Anaheim Fairfield Inn or Ramada Maingate at the Park

[LoveDisneyMom]

Hi there,

So my DH, my 2 year old DS and I are going to take our first family trip ever to Disneyland!!!! So excited, we are going to go the first week of May this year.

Just wondering if anyone can help us decide whether we should stay at the Anaheim Fairfield Inn or the Ramada Maingate at the Park?

For 7 nights the Fairfield is $200 cheaper than the Ramada right now so Im leaning towards that one.

Since we will be needing to go back everyday for naps I want the closest place I can get within walking distance and between the two it looks like the Ramada is closer... does anyone know? And how much closer is it compared to the Fairfield, if you do know?

Also when people say it is a 5 min walk to the main gates... does that mean the gates where you are technically inside the park at main street? or does that mean you are inside disneyland but still have to walk to get to the entrance? (my mom said the trams bring you closer than if you walk and if you walk it takes 30 mins??? needless to say im confused!!)

Thanks sooooo much for any help anyone can give me on these questions!!!!

 

[disneydreamer74]

The Ramada is closer than FFI, but FFI is 7 minutes to the ticket entrance at Disneyland. We timed ourselves last summer. Now, we are brisk walkers and we used a stroller for my then 4 year old. But really we thought it was a piece of cake. I like FFI alot because it is clean and newly renovated. The rooms were spacious too compared to some rooms in the area. I can't comment on the Ramada because I have not stayed there, but some Dis'ers really like it! I tell people that as long as they are staying at a hotel on Harbor Blvd. there really isn't much difference in walk time. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[DisneyMomof2inSLC]

I stayed at both during 2011. The Ramada is closer, but Fairfield isn't too far away and the rooms are a little nicer than the Ramada. For the 200.00 difference, I would go with Fairfield. The walk is maybe 2-3 minutes longer than Ramada. Also, maybe I'm picky on food, but I didn't think the continental breakfast at Ramada was too great.

don't get me wrong, I liked Ramada Maingate and if the price were the same or cheaper there, I'd say go for it, especially in the summer time if your family likes swimming. did you check the Ramada website directly? they usually have specials and am surprised they are more expensive than FFI.

 

[DisneyMomof2inSLC]

Also when people say it is a 5 min walk to the main gates... does that mean the gates where you are technically inside the park at main street? or does that mean you are inside disneyland but still have to walk to get to the entrance? (my mom said the trams bring you closer than if you walk and if you walk it takes 30 mins??? needless to say im confused!!)

I'm not sure what she is talking about either! The monorail is only close to Disneyland Hotel and goes from there to tomorrow land. People use it for more of a ride than a travel option into the park. Staying off site, you'd have to walk past Disneyland through downtown Disney to get to the monorail, which wouldn't make any sense to do. Now if you were in tomorrow land and wanted to go eat at ESPN Zone or Rain Forest Cafe or DLh, than maybe consider the monorail. Otherwise, you probably won't use it!

 

[Kittyskyfish]

DH and I have stayed at the Fairfield quite a few times and on a typical brisk walk pace (~3.5 mph), you can make it to the security bag check in about 5 minutes. (the bag check slows your pace down as you wait in line there a few minutes)

Once you cross the security bag check, you enter into the courtyard directly between Disneyland (to your right) and California Adventure (to your left). If the courtyard is empty (hahahah) it would take you about 30 sec -1 minute to walk through the turnstiles into Disneyland.

We love the Fairfield btw!! If it comes down to price, pick the Fairfield as those few extra minutes walking down Harbor aren't a real issue to anyone with a stroller and with normal health.

 

[Disneygrandmareno]

My vote is for Ramada. We have stayed at this hotel for the last 25 years. We like this place mainly because of the pool. Thru the years we have brought our kids and now grandchildren and it is the best pool for little ones. One end of the pool is only about 1 foot deep. They have changed it a little last year and I think it might even be less than a foot. Go on the web site and check it out.

 

[Shakthi]

We have stayed on both. It all depends on what you care for. If you prefer nicer rooms, beds, linens, pillows and all, I'd take the Farfield Inn any day. If you're trying to save money, go with Ramada because they have continental breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. However, the rooms are not that great.

 

[kylie71]

Here's another vote for the Fairfield Inn. We stayed there in November. The walk is super easy, and really takes no time to pop over and back any time you want too.
The rooms are nicely renovated. It's a Marriott property, so if you sign up for their rewards card, you might earn a free nights stay in a return trips.

The grounds are nice and the palm tree's that surround the entrance, really gives it that California feel!

Lori

 

[aymekae]

Have not stayed at Fairfield, but have enjoyed both stays at Ramada Maingate. The first time, we booked a king and they gave us the room that was across from the lobby, and actually above a motorized scooter rental store, that was unconnected to any other hotel room, and a staircase made for only that room. I felt like I was in a castle tower. DH thought I was silly, though, he didn't see what was so great about it.

Anyway, that's all beside the point. I would go with whatever is cheaper. I have never seen Fairfield come in cheaper than Ramada, though, which is why I haven't stayed there. I've stayed at several other Harbor hotels, and of the 4, I prefer Ramada to be cheap and Park Vue Inn when we want to "splurge" and get the jacuzzi room.

 

[skiingfast]

I would go with whatever is cheaper. I have never seen Fairfield come in cheaper than Ramada,

Having FFI cheaper is a little strange. The Ramada is usually on the cheaper end and FFI on the higher end pricewise for the across the street locations.

For 7 nights the Fairfield is $200 cheaper than the Ramada right now so Im leaning towards that one.

Are you comparing standard room against standard or delux to delux or mixing them?


I would choose the Ramada, your child will like the pool a lot better, and with 7 days you are liekly to use it. You will save some with their continental breakfasts too. Find them on facebook, Ramada Maingate ATP, and look at thier specials.

 

[LoveDisneyMom]

Thanks for all the tips everyone!!! I really appreciate it

I thought it was strange too that the FFI was cheaper than the Ramada!

The price was $1294 for 7 nights and our flights to stay at the FFI with a standard 2 queen room.

The price was $1424 for 7 nights and our flights to stay at the Ramada Maingate at the Park with a standard 2 double room.

The trips are through expedia.com. For some reason the week we are going (May 3-May 10, 2012) has a $433 discount through expedia for the FFI package. Any other week it is normally $1688 for that package.

We just booked the FFI package!!!! Im so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!



ps- our flights were $724 so that tells you what the hotel prices were-

 

[blackjackdelta]

Welcome to the disboards.

Jack

 

[KCmike]

Fairfield Inn gets my vote. It is tied with Hojo for me for the better ones on Harbor Blvd.

 

[yupikgal]

Another vote for FFI, we stayed there before the renovations, and loved it, and now it's probably better yet! The pool there is small, but adequate. The Ho Jo probably has the best pool for kids though, but hey you're there for DL, right? There's also a McD's in front on the way to the park, and behind it is Mimi's which is an excellent restaurant. Pizza hut and a little store/Seattle's Best coffee. The lobby is cute too and colorful and bright. I also like that they offer lemon water, which is great when it's hot out!

 

[carnival kid]

I know you have already booked... but another vote here for FFI.

We ahve stayed there twice and really liked it each time. The rooms have plenty of space and are clean. Ask for a high floor for a better disney view.