Originally Posted By LittleTiny I hope someone can help me with this. I have been curious about the history of the hotel, but the earliest info I found was when PPH was called The Emerald in the '80s. I heard that it was in existence long before that, as a non-Disney property, like back in the '60s. Does anyone remember this, and what was the name of the hotel back then? Thanks!
Originally Posted By dlkozy I know that it had been both the Pan Pacific and the Emerald, (both non-Disney properties)-but I don't remember it being anything else.
Originally Posted By irishfan From Wikipedia: The hotel originally started out as the Emerald Hotel in 1984 and was later known as the Pan Pacific Hotel. Disney purchased it in December of 1995 and changed its name to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In December of 2000, the hotel was remodeled and reopened as Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. This was done to match one of the themed lands in Disney's California Adventure Park.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins We stayed there when Disney first bought it and were pretty disappointed. It was not in good shape and quite un-Disney. Even though it's a little better now, I think those memories influence my opinion of the place.
Originally Posted By irishfan I stayed at the begining of the year and enjoyed it. The room was really nice, beautifuly furnished with a wonderful theme park view. Saying that, the lobby area really lets the hotel downl, a fiberglass Goofy is about the only "Disney" touch.
Originally Posted By dlkozy We stayed there in Oct. The staff was OUTSTANDING-much better than any time we have ever stayed at the DLH, which is where we usually stay. We will stay there again. Loved the golf cart shuttle that took us straight to DTD and back when we were ready to go back. Less walking than staying at the DLH.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I just received excellent reviews from a good friend who usually stays at the Grand. It's on my list of "must tries"! The hotel did not exist in the 60 and 70's. I remember it being built. It was the Emerald and then the Pan Pacific before becoming a Disney property.
Originally Posted By LittleTiny Thanks for all the helpful input, everyone--and I'm glad to hear great reviews of PPH! I think I figured this out. I heard about The Grand Hotel (demolished in 1998) and thought it was located where PPH now stands, but apparently it was located between DH and PPH. Does anyone remember this? Here's a link to a vintage postcard: <a href="http://stuff4salecentral.com/card/card1027.jpg" target="_blank">http://stuff4salecentral.com/c ard/card1027.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I don't remember that at all! It looks like the former Coast Anaheim hotel, which is on Harbor.
Originally Posted By officerminnie >>>>We will stay there again. Loved the golf cart shuttle that took us straight to DTD and back when we were ready to go back. Less walking than staying at the DLH.<<<< We stayed there in June 2006 for 6 days and never saw or heard of any golf cart service. Is this new?
Originally Posted By dlkozy I don't know if that service is new or not. But it certainly was working in Oct, and we were not the only ones using it. We did check with the desk when we arrived about how the cart works. All we had to do was to give them a call when to pick us up from DTD. The pickup spot was right at where the bookstore is located.
Originally Posted By velo that post card picture looks a lot like one of the DLR towers, doesn't it?! Looks like Marina Tower or Sierra Tower. I know that Marina Tower has always been the DL Hotel (from when Jack Wrather owned it). Was the Sierra Tower too?
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Yes, the Sierra tower was built later. Bonita would have that orientation to the parking areas, but it's the front-facing tower that has me thrown.
Originally Posted By debtee We have just arrived home from the PP and had a fantastic time and would stay there again for sure! The CM's were so lovely. Everyone we met while walking around the hotel in the hallways or lobby etc, would always say Good morning or Happy Holidays to us it was great. The Christmas carolers were in the Lobby around the Tree everyday and in that lobby it sounds wonderful. We found this hotel to be very friendly and inviting. We did see the golf cart working and inquired about it at front desk but were told it's for disabled people only or for people with walking difficulties. We didn't find it neccessary to use the cart anyway, most days we walked straight out of the PP hotel and across to the GCH into their special entrance to DCA and entered DL via DCA and avoided the crowds blockage at the security check. Very quick and easy and no fuss!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I suspect the golf cart system was running when the monorail was out of action? Sounds like fun Deb - looking forward to your trip report.
Originally Posted By dlkozy The golf cart runs even when the monorail is up. I am sure that first priority goes to those that would have a hard time walking to DTD-but I do know that we had a couple of teenagers who joined us on our cart~so I am sure if there is room on the cart anyone can hop on.
Originally Posted By dlkozy But, I saw the cart going back and forth last November (2005) when we were there too.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Wow! Because I've seen it talked about numerous times that it's only for the disabled. That's great that they offered the service to everyone when you were there.
