Perks to Staying at a DLR Hotel? About This Page:

[Tonichelle]

HML - first off is that a pic of Brad Paisley as your avatar???? Love him!

and yeah, I'm not a fan of the series, though I found it ironic that the park singers are better than the big stars of the movies... but not surprising!

[Disney918]

Hi Toni,
Your decision about staying on property or off at DL is a tough one. We have stayed at all three Disney hotels and they all have their charm. While the sticker price is shocking let me weigh in with some thoughts. First off, remember that when Disneyland was built it was out in the middle of nowhere. Since then seedy hotels and restaurant chains have sprung up around. In the past it was a real shock to leave the property. However in the past couple of years the City of Anaheim has gone gangbusters with trying to spruce the place up and they have done an outstanding job. They have worked to get the old, dated hotels to either leave or re-model and at least within the area directly surrounding DL they have been successful. There are some really nice hotels nearby and within walking distance as well as some really great restaurants. We always take a trip to Bubba Gumps which is nearby and really fun.
As far as the hotels on property go of course they are all wonderful because they are Disney. But if you are going to splurge, go big! The Grand Californian is stunning. And the access to the parks is unrivaled. You have you own entry in to DCA and Disneyland is just a short walk away. It is exceptionally easy to return to your room to rest, change or relax while staying there. You are also really close to all the fun of Downtown Disney...shopping, eating, movies, and all that fun stuff.
The Disneyland hotel is nice as well and has recently been re-modeled. It has a great pool and the grounds make nice areas to stroll.
Disney's Paradise Pier is nice, although in my opinion lacks the "magic" that the other two hotels have. Disney has done a nice job of incorporating the "Disney theme" into the rooms and surrounding areas.
All in all, I would say you can't go wrong either way. If you do choose to stay off property make sure you stay somewhere that has Disney deals to take advantage of early opening and the like.
Good luck!

[Willowwind]

We just got back from staying at the Disneyland Hotel. I suppose that everyone has their own reasons for picking the hotels that they stay in and I stay at the Disneyland mainly for nostalgia (even with all the changed that have happened over the past decade).

I booked a standard room and asked for an upgrade when we arrived. The room that we were given (Dreams Room 2837) turned out to be one of he coolest parts of our vacation. We had a magical park view and I watched the Fireworks from the balcony. I could see everything from where we were, I could hear the live music at night from Downtown Disney below, the sleek monorails slid by into their stations, the service was top notch.

We stayed this time on DVC points, but I'd happily pay what they asked for the room that we had. It was spectacular.

[JPTexan82]

I do know if you stay at the GC they use to let you in the CA Park 30 mins early on a "specail" tour to ride Sorian early. I did it twice but they dont talk about it any where

[Jrmartin1974]

Disnyland AP Holder Here.

I have to say stay on property if it will fit into your budget.

Even more so than at WDW - you really feel that complete Disney experience when staying on-site. Because you can walk everywhere, you are never away from the magic.
Ive stayed at all three resorts and like them all. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel. The theme park view rooms here are great and you can watch the fireworks from your room. Get one on the north side of the hotel as it may not be so nice to look into the WWofC construction site.