Advice needed for a DL first timer

[gnargle2988]

I have been to WDW many times and am planning my first trip to Disneyland in July. Here is some info:
-We will be going for 4 nights
-I will be going with my friend. We are both 21 year old females.
-We will not be renting a car but a Disney hotel is to expensive. We are looking for a hotel that is in close walking distance to the park and also in a safe area.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a hotel that is close to the park or has a fairly reliable shuttle to the park? Also, any other advice would be appreciated. I have taken for granted how well I know WDW and how easy that makes planning trips.

 

[avalon451]

Hi, welcome to the left coast Dis! You're going to love Walt's park!

Some of the best advice around here has been compiled by Hydroguy, in his sticky thread at the top of this forum: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 There are several threads there specifically for WDW vets doing DL for the first time, as well as lots of other useful information.

For lodging, here's a map that lists (with links) most of the walking distance hotels around DL. There are lots to choose from, and many of the Harbor hotels are closer than Disneyland Hotel. http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

Some favorites on this board are HoJo (especially if you can get the Entertainment book rate, see their website: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14), Park Vue, Best Western Park Place Inn, Candy Cane Inn, Carousel, Desert Inn. Look through the boards here and you'll find many threads on the topic of which hotels are better. You can also look up hotels on tripadvisor.com to see more reviews of each specific one.

Read to your heart's content, and then come back with specific questions. Everyone here is very friendly and ready to jump in with suggestions.

Hope that helps!

 

[erinbev]

Welcome welcome!
I took my vacation last year with my best friend, too - we are both 23 year old gals, and it was so much fun! I have very little experience traveling to WDW, but I learned a LOT on these boards for our DL trip! We had so much fun, we're going again this September.
I also recommend reading all the stickys at the top of the forum, and then just checking in here regularly to keep on top of all that information. I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised - you can get a decently priced hotel right across the street! I feel like there's a lot of freedom at DL - everything seems more available and easier to get to.
People are awesome here - ask anything!

 

[DizNee Luver]

There's a huge selection of motels on Harbor across from the park....all within walking distance. Lots of people rave about HoJo, we've liked the Tropicana, a friend liked the Fairfield Inn & we also stayed before at the Desert Inn & Suites. All our moderately priced & the location can't be beat!!

Definately look at the links provided earlier as there are so many useful tips & information packed in them!!!!

Hope you have a fabulous trip!!

 

[gnargle2988]

Thanks so much for all the information!!! I talked to my friend and I think we are going to be staying at the Quality Inn. Has anyone stayed there? Our biggest concern is the walk from the hotel to the park. Is it relatively safe?

 

[cccdisney]

Thanks so much for all the information!!! I talked to my friend and I think we are going to be staying at the Quality Inn. Has anyone stayed there? Our biggest concern is the walk from the hotel to the park. Is it relatively safe?

The Quality Inn is quite a walk. I have not stayed there so I can't comment on the rooms but I know where it is located. I found focus on hotels that are on Harbor blvd, the closer to the crosswalk the better.

 

[avalon451]

Quality Inn is kind of back behind the other hotels; you have to walk up Manchester to Harbor; you can't cut through the parking lots because there's a fence. Also, while lately it's been getting ok reports, in the past some people have had bad experiences there. I personally would go with something more tried and true on these boards. Just my 2 cents--

When are you going?

 

[gnargle2988]

Thanks for the input on the Quality Inn. We are trying to do this as cheaply as possible but that hotel sounds like it might not be the best. It's too bad Disneyland doesn't have value hotels, that would make this much easier!

Does anyone have any opinions on the Anaheim Plaza Hotel? That is another option we might go with. The reviews are nothing amazing but it doesn't seem to bad. I was just wondering if anyone has stayed there?

Thanks so much for all the advice!!!

Oh, and we are going July 13-17 (at least that is the plan right now)!!