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

[Tonichelle]

Are there any real perks to staying at a Disney owned hotel? Is it worth the $$??? I'm having sticker shock. I can't believe my aunt wants to stay at any of them! Their "value season" prices are higher than mods at WDW!

If I go with them (which right now I'm definitely going lol) I am thinking of staying somewhere else... though I guess they'd be just as pricey...

[MelissaL]

The perks may be similar to those at Disney World -- charging privileges, sending packages to your hotel, and access to Morning Madness hour if you buy a package. Frankly, though, the off-site hotels are so close to the parks (many are within walking distance) that if money is a concern, you could still have a great experience staying off-site and it wouldn't be difficult to meet up with people staying elsewhere. The prices at off-site hotels are much lower than at the 3 Disney-owned hotels, especially if you're willing to give up luxuries such as full-service restaurants.

Remember, all three Disney-owned hotels are comparable to Deluxe hotels at Disney World, so their rates reflect that level of amenities. The only reason we are planning on staying at the Grand Californian on our upcoming trip is that we're using Vacation Club points -- on previous visits, we've stayed at the Hyatt for considerably less than Disney charges, and that is more expensive than many other choices.

Any Disneyland guidebook (or even an Internet search for Good Neighbor hotels) should be able to give you an idea of what else is available.

Happy planning,
Melissa

[iamgrumpy]

When I was planning a trip to DL (never happened due to finanaces) we were hoping to stay on property but the prices were really high. We found that by staying at a good neighbor hotel we got some of the same perks but at less prices. So I would research and find out what is out there!

[chezp]

We've stayed twice at Disneyland hotels on property on our DVC points, as it's relatively cheap to do it that way. We love the theming and the feeling that you're in Disney in your resort, but I agree, there is a high price to pay for that.

[shellybelly72]

We are staying using our DVC points too, or else there would be no way we could stay on property. I hear the good neighbor hotels have some perks as well..

Good Luck

[Carousel96]

We always do a Value resort at WDW so the DLR hotels were out of our budget. We'll be at a Good Neighbor hotel. Our package includes the early morning admissions. And since it's a short stay, the package delivery perk wouldn't help us much anyway.

[jimmymac]

Yes, the hlotels are quite pricey but The Grand Californian is far and away the nicest of all the Disney hotels. There's something quite special about walking through the private entrance right into the park

[DopeyGirl]

Overall, the perks aren't that much to justify paying so much to stay "on-site", IMO. Don't get me wrong . . . I LOVE me some Disneyland Hotel . . . but sometimes you just don't want to shell out SO much money for a room just to get a couple of extra perks that you may or may not use.

You definitely get that Disney magic staying in one of the 3 Disney hotels and of course there are the basic things like room charging and package delivery, but you can stay for cheaper and get some perks (early entry) at some of the Good Neighbor hotels.

There are a lot of great Good Neighbor hotels and they are all right near the parks . . . if they aren't within a short walking distance (across Harbor Blvd. and such) then they are a very short bus ride (ART) away.

[HeatherD]

When we go to WDW, we stay on property. Wouldn't be able to imagine doing it any other way - whether it's a deluxe (our 2007 trip) or a value (our upcoming trip).
We go to DLR at least once a year, if not more often. While we covet staying on property (either DLH because it's the first or GC because it's just SO nice), we've not happened upon a price that we've been comfortable with when the Good Neighbor resorts are so close, etc., and so much cheaper.

[Tonichelle]

thanks for the info. I get that they're really nice, but there's nice and then there's "we just like to charge as much as we can because people will pay it"... and that's what I feel these resorts are. I've been in some incredibly wonderful hotels that are way cheaper. I'm already going to spend a big amount of $$ in their parks, why should I shell out more to stay in a hotel with Disney's name on the front. Brand name only goes so far.

I'll definitely look into the good neighbor hotels...

[jenifermg0]

Pick your Good Neighbor Hotel carefully - our first trip to Disney was to DL and we were at one of those. The pool was kind of scary and my DS used it once and refused to go back in. It just wasn't very clean. And the hotel was just very "TIRED" looking. However, the staff was very nice and very helpful and we were only about a five minute walk from the DL gates, but after staying at WDW resorts, I'm going to be VERY picky about where I stay if we ever go back to DL. Read the reviews carefully from a site that has no vested interest in the hotels. I always worry that if you go to the hotel website, they only publish the good reviews!!

[Tonichelle]

I have two years to research it all out. Chances are my aunt is going to see the prices and flip, though her boytoy has a timeshare that is partnered it seems with the DVC so the DLR hotels might be a part of that and they'll be set (in which case they'll most likely get a suite and we might be able to pay our share... maybe.)

[jenifermg0]

Toni - LOVE THE NEW SIG PIC!!! Where did you get that taken?? DS will want one of him and Stitch!!!!

[Tonichelle]

Disney's Hollywood Studios, right in front of the big hat (which was closed off while we were there) next to the Snow White topiary. We caught him just before they closed the line... we were his last guests before he had to leave to make room for the High School Musical show *gag*

[HauntedMansionLover]

Originally Posted by Tonichelle

Disney's Hollywood Studios, right in front of the big hat (which was closed off while we were there) next to the Snow White topiary. We caught him just before they closed the line... we were his last guests before he had to leave to make room for the High School Musical show *gag*

LOL...(HSM *gag*)...You aren't the first I've heard that from!!

I'd definitely read up on the Good Neighbor hotels. My mom lives near the area and I've heard some horror stories! Not to say that you won't find a great one...they ARE out there. Let us know what happens!