@danceintherain, the Candy Cane Inn is a little less than half a mile from the Esplanade, so it's a pretty easy walk. It also has its own shuttle. (And a good breakfast.)
The Howard Johnson is about half a mile the other direction, if they prefer a real hotel with indoor corridors instead of motel-style buildings.
What kind of lodging are they looking for, and when is their trip? Maybe the City of Anaheim will solve the transportation problem before their visit.
Hopefully we can find
@danceintherain a solution other than sending his/her parents all the way to Garden Grove!