The Miscellaneous Thought Thread

[coffeefan]

I typically don't like park hopping either. I either go to DL or to DCA. Depends what the group consensus is. But I am a local so I usually get there around noon and stay til closing.

 

[Disney Irish]

I typically don't like park hopping either. I either go to DL or to DCA. Depends what the group consensus is. But I am a local so I usually get there around noon and stay til closing.

I suspect this is more common than people realize.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Not that I disagree in regards to MK but I think for me on my first visit to WDW I’d spend more time there simply for the morbid curiosity of comparing and the volume of attractions. But on subsequent visits I could see how I’d spend less time there.

And that fits with what people do IMO. Out west, Disneyland is so unmistakably the core of the experience that people used to DLR assume it must be the same out east. And it is to a point, in large part because MK has more to do than the other parks, but Magic Kingdom both gets swallowed up in comparison to Disneyland and to the sheer quantity of the rest of the resort. It's not emblematic of WDW's nature in a positive way that's better reflected in places like Epcot.

I suspect this is more common than people realize.

Probably true. Many people probably don't feel like they need access to two parks in one day. It's not helping that Disneyland tickets no longer have a set park hopping rate and it now goes up for longer ticket durations.

 

[mickEblu]

Yes it’s typical, because unlike others I’m not a park hopper, never have been and never will be, I like my feet and don’t feel it’s worth all the extra steps rushing going between both parks in a single day. And second I’m not running from ride to ride trying to get to everything quickly, I take my time and enjoy everything at a slower pace. And I’ll usually use my DCA day to plan a dinner off property.

So call me a freak, I don’t care, but I like the way I do it, and so has all the people I’ve brought with me over the years. They feel it’s a better experience than trying to rush everywhere like everyone else. Got to learn to slow down and smell the roses my friend.

I was just playing around. We’re park hopping a lot less these days too. Although if we’re not hopping that means we’re usually spending the day at Disneyland. If we do hop then it’s usually just one time in the late afternoon. My son loves GRR so that’s usually the main reason we’ll do a late afternoon park hop this time of year. Disneyland is just much more accommodating to our barely hit 40” party or just people who are waiting standby in general.

Soarin, Webslingers and TSMM aren’t worth the waits IMO. Not putting my daughter on Mission Breakout yet even though she can go. RSR’s wait times are always insane. And my son refuses to ride Incredicoaster because of the loop even though he loved Ghost Rider. Go figure. Tried telling him Ghost Rider is much scarier and the loop is the most boring part but nope.

 

[Disney Irish]

I was just playing around. We’re park hopping a lot less these days too. Although if we’re not hopping that means we’re usually spending the day at Disneyland. If we do hop then it’s usually just one time in the late afternoon. My son loves GRR so that’s usually the main reason we’ll do a late afternoon park hop this time of year. Disneyland is just much more accommodating to our barely hit 40” party or just people who are waiting standby in general.

Soarin, Webslingers and TSMM aren’t worth the waits IMO. Not putting my daughter on Mission Breakout yet even though she can go. RSR’s wait times are always insane. And my son refuses to ride Incredicoaster because of the loop even though he loved Ghost Rider. Go figure. Tried telling him Ghost Rider is much scarier and the loop is the most boring part but nope.

Joking or not, the point is still the same. In my friend group who go to DLR, only one out of the couple dozen insists to still park hop. Everyone else spends one to two days at DL and one day at DCA. And more people I've talked to over the last couple trips are doing that. So I think you'll find that more people park hop less these days than in years past.

The days of people thinking DCA is a no value "less than half day only show up for one or two rides" park is ending. DCA is becoming a full day park, and certainly will when these 4 new rides open, as your poll is showing.

 

[Phroobar]

I was just playing around. We’re park hopping a lot less these days too. Although if we’re not hopping that means we’re usually spending the day at Disneyland. If we do hop then it’s usually just one time in the late afternoon. My son loves GRR so that’s usually the main reason we’ll do a late afternoon park hop this time of year. Disneyland is just much more accommodating to our barely hit 40” party or just people who are waiting standby in general.

Soarin, Webslingers and TSMM aren’t worth the waits IMO. Not putting my daughter on Mission Breakout yet even though she can go. RSR’s wait times are always insane. And my son refuses to ride Incredicoaster because of the loop even though he loved Ghost Rider. Go figure. Tried telling him Ghost Rider is much scarier and the loop is the most boring part but nope.

I agree. Ghostrider is far scarier than Incredicoaster. The way that thing shakes, I'm surprised I don't throw up at the end.

 

[mickEblu]

Joking or not, the point is still the same. In my friend group who go to DLR, only one out of the couple dozen insists to still park hop. Everyone else spends one to two days at DL and one day at DCA. And more people I've talked to over the last couple trips are doing that. So I think you'll find that more people park hop less these days than in years past.

The days of people thinking DCA is a no value "less than half day only show up for one or two rides" park is ending. DCA is becoming a full day park, and certainly will when these 4 new rides open, as your poll is showing.

You have 24 + friends?

I didn’t say people don’t think DCA has value. I said that I think the typical MK doesn’t spend a whole day at DCA without hopping to Disneyland. I stand by that. I’d wager that you and your friends are in the minority.

 

[Disney Irish]

You have 24 + friends?

That go to DLR regularly, yes.

That doesn’t encompass my whole friend list obviously. Which I assume is your joke here.

I didn’t say people don’t think DCA has value. I said that I think the typical MK doesn’t spend a whole day at DCA without hopping to Disneyland. I stand by that. I’d wager that you and your friends are in the minority.

I’m obviously combining your two conversations about DCA which includes your poll, because there is clearly a theme here. You still see DCA as having a “less than” full day park value. Which lines up with your comments on how you don’t really park hop anymore and stay in DL and how you only go to DCA for a couple rides for your kids.

As for MKs, there is probably more than you realize that don’t park hop and do actually spend a full day at DCA. As other posters here have commented they do the same, so clearly I’m not the only one even just here on this site. So I can’t say whether we’re in the “minority”, but I can say there is probably more than you realize that do the same as us.

 

[Phroobar]

You have 24 + friends?

I didn’t say people don’t think DCA has value. I said that I think the typical MK doesn’t spend a whole day at DCA without hopping to Disneyland. I stand by that. I’d wager that you and your friends are in the minority.

When we had passes, we would start with Star Tours and Space Mountain then head to pirates/HM. By noon go to DCA to eat. We would jump back and forth all day after.

Now that we don't have a pass, we would hit Disneyland only.

 

[Parteecia]

Had a nice afternoon and evening in the park. Indy had a 10 minute line, Pirates and Buzz 5, HMH had the longest we waited in at 20. Walked right into iasw, Mark Twain, and Tiki Room.

My phone fell out of my pocket in my truck and I didn't notice until we'd walked to the downtown security check. I decided to see how a day without it would go. I had my magicband and my friend had her phone. The only time I used hers was to get my MK dining discount. There were a few photos I would've liked to get but overall I didn't miss it a bit.

While having dinner at Plaza Inn we got to witness a surprise Legacy presentation. I have questions but my big one is why do you put a 9" layer cake on the table for each recipient, then box them up and hand out rice crispy treats?

 

[mickEblu]

Just got back from a couple nights at the Disneyland Hotel. Last time we stayed there was 11+ years ago for our 1 year wedding anniversary. Last time we didn't stay on property very much or use the pool at all. We were new annual pass holders / ride crushers back then without kids. I'll start by saying it's the best hotel at DLR. For three seasons + of the year the Disneyland Hotel is the best on property. It's by far the better choice anytime from late Spring through early October with it's lush grounds and a great pool complex. Grand Californian wins from November through early January when its decked out for the holidays. Pixar Place wins at nothing especially now that they're getting rid of that private entrance.

At check in I was surprised by the level of customer service. CM's were very friendly and attentive. Especially the lady who escorted us to the front desk and also helped us get signed up for the DLR resort trick treating that we had no idea was a thing. So my son took two his candy corns and quickly transformed into a vampire. During Trick or Treating we spontaneously bumped into Minnie, Chip and Pluto dressed up for Halloween which the kids got a kick out of. They were able to check us in early too around 1pm which was nice.

To my surprise they allow guests at the hotel to use the Discovery tower pool. I believe when it first opened you had to be DVC or staying at the Discovery Tower to use the pool. The Palm Breeze Bar and Discovery tower have the mid century modern/ Palm Springs aesthetic which I enjoy. The Discovery pool area is nice but we spent the least amount of time there as it's more geared for toddlers and my kids were more interested in the water slides and surrounding pools. Btw it's entirely possible that the Orange monorail water slide is the third most intense ride at the resort right after Mission Breakout and Incredicoaster. Not sure if I was greying out during that tight spiral or if it was just very disorienting - at least with your eyes open. Kids absolutely loved the water slides and pools. The entire pool complex is impressive. Very 90s Vegas mega resort but also with modern splash pads and high quality water slides. Also appreciate thatchy keep one of their jacuzzi's at a piping 103 degrees. Which is getting more rare these days at hotels. Works out to everyone's advantage as guests don't spend more than 10 minutes in there. There was always plenty of room in the jacuzzi's. I'm sure the warm weather played a part but for the better of the late afternoon the majority of the pool complex is in shade and if you are wet it can feel a little chilly even on a warm day with a slight breeze. CM's were constantly handing out little snacks like Rice crispy treats, fruit snacks or otter pops which I thought was a nice touch.

The DL Hotel checks a lot of boxes or for me. DL History. Mid Century Modern. Lush with lots of trees. Hawaiian/ Polynesian vibes with Trader Sams/ Tangaroa and the Adventure Tower surroundings. There was a point where I was at Tangaroa and could have fooled myself that I was in Hawaii with the live Hawaiian music and trees. The Dole Whip float with rum and weather helped too. Especially the first day where was had a "tropical storm." So a bit higher humidity, lots of cloud coverage and a breeze. Loved walking the grounds. Trader Sams was great. Didn’t even have a reservation. Just walked up around 3pm and asked for a table. To my surprise she asked me “indoor or outdoor.” Was texted an hour and an half later to return. Only my second time. Love the theming, energy and the drinks were good but seem a little weaker than they were 11 years ago. It was a little weird getting my $30 pupu/ appetizer "platter" on a standard sized black styrofoam plate but oh well. My son got a kick out pf the CM's theatrics as well as the glow cube from my Krakatoa punch. Food at Palm Breeze was good. We didn't eat much there but the fries were great. The falafel that came with the hummus plate was pretty good too.

The hotel is so vintage. I even have a soft spot for the "convention center" with it narrow mid century escalators. Love the bathrooms with the DL attraction wall paper. All the concept art. But also just reminds me of one of my most memorable trips. My solo trip to Disneyland at 10 years old. Took the monorail to Disneyland while my dad was at his seminar at the DL Hotel. Toontown had just opened. It was good times. Took it back to meet him for lunch then went back to the park. Was my first time exploring the DL Hotel and that part of the hotel feels very much the same to me as it did that day. Loved the Big Thunder Mountain model at the Frontier tower. Grounds are lovely but disappointed that they replaced the grass at the Rose Garden and one other lawn with astroturf. Other than that no complaints.

We enjoyed the hotel and resort a lot. Which has me now pondering... how many hotels at WDW are better than the DL Hotel? When you consider the history, amenities, grounds, proximity to the parks etc. Wilderness Lodge? Is the Polynesian better after the downgrades? Just wondering where it ranks amongst WDW hotels. I realize I might be in the minority here as most people don’t even think the DL Hotel is the best hotel at DLR.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

We enjoyed the hotel and resort a lot. Which has me now pondering... how many hotels at WDW are better than the DL Hotel? When you consider the history, amenities, grounds, proximity to the parks etc. Wilderness Lodge? Is the Polynesian better after the downgrades? Just wondering where it ranks amongst WDW hotels. I realize I might be in the minority here as most people don’t even think the DL Hotel is the best hotel at DLR.

Having stayed at DLH and most wdw resorts, i would personally place Wilderness lodge, Grand floridian, polynesian, Yacht & Beach, Boardwalk, Riviera, Old key west, Animal kingdom lodge above it.

 

[mickEblu]

Having stayed at DLH and most wdw resorts, i would personally place Wilderness lodge, Grand floridian, polynesian, Yacht & Beach, Boardwalk, Riviera, Old key west, Animal kingdom lodge above it.

And maybe certain aspects of the Port Orleans resorts?I figured for sure Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge were on the list. Grand Floridian I haven’t seen much of the grounds and I know they been kind of de charming the lobby. Seems like that hotel is all about the lobby? Yacht n Beach from what I’ve seen not sure I’d put it above DL hotel. I can see why Animal Kingdom would be on the list. Riviera? That one just seems like a modern soulless hotel? Don’t know enough about Old Key West but from what I’ve seen it does look charming.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Just got back from a couple nights at the Disneyland Hotel. Last time we stayed there was 11+ years ago for our 1 year wedding anniversary. Last time we didn't stay on property very much or use the pool at all. We were new annual pass holders / ride crushers back then without kids. I'll start by saying it's the best hotel at DLR. For three seasons + of the year the Disneyland Hotel is the best on property. It's by far the better choice anytime from late Spring through early October with it's lush grounds and a great pool complex. Grand Californian wins from November through early January when its decked out for the holidays. Pixar Place wins at nothing especially now that they're getting rid of that private entrance.

At check in I was surprised by the level of customer service. CM's were very friendly and attentive. Especially the lady who escorted us to the front desk and also helped us get signed up for the DLR resort trick treating that we had no idea was a thing. So my son took two his candy corns and quickly transformed into a vampire. During Trick or Treating we spontaneously bumped into Minnie, Chip and Pluto dressed up for Halloween which the kids got a kick out of. They were able to check us in early too around 1pm which was nice.

To my surprise they allow guests at the hotel to use the Discovery tower pool. I believe when it first opened you had to be DVC or staying at the Discovery Tower to use the pool. The Palm Breeze Bar and Discovery tower have the mid century modern/ Palm Springs aesthetic which I enjoy. The Discovery pool area is nice but we spent the least amount of time there as it's more geared for toddlers and my kids were more interested in the water slides and surrounding pools. Btw it's entirely possible that the Orange monorail water slide is the third most intense ride at the resort right after Mission Breakout and Incredicoaster. Not sure if I was greying out during that tight spiral or if it was just very disorienting - at least with your eyes open. Kids absolutely loved the water slides and pools. The entire pool complex is impressive. Very 90s Vegas mega resort but also with modern splash pads and high quality water slides. Also appreciate thatchy keep one of their jacuzzi's at a piping 103 degrees. Which is getting more rare these days at hotels. Works out to everyone's advantage as guests don't spend more than 10 minutes in there. There was always plenty of room in the jacuzzi's. I'm sure the warm weather played a part but for the better of the late afternoon the majority of the pool complex is in shade and if you are wet it can feel a little chilly even on a warm day with a slight breeze. CM's were constantly handing out little snacks like Rice crispy treats, fruit snacks or otter pops which I thought was a nice touch.

The DL Hotel checks a lot of boxes or for me. DL History. Mid Century Modern. Lush with lots of trees. Hawaiian/ Polynesian vibes with Trader Sams/ Tangaroa and the Adventure Tower surroundings. There was a point where I was at Tangaroa and could have fooled myself that I was in Hawaii with the live Hawaiian music and trees. The Dole Whip float with rum and weather helped too. Especially the first day where was had a "tropical storm." So a bit higher humidity, lots of cloud coverage and a breeze. Loved walking the grounds. Trader Sams was great. Didn’t even have a reservation. Just walked up around 3pm and asked for a table. To my surprise she asked me “indoor or outdoor.” Was texted an hour and an half later to return. Only my second time. Love the theming, energy and the drinks were good but seem a little weaker than they were 11 years ago. It was a little weird getting my $30 pupu/ appetizer "platter" on a standard sized black styrofoam plate but oh well. My sons got a kick out pf the CM's theatrics as well as the glow cube from my Krakatoa punch. Food at Palm Breeze was good. We didn't eat much there but the fries were great. The falafel that came with the hummus plate was pretty good too.

The hotel is so vintage. I even have a soft spot for the "convention center" with it narrow mid century escalators. Love the bathrooms with the DL attraction wall paper. All the concept art. But also just reminds me of one of my most memorable trips. My solo trip to Disneyland at 10 years old. Took the monorail to Disneyland while my dad was at his seminar at the DL Hotel. Toontown had just opened. It was good times. Took it back to meet him for lunch then went back to the park. Was my first time exploring the DL Hotel and that part of the hotel feels very much the same to me as it did that day. Loved the Big Thunder Mountain model at the Frontier tower. Grounds are lovely but disappointed that they replaced the grass at the Rose Garden and one other lawn with astroturf. Other than that no complaints.

We enjoyed the hotel and resort a lot. Which has me now pondering... how many hotels at WDW are better than the DL Hotel? When you consider the history, amenities, grounds, proximity to the parks etc. Wilderness Lodge? Is the Polynesian better after the downgrades? Just wondering where it ranks amongst WDW hotels. I realize I might be in the minority here as most people don’t even think the DL Hotel is the best hotel at DLR.

I dunno, hotels are one of the things WDW is generally much better at. I'd probably say in general the Asian resorts and WDW do hotels best.

 

[mickEblu]

Also ate at Blue Bayou for the first time in over a decade. Got a nice table on the water and I have to say the food was good. The cherry / crispy prosciutto salad was surprisingly good. We got an entree portion of Gumbo which is about 4 cups of soup with 3 scoops of rice so that didn’t disappoint. Love that they knew better than to mess with the recipe even after introducing the new kinds of gumbo at Tiana’s. The Montecristo was probably better than ever. Piping hot and cheese oozing out of it. Still think it could use about double the amount of ham considering how much fried dough it’s in between. My son enjoyed his kids Prime Rib. The alcoholic beverage we got was awful. It was supposed to be some sort of spiked Peach ice tea but it just tasted like watered down sweet tea without the slightest hint of peach or alcohol.

Overall the hotel and restaurants didn’t disappoint but our time at the parks were kind of a fail. We went in knowing we were going to prioritize relaxing at the hotel and experiences we haven’t had in a while. The parks were pretty slammed Thursday and Friday night. Didn’t get to Disneyland until 930pm Thursday as I purposely was trying to avoid the mass exodus of people getting kicked out of DCA for Oogie Boogie (among other reasons). Even at night it was hot and muggy. Rides had pretty long lines. We did manage to grab a great spot for Paint the Night at 10:30 pm right before the parade and the kids were still awake! It was nice but I’m good for another decade. I enjoyed Tapestry of Happiness but guess I thought it would be a little longer. Walked into the park during a fireworkless Halloween Screams so we watched that too. Not a fan. Only ride we got on was Thunder Mountain.

Friday we of course did not utilize early entry and strolled into the park around 10:30am. At 11am was surprised to have sweat dripping down my back as I stood in line for GadgEts Go Coaster which my daughter suddenly wanted to ride again after months of being upgraded to Thunder Mountain. Did MMRR. It’s cute/ fine. Those seams between screens on the opening scene are unforgivable. Rode POTC after Blue Bayou as I feel that it’s kind of mandatory. In fact, I think anyone that dines at Blue Bayou should get a complimentary POTC LL.

Pumpkin cookies from Harbour Galley weren’t bad but I prefer the chocolate chip. I enjoyed that new pomegranate/ cranberry mint julep.

Left DL around 1:30 to go enjoy the pool. Went to DCA around 8pm to find the park slammed! Like it was reminiscent of 2016 bad. Labor Day weekend Friday night? The fact they started selling Enchant / Imagine passes again recently? It was all exacerbated by half of the rides being down. RSR is being refurbed. Incredicoaster was down. I thought they keep that running during WOC now? Goofys Sky School was down. Golden Zephyr was down for WOC. SSS was down. Jessie’s Carrousel was down. Luigi’s was down. We planned that whole evening around riding Grizzly River Run at night a few times and weren’t even able to get on that. It also broke down when we were in line around 9pm. Rode Mermaid and went back to the hotel lol. Overall my time at the Parks had me appreciating how decent Sundays usually are.

Oh ya not a huge fan of these pull apart breads and the Jalapeño cream cheese was no exception. Nice to have the sweet n spicy tenders at Flos again but they replaced the steak fries with regular fries

 

[mlayton144]

Just got back from a couple nights at the Disneyland Hotel. Last time we stayed there was 11+ years ago for our 1 year wedding anniversary. Last time we didn't stay on property very much or use the pool at all. We were new annual pass holders / ride crushers back then without kids. I'll start by saying it's the best hotel at DLR. For three seasons + of the year the Disneyland Hotel is the best on property. It's by far the better choice anytime from late Spring through early October with it's lush grounds and a great pool complex. Grand Californian wins from November through early January when its decked out for the holidays. Pixar Place wins at nothing especially now that they're getting rid of that private entrance.

At check in I was surprised by the level of customer service. CM's were very friendly and attentive. Especially the lady who escorted us to the front desk and also helped us get signed up for the DLR resort trick treating that we had no idea was a thing. So my son took two his candy corns and quickly transformed into a vampire. During Trick or Treating we spontaneously bumped into Minnie, Chip and Pluto dressed up for Halloween which the kids got a kick out of. They were able to check us in early too around 1pm which was nice.

To my surprise they allow guests at the hotel to use the Discovery tower pool. I believe when it first opened you had to be DVC or staying at the Discovery Tower to use the pool. The Palm Breeze Bar and Discovery tower have the mid century modern/ Palm Springs aesthetic which I enjoy. The Discovery pool area is nice but we spent the least amount of time there as it's more geared for toddlers and my kids were more interested in the water slides and surrounding pools. Btw it's entirely possible that the Orange monorail water slide is the third most intense ride at the resort right after Mission Breakout and Incredicoaster. Not sure if I was greying out during that tight spiral or if it was just very disorienting - at least with your eyes open. Kids absolutely loved the water slides and pools. The entire pool complex is impressive. Very 90s Vegas mega resort but also with modern splash pads and high quality water slides. Also appreciate thatchy keep one of their jacuzzi's at a piping 103 degrees. Which is getting more rare these days at hotels. Works out to everyone's advantage as guests don't spend more than 10 minutes in there. There was always plenty of room in the jacuzzi's. I'm sure the warm weather played a part but for the better of the late afternoon the majority of the pool complex is in shade and if you are wet it can feel a little chilly even on a warm day with a slight breeze. CM's were constantly handing out little snacks like Rice crispy treats, fruit snacks or otter pops which I thought was a nice touch.

The DL Hotel checks a lot of boxes or for me. DL History. Mid Century Modern. Lush with lots of trees. Hawaiian/ Polynesian vibes with Trader Sams/ Tangaroa and the Adventure Tower surroundings. There was a point where I was at Tangaroa and could have fooled myself that I was in Hawaii with the live Hawaiian music and trees. The Dole Whip float with rum and weather helped too. Especially the first day where was had a "tropical storm." So a bit higher humidity, lots of cloud coverage and a breeze. Loved walking the grounds. Trader Sams was great. Didn’t even have a reservation. Just walked up around 3pm and asked for a table. To my surprise she asked me “indoor or outdoor.” Was texted an hour and an half later to return. Only my second time. Love the theming, energy and the drinks were good but seem a little weaker than they were 11 years ago. It was a little weird getting my $30 pupu/ appetizer "platter" on a standard sized black styrofoam plate but oh well. My sons got a kick out pf the CM's theatrics as well as the glow cube from my Krakatoa punch. Food at Palm Breeze was good. We didn't eat much there but the fries were great. The falafel that came with the hummus plate was pretty good too.

The hotel is so vintage. I even have a soft spot for the "convention center" with it narrow mid century escalators. Love the bathrooms with the DL attraction wall paper. All the concept art. But also just reminds me of one of my most memorable trips. My solo trip to Disneyland at 10 years old. Took the monorail to Disneyland while my dad was at his seminar at the DL Hotel. Toontown had just opened. It was good times. Took it back to meet him for lunch then went back to the park. Was my first time exploring the DL Hotel and that part of the hotel feels very much the same to me as it did that day. Loved the Big Thunder Mountain model at the Frontier tower. Grounds are lovely but disappointed that they replaced the grass at the Rose Garden and one other lawn with astroturf. Other than that no complaints.

We enjoyed the hotel and resort a lot. Which has me now pondering... how many hotels at WDW are better than the DL Hotel? When you consider the history, amenities, grounds, proximity to the parks etc. Wilderness Lodge? Is the Polynesian better after the downgrades? Just wondering where it ranks amongst WDW hotels. I realize I might be in the minority here as most people don’t even think the DL Hotel is the best hotel at DLR.

Curious as we almost made the long flight to DLR and DLH this summer but opted for WDW instead. I love the look and feel of DLH but what’s it like on a nice hot day?. 4 pretty large towers surrounding what seems to be a relatively small footprint - could you find chairs and room in the pool? Can you get a counter service meal easily and find a seat? The rooms not counting the villas - are they still in good shape? Maybe next year we give it a shot.

 

[mickEblu]

Curious as we almost made the long flight to DLR and DLH this summer but opted for WDW instead. I love the look and feel of DLH but what’s it like on a nice hot day?. 4 pretty large towers surrounding what seems to be a relatively small footprint - could you find chairs and room in the pool? Can you get a counter service meal easily and find a seat? The rooms not counting the villas - are they still in good shape? Maybe next year we give it a shot.

I never felt too crowded and that says a lot considering it’s Labor Day weekend. On our first day we didn’t get to the pool until after 5pm and by the time 80 % of the pool area was in complete shade and over half the pool chairs were available. But it was also cloudy. Friday we went to the pool around 3pm and their weren’t many pool chairs available as it was a hot sunny day but we did find one to put all our things on as we swam etc for a few hours. Saturday we got the pool earlier around 10am and stayed in our Primo pool chairs all day. For being a Saturday during Labor Day weekend it wasn’t bad at all. Waits for the water slides were never more than 5 minutes or so. Usually much shorter.

The pools or the grounds did not feel overcrowded in the slightest. Even the jacuzzis always had plenty of room. Not sure if you are familiar with the layout but you have a large pool in front of the Fantasy tower. Then a smaller pool between it and the water slides area. Not to mention the new Discovery tower pool/ splash pad area with Palm Breeze Bar right between it and the water slides. Obviously pool chairs are hard to come by on a hot holiday weekend but even up until 11am there were quite a few available which isn’t too bad.

Palm Breeze Bar consistently had virtually no wait. We did a walk up and sat down in 10 minutes. The only counter service the hotel has is Tangaroa and it never seemed to have a very long line at all.

The rooms I’d say are the weakest part of the DL Hotel. The room overall is fine. Clean and in good shape. But the bathrooms feel a bit small and outdated. Small bathtub shower with shower curtains. It’s obviously an older hotel and you can feel that in certain places like its narrow hallways but that’s also part of its charm.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

And maybe certain aspects of the Port Orleans resorts?I figured for sure Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge were on the list. Grand Floridian I haven’t seen much of the grounds and I know they been kind of de charming the lobby. Seems like that hotel is all about the lobby? Yacht n Beach from what I’ve seen not sure I’d put it above DL hotel. I can see why Animal Kingdom would be on the list. Riviera? That one just seems like a modern soulless hotel? Don’t know enough about Old Key West but from what I’ve seen it does look charming.

I mean DLH is kinda soulless exterior looking as well. GF lobby hasn’t been dethemed they are just adding a bar that seems to fit the old aesthetic. The rooms at riviera are really great, the dining is all high quality, idt any resort comes close to the food at riviera from quick serve, coffee bar, to the rooftop table service. Plus skyliner access to two parks makes it very desirable. Y&B vibes in the epcot resort area really can’t be matched, the friendship boats, the surrey bikes, the best pool at any resort, places like beaches and cream, yachtsman and ale & compass put it above. The 3 Epcot resorts are really something special though with the crescent lake area, boardwalk proximity, loads of high quality dining, walkable distance to both DHS and Epcot, swan boats at swan and dolphin, live entertainment and games on boardwalk, etc.

 

[Touchdown]

Only hotel that gives me the real Disney feel is GCH. DL Hotel is just too industrial on the outside and interior hallways. That said, DL Hotel Paris is head and shoulders above any US hotel as it is an actual 5 star hotel and not pretending to be one like the US parks.

 

[mickEblu]

Only hotel that gives me the real Disney feel is GCH. DL Hotel is just too industrial on the outside and interior hallways. That said, DL Hotel Paris is head and shoulders above any US hotel as it is an actual 5 star hotel and not pretending to be one like the US parks.

Does the exterior of the hotel really matter all that much when it comes to guest experience? I mean sure it builds some anticipation upon arrival and sets the stage but once your inside the hotel you’re not really thinking of that.

Industrial in the hallways?

I get much more of a Disney feel at the DL Hotel than at GCH.