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disneyland-to staty or not to stayoff property
- Thread starter marko
- Start date
will be
I will be staying off site in 5 days
if you check out passporter's website and trip advisor there are a lot of reviews for staying both on and off site. I couldn't justify the $1000 extra it would have cost me over 6 nights to stay on site when there are so many hotels within a ten minute walk. With AAA I got a great rate at the Quality Inn in Anaheim that is apparently really close.
Erica
I will be staying off site in 5 days
if you check out passporter's website and trip advisor there are a lot of reviews for staying both on and off site. I couldn't justify the $1000 extra it would have cost me over 6 nights to stay on site when there are so many hotels within a ten minute walk. With AAA I got a great rate at the Quality Inn in Anaheim that is apparently really close. Erica
heliumalias
Member
I haven't stayed off-site per say (although I did live in LA - technically off-site I suppose). I also stayed at the GC. Staying on-site definitely made life easy and I thought that the hotel was AMAZING. Keep in mind that DL is surrounded by busy roads which you never see if you're staying on-site.
lilclerk
Well-Known Member
A lot of hotels are literally across the street from DL. You can get rooms with views of the parks and walk on over. IMO, on property in DL isn't anything like on property in WDW. If you're willing to drop the $$$ on staying in one of the Disney hotels out there, go for it, they're beautiful. But if it's not worth it for you, the off property hotels are great as well.
Disneykidder
Well-Known Member
There are so many hotels right in the area. If you click on one of the good neighbor hotels as a part of their package, it actually costs more. We were going to go last summer and figured it out as cheaper to stay at the same hotel but to book it ourselves. You can still book the Goofy breakfast on your own, too. Price it out and see if it works out to your advantage. There are hotels literally across the street now adays.
It is more expensive to stay at Disneyland than Disney World, too.
Have a great time!
It is more expensive to stay at Disneyland than Disney World, too.
Have a great time!
Disneyfalcon
Well-Known Member
We've stayed offsite and on. If I could pick anywhere, it would be Grand Californian hands down. If I couldn't afford it though, the hotels across the street are much cheaper and just as close or closer than the other two Disney hotels (Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel).
If you're only looking for a room to sleep in at night, the Best Western directly across the street, is cheap and clean. If you want somewhere a little nicer the Howard Johnson gets great reviews and is just a short walk.
Just ask if you've got any more questions!
If you're only looking for a room to sleep in at night, the Best Western directly across the street, is cheap and clean. If you want somewhere a little nicer the Howard Johnson gets great reviews and is just a short walk.
Just ask if you've got any more questions!
coasterphil
Well-Known Member
I always recommend the Howard Johnson. Our stay there was great, and it's only $55 if you use the Entertainment Book rate.
imamouse
Well-Known Member
We stayed at Paradise Pier April 2006 in order to get the promotional gift card and adult tix for the price of a child's. We booked a city view, but were upgraded to a theme park view, overlooking the Paradise Pier section of DCA!
PP isn't really themed, but it still felt more "Disney" than a HoJos. Still, I'm not sure I'd do it again, unless we could afford GC. PP was pretty far away and did not have a food court (only one table service restaurant). We walked to either DTD or CG for a grab and go breakfast most mornings.
Although the room was more expensive, we saved on the tickets and the $150 (or $200?) gift card covered nearly all of our food - and we ate at Napa Rose, Storytellers Cafe and did the character breakfast at PP.
PP isn't really themed, but it still felt more "Disney" than a HoJos. Still, I'm not sure I'd do it again, unless we could afford GC. PP was pretty far away and did not have a food court (only one table service restaurant). We walked to either DTD or CG for a grab and go breakfast most mornings.
Although the room was more expensive, we saved on the tickets and the $150 (or $200?) gift card covered nearly all of our food - and we ate at Napa Rose, Storytellers Cafe and did the character breakfast at PP.
Bug715
Member
I'm going this summer with a friend's family but have to get my own room (I'm hoping I can find another friend to come to cut the costs) but I've decided that since I don't know the next time I'll get out there so I've decided to stay at the Disneyland Hotel to experience everything.
Does anyone know what the Cast Member discount is out there? Since you have to call I'm waiting until I have the money so I can book it at the same time.
Does anyone know what the Cast Member discount is out there? Since you have to call I'm waiting until I have the money so I can book it at the same time.
This will basically echo what others have said, but the Disney-owned hotels near Disneyland are nothing like the ones at WDW (Grand Californian being the one exception). People who have been to WDW, but have never been to DL, might be inclined to assume that the hotels at DL are of the same quality. While this would seem a reasonable assumption, it is incorrect. At WDW, all of the hotels on property were built either by Disney or under their watch. Not so with the ones at DL, except for Grand Californian. Grand Californian was built from the ground up by Disney, and it is of the same quality as those found at WDW (unfortunately, it is also the most expensive and somewhat overpriced for what you get).
A very brief history of the other two will shed some light on why I, and many others, would not recommend them:
Disneyland Hotel
Once again, it would seem reasonable to assume that this hotel was built, owned and operated by Disney from day one (after all, it's always been called the Disneyland Hotel). Not so, however. The Disneyland Hotel was built by Jack Wrather in the very early days of the park. At that time, Walt had absolutely no interest in building or operating hotels, so he gave exclusive rights to the Disney name on hotels to his good friend, Jack Wrather. Wrather opened a hotel, called it the Disneyland Hotel, and his company owned and operated it until 1988. That year, Disney (under Eisner's leadership) bought the Wrather company so that they would own the Disneyland Hotel and also so they would have the right to put the Disney name on their hotels (note that even the WDW hotels didn't have the name Disney on them prior to then). Disney put some work into fixing it up, but it has never been brought up the to the caliber of a typical Disney resort.
Paradise Pier
This hotel was built and opened as the Emerald Hotel in the early 80s and later changed ownership and changed it's name to the Pan Pacific. Disney didn't purchase it until 1995, at which time they changed the name to Disneyland Pacific. As with the DL Hotel, they put some money into fixing it up, but it never has been a true Disney resort.
A very brief history of the other two will shed some light on why I, and many others, would not recommend them:
Disneyland Hotel
Once again, it would seem reasonable to assume that this hotel was built, owned and operated by Disney from day one (after all, it's always been called the Disneyland Hotel). Not so, however. The Disneyland Hotel was built by Jack Wrather in the very early days of the park. At that time, Walt had absolutely no interest in building or operating hotels, so he gave exclusive rights to the Disney name on hotels to his good friend, Jack Wrather. Wrather opened a hotel, called it the Disneyland Hotel, and his company owned and operated it until 1988. That year, Disney (under Eisner's leadership) bought the Wrather company so that they would own the Disneyland Hotel and also so they would have the right to put the Disney name on their hotels (note that even the WDW hotels didn't have the name Disney on them prior to then). Disney put some work into fixing it up, but it has never been brought up the to the caliber of a typical Disney resort.
Paradise Pier
This hotel was built and opened as the Emerald Hotel in the early 80s and later changed ownership and changed it's name to the Pan Pacific. Disney didn't purchase it until 1995, at which time they changed the name to Disneyland Pacific. As with the DL Hotel, they put some money into fixing it up, but it never has been a true Disney resort.
Disneysue
Member
- In the Parks
- No
Ive stayed both off and on site. My best advice is to:
#1) USE TRIP ADVISOR if you've decided to stay off site. In Anaheim, the cheaper motels are exactly that CHEAP. UNGODLY uncomfortable beds, bad showers, gaps between the door and the floor so the light comes in and the sound. A hotel that is "A block away" or less may not seem far, but at the end of a long fun filled day in the park, that "short walk" will seem like 50 miles. I have stayed in CandyCane Inn, Alpine Inn, Best Westerns, Park Vue Inn, Howard Johnsons, and most of them have been ok but I would not return to them because they are farther away and now there is no free shuttle only the Anaheim Resort Area bus that you have to buy a pass for. Yes you can walk but again, its fine in the Morning, but at night, it seems to get farther and farther away.
I have stayed at Paradise Pier and the rooms are EXACTLY like the rooms at The Beach Club, furniture and all. Personally, I feel that both hotels while not origianlly built by Disney, are defiantely Disney now. They have put a lot of work into them and they are beautiful Disney hotels. IF you're looking to save $$$ go with Paradise Pier. I've stayed in the Theme Park view rooms and the non view rooms and the Theme Park views are definately worth the little extra. Especially if you make it a point to get to your room before fireworks, talk about PERFECT VIEWS! WOW! We never closed our curtains.
#1) USE TRIP ADVISOR if you've decided to stay off site. In Anaheim, the cheaper motels are exactly that CHEAP. UNGODLY uncomfortable beds, bad showers, gaps between the door and the floor so the light comes in and the sound. A hotel that is "A block away" or less may not seem far, but at the end of a long fun filled day in the park, that "short walk" will seem like 50 miles. I have stayed in CandyCane Inn, Alpine Inn, Best Westerns, Park Vue Inn, Howard Johnsons, and most of them have been ok but I would not return to them because they are farther away and now there is no free shuttle only the Anaheim Resort Area bus that you have to buy a pass for. Yes you can walk but again, its fine in the Morning, but at night, it seems to get farther and farther away.
I have stayed at Paradise Pier and the rooms are EXACTLY like the rooms at The Beach Club, furniture and all. Personally, I feel that both hotels while not origianlly built by Disney, are defiantely Disney now. They have put a lot of work into them and they are beautiful Disney hotels. IF you're looking to save $$$ go with Paradise Pier. I've stayed in the Theme Park view rooms and the non view rooms and the Theme Park views are definately worth the little extra. Especially if you make it a point to get to your room before fireworks, talk about PERFECT VIEWS! WOW! We never closed our curtains.
FaerieLuna
Member
We stayed at the Howard Johnson during our 2005 trip and were quite satisfied with it. We always stay on site at WDW, but at Disneyland, the onsite hotels were not in our budget at the time since we were traveling on to Hawaii after our stop in California.
I can't say I agree with you here. I've stayed at both hotels (Paradise Pier and The Beach Club), and the Beach Club rooms are significantly nicer. Paradise Pier is basically your average hotel room with the extra perks of being relatively close to the parks, and all of the Disney-based decor in the lobby (and some in the rooms).
Having said that, I would say it's the best deal of the three Disney hotels in Anaheim. Personally, I'd still stay at one of the non-Disney hotels near the park, because your dollar goes a lot further and you get a lot more for what you're paying. But if its critically important for someone to stay at a Disney-owned hotel, the PP would be the one I'd recommend. It's more affordable than GC, and it's about 30 years newer than the Disneyland Hotel. As far as the things you can see and hear from that hotel (fireworks, etc), there are non-Disney hotels where you get spectacular views of those as well. I can't speak about the Electrical Parade though because I've never viewed that from any hotel (Disney OR non-Disney).
I'll be going there in April.
I considered on of the Disney hotels but in the end I just couldn't justify the high cost on what is already going to be an expensive holiday. We booked a hotel in the neighbourhood (Sheraton Anaheim) and in my mind this meant that, like at DLP or WDW, we would be quite a way from the park. Looking at maps it seems we would be able to walk there in 15 minutes or so.
Judging by peoples comments of the Disney hotels they don't seem to be that great when compared with the WDW or DLP hotels so I don't really feel like I'm missing out on anything.
Basically, we saved lots of money and we have convenience.
I considered on of the Disney hotels but in the end I just couldn't justify the high cost on what is already going to be an expensive holiday. We booked a hotel in the neighbourhood (Sheraton Anaheim) and in my mind this meant that, like at DLP or WDW, we would be quite a way from the park. Looking at maps it seems we would be able to walk there in 15 minutes or so.
Judging by peoples comments of the Disney hotels they don't seem to be that great when compared with the WDW or DLP hotels so I don't really feel like I'm missing out on anything.
Basically, we saved lots of money and we have convenience.
Susan Savia
Well-Known Member
My daughter who lives in California visited Disneyland and they stayed offsite, right across the street. Said it was so very convenient and the rate was low. Why spend all that $?
Disneyfalcon
Well-Known Member
I definitely understand the desire to stay at a Disney hotel. The Grand Californian is one of the best Disney properties there is, I stay there every chance I get. I also thoroughly enjoy the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier(although I've just visited PP, never stayed). For me they are both very magical, and a stay there helps complete the whole Disney experience for me. They do not feel like ordinary hotels to me, they both have Disney touches. I can't walk into my room at the Best Western and see a Mickey hand holding up my lamp. The pool at the Disneyland Hotel can't even be compared with the offsite hotels, it's wonderful.
Now if the choice is between an offsite hotel and not taking a trip, then give me the offsite hotel! We've stayed at 4 different ones and had a great trip each time. They are convenient and can be very inexpensive. Coasterphil is right the entertainment rate at Howard Johnsons is phenomenal. Are the offsite hotels magical? Nope. Are they worth a stay if you want to save some money? Absolutely!
Now if the choice is between an offsite hotel and not taking a trip, then give me the offsite hotel! We've stayed at 4 different ones and had a great trip each time. They are convenient and can be very inexpensive. Coasterphil is right the entertainment rate at Howard Johnsons is phenomenal. Are the offsite hotels magical? Nope. Are they worth a stay if you want to save some money? Absolutely!
devoy1701
Well-Known Member
I've booked the Embassy Suites Anahiem South for my trip in December 09 as per someone's advice on here and also because Embassy Suites includes a hot Cook-to-Order breakfast every morning with your stay. It's about a mile away from the Parks so we'll have a nice morning stroll on some mornings or take the hotel transportation over to the parks.
We're also getting a 2-room suite with a King bed for about $800 less than the cost of Paradise Pier. Did I mention that it included breakfast? That's going to cut an additional $150 of our expenses for a week-long trip for 2 people.
Now judging by how bad the economy is, I'm not opposed to switching over to one of the 3 Disney Hotels over there is there are some amazing deals (which I'm really hoping their are). But the price has to come significantly close to what the Embassy Suites is costing me right now.
We're also getting a 2-room suite with a King bed for about $800 less than the cost of Paradise Pier. Did I mention that it included breakfast? That's going to cut an additional $150 of our expenses for a week-long trip for 2 people.
Now judging by how bad the economy is, I'm not opposed to switching over to one of the 3 Disney Hotels over there is there are some amazing deals (which I'm really hoping their are). But the price has to come significantly close to what the Embassy Suites is costing me right now.
Disneyfalcon
Well-Known Member
Devoy, I don't know if you said when you're going but from January - April the special is everyone pays kid prices for tickets Plus a $150 gift card for stays of 4 nights or more. It still might not meet Embassy Suites price (and they do have an awesome breakfast!!:sohappy
but that's the deal just for comparisons sake.
devoy1701
Well-Known Member
Devoy, I don't know if you said when you're going but from January - April the special is everyone pays kid prices for tickets Plus a $150 gift card for stays of 4 nights or more. It still might not meet Embassy Suites price (and they do have an awesome breakfast!!:sohappy
I'll be there in Dec 09 (first paragraph :animwink
So as of now there aren't any specials out for my dates...I'll probably have to wait until about July to find out...but if we can close that almost $1,000 difference to about $400-$500 I will heavily consider changing hotels. I love the Disney Magic...and whatever I can do to help the economy!