Dilemma, sort of..

[HiddenMickey]

So, I'm planning a big trip (5 days) to Disneyland next year. I want to go all out and do everything that I've never done before or haven't done since childhood, including stay at the Disneyland Hotel. I've already raised up most of the money and definitely will have more than enough by next year to fund it. Reason I want to make this such a great trip is, next year I'm graduating college and it's... 'back to the real world,' I guess. Jobs, bills, all that stuff. I think it'll be my last trip -- or at least, my last major trip -- to Disneyland for a while, which saddens me.

So the dilemma is simply this: financial. My guest argues that it's way too much money to spend on five days. More than half of the budget is going towards to the DL Hotel, taxes, etc. I know there are much cheaper places to stay, but stubborn me, I have my heart set on DLH cuz I haven't been there in many many years. My guest says that the money could be better spent on school, housing in the future, etc. She does have a point, and in a sense I agree with her, but this will be my last major trip and I'm afraid that later on, I'll regret it.

So, what do y'all think I should do? Just enjoy my last trip as I intended, or cut costs? Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks!

[Ezra]

I was recently in a similar situation,
and for financial reasons was forced to cut my trip back.
Here are my thoughts:

• Don't cut back on the 5 days. I shortened it to 2, because I had to, and really wish I hadn't. Even with 2 I felt like I was in a rush to see everything I wanted to see. I wanted to take my time, but I felt that I was clock-watching.
• If you can save money on the hotel, that's a different story. How much time do you spend at the hotel? I would hardly spend any time at the hotel at all. As long as the hotel is close by, and the room is clean and the bed is comfortable, then I'm happy.

So you're paying for your guest to acompany you on the trip? Maybe your guest feels uncomfortable with the expence because s/he'd feel in some way beholden to you, or obligated in some way. If it were me, I would have a talk about that. I just want to share something I love with a friend, and there are not conditions or expectations beyond that.

[HiddenMickey]

Originally Posted by Ezra

I was recently in a similar situation,
and for financial reasons was forced to cut my trip back.
Here are my thoughts:

• Don't cut back on the 5 days. I shortened it to 2, because I had to, and really wish I hadn't. Even with 2 I felt like I was in a rush to see everything I wanted to see. I wanted to take my time, but I felt that I was clock-watching.
• If you can save money on the hotel, that's a different story. How much time do you spend at the hotel? I would hardly spend any time at the hotel at all. As long as the hotel is close by, and the room is clean and the bed is comfortable, then I'm happy.

So you're paying for your guest to acompany you on the trip? Maybe your guest feels uncomfortable with the expence because s/he'd feel in some way beholden to you, or obligated in some way. If it were me, I would have a talk about that. I just want to share something I love with a friend, and there are not conditions or expectations beyond that.

I didn't plan to cut back on the 5 days... unless I won a Golden FastPass, then I may consider it. lol. We'd use the hotel to sleep of course, but also on most days to take a break from DL and rest for a few hours. I also love the surrounding area, nearby restaurants, etc. As for my guest, it's a parent, hence the money concern. lol

[Mickey Man]

you could always spend 3 nights at a close by hotel, and 2 nights at the disneyland hotel. or whatever combonation you want I guess. I dont think you need 5 nights at the DLH, once you've been in the pool, and slept in the rooms for a night, it doesnt change. you could save a lot of money just by spending the first few nights in a cheaper, DL friendly hotel near by, and spending your last two nights at the DLH. one time when my family was there for 7 or 8 days, I cant remember, we stayed at a close by hotel, and then my mum surprised us by telling us we were going to the DLH for the remaining 4 nights. it was great!! we got to see all that a hotel guest would get to see, but I didnt need to spend any more time there, because it is quite exspensive.

[Piglet]

Originally Posted by Mickey Man

you could always spend 3 nights at a close by hotel, and 2 nights at the disneyland hotel. or whatever combonation you want I guess. I dont think you need 5 nights at the DLH, once you've been in the pool, and slept in the rooms for a night, it doesnt change. you could save a lot of money just by spending the first few nights in a cheaper, DL friendly hotel near by, and spending your last two nights at the DLH. one time when my family was there for 7 or 8 days, I cant remember, we stayed at a close by hotel, and then my mum surprised us by telling us we were going to the DLH for the remaining 4 nights. it was great!! we got to see all that a hotel guest would get to see, but I didnt need to spend any more time there, because it is quite exspensive.

I think this is a great idea, you can save money by only staying at the DLH for a night or two, but you still get to experience it. I would stay there either at the beginning or the end of your trip so you have some time to explore the place and enjoy the Neverland pool--it is awesome! Have fun!

[HiddenMickey]

I ran it by and we decided it would be too much of an inconvenience to pack up and move midway through the trip.

Right now we're just waiting for specials or deals.

[debijeanm]

When my kids were little we did both. A couple of times we stayed at the DL Hotel and a couple of times we stayed at less expensive motels nearby. First, from a convenience viewpoint you can't beat the Disney hotels. It's really wonderful to be able to carve an hour out of the day, go back to the hotel, clean up, maybe even change clothes if you want (if it's humid in the park you might want to let your clothes dry out a little), put your feet up. We went back to let the little ones nap and I thought I would resent being out of the park (my history was opening-to-closing gag-out visits which I loved), but I found I liked the break for my own sake. We NEVER took one of those breaks at the other motels, even though they were just slightly further away. By the way, if you decide to stay at the DL Hotel, be sure to shuttle back on the Monorail to the Downtown Disney Station (which used to be the DL Hotel Station.) Somethin' special about that experience.

Secondly, the Disney hotels do a good job of keeping the Disney magic going for your whole visit. I think you are very mature to realize that once you hit the "adult" world (although most of us here do our best to just skim the edge of that when we have to), it may be a long time before you can consider such a treat.

[adrianne]

I'd say, even though it might not be the "responsible" choice, go with the all-out dream DL vacation. I'm a long way from rich, but I make a point to always stay at the Grand Californian when I go to DLR. It does mean that I don't get to go as often, but the times I do go are perfect and magical. Have fun!

[Ezra]

Unless someone has a really good suggestion for an alternate to on-site accomodations, I would say Go for it! There was nothing magical about the slab of cement they call a bed at the Econo-Lodge on Katella.

[cherbearam]

There are other very nice places to stay that do not cost an arm and a leg. I treat my family to the Sheraton Park, it's on Harbor and just south of katella. IF you sign up as one of their "Starwood Preferred Guest" (no cost to join) you get a floor from 8 to 11. Ask for one facing Disneyland. The balcony view is soooooooooooo terrific to sit on after a day at the park. The rooms are spacious and you are treated like royalty. I highly recommend this place and although it is more than say a Red Roof Inn or Best Western (both of those are nice too) but is cheaper than DLH.