Advice on Nice Hotel in Close Walking Distance

[rydersmommy]

We are looking into a large family trip (14 people) for Thanksgiving 2015. In WDW we always stay onsite. June 2014 we did a small trip (4 people) to DL and stayed at Paradise Pier. We had a great trip and felt it was worth the money to stay onsite for the dynamics of that trip. My mom did have some issues with her foot on the trip and felt the walk from Paradise Pier to the front entry gates was a little long. The dynamics of this trip are greatly different than the last. 14 people (6 kids and 8 adults). We are trying to go more economically this trip and are looking for the best off site options with the shortest walking distances to the park entrance. Three of the adults have minor health issues when it comes to walking long distances. They do fine at the parks because there's lots of opportunities to stop and rest and the walking is broken up by attractions and shows.

Which hotels are closest in walking distance to the parks and are the best "bangs for the bucks"? Any opinions / advice are greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[CruzTerri]

Best Western Park Place Inn is directly across the street from the entrance. In fact, it is closer than any of the Disney hotels.

 

[sechelt]

You might want to consider a hotel like Candy Cane Inn, with it's own shuttle. It will drop you off closer and with less walking than any of the hotels across the street from DL. They may seem close but if you get a room at the back of the hotel, it's almost the same walking distance as PPH.

 

[4Mickeys]

Check out the Desert Inn and Suites, it's very close to the crossing at the main entrance to DL. They have suites that can sleep up to 10 people. Very clean and great staff. They have elevators and I would ask when booking for a room close to the front of the property to limit any extra walking. My family stayed here in September and I would definitely stay again.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I second Candy Cane Inn. I stayed there in early December (have stayed many times before) and room was quiet and lovely. I do have some health issues, limits on too much walking and loved the shuttle. Plus, my dad pointed out that if you are wanting to go to Denny's or McDonald's across the street from DL when at the hotel, it is faster to take the shuttle to DL and then walk across the street, same with coming back after a long day at the park. The front desk staff couldn't have been any nicer either and trued so hard to find me a camera battery charger when I realized I left mine at home. Didn't find one that would work for me but so kind that they took the time to check. Great service. Also, if you plan on visiting DL within a year of your trip, CCI gives you a $10 gift certificate with a code that you are able to book with on your next stay (within a year) and save $10 each night.

 

[nicolispicoli]

We usually stay on site, but for our recent trip in November we stayed at the desert inn and suites. I loved it! The walk was so easy, felt much closer than walking thru DTD to the DLH. If it weren't for the magic touches and early morning perks, I'd probably stay there every time we went. I've heard they have nice family rooms for a great price too.

 

[rydersmommy]

Thanks for the input. I will check out all of the suggested hotels

 

[ronandannette]

We stayed at the Camelot; extremely close to the cross-walk and right next door to McDonalds which was much appreciated for coffee and cold drinks. It was extremely clean and quite and there's a good view of the fireworks from the pool deck. The kids got a kick out of the whimsical facade (not exactly Disney, but every little bit helps!). Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or to stay again.

 

[chrisaman]

We stayed at the Camelot; extremely close to the cross-walk and right next door to McDonalds which was much appreciated for coffee and cold drinks. It was extremely clean and quite and there's a good view of the fireworks from the pool deck. The kids got a kick out of the whimsical facade (not exactly Disney, but every little bit helps!). Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or to stay again.

I 3rd candy cane inn. The included shuttle is what u will want and the hotel is nicer than all the others in that area. U could do any of the hotels on the ART line like the embassy suites too

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Another vote for Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites, especially for a group that size. The largest family suite is basically two connecting rooms, each with two queens and a bathroom. The suite also has small parlor room with a sofa sleeper and TV. Each suite will sleep up to 10. If you get two rooms, you would have eight queen beds, four bathrooms, and two sofa sleepers. The walk to the parks is very quick and there is a small continental breakfast.

 

[rydersmommy]

For those of you who have stayed at the Candy Cane Inn, where exactly does the shuttle drop you off? During busy times, like holidays, how long do you typically have to wait for a shuttle?

 

[Hobbes]

What are the two Sheratons like? Long story short, we are coming over from the UK on a coach tour that finishes up with 3 nights at the Sheraton that looks like a castle . As it is our 50thg birthday treat to ourselves we have extended the holiday by another 2 days but our holiday company cannot get us a further 2 nights in the Sheraton so have booked us into the other Sheraton near DL. What are they both like-we have got it into our heads that the second one is actually within walking distance whereas the first is over the freeway-is that correct?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I believe the Candy Cane shuttle goes to Disneyland on the half hour and hour and picks up 15 and 45 after the hour. It drops off and picks up at #13 which is all the way at the end of the shuttle rows. I know one day the driver would have let us off much closer but there was another tour bus that started to pull out so he had to keep going. It is very reliable though.

 

[MillauFr]

I 4th the Candy Cane. Top notch service, very clean, free breakfast, free parking, good wifi, nice pool area, and easy walk or shuttle.

 

[Lauren in NC]

5th for the Candy Cane Another minor plus that no one else has mentioned - the only road you have to cross to get to Disneyland is the bus entry/exit road. Many of the other hotels are located on the opposite side of the busy main road. With a stroller or a walking toddler, it's nice to not have to deal with the crowds. The walk itself is actually nicer, also, since you're pretty much walking along Disney property (the back of California Adventure) the entire time.

 

[adalsolica]

I'd recommend checking out the Springhill Suites Anaheim Convention Center (on the corner of Harbor and Katella). It's a new hotel, has very large rooms, free breakfast, free wi-fi, and is about a 10 min. walk to the gates. A kid's suite includes bunk beds and can sleep up to 7 people. Getawaytoday has great rates for it as well. The fireworks can even be seen from the rooftop pool area. There's also a 24 hour CVS pharmacy on the 1st floor.
We haven't stayed there yet, but have booked it for next September based on a lot of research and reviews.

 

[ToyStory3]

Could you walk to DL from Candy Cane Inn?

 

[crystal1313]

^Yes! The walk is short from the Candy Cane inn! You don't have to cross Harbor either, which is nice =)

 

[ToyStory3]

^Yes! The walk is short from the Candy Cane inn! You don't have to cross Harbor either, which is nice =)

Thanks! So the shuttle is just for those who don't wish to walk? I don't mind walking - even if it's a little distance.

 

[crystal1313]

Thanks! So the shuttle is just for those who don't wish to walk? I don't mind walking - even if it's a little distance.

Yes, I believe the shuttle is for those who don't wish to walk. IMO, the shuttle would take longer then actually walking, but I understand if you have tired feet at the end of the night. My DH and I are tall and have long legs and we walked to the main gates in 6-7 min. It's a beautiful walk too! Lots of pretty plants and a double wide sidewalk. We love the CCI! Have a great trip!