JANBERRY said:
We are plannig a trip for next summer to California. Please can you tell me the advantages of staying on-site at DCA. Do they have extra magic hours there etc.
Thanks
We just stayed at both Embassy Suites Buena Park and DL Hotel. DL Hotel was a bit more convenient because we didn't have to check our watch to catch a shuttle and you have the "Disney Magic" element. I also liked entering DCA through the GC entrance - very short line - but I rarely took advantage of this because I usually entered DL first since they open earlier and then crossed over at the main entrance. The monorail quit running before and during fireworks and after there was a very long line, so I can't say that was more convenient. The entry to the monorail from DTD was usually quite a wait so the alternative walk was a long hot trek. Of course you would be a bit closer for walking if you stayed at GCH, but when staying there it was still a long walk with tired kids.
My stay at Embassy Buena Park exceeded my expectations. They have a private shuttle that will take you to Knotts, DL, DL Hotel for Character Meals, DTD, the grocery, etc. Pretty much anything within a 5 mile radius or to DL. DL was a 15 minute ride in air-conditioning and the shuttle left on the hour. We got a full breakfast for my family of six including a made to order omelet or eggs every morning. Also a reception each evening with snacks and drinks and you could order a huge pizza for about $12. You had to take a break from DL to do this, but we were so refreshed on the hotter days after doing so, it was worth the effort. The other bonus was having a micro, fridge, and freezer. We froze water and crystal light for the next day after buying a case of spring water at the grocery store. 30 cents beats $3 any day. At the DL hotel, milk was 1.75 for a small carton, and sode 2.75 - in other words, all food found within the resort will be at park prices. It really adds up for a family of 6. People get Albertsons to delever to the DLH, but the fridge is so small that it is really impractical. The Embassy hotel itself was only $130 a night for a poolside room with brkfast incl. I'm glad we stayed at DLH, but I probably won't do it again unless money is no object (and then I'd be at the GCH concierce).
I've stayed across the street on Harbor twice, but I can't say that worked or didn't. It was just ok. Still scrambling for breakfast, hotels were a bit run-down, long walk, etc.
No early entry for on-site hotel guests. You get EE to fantasyland for 1 day with park hopper plus and toontown EE with certain packages booked with AAA or DL travel. Aside from being on-site, the only perceivalbe difference from staying at the resort hotel is the special entrance to DCA and express monorail boarding (not really express, just a different line).
I hope this helps!