Candy Cane Inn or Ho Jos? Newbie Here...

[GrandBob]

What do I need to get these rates? We recently bought the Entertainment book for our local area. Is it the card in that book that gets you the lower rate? Does it need to be the Entertainmnet book for the Anaheim area, or does it matter what part of the country my book is for?

Yes, it's that Entertainment card that you need; and yes, one for any area will do. It doesn't have to be the Orange County book. Be careful, though, if you're traveling in November or December (we frequently do Nov). The cards typically expire on Nov 1, and you'll need the next year's card during those two months. HoJo's does check to make sure your card is still active.

-Bob

 

[I'm mikey]

I didn't realize they add more dates as those months get closer. I thought "N/A" meant they wouldn't be offered on those dates...I'll definitely keep checking.

Hojo updates the retro rates every couple of weeks, keep checking for the rate, it might show up for your dates.

What do I need to get these rates? We recently bought the Entertainment book for our local area. Is it the card in that book that gets you the lower rate? Does it need to be the Entertainmnet book for the Anaheim area, or does it matter what part of the country my book is for?

a valid entertainment card from any area will work, it does not have to be for the anaheim area.

 

[Mackie Mouse]

Well..if it helps any friends and I were agonizing over this exact decision for the last few days, and we actually decided to go with the Hojo, which surprised me! We are four adults (two couples) traveling during Easter week next year. Although I loved the idea of getting the shuttle and the breakfast included at the Candy Cane, one of our friends just loves Mimi's, and we really just adored the customer service we got while asking questions about reservations. We decided to stay in one of the pool-view rooms in building 2 and asked that our two rooms be adjoining. I'm pretty happy with our choice!

So, uh...any chance they'll let grownups on the slides at the pirate water play area? :X

 

[chrissiecutie]

Well..if it helps any friends and I were agonizing over this exact decision for the last few days, and we actually decided to go with the Hojo, which surprised me! We are four adults (two couples) traveling during Easter week next year. Although I loved the idea of getting the shuttle and the breakfast included at the Candy Cane, one of our friends just loves Mimi's, and we really just adored the customer service we got while asking questions about reservations. We decided to stay in one of the pool-view rooms in building 2 and asked that our two rooms be adjoining. I'm pretty happy with our choice!

So, uh...any chance they'll let grownups on the slides at the pirate water play area? :X

Good choice!

Have you & your friends signed up for coupons on Mimi's website?? I would do this a little closer to your travel dates as they usually email a free entree coupon as soon as you sign up and that coupon expires usually within 2 weeks.

And the slides....well, I have seen parents going with their kids. Maybe you could borrow one? But seriously...the hot tub is in this area, so chances are you'll be right near the slides.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Yes, it's that Entertainment card that you need; and yes, one for any area will do. It doesn't have to be the Orange County book. Be careful, though, if you're traveling in November or December (we frequently do Nov). The cards typically expire on Nov 1, and you'll need the next year's card during those two months. HoJo's does check to make sure your card is still active.

-Bob

Also- you don't need to actually buy the book in order to get the ET card. Check out ebay for ET cards under $2.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I had the link for the Hojo retro rate in my smartphone and I checked daily, several times for months. But for our July dates this year, to my knowledge it never was offered.

But before this trip (which coincides with peak season and the recent DCA reopening) I always managed to get it. Our last stay there was over MLK weekend in 2011 and we got it for three of our five nights, the other two nights they gave us the 15% Ent. Card discount.

As others have said, you have to keep checking and when the dates you need come up available, act quickly. They can disappear in a matter of hours.

Its all based on availabilty. And as people cancel or book, the rates come and go.

 

[dnamertz]

CCI runs until after the parks close. No worries. Worst case if you miss it is a 10 minute walk.

How long does the CCI shuttle run after the park closes? And is this after the park's posted closing time, or an hour later (since people can still shop on Main Street for an hour after the posted closing time). Also, when does it start running in the morning? Does the first shuttle leave when the park opens? If I want to line up at the gates 1/2 hour before the park opens, will there be a shuttle that early?

On the HoJo, how easy is it to get rooms in the section you requested? If I stay there I don't want to be in one of the rooms facing the freeway.

 

[DisneyMommy403]

The walk is not that long. My kids could easily do it at very young ages. The only person that I can imagine not being able to do the walk is someone with mobility issues. But it is great to have the option to take ART if you really need it, right? You can easily buy a one day or three day ART (Anaheim Resort Transit) ticket if you try the the walk the first day and feel like it will be too far for your kids to walk. The tickets are 4.00 for adults per day, and less for kids (I am not sure how much). They sell the ART tickets every where in the area, including at Disneyland.

When we stay at Hojos we walk to and from the park each day--and this includes a break mid-day. The walk takes about 8 minutes. Here is a video of the walk down Harbor from Hojos:

http://youtu.be/Wbuzqrvf3f4

Thank You for that! That doesn't seem so bad, although I'm sure the walk to the park will be nothing, and back to the HoJo, I know my kids may or may not whine about it. Thanks for posting the cost of ART and the video. It really helps with my planning!

 

[Monica D]

I really wanted to stay at HoJo this October, but their suites are sold out. The thought of two bathrooms sounded perfect. I'd like to do CC, but am not aware that they have suites. I think either property would be good, though.

 

[Mackie Mouse]

Good choice!

Have you & your friends signed up for coupons on Mimi's website?? I would do this a little closer to your travel dates as they usually email a free entree coupon as soon as you sign up and that coupon expires usually within 2 weeks.

And the slides....well, I have seen parents going with their kids. Maybe you could borrow one? But seriously...the hot tub is in this area, so chances are you'll be right near the slides.

Thanks for the tip!! I'll send along the info to our friends, as well. Especially about the water slides.

I confess that those YouTube videos really sold us on the Hojo, since they're so thorough about the rooms, and mention that the same architect designed the Disneyland Hotel. Oh, Loreale, you and your clever marketing schemes..!

 

[HydroGuy]

How long does the CCI shuttle run after the park closes? And is this after the park's posted closing time, or an hour later (since people can still shop on Main Street for an hour after the posted closing time). Also, when does it start running in the morning? Does the first shuttle leave when the park opens? If I want to line up at the gates 1/2 hour before the park opens, will there be a shuttle that early?

On the HoJo, how easy is it to get rooms in the section you requested? If I stay there I don't want to be in one of the rooms facing the freeway.

I do not remember for certain but I believe the last shuttle leaves DLR at 30 minutes after park closing. You can call CCI if you want a more certain answer.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Thanks for the tip!! I'll send along the info to our friends, as well. Especially about the water slides.

I confess that those YouTube videos really sold us on the Hojo, since they're so thorough about the rooms, and mention that the same architect designed the Disneyland Hotel. Oh, Loreale, you and your clever marketing schemes..!

You're SO welcome! I would suggest signing up more then 1 email since every email will get the coupons.

And I agree, the wealth of info avail on the HoJo sure does make it easier to decide! Although I think Loreale is no longer at the HoJo- if so, then that's too bad....

 

[Katems]

I've looked up pics of the HoJos and seen some rooms with a window air conditioner and the short curtains, and some rooms with full length curtains and I assume central air....

Are the central air rooms newer? How do you get a central air room?

Also, how do you get a skylight room? Are they only buildings 3,4,5, and 6?

We're thinking CCI might win because of the breakfast and shuttle, however HoJos looks more like a traditional hotel to me.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

For an adults only trip would CCI be better?

 

[Disney Dudette]

My mom and I have stayed at HoJo three different times and we are planning another stay in August. We love the hotel, very clean rooms, and about an 8 minute walk to the turnstiles! Now, we're just hoping for a retro rate!!

 

[Hound 109]

For an adults only trip would CCI be better?

IMO, definitely.

I've stayed at Hojo once & CCI twice (& Fairfield twice & PPH 3 times). If i was going with kids aged 2-9 & a mid afternoon swim (or evening swim) was very important (AND the price of Hojo was signifcantly less than the CCI) then I'd opt for Hojo.

But....since I almost ALWAYS get to the park at opening & then take an early to mid afternoon rest, then the CCI dedicated shuttle is a huge perk to me. (knocking FOUR nine min. strolls per day down to one or two nine min. strolls per day). Since my kid is older, the CCI pool is perfect for a 15 min. mid day (or evening) dip. We don't need or want the kiddie pool at Hojo.

I like Hojo, but unless i had toddlers, it would have to be $40+ less per day to have me chose it over CCI. (I give $15-$20 a day value for the CCI continental snack & $25 per day for the dedicated shuttle....because of the way i tour).

& I NEVER take the early morning shuttle, instead I walk (love the early morning walk ) to the security tent so I can get to it by :15 or :20. (the shuttle wouldn't get me there till :40 or :45 in the morning). But i take the shuttle the other 3 legs. The Hojo & CCI are practically an equal 9 min. walk to the turnstile, so having 3 of the 4 legs a one minute mini shuttle run is a nice perk.

But if one has toddlers, & plans on stocking breakfast in the room..... & is the type to sleep in till 9am, spend 8 straight hours in park, & then finish the day with a kiddo swim, then Hojo would be the better choice.

 

[dnamertz]

Does anyone know if the slides at the pirate themed kids pool at HoJo has any minimum height requirements?

 

[Katems]

Okay, thanks to everyone's input we have decided to stay at CANDY CANE! Now we can't decide if the premium room is worth the extra $246.... Thoughts??

 

[Hound 109]

Okay, thanks to everyone's input we have decided to stay at CANDY CANE! Now we can't decide if the premium room is worth the extra $246.... Thoughts??

Pink Budgie has a CCI super thread around here somewhere.....maybe she'll chime in.

I think this is it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2532780


I've only done the standard room. It's fine for 2 adults or 2 adults and a small kid. Might be cramped with 4 or more though. Hopefully others will comment on the Premium.

Have fun.

 

[Katems]

I'm trying to choose between deluxe and premium. I don't care about turn down service or delivered breakfast or any of that...what appeals the most is the extra square footage. However it's an extra $246 for the week... Hmmm...