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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 6, 2024 17:03:07 GMT -5
I will be taking the Vancouver - Hawaii cruise in Sept-Oct. When I get off the ship, I have Aulani booked for a few days in October. I would then like to fly to California to stay at DL for a few days. Just not sure when I will get back out that way again. I briefly looked at booking either VGC or the new DL villas, and it appears that there are only a few days here and there that are available for a studio or one bedroom. What are my chances of getting anything on a waitlist. I am used to WDW waitlist, but not DL, and I bet DL is more difficult.
Any other suggestions on great places to stay outside of the Disney bubble, although, being a female traveling alone, my first choice would be on property. I am not familiar at all with non-DVC hotels on property, but I guess I should check those out as well.
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Post by a1000monkeys on Mar 6, 2024 18:04:59 GMT -5
Waitlist at DL, especially for studios is very challenging. I would not count on it.
I prefer to stay within the bubble whenever possible but the hotels along Harbor Boulevard are actually closer to the park gates than the Disneyland Hotels. Many of them are motel style rooms that I don't care for but there are some newer ones with interior hallways. Some are quite nice and way cheaper that DL hotels. The Courtyard Marriot is one of nicest ones that is close. The Best Western is literally right across the cross walk from the gates. It's the closest.
There will be some strange folks along Harbor Boulevard but they mostly keep to themselves. As soon as you walk off park property at night you'll encounter buskers along with beggars and people peddling everything from water to Jesus. It's a bit jarring leaving the bubble.
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Post by lovindisney on Mar 6, 2024 21:04:25 GMT -5
Fyi, DL resorts charge a transient tax which is per night.
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Post by baymaxfan on Mar 6, 2024 21:43:41 GMT -5
Fyi, DL resorts charge a transient tax which is per night. Only the Villas at Disneyland Hotel charge this. The Grand California Villas do not. |
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Mar 7, 2024 11:00:24 GMT -5
people peddling everything from water to Jesus Now I have Dire Straits in my head, when he sings about going to that area of town: "Two men say they're Jesus, one of them must be wrong" |
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Post by baymaxfan on Mar 8, 2024 10:31:41 GMT -5
We stayed at several of the hotels on Harbor Blvd, but we always stay at the known brand named ones - Marriott, Fairfield, Hilton, etc. Right across the street is obviously the most convenient and, I think, is actually closer to the park entrances than the Disneyland Hotel. Both the Courtyard Marriott and Fairfield are right across the street and both are fine. The Courtyard is kind of pricey and both charge a fair amount for parking. As would stand to reason, the further you get from Disneyland, the less expensive things get. At DL, there is only the Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel (which just re-opened after refurbishment). Grand Cal and DL Hotel are both good hotels at ridiculous "regular" prices. I stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel years ago and it was pretty disappointing - think a run down Holiday Inn. I'm guessing it is much better after the refurbishment.
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 8, 2024 11:17:05 GMT -5
We stayed at several of the hotels on Harbor Blvd, but we always stay at the known brand named ones - Marriott, Fairfield, Hilton, etc. Right across the street is obviously the most convenient and, I think, is actually closer to the park entrances than the Disneyland Hotel. Both the Courtyard Marriott and Fairfield are right across the street and both are fine. The Courtyard is kind of pricey and both charge a fair amount for parking. As would stand to reason, the further you get from Disneyland, the less expensive things get. At DL, there is only the Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel (which just re-opened after refurbishment). Grand Cal and DL Hotel are both good hotels at ridiculous "regular" prices. I stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel years ago and it was pretty disappointing - think a run down Holiday Inn. I'm guessing it is much better after the refurbishment. Thanks for this information, I am going to call and check on the Paradise Pier as well as rates at some of the brand named ones. I am still wanting to stay in the Disney bubble, just feel a little more comfortable that way.
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Post by baymaxfan on Mar 8, 2024 12:10:41 GMT -5
We stayed at several of the hotels on Harbor Blvd, but we always stay at the known brand named ones - Marriott, Fairfield, Hilton, etc. Right across the street is obviously the most convenient and, I think, is actually closer to the park entrances than the Disneyland Hotel. Both the Courtyard Marriott and Fairfield are right across the street and both are fine. The Courtyard is kind of pricey and both charge a fair amount for parking. As would stand to reason, the further you get from Disneyland, the less expensive things get. At DL, there is only the Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel (which just re-opened after refurbishment). Grand Cal and DL Hotel are both good hotels at ridiculous "regular" prices. I stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel years ago and it was pretty disappointing - think a run down Holiday Inn. I'm guessing it is much better after the refurbishment. Thanks for this information, I am going to call and check on the Paradise Pier as well as rates at some of the brand named ones. I am still wanting to stay in the Disney bubble, just feel a little more comfortable that way.
Me too. When I'm at Disney, I always want to be in the Disney bubble!! |
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 13, 2024 13:20:17 GMT -5
Nothing available at any of the DVC resorts on points for my nights, nothing at Pixar Pier either. 1 night at DL hotel for 73 points was the only thing. So, I checked out some cash rooms: $2,529.35 for a standard duo studio for 3 nights, includes 2 days of park hopper tickets. I hate to pay that, but as I mentioned earlier, not sure if I will ever get back to DL again. $2,848.76 standard view at DL hotel for 3 nights, 2 days park hoppers. Any thoughts?
ETA: Costco has an offer for Pixar Pier for around $2,400 for 3 nights and includes a $200 Disney gift card, which I guess you could use to purchase tickets.
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Post by eandjmom on Mar 13, 2024 14:58:51 GMT -5
We are headed to DL for Spring Break. Our first trip ever. I was able to pick up Sunday night and Wednesday night. My waitlist for Tuesday night came through after a month. Monday night never came through and I simply paid for it. So 50% wasn't too bad in my opinion!
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Post by baymaxfan on Mar 13, 2024 18:00:30 GMT -5
Nothing available at any of the DVC resorts on points for my nights, nothing at Pixar Pier either. 1 night at DL hotel for 73 points was the only thing. So, I checked out some cash rooms: $2,529.35 for a standard duo studio for 3 nights, includes 2 days of park hopper tickets. I hate to pay that, but as I mentioned earlier, not sure if I will ever get back to DL again. $2,848.76 standard view at DL hotel for 3 nights, 2 days park hoppers. Any thoughts?
ETA: Costco has an offer for Pixar Pier for around $2,400 for 3 nights and includes a $200 Disney gift card, which I guess you could use to purchase tickets.
Since the DL hotel options include park tickets, it seems like those are better options. |
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Post by bwvBound on Jul 10, 2024 18:12:23 GMT -5
rwethereyet -- I'd suggest stalking in addition to using the Waitlist. Do consider including Accessible units to your search! They often have greater availability than the standard units. VDH has a lot of turnover -- I see things popping open often!
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