Anaheim Desert Inn

[5DizFans]

Hello!
We are a west coast family who are HUGE Disney World fans! We usually go to WDW every other year and spend 8 or more days. We always stay on property and take full advantage of the dining plan, fast pass and photo pass.

However, we are planning our first trip to Disneyland. I feel a little bit like a fish out of water. We are traveling (driving) with three teenagers (18 year old twins and a 15 year old) and my mom! We've booked rooms at the Anaheim Desert Inn. I'm looking for any input or information. Also, hoping that the walk will be doable for a fairly "fit and active" grandma!!


Thanks in advance!
Tracy

 

[JacksGirlz]

I have stayed at the Anaheim Desert Inn many times before, last being in May 2015 for the 24hour event. It's a basic motel, no frills. I found the rooms to be clean and perfectly serviceable as we spend most of the day in the parks. The free breakfast is very simple (apples, cereal, pastries, juice) but it works for us. It is a very close walk about 5-7 minutes to the security area. The pool is indoors and small - we haven't used it in a few years though so not sure of it's current state. The Desert Inn usually has a great price and the staff have always been friendly so that's a big factor in why I go back.

 

[Geemo]

We've stayed at the Desert Inn & Suites many times.
When I take the grandkids, I like the C-2 or C-1 depending on how many are going with me.
Once I know my dates I book the room I'll need. The earlier I book the better the rate.

It's located right at the Harbor cross-walk. It's only a few minutes to the Esplanade. I walked from our room to DCA's TOT in 15minutes. That includes bag check and getting through the gates.

It's one of the places on Harbor that works for me.

Geemo

 

[disneychrista]

The rooms are clean & comfortable, parking is in a below ground level parking lot. The only issue I had is that the beds were very firm/hard and I am used to plush pillow tops. They do charge parking & a resort fee.

 

[wdwfan22]

I just stayed there for 8 nts in May and really liked it. The room was very large for a standard room. A much larger than normal hotel size refrigerator, microwave, very large vanity area and very good service. I know some people don't like the beds, but I like a really soft bed and thought their beds were very comfortable, not super soft, but not hard. I stayed at the Tropicana in January for 10 nts, and I much preferred the Desert Inn & Suites. We are going back in October, but the Desert Inn & Suites was too much, so we will be trying the Del Sol Inn next door.

 

[starshine514]

I just stayed there for 8 nts in May and really liked it. The room was very large for a standard room. A much larger than normal hotel size refrigerator, microwave, very large vanity area and very good service. I know some people don't like the beds, but I like a really soft bed and thought their beds were very comfortable, not super soft, but not hard. I stayed at the Tropicana in January for 10 nts, and I much preferred the Desert Inn & Suites. We are going back in October, but the Desert Inn & Suites was too much, so we will be trying the Del Sol Inn next door.

If you like DI&s, you'll like the Del Sol as well. I believe the two share owners. We've stayed repeatedly at both and the experiences are comparable.

5DizFans, the walk is one of the best you will find. Just a few steps to the crosswalk and then you're just the length of the bus drop off area from the security gates.

 

[5DizFans]

Thank you everyone!! I'm feeling good about our choice! I'm excited to see Disneyland again. I went a LONG time ago (1986).

We did book two connecting rooms (suite!?) so everyone will have space and be comfortable.

Any other Disneyland advice would be great.

Thanks again!!!!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Stayed there twice. It's clean and basic. Super close! Will stay there again for my next two Disney races.

I'd recommend HydroGuy's thread for WDW veterans. It's the best place to start for those familiar with the "other" coast.

 

[5DizFans]

Thank you, Susan.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

The suites there are great! We stayed in the C2 (parlor and two bathrooms) and it was perfect for our extended family.

Be warned that the breakfast is extremely basic. Edible, but very basic. If you're going to be there for more than 3 or 4 days, I definitely recommend hitting a grocery store (or having Vons deliver) for snacks, water, and additional breakfast items.

Here's the thread I mentioned: http://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

 

[5DizFans]

I figured we'd bring food items. I know it is a busy time of year, and I don't want to wrangle a seat and basic items. I'd be happy to have easy food in the room and hit the park. Thanks for the link!!

46 days until we're at Disneyland!!

 

[5DizFans]

I see you live in the Seattle area. I'm in Wenatchee!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Ok we went last year and I could have and was going to stay there again. I didn't like the beds and pillows and I think that turned me off a bit but it is an ok hotel. Cheap, nice staff, nice short walk. Ok food in the morning. I bet you will have fun.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Kenmore here, just north of Seattle! Hi, fellow Washingtonian!

Be warned, you will walk past Coldstone on your way to and from the park. It smells SOOOOOO good on the way back from the parks. And Pizza Press, which is down about 4 hotels (I think it's in the Carousel) has great pizzas for $10 or so if you want a quick dinner outside the park.

 

[5DizFans]

Ok we went last year and I could have and was going to stay there again. I didn't like the beds and pillows and I think that turned me off a bit but it is an ok hotel. Cheap, nice staff, nice short walk. Ok food in the morning. I bet you will have fun.

Thanks! We've started the count down!

 

[5DizFans]

Kenmore here, just north of Seattle! Hi, fellow Washingtonian!

Be warned, you will walk past Coldstone on your way to and from the park. It smells SOOOOOO good on the way back from the parks. And Pizza Press, which is down about 4 hotels (I think it's in the Carousel) has great pizzas for $10 or so if you want a quick dinner outside the park.

Good advice! We usually use the dining plan at WDW, but I figured we'd eat more off property at Disneyland. It sounds like restaurants are very accessible.