Candy Cane Inn or Disneyland Hotel

[monica31671]

I can't decide if the Disneyland Hotel is worth the extra money, or if I should stick with the Candy Cane Inn.

Any one been to both?

I'm a Disney World girl, so I've never made the trip to Disneyland. I'm a little unsure of which way to go.

Thanks!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

The Candy Cane Inn is really nice. The rooms are a little more upscale than the standard motels on Harbor and the breakfast is also a cut above. It is a bit of a walk to the main DL entrance. It's not bad at all and doable, but some people choose to take the shuttle instead. The Disneyland Hotel is nice but will likely be much more expensive. You don't need a shuttle to get to the parks. Between the two, it probably depends on how much you want to spend.

 

[medievaldave]

lol. my wife and I do this to ourselves every time we plan a trip to DLR. Disneyland Hotel or Candy Cane Inn? We look at it as if we stay at candy cane we will have more money for souvenirs.

 

[usschmidt]

Personally I think they're almost the same distance walking to the main entrance.

 

[goofyfordisney]

We just got back from our 3rd stay at DLH...I have only stayed at CCI once (a couple of years ago, we have only stayed in the Dreams Tower at DLH with a DTD view. This last trip, I thought that I would have been just as happy at CCI. We paid $169 per night, so the price difference between CCI and DLH wasn't huge. If there is more than $100 per night difference, I think I would go with CCI. When we stayed at CCI, we paid about $89 per night.

The walking distance from CCI to the main gates is about the same as DLH. We used the shuttle at CCI mainly at night, when we went back to CCI. Its nice to have your own shuttle (not part of ART).

As far as the rooms; the room size at CCI is much smaller. The room was clean and the beds were comfy. The DLH was a perfect size and we did have a daybed. Our room at DLH was a little worn, but clean; the beds were not comfy at all. I think that for the amount of money that they ask per night, the rooms should be more like a Westin; with those comfy beds! They could still keep the Disney touches; just give us more comfy beds!

Our AC was so loud--it sounded like a plane was in our room! We called Maintenance and someone was at our room within 5 minutes to fix our AC unit. That was so nice!

We didn't have much luck at the DLH pool; it was so crowded by 2:00 not one lounge chair was to be had. Then, someone had an "accident" in the pool, so the pool was closed for about an hour and a half so that the pool could be sanitized. Everyone got out of the pool;no one left, and more people kept coming! We went to the other pool and it was just as crowded. We have never been able to really enjoy the pool at DLH--its always been too crowded (probably because we've gone to during summer months! ) We stayed at CCI during November, so we never tried to use the pool--I'm not sure how crowded it is during the summer months.

I would say, it really depends on what your budget is and what is most important to you!

Have fun on your trip to DL!

 

[PirateFish989]

It has been a while since I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, but I just stayed at the Candy Cane Inn last year and it was great! We weren't in our room very much but when we were it was perfect for the 4 of us. The only complaint was that the shower room very small with poor ventilation so if you took a hot shower, it got very humid and sticky quickly. The walk to the parks isn't very far, and in my opinion, about the same distance as the Disneyland Hotel. When I go to Disneyland next time, I'm planning on staying at the Candy Cane Inn.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I've been to WDW a few times and would definitely, always, stay on-site there. It's really not that important at DL to stay on-site since the off-site hotels are, in some cases, closer and just as nice.

Yes, there are some perks with the DL hotels, but not worth the 100s of extra dollars, imo.

I have stayed many times at The Candy Cane Inn and have never been disappointed. I love having free breakfast available before we get on the dedicated shuttle.

 

[whgrn]

wow! I'm kinda surprised, I guess, to read how great the CCI is. I was thinking I'd have to stay on property for a great experience, but now I'm wondering if CCI is the way to go! Could be!

Some of the reviews on TripAdvisor mention problems with the shuttles and the WiFi. Anyone here experience problems in these areas?

Also, re: room size--are they really THAT tiny? I don't anticipate spending alot of time in our room, but we WILL need a rollaway for DS.

Thanks!

 

[Tink6666]

We just got back from a 3 night stay at the DLH and I would not go back. We had a Magic tower room with 2 queen beds. I was very disappointed in the cleanliness of the room. Not at all up to WDW standards in my opinion. In the bathroom there was either blood splatter or bug guts all over one of the light fixtures. I originally thought it was rust spots, but then took a wash cloth (on our 2nd day there)and rubbed it clean....totally gross me out!!! The beds were ok, nothing overly comfortable. You could feel the springs in some places. The sheets were stitched where there were holes, instead of being replaced. The TV was also not working properly, I did not feel that the CM's were nice or helpful during our stay. If you are looking at the DLH for the swimming pool, it was cold I don't think they actually heat it, just let the sun do that part. It also was very salty.

The monarail from DTD was a nice feature. We took this to & from Disneyland often, you can't use it for Calif. Adventure park though...there you need to walk thru DTD to the main entrance, or cut thru Grand California Hotel to the private enterance. I would suggest this if you want to go on either Soarin or Grizzly bear run, as the entrance is close to these rides.

Good luck with your trip to Disneyland, this WDW veteran will not be going back to the west coast anytime soon!!!

 

[monica31671]

Any thoughts on Hotel Menage? The pictures look good even though it seems a little off the beaten path.

 

[sbakersub]

originally posted by whgrn:
Some of the reviews on TripAdvisor mention problems with the shuttles and the WiFi. Anyone here experience problems in these areas?

Also, re: room size--are they really THAT tiny? I don't anticipate spending alot of time in our room, but we WILL need a rollaway for DS.

We stayed at the CCI in June, and I thought it was a great value for the money ($113/night with a AAA discount). Great location, very comfy, nice little breakfast, and helpful staff. To answer the questions:

--We only took the shuttle a couple of times, but didn't have any problems with it. It was there where it was supposed to be when it was supposed to be there.

--The WiFi only worked sporadically in our room. We had to take the laptop out by the pool a few times to get access. But hey, it's free!

--The standard room size isn't tiny, just not really big. CCI's web site says their standard rooms are about 360 square feet and can accommodate a maximum of four guests utilizing existing bedding. It was fine for the three of us, and would work for four -- with DD, the bathroom is always the bottleneck. They do have deluxe rooms which are 40 square feet bigger and can accommodate a maximum of five guests with the addition of a rollaway bed (extra charge). So with a rollaway, you'd be looking at 400 square feet or so.

 

[Mililani Mouser]

We didn't have much luck at the DLH pool; it was so crowded by 2:00 not one lounge chair was to be had. Then, someone had an "accident" in the pool, so the pool was closed for about an hour and a half so that the pool could be sanitized. Everyone got out of the pool;no one left, and more people kept coming! We went to the other pool and it was just as crowded. We have never been able to really enjoy the pool at DLH--its always been too crowded (probably because we've gone to during summer months! ) We stayed at CCI during November, so we never tried to use the pool--I'm not sure how crowded it is during the summer months.

LOL!! with 2 little kids ages 5 and 7, that would be something they would be talking to their schoolmates about for weeks!!

which reminds me, my boss (doctor) told me once that after he had his stroke, he would only go to his water therapy at the community swimming pool or at his apt building. he said the swimming pools at the rehab are notorious for having frequent "accidents" and he totally refused to go there.

 

[Matterhorn Eric]

Just got back from 6 days at cci and it was as good as it always is. The room was in great shape and ready when we got there at noon. The staff at the desk is amazing and always helpful. We haven't had the best luck with the wifi, but its not super important for us. Usually walk over to the park as I don't always plan my timing to take the shuttle over. The breakfast is always nice. Whether it be some donuts, muffins, fresh fruit or bagels, there is cereal also. Will be there again over new years. If I ever stay on property, it will be at the grand californian, which I think I could more likely justify the increase in price.

 

[Hound 109]

wow! I'm kinda surprised, I guess, to read how great the CCI is. I was thinking I'd have to stay on property for a great experience, but now I'm wondering if CCI is the way to go! Could be!

Some of the reviews on TripAdvisor mention problems with the shuttles and the WiFi. Anyone here experience problems in these areas?

Also, re: room size--are they really THAT tiny? I don't anticipate spending alot of time in our room, but we WILL need a rollaway for DS.

Thanks!

I wouldn't call the CCI "great"....but it's a very good value & very nice & very clean. (Perfect for someone who's there for a DLR experience & doesn't want to spend 3 bills a night for a "resort" experience.)

Re: "problems with the shuttles".....I didn't experience any, they were great. A couple of things to know about the dedicated shuttle:

- It runs 2-3 min. slow. Great for the lollygaggers, but not for the on-time person.
- The first morning shuttle (for us) wouldn't get us to the drop off until 20 min. till opening (which means you don't get to the line until 15 min. prior to opening), so we elected to walk (easy 8-10 min. in the morning) because we ALWAYS want to be IN LINE 30 min. prior to opening.
- The shuttle is VERY handy for mid day breaks (coming & going) & at night (but avoid the after fireworks crush).

 

[EmEyeSeeKayEeWhy]

As much as I love the resort hotels, the Candy Cane Inn is definitely one of our favorites. I don't remember ever having a bad stay. My family has gotten to know the front desk staff, and they are always so kind and accomodating when we arrive

 

[monica31671]

Thanks for all of the information.

I booked 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Orange County since they were running a "book 3 nights get the 4th night free." Then I booked one night at the Disneyland Hotel just to get a feel for it.

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks for all of the information.

I booked 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Orange County since they were running a "book 3 nights get the 4th night free." Then I booked one night at the Disneyland Hotel just to get a feel for it.

ART shuttle.


hound <----much prefers using his feet for transportation (&/or the CCI dedicated shuttle).

 

[whgrn]

We stayed at the CCI in June, and I thought it was a great value for the money ($113/night with a AAA discount). Great location, very comfy, nice little breakfast, and helpful staff. To answer the questions:

--We only took the shuttle a couple of times, but didn't have any problems with it. It was there where it was supposed to be when it was supposed to be there.

--The WiFi only worked sporadically in our room. We had to take the laptop out by the pool a few times to get access. But hey, it's free!

--The standard room size isn't tiny, just not really big. CCI's web site says their standard rooms are about 360 square feet and can accommodate a maximum of four guests utilizing existing bedding. It was fine for the three of us, and would work for four -- with DD, the bathroom is always the bottleneck. They do have deluxe rooms which are 40 square feet bigger and can accommodate a maximum of five guests with the addition of a rollaway bed (extra charge). So with a rollaway, you'd be looking at 400 square feet or so.

I wouldn't call the CCI "great"....but it's a very good value & very nice & very clean. (Perfect for someone who's there for a DLR experience & doesn't want to spend 3 bills a night for a "resort" experience.)

Re: "problems with the shuttles".....I didn't experience any, they were great. A couple of things to know about the dedicated shuttle:

- It runs 2-3 min. slow. Great for the lollygaggers, but not for the on-time person.
- The first morning shuttle (for us) wouldn't get us to the drop off until 20 min. till opening (which means you don't get to the line until 15 min. prior to opening), so we elected to walk (easy 8-10 min. in the morning) because we ALWAYS want to be IN LINE 30 min. prior to opening.
- The shuttle is VERY handy for mid day breaks (coming & going) & at night (but avoid the after fireworks crush).

Thanks for these very helpful reviews!! I always prefer reviews from the DIS to anywhere else!

Looks like the CCI will be our choice. Esp. with doing so much non-Disney stuff, I'd hate to spend the $$ to stay on property. We'll actually probably stay 4 nights at CCI and then move down closer to San Diego for the zoo and LEGOland.

THANKS!!

 

[heatherleigh]

When I stayed at the CCI, there were three adults, and two children. I don't remember the room being that tiny. Maybe we had a deluxe one- I'm not sure. It was so long ago. I do know that it was super clean and very nice. It was well kept.

We have never stayed at the DLH, but I hope it will be okay. After reading a couple of the reviews on here, I'm nervous! Oh well, it will probably be our last visit to that particular hotel. Next year, I'd like to try the GCH. We're taking baby steps lol.

 

[bzkds]

I guess I'm the odd one out. I wouldn't stay at the CCI again. It was a very long walk back at night. We had too many people in our group to make the shuttle feasible. I just don't understand why everyone is so excited about the CCI.

On the other hand, I was not terribly impressed at the DLH either. I prefer the atmosphere there, being "in" the park and all.

We go every year and stay in the Paradise Pier Hotel, next to DLH. It's really nice. I've stayed in the Grand Californian, which was wonderful, but too expensive for regular trips. This year we are staying at the Anabella, which looks nice, but I'm not happy about having "outdoor" hallways (we go with middle-school girls ) and being off the grounds.

Beth