APs from out of state, need advice please

[Tinkerbell19672]

We became passholders on our last trip. Deciding where to stay when we visit next time. Since parking is included, is it a good idea to stay further away and drive to the parks? We usually rent a car anyway and do other things while we’re in the area. Does anyone have a hotel they’d recommend? Or is it a bad idea and we should just continue to stay within walking distance or onsite. I don’t think parking at their hotels is included, is it? Just thinking it might be nice to take advantage of the parking perk and if we could find a place for a lot cheaper.

 

[tarheelalum]

Stay within walking distance and save yourself a lot of grief. Most hotels in the area charge daily for parking. Some up to 30 dollars. But even if the hotel does not charge, parking in the morning and dealing with the shuttle is a pain in the rear end and a big waste of time at Toy Story lot. And at Mickey and Friends it can be down right awful and take forever on some mornings. And both are even worse at night when you are trying to leave. If you want to bring your car for other stuff, stay at a hotel that is within walking distance but has free parking. The Hotel Indigo is the only place that meets that criteria that I know of. We have stayed there quite a bit and like it a lot.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

Thanks! I was thinking if there are places to stay further away for half the price it may be worth it but I didn’t consider they might charge for parking. Didn’t realize the hassle to park in their lots, good to know. We’ve stayed at Park Vu and they have free parking as well. Kind of wish they had a pass that didn’t include parking, seems like a waste. Parking at onsite hotels isn’t included?

 

[Simba001]

Thanks! I was thinking if there are places to stay further away for half the price it may be worth it but I didn’t consider they might charge for parking. Didn’t realize the hassle to park in their lots, good to know. We’ve stayed at Park Vu and they have free parking as well. Kind of wish they had a pass that didn’t include parking, seems like a waste. Parking at onsite hotels isn’t included?

I live out of state and have the Deluxe AP which does not include parking. It is blocked on some Saturdays and Holidays and at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since those are really busy days, we just work our stay around those days. If we are there on a Saturday when it is blocked we visit the Disneyland hotels and Downtown Disneyland that day. To us, it is worth the cost difference. We do not rent a car when we stay.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

I live out of state and have the Deluxe AP which does not include parking. It is blocked on some Saturdays and Holidays and at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since those are really busy days, we just work our stay around those days. If we are there on a Saturday when it is blocked we visit the Disneyland hotels and Downtown Disneyland that day. To us, it is worth the cost difference. We do not rent a car when we stay.

We almost got the Deluxe but wanted to be able to go on weekends without taking DD out of school as much. Do you stay within walking distance?

 

[Angrose]

Hojo has free parking. Watch for their AP rates. I can't remember the promo code right now but you could probably do a search for it. They are in the process of renovating their rooms too.

 

[Simba001]

We almost got the Deluxe but wanted to be able to go on weekends without taking DD out of school as much. Do you stay within walking distance?

When funds (and bargains) are available we enjoy staying at a Disneyland Resort. We have stayed at HoJos many years ago. We have also stayed at the Sheraton, Hilton and Marriott by the Convention Center. Our latest off property favorite is the Candy Cane Inn. They have free continental breakfast, free parking and a free shuttle to the Park - though it is an easy walk. They have AP rates, too. If you stay there, they provide a $10 off certificate to use within a year and can be combined with the AP discount.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

When funds (and bargains) are available we enjoy staying at a Disneyland Resort. We have stayed at HoJos many years ago. We have also stayed at the Sheraton, Hilton and Marriott by the Convention Center. Our latest off property favorite is the Candy Cane Inn. They have free continental breakfast, free parking and a free shuttle to the Park - though it is an easy walk. They have AP rates, too. If you stay there, they provide a $10 off certificate to use within a year and can be combined with the AP discount.

I’ve read a lot of good things and candy cane, may try it thanks!

 

[tarheelalum]

Parking at onsite hotels isn’t included?

No. At any of Disney's hotels you will pay the daily parking rate which is pretty high. The free parking that comes with your AP does not count.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I also agree with staying close enough you can walk. Most of the closest hotels aren't really much farther than walking to get to your car in the Disney parking garage.

 

[kristabelle13]

I've driven in on my three trips this year and sure, I stayed for dirt cheap or free on Marriott Rewards - but it's not worth it. Stay across the street on Harbour and enjoy the ability to walk back quickly and take a nap and enjoy a swim. The driving in is stressful and time-consuming - can easily add 2hrs to your day in the car.

 

[az4boys]

We've mostly stayed at the Homewood Suites - Anaheim Convention Center. We walk to the Toy Story shuttle and have taken a cab a couple times. I don't know if I would want to deal with driving, but we haven't tried it. Walking to the shuttle isn't too bad. It does get old after awhile though. This trip we stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn. Loved the location and it overall worked for our family. I have gotten used to the quality and space of Homewood Suites though so I didn't love it. Kids thought it was great because we didn't have to take the shuttle. Honestly, I haven't found the perfect place for us. I mostly look for a room that will sleep all 6 of us for $200 or less and our total walking distance is limited. (Sitting on a shuttle doesn't hurt my feet, but it does take time.)

 

[Meriweather]

I'm sooo spoiled. Deluxe AP, but DVC, so we stay at the villas at the Grand. Parking included.
I'm not sure I could go anywhere else now.

We stayed at Howard Johnson a couple of nights once. It was close and not bad

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

We've mostly stayed at the Homewood Suites - Anaheim Convention Center. We walk to the Toy Story shuttle and have taken a cab a couple times. I don't know if I would want to deal with driving, but we haven't tried it. Walking to the shuttle isn't too bad. It does get old after awhile though. This trip we stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn. Loved the location and it overall worked for our family. I have gotten used to the quality and space of Homewood Suites though so I didn't love it. Kids thought it was great because we didn't have to take the shuttle. Honestly, I haven't found the perfect place for us. I mostly look for a room that will sleep all 6 of us for $200 or less and our total walking distance is limited. (Sitting on a shuttle doesn't hurt my feet, but it does take time.)

Thanks for the info. I’m torn because we don’t spend a lot of time in the room at all, so being at a nicer place farther away is a toss up. The one time we did spend a lot of time in our room was when DD got sick for a couple of days and luckily we were staying at DLH so we didn’t mind being stuck in the room

I'm sooo spoiled. Deluxe AP, but DVC, so we stay at the villas at the Grand. Parking included.
I'm not sure I could go anywhere else now.

We stayed at Howard Johnson a couple of nights once. It was close and not bad

Nice! I love the Grand, stayed there once. Can’t beat the location to DCA for sure. So convenient to take a break in your room. AAA used to have a package deal where they had free parking at DL hotels but not anymore