Originally Posted By 2much2do I think we've decided to go in February. Our kids are 8, 6 and 2. I want a really magical experience for them. At first I thought we really should stay at the DLH. But it almost sounds like Hojo and Candy Cane would be about as much fun for the kids for a lot less money. The Peter Pan pool at DLH sounds fun, but how much would we use it in February? What's the most magical place to stay for young kids? We stayed at Hampton Inn the last time, which was fine, but nothing special.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Kids are happy with a cardboard box. When I was a kid, I always dreamed of staying at the Disneyland Hotel, but we never did. Save for one trip, we always stayed at HoJo's. I don't really remember anything about the hotel, other than the fact that it was there that I finally learned how to swim! (this was after many attempts taking formal lessons.) I guess what I am saying is, I can understand you wanting to give your kids the best you can, but in the end, anything you do will be great... your kids will appreciate whatever you do for them.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe The true magic of Disneyland isn't the hotel, its spending time together as a family. That is what your children will remember. But, if you can....get the kids bunk beds whereever you stay. Our daughter loves them!!
Originally Posted By iDisney72 <<I don't really remember anything about the hotel>> LoL, maybe that is because HoJos isn't as memorable as the DLH! Perhaps if your days are going to be spent open-close in the parks, the hotel won't matter as much. If you plan on spending time at the hotel for mid-day breaks and meals, etc. then the hotel will matter more.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I still think it wouldn't make much difference to the kids. The adults, yes, but not to the kids. This isn't to say that the DLH isn't worth it. If I was taking kids and could afford it, I certainly wouldn't hesitate to stay there.
Originally Posted By dlkozy I agree with the posters who have said that it doesn't make any difference to kids where you stay. Make wherever you stay magical! Send a package ahead to the hotel that you will be staying at filled with Disney surprises (call the hotel and ask how they want the package to be addressed just to be safe!). Have Tinkerbelle visit during the night and leave Disney Dollars and a tiny little note with lots of glitter spread all around-or- have a Disney decorated basket of cookies from Cookies By Design sent to the room-or wrapped gifts left just for them to be surprised by the next morning, the list is endless. Hit the Internet and see what's available for delivery in the DLR area. Just from the money you will save by staying off site leaves plenty of extra $$$ for extra surprises!
Originally Posted By mickeynewe >>> Just from the money you will save by staying off site leaves plenty of extra $$$ for extra surprises! <<< Unless you get an AP rate then you can do both!
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy HoJo's is a great motel for kids. They have two big pools, plus a water play area/wadding pool with beach entry. Water squirts up at alternating times, and even the bigger kids get a kick out of it. PLUS there is a McDonalds next door, so most kids think that is great. The grounds are nicely landscaped, and the trees have the little white lights in them, so everything sparkles at night. Some rooms have Disneyland views, so you can see the monorail go by, and see the fireworks at night. The staff is very friendly. It is just an all around fun, comfortable place to say. The Disneyland Hotel is still my favorite, but we always use AP rates when we stay there. Otherwise, HoJo's is a great alternative. One thing HoJo's does not have is room service, but we always bring our own snacks for the room, so that is not a problem for us. Plus, that saves alot of money!
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy Oh, and I also wanted to add, that you may have wonderful weather in February. It really varies. I remember one February we had beautiful 83 degree weather. I was great! And the pools are always heated. We have stayed at many area hotels and motels, and HoJo's keeps their pools nice and warm!
Originally Posted By velo yes, my kids actually prefer HoJo's pool because it is not as heavily chlorinated as DLH pools. The theming at DLH is great but the pool is always so crowded it's dirty. Thus, the need for lots of chlorine. We're packing our suits for next week, hoping we might get some good weather!
Originally Posted By raer My kids love the DLH. They have the great pool, themed areas & their absolute favorite thing is the glowing pixie-dust wall paper in the rooms.
Originally Posted By pennyring Sounds a lot like it really depends on you and your kids. If you've been talking up the DLH to them, they'll probably want to stay there. As a kid, we never got to stay at the DLH, but knew how very expensive and special it would be to stay there... so as an adult, we made sure to go there as soon as we possibly could! As an adult, I've stayed at HoJos and all the DL resort hotels and HoJos is a nice family hotel/motel, but it's not even close to DL resort hotels. The grounds are nice at HoJos, the pools are great for the kids, but the whole thing just feels old with a new coat of paint to me. Whereas, DL resort hotels are beautiful, magical, special, etc. With kids, I'd pick DLH. Without kids, I feel GCH is the most magical. Also love PPH though. Seems like more kid-centered stuff happens over at DLH though. Great pool, great character breakfast, fun theming in the rooms, etc.
Originally Posted By dlkozy Gee, I don't know about anybody else-but I don't stay in my hotel room long enough to notice the paint! I don't even remember the last time I noticed the Tinkerbelle wallpaper glowing-when the lights are out-so am I!
Originally Posted By mickeynewe I can understand what Pennyring is saying. For us, we always try and stay "on property" whenever we can. Its not always possible, but when we do, it is more magical. I think because we aren't having to rush back to a shuttle to get to the parking garage after closing. If we are "on site" we will happily stay until we are one of the very last visitors to soak up all the night-time ambience. Then, the three of us walk hand-in-hand back down through Downtown Disney and enjoy the "quietness" of it all. It gives you a really warm, fuzzy feeling inside as you just enjoy one another. For us, I think that is the magical part about staying "on site".
Originally Posted By mousegrl My son(9)loves the Disneyland Hotel! We have stayed both on and off-site. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend the DLH. The time we stayed off site, my son was 7, and he truely loved the trip. The buses didn't bother him, and hello, we were at Disneyland all day, so all was good. When we stayed at the DLH, it was extra special. He loved the pool, the ambience, the atmosphere, Goofys kitchen, walking out the door to DTD, ect. He doesn't remember anything about the off-site hotel, however he remembers everything about the DLH. I don't think hotels matter too much to kids, but if your looking for something really special, the DLH was great for us. It's not going to make your kids trip any less great if your not at a Disney Hotel (unless it's a really crappy motel), however being at a Disney one just adds a little more pixie dust to your trip.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<Without kids, I feel GCH is the most magical.>> The GCH is wonderful.... I love it. I hope I can make a visit to Napa Rose in a few weeks.
