Candy Cane Inn vs Carousel Inn

[coruth4]

We are looking to book a trip for next May. This will be our first trip to Disneyland. We are trying to decide between Candy Inn vs Carousel Inn.
We typically stay in a family suite at Disney World and thought Carousel's Kids Suite would be similar. Plus my son likes the idea of a roof top pool. I am not sure how easy the walking communte is from the hotel to the park though.
Candy Cane seesm to get very high rating on Tripadvisor and is VERY close to the parks. But we would have to stay in a typical 2 bed room with a roll away for our daughter. Which wouldn't be the end of the world by any means.
Do any Disneyland vets have some suggestions either way?
We will probably be booking things ourselves rather than through a travel agent or Disney directly because the Good Neighbor program only seesm to allow for standard rooms. We are not that concerend with the dining plan & wil probably just pay out of pocket for meals - a big change from our typical free dining at Disney World!
Thank you all in advance!

 

[mad hatter fan]

Just wanted to comment on the Carousel's rooftop pool. We stayed there this last July and the pool was icy cold and my daughter refused to swim in it. My son's did for a little while but my younger one scraped his toe badly on the super rough surface of the concrete. Oh and the pool is very small. I guess, I am saying that I wouldn't choose the Carousel based on the pool, LOL.

We loved the close walk though, the new pizza place in front is delicious, and our concierge's room in the back was nice and quiet, though nothing special. The bed felt as if I might almost roll off it! But I will likely stay here again.

 

[coruth4]

Thank you for your repsonse! That is helpful info on the pool. My son is more of a "floater" but he definately does not like cold pools. He is used to the heated ones at Disney World - spoiled little bugger.

 

[Camshell]

We've stayed at the Carousel before. The pool is very small. Nothing like you'ld find at WDW. The motels in the strip across the street are adequate they don't feel anything like staying on property at WDW. For us they were always just a place to sleep.

The upside however, is that the Carousel is bascially at the crossing lights to cross the road to get onto the Disney property. The location can't be beat! It is really close. I would recommend Carousel for that alone.

You can also see Disneyland from the breakfast lounge area, which is a really nice bonus for motel on that strip.

 

[belle'ssister]

Never have stayed st the Carousel but have stayed at CCI many times and are going back on November. The big plus fir me us the exclusive shuttle, you can walk it but at the end of the night
A bus ride is welcomed.

The breakfast is bagels, donuts, yogurt, cereal etc. beds are very comfy. Nice pool area, we like to eat breakfast out there.

Staff is helpful and friendly.

 

[Zebbie]

Had a good stay Carousel Inn last time. The beds were good, and I love that my room didn't have carpet (overly used hotel carpet can be gross).

I have to agree with others, the pool was a bit of a let down. But to be honest, I never had any intent of swimming in the pool, as my time there was all about Disney. With the cross walk to Disney so insanely close... this was a easy choice of stay. I also liked the list of nearby food choices as well, so this helped. If I am looking for Pools during my stay... its HoJo.

My only major gripe would be the same as any hotel breakfast. The dinning area was too small and with glass plates only, it was eat in the insanely packed dinning area or buy your food elsewhere. To be the optimist, and considered it training for busy lines at the parks

 

[MillauFr]

We love the Candy Cane. The staff is great and they do a good job keeping the place very clean. The breakfast is nice as it helps us get to the park when it opens.

 

[coruth4]

Thanks everyone! You have all been super helpful!

 

[Magalex]

We are also planning our first trip to DL for next summer 2013. We are vets of the WDW resorts. Candy Cane Inn is on the top of our list which is a 90% decision right now unless we get really lucky & we can stay at Paradise Pier. I have also considered The Fairfield Inn, Tropicana Inn, & Camelot Inn. Just waiting for South West to post their summer flights

 

[Ingrid0382]

We love the CCI. The pool area is so pretty, especially at night. There's the regular pool and a little wading pool for toddlers that's always nice and warm. We really enjoyed the continental breakfast and eating it in the pool area. It wasn't a full-blown breakfast, just pastries, toast, bagels, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt and fruit, plus coffee, hot chocolate and juice. But it's always well stocked and was more than enough to get our family going in the morning.

My husband was hesitant about the distance at first. After our first time using the complimentary shuttle, he was sold on the place. It's now his very favorite hotel to stay at in the area.

 

[kylie71]

We stayed there for 4 nights over Labor Day Weekend, and it was the BEST in my opionon. I used to be a HoJo lover, or FFI, now I'm devoted to the CCI!

Family owned and operated..
Cannot recommend it enough!

Lori