Diser that mentioned Getaway Today. I booked through them - booked the Disneyland hotel (which I wanted originally, but it wasn't available thru Disney or Costco for my dates), got the $150 gift card, our hoppers, 2 free bfast coupons, and who knows what else and I feel like I finally got what I wanted! I feel excited about this trip now.

Anything I should know about the DLH?? Which tower is best?? As of now all I could get was standard view....hoping to upgrade to pool view at checkin, but we'll see as it's sold out for my first night. With standard, is any tower better than the others?? Do all rooms (for family of 5) have two queens & a daybed??

THANKS, Disers!!

Lives4Disney (feeling so good about this now )

 

[RanStak65]

tell me about the two breakfast coupons....I just booked with them for the DLH also, and they never mentioned anything about breakfast coupons!!

 

[wendypooh22]

Each time we have stayed at the DLH, we request the Bonita tower with a pool view on the highest floor as possible. I love looking out the doors and seeing the waterfalls below and watching the fireworks from our room at night if we didn't want to stay in the park.... We also request 2 queen beds and the daybed.. You can call the hotel and let them know what your preferences are... They might not be available on the day that you check in...

Congrats on your trip!!!

 

[MATTERHORN]

Congratulations!! I know you have been going back and forth for a while now! Glad you are happy with the final decision!


Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

Forgot, Sierra tower is my favorite but that's because I like to be closest and you are either facing the pool or DTD although the lowest floors are considered standard view!


Andrea

 

[Amy&Dan]

Each time we have stayed at the DLH, we request the Bonita tower with a pool view on the highest floor as possible. I love looking out the doors and seeing the waterfalls below and watching the fireworks from our room at night if we didn't want to stay in the park.... We also request 2 queen beds and the daybed.. You can call the hotel and let them know what your preferences are... They might not be available on the day that you check in...

Congrats on your trip!!!

Thats our favorite location too! And that is a standard view room I believe since its not technically a pool view. YOu can see the vegation of the pool and maybe parts of the Peter Pan ship sticking up but not the pool itself. So its a pool area/fountain view but still standard. The Bonita Tower being the furthest from the pool and check in is the least requested. And I want to say a word about that location. I don't happen to think its that much further at all. Maybe a minute more walking. Since OP is very familar with WDW resorts I can tell you that even though the DLH has lovely grounds, three towers plus the building that houses Goofy's, as well as two pool areas, it is small and compact by WDW standards. So the Bonita maybe the furthest out but its not much further to walk. Nothing like being in a far out buiding in a WDW resort. Not even close! Since everyone requests Sierra and Marina Towers because of this location issue, I always ask for Bonita with the non parking lot view, which as stated above is a very pretty view. And I almost always get it too! All three towers have their pluses and minuses.

The DLH is wonderful, I am so glad this all worked out for you and that now you can get down to the business of just looking forward to and planning your trip! No more hotel worries!

 

[Lives4Disney]

tell me about the two breakfast coupons....I just booked with them for the DLH also, and they never mentioned anything about breakfast coupons!!

When I called, she automatically told me about the "specials" they are offering with bookings. The $150 gift card at check in and 2 adult character bfast coupons/tickets. They are probably worth about $50 together. These will be also picked up at the hotel at check in. She offered for me to purchase 3 more for the rest of my family & I did because I have several character bfasts booked anyway. If you just booked, I would call back and inquire about these. I know Costco's package offered something similar and still is.

THANKS guys for all your help on my first DLR trip. I feel really excited about this. A WDW concierge CM that we have become friends with also confirmed with me that this is her favorite DL hotel - and she is a big Disney nut and loves DLR so much it has me even more revved!!

I appreciate the tower request ideas!! You are all so helpful. And I will definitely request 2 queens and a daybed....thought since we are a family of 5 it would be automatic, but I better just mention it.

I booked my Newfie in a Winnie the Pooh suite at her kennel!! Now I don't have to feel too guilty about her, either, LOL!! I am set.

Lives4Disney

 

[Amy&Dan]

I appreciate the tower request ideas!! You are all so helpful. And I will definitely request 2 queens and a daybed....thought since we are a family of 5 it would be automatic, but I better just mention it.


Lives4Disney

Also know that if you don't get a daybed, they do provide a rollaway for free. Just another thing I love about the DLH!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Also know that if you don't get a daybed, they do provide a rollaway for free. Just another thing I love about the DLH!

LOL! THANKS!! I didn't know that. No family member sleeping on the floor in an $800/nt GCH room! I still think that is just plain wrong. I have no issues with kids in sleeping bags - but in an expensive hotel??!! It's the principle for me, I guess. I would just feel so lame having 2 beds for DH, myself and my two girls and telling DS "You get the floor". Like I brought Cinderella on vacation with us.

I am so happy to have found a room at DLH. It feels right. I love the pics and the Peter Pan theme and the RC boats and.... everything.

Lives4Disney

 

[Amy&Dan]

LOL! THANKS!! I didn't know that. No family member sleeping on the floor in an $800/nt GCH room! I still think that is just plain wrong. I have no issues with kids in sleeping bags - but in an expensive hotel??!! It's the principle for me, I guess. I would just feel so lame having 2 beds for DH, myself and my two girls and telling DS "You get the floor". Like I brought Cinderella on vacation with us.

I am so happy to have found a room at DLH. It feels right. I love the pics and the Peter Pan theme and the RC boats and.... everything.

Lives4Disney

I know what you mean! I loved our stay at the GCH and we lucked out and got a bunkbed room. But I could tell my son would likely be too tall for that set up this summer and since that or a daybed is not a guarantee it just didn't sit well for me. And I missed the magic of the DLH. So we switched back to our old favorite for this upcoming visit. Both DLH and PP have a guaranteed daybed or rollaway. GCH doesn't and for my family that is a problem.

I think you will really love the DLH. I am sure others think I am crazy but I honestly preferred it over the GCH. Not that I didn't like GCH I just LOVE the DLH. To each their own, one thing about it, Disney has plenty of choices so usually we can all find something we can enjoy!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Sounds like you got an awesome deal! Glad you found some better accomodations for your family too. I also agree with the whole sleeping on the floor thing for the price. I think you'll love the DLH. It's our personal favorite too.

We've stayed in all 3 towers. We didn't have a DTD view in the Sierra tower though. But the pool view was very nice! The only not so great view we had was in the Bonita tower, facing the parking lot. Really wouldn't want that again. LOL But I liked staying in the Marina Tower last year. It's the same tower as the lobby. So it's got the stores and stuff. We also saw Goofy in the lobby more then once on our way to the parks. Very magical!

We got a free pool view upgrade at check in on our last stay (Marina Tower). That was in busy packed July too! So you never know! Nothing to count on for sure, but it's great when it happens.

 

[3for Me]

Channing,

I have followed alot of your posts on the GF thread. We, too are trying DL for the first time as a family (I went several times as a child) the first week of June!

I am sooo glad I read this post - I was all set to book the GCH, but now will look into the DH, based on your recommendation. You and I tend to think alike based on your GF posts! So, I am now going to look into this and let you know what happens! I'm off to do some planning, now!

 

[TwingleMum]

Channing~ Thats wonderful!! I couldn't decide so I'm split staying 5 nights DHL and $ nights at GC concierge. Even the Newfie gets some Disney magic!! Have a great trip.

 

[RanStak65]

When I called, she automatically told me about the "specials" they are offering with bookings. The $150 gift card at check in and 2 adult character bfast coupons/tickets. They are probably worth about $50 together. These will be also picked up at the hotel at check in. She offered for me to purchase 3 more for the rest of my family & I did because I have several character bfasts booked anyway. If you just booked, I would call back and inquire about these. I know Costco's package offered something similar and still is.

THANKS guys for all your help on my first DLR trip. I feel really excited about this. A WDW concierge CM that we have become friends with also confirmed with me that this is her favorite DL hotel - and she is a big Disney nut and loves DLR so much it has me even more revved!!

I appreciate the tower request ideas!! You are all so helpful. And I will definitely request 2 queens and a daybed....thought since we are a family of 5 it would be automatic, but I better just mention it.

I booked my Newfie in a Winnie the Pooh suite at her kennel!! Now I don't have to feel too guilty about her, either, LOL!! I am set.

Lives4Disney

Thanks for the reply. I will call them this morning. We were planning on a breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen one morning, so this will help! Thanks.
Hope you have a very nice trip.

 

[RanStak65]

Thanks for the reply. I will call them this morning. We were planning on a breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen one morning, so this will help! Thanks.
Hope you have a very nice trip.

I just called and the breakfast deal was only good if you booked after the 25th of January. I booked the 20th. Luckily, I still get the gift card. Thanks again.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing,

I have followed alot of your posts on the GF thread. We, too are trying DL for the first time as a family (I went several times as a child) the first week of June!

I am sooo glad I read this post - I was all set to book the GCH, but now will look into the DH, based on your recommendation. You and I tend to think alike based on your GF posts! So, I am now going to look into this and let you know what happens! I'm off to do some planning, now!

Well, I am absolutely NO expert on DL!! I was just totally floundering!! (THANKS, Disneyland Disers!!! ) I had thought GCH all the way just because we love to be a bit spoiled on vacation and went for the concierge service because that's just another part of being spoiled, lol. All along, though, GCH just wasnt exciting me. I asked a GF RPC concierge member friend which her fave is and she said DLH. She has been crazy about DLR for YEARS and loves DLH. She's nostalgic about it. She may even meet us out there!!

I am going the end of March, so I will let you know what I think & how things go for us.

I just love the Dis pics of the DLH on the sticky at the top. We used to always stay at the CR in WDW because it was such a fun and hoppin' place and the DLH kind of reminds me of the CR. I may be sorry I didn't go for the all out luxury of the GCH and concierge, but I doubt it. The lobby looks beautiful and very grand, but I am not going to be "living" in the lobby. DL reservations told me rooms there are only 275 sq ft and that turned me off big time as GF's are a bit over 400 sq ft. (WHERE would I put 9 days worth of luggage for a family of 5???!!!!) DLH's (I was told by DL res.) are 350, so even if the estimates are low DLH rooms are larger than GCH's. As for concierge, I found the best character meals seem to be for bfast and I have a character bfast booked for every morning. I think this will be more of a parks vacation vs. relaxing at the hotel, so we wouldn't take advantage of the offerings etc. They have no IPO like WDW, either.

Twinglemum, I actually was considering a split to try them both, but we are coming from 5 nts in San Diego so too much hotel hopping for only a 4 nt DL stay. (I have done it before though! ) You have a NICE LONG DL stay planned!! Hope it's wonderful. It will be neat to hear your comparison betwn the two hotels after your visit.

I am feeling really good about everything now. I showed my DD7 the hotel pics and she loved what she saw, too.


Love this DIS!

Lives4Disney

 

[3for Me]

Channing,

Looks to me from the pictures that the DLH has a similar "feel" to the GF. The furnishings look more in line to what I see in a GF room - and that POOL IS TO DIE FOR!

The GCH looks more like the WL to me. I love the WL, but not while I'm in CA on a summer vacation!

I have read that the concierge level is not really what it is at WDW...so I don't think I'll be needing that. I really love the pictures I am seeing and, like you are now getting really excited about staying there.

It is daunting trying to learn all about a new place, though. I feel like I am starting over.

Good luck wth your planning and PLEASE post when you get back! I'll be anxious to hear your report!

 

[Lives4Disney]

3forMe, I think that DLH pool is so cute! I wonder how the slide is? I could see the end in one pic, but not where you enter at all. I don't know if we can swim the end of March...hope so or my DD7 will be bummed. She LOVED that Ariel statue and the Hook ship w/ Tic toc.

I will post after I return & let you know how it went. I am so happy now, I can't get off the DIS!

I never wanted to stay at the WL....I think it's beautiful but too much like home and I am sure that's why I was having trouble getting excited about GCH. It's funny because those resorts are really my style, my house is furnished in rustic & craftsman type furniture - I have a totem pole, antler chandeliers/mission lanterns etc... LOL. It's just not what I crave for vacation. I love to go look and get design ideas etc. but not stay there.

I am really happy with the DLH and hope I can get one of those nice standard views mentioned. Thanks for all the ideas, guys. I suppose when I call the resort to request the 2 qn & daybed layout I will mention my preferred views. The evening pool view looks super pretty. I will be happy with anything except parking lot. I am just so happy somebody mentioned getawaytoday travel and I got the hotel I wanted.

Lives4Disney