Candy Cane Inn vs. HoJo vs. DLH or PP

[CoCoMo]

Hello All,

I have never been to DL but many many times to WDW. Planning trip for February, myself DH, DD 11, DS 14. After extensive research, I have narrowed the hotel choices down to CCI or HoJo. However I am concerned about staying off property as I have heard they are opening up the park to on property guests every day an hour early. Up until now I was hearing there really is no great need (other than it being really fun) to stay on property at DL. The early opening really concerns me for DCA and Carsland.... I like to be on hand first thing in the am . However, saving some extra money this trip is important since it was not in the plan and sort of an an extra bonus trip! We are on-property people at WDW...

Here are my specific questions:

1) With the new early entry for resort guests, would it now be worth it to stay on property just for the Carsland experience, or will we be ok with FP if we arrive to be in the park at park opening?

2) If we go with HoJo or CCI... I have researched these to be the highest regarded off property hotels. Neither one is right across the street. Is the walking distance very do-able? We are very willing and able to walk, I am just wondering about being tired at the end of the day....

3). HoJo appears to have nice views from the rooms (superior rooms?). I would be interested in staying in one of those. Is it worth the price?

4). CCI is rated #2 Anaheim hotel on Trip Advisor. Would it be worth it to stay there based on that? To me HoJo seems to have more to offer and is less expensive.

5). I wish HoJo had breakfast...

6). How is the bus shuttle service to either off property hotel?

7). What would you DLR veterans do?

Thank you so much for your help!!!

 

[funantiques]

If you were ever to stay onsite, this would be the time! Cars land is crazy.

 

[PinkBudgie]

You can click on the link in my sig to see my review of pics of CCI. We have never stayed on property because we can stay a week off property for the price of just a few days on site. We'd rather do more days. Although I'd love to stay at the DLH, the cost difference is huge.

I haven't stayed at Hojos, but from CCI it takes us about 8 min to walk to the security tables. The shuttle is excellent and is only for CCI guests. It runs every half hour. But we usually walk. Yes, CCI is a "motel" style and rooms face the parking lot. But as you can see they have made this a very charming place. The parking lot is cobblestone, and there are flowering vines all around the walkways. We've been there 3 or 4 times. I've lost track. They also offer a AAA discount and give a returning stay discount of $10 off per night. Makes the room very reasonable for how close they are. The rooms are not special, but all we do is sleep there and we are up early to get to the parks at opening. For me, I'd rather spend the money to stay longer than have an onsite room even with the EMH. But that's personal preference. Everyone is different.

 

[smiles33]

1) With the new early entry for resort guests, would it now be worth it to stay on property just for the Carsland experience, or will we be ok with FP if we arrive to be in the park at park opening?
The early entry everyday for resort guests is only guaranteed until Sept and you won't be there until Feb. So it's a gamble to assume they'll have it in Feb, which is "lower" season than summer and may not justify the extra CM increase. If you can go before Sept., then yes, I'd personally spring for it! Also, keep in mind Carsland will LIKELY draw all the locals before Feb. so it should be less frantic by then. You'll be competing with out-of-towners, not ALL the APers within driving distance!

2) If we go with HoJo or CCI... I have researched these to be the highest regarded off property hotels. Neither one is right across the street. Is the walking distance very do-able? We are very willing and able to walk, I am just wondering about being tired at the end of the day....
We LOVED our stay at HoJo (but we have a Kids' Suite, not just 1 room) and I walked SEVEN round-trips in 3 days. See my TR and my specific review of HoJo below in my signature for details but I could do it in 5 minutes (crossed Manchester immediately so I could speed walk without hordes of slow moving tourists from the other Harbor motels). When I had to push my 70+ pounds of kids in my 25 pound double stroller (so yes, 100+ pounds!), I still made it in about 8 minutes as I'm a fast walker eager to get to DLR. Even at the end of the night (we always left by 7 or 8 except for the night we stayed for WOC), I was tired but the extra 3 minutes walk compared to on-site or the closer Harbor motels was STILL WORTH IT for the Kids' Suite.

3). HoJo appears to have nice views from the rooms (superior rooms?). I would be interested in staying in one of those. Is it worth the price?
Don't know. We stayed in the Kids Suite and loved it. There are only 12 or so, but if you're looking at Feb. there may be some left. 2 rooms for the price of LESS than 1 room at an on-site hotel. Totally worth it to us. One day I'll spring for GCH but not until DD3 stops napping.

4). CCI is rated #2 Anaheim hotel on Trip Advisor. Would it be worth it to stay there based on that? To me HoJo seems to have more to offer and is less expensive.I hear good things about CCI but again, I'm all about the space and "luxury" of the Kids Suite at HoJo.

5). I wish HoJo had breakfast...
If they had a hot breakfast, it would be PERFECT (provided it was fast enough to still get out to the turnstiles early!). Continental breakfasts at the other Harbor motels aren't enough for my family since we're voracious eaters. My 2 DDs can out-eat my DH (who admittedly is more disciplined since he's gotten back in to his 32 waist pants!). So I packed stuff for the microwave/fridge in our Kids Suite. Next time we go I hope to try the character breakfast at Plaza Inn!

6). How is the bus shuttle service to either off property hotel?
Never used them as we walked everytime. Too impatient to wait for a shuttle!

7). What would you DLR veterans do?
I'm not a veteran, but if budget was unlimited, it's always GCH from what I've read here. If budget/value is a consideration, then off-site makes more sense.

 

[Plutofan]

If you book HOJO you can get a 15% discount code off of www.mousesavers.com.

 

[CoCoMo]

1) With the new early entry for resort guests, would it now be worth it to stay on property just for the Carsland experience, or will we be ok with FP if we arrive to be in the park at park opening?
The early entry everyday for resort guests is only guaranteed until Sept and you won't be there until Feb. So it's a gamble to assume they'll have it in Feb, which is "lower" season than summer and may not justify the extra CM increase. If you can go before Sept., then yes, I'd personally spring for it! Also, keep in mind Carsland will LIKELY draw all the locals before Feb. so it should be less frantic by then. You'll be competing with out-of-towners, not ALL the APers within driving distance!

2) If we go with HoJo or CCI... I have researched these to be the highest regarded off property hotels. Neither one is right across the street. Is the walking distance very do-able? We are very willing and able to walk, I am just wondering about being tired at the end of the day....
We LOVED our stay at HoJo (but we have a Kids' Suite, not just 1 room) and I walked SEVEN round-trips in 3 days. See my TR and my specific review of HoJo below in my signature for details but I could do it in 5 minutes (crossed Manchester immediately so I could speed walk without hordes of slow moving tourists from the other Harbor motels). When I had to push my 70+ pounds of kids in my 25 pound double stroller (so yes, 100+ pounds!), I still made it in about 8 minutes as I'm a fast walker eager to get to DLR. Even at the end of the night (we always left by 7 or 8 except for the night we stayed for WOC), I was tired but the extra 3 minutes walk compared to on-site or the closer Harbor motels was STILL WORTH IT for the Kids' Suite.

3). HoJo appears to have nice views from the rooms (superior rooms?). I would be interested in staying in one of those. Is it worth the price?
Don't know. We stayed in the Kids Suite and loved it. There are only 12 or so, but if you're looking at Feb. there may be some left. 2 rooms for the price of LESS than 1 room at an on-site hotel. Totally worth it to us. One day I'll spring for GCH but not until DD3 stops napping.

4). CCI is rated #2 Anaheim hotel on Trip Advisor. Would it be worth it to stay there based on that? To me HoJo seems to have more to offer and is less expensive.I hear good things about CCI but again, I'm all about the space and "luxury" of the Kids Suite at HoJo.

5). I wish HoJo had breakfast...
If they had a hot breakfast, it would be PERFECT (provided it was fast enough to still get out to the turnstiles early!). Continental breakfasts at the other Harbor motels aren't enough for my family since we're voracious eaters. My 2 DDs can out-eat my DH (who admittedly is more disciplined since he's gotten back in to his 32 waist pants!). So I packed stuff for the microwave/fridge in our Kids Suite. Next time we go I hope to try the character breakfast at Plaza Inn!

6). How is the bus shuttle service to either off property hotel?
Never used them as we walked everytime. Too impatient to wait for a shuttle!

7). What would you DLR veterans do?
I'm not a veteran, but if budget was unlimited, it's always GCH from what I've read here. If budget/value is a consideration, then off-site makes more sense.

Thank you for all of your valuable insight. Everything you shared makes a lot of sense. I'm glad to be reassured the walk from HoJo is so pleasant, even when tired! This trip is more important to save money as we are going all out for the Fantasy 2014. I just don't want to shoot myself in the foot as far as Carsland goes! Thank you very much!

 

[goofyfordisney]

Hi,

We've stayed at CCI the last 4 times to DL and I can recommend it. I have traveled with my mom and one of my DS's. Since my mom really liked it the first time, we've always just gone back to CCI (she's not big on change! )

I would probably suggest that you book the deluxe room (I think its a little bigger) since you have 4 people. Do your kids plan on sharing a bed?

We like the proximity to DLR and usually walk in the morning along Harbor (maybe 7-8 minutes walk). Its on the same side of the street as the entrance.

The morning offerings for breakfast are just enough for us and its nice not to have to arrive at DL hungry!

The CCI is nicely landscaped and maintained. The pool, while not huge, is plenty for a quick swim in the middle of the day. They also have a large hot tub.

A lot of DISers really love the HoJo - I think that the rooms might be slightly larger and might offer more room categories (views of DL, kids suites, etc.) that might work better for your family. Even though HoJo doesn't offer free breakfast, there's a pretty good restaurant next to it called Mimi's.

I wouldn't let the free breakfast sway you...you can always purchase some breakfast items to keep in the fridge, since the Hojo has microwaves and fridges in each room.

The walking distances from CCI and Hojo are about the same (just different directions from the main entrance to DLR). The only difference, is CCI offers a free shuttle that runs every 1/2 hour. We usually walked to DL and would take the shuttle back to CCI. Its nice to have the shuttle. (FYI...they do 'encourage' tipping the driver - so we always put $1 in the tip basket for the driver )

I've stayed at a moderate resort in WDW (CBR) as well as a couple of deluxe resorts (BC and AKL). I would say that CCI is closest to a moderate room - but, the size of the resort is much smaller. Not sure if that helps you, or not!

Staying at an off-site motel within walking distance is a good option at DLR. Its certainly is a lot less money. If you are able to get a good rate (under $150 per night) at one of the on-site resorts, I would definitely do that instead though!

Have fun!

 

[d1sneymom]

1) With the new early entry for resort guests, would it now be worth it to stay on property just for the Carsland experience, or will we be ok with FP if we arrive to be in the park at park opening?
When are you arriving in February? I went this past weekend (7/12-7/15) and it was a bit busier with the APEE people in line for the fast passes. Not so much with the GCH guest coming in. The FP line wasn't that long with the APEE and hotel guests (I'd say when I got in the line @7:45 I was the 30th person in line. Our return time was 9am) My inlaws who didn't have EE got to the park at 7 and waited until they opened the gates. There was a line specifically for the Racers FP next to CCT. They were about 30-40 people in line. We were able to get their FP but if we weren't there I don't think they would have had a problem getting FP. FPs were gone by 10am. Our return time was at 9-10am. Having early entry is just awesome as it feels the park is your own!! It was nice walking around a nearly empty park (even Carsland). BUT that wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. If this were a once in 5 years trip then MAYBE I'd think about the DLH or PP but if not then no big deal.

2) If we go with HoJo or CCI... I have researched these to be the highest regarded off property hotels. Neither one is right across the street. Is the walking distance very do-able? We are very willing and able to walk, I am just wondering about being tired at the end of the day....
HoJos and CCI are about 10 minutes away. CCI had their own shuttle so by the end of the day it was nice to just hop on. HoJo is do-able as well.

3). HoJo appears to have nice views from the rooms (superior rooms?). I would be interested in staying in one of those. Is it worth the price?
It is only worth the price if you are staying there while the fireworks are going off. If you plan on being at the park from open to close (or even if you take a mid-day break) it doesn't make sense (to me) to pay a little extra for a view you won't be looking at until you get home at the end of the day and you are tired anyhow. Though I would ask for a room away from the freeway. I know they have replaced the windows so you aren't able to hear the noise (not sure if it is helping, though I've read it has) I still would rather look at the pool than the freeway.
4). CCI is rated #2 Anaheim hotel on Trip Advisor. Would it be worth it to stay there based on that? To me HoJo seems to have more to offer and is less expensive.
CCI has breakfast which HoJo doesn't (bagels, pastries nothing fancy but will tide you over). CCI had the shuttle HoJo doesn't. HoJo has an awesome pool area for the kids but in February I don't know if you would use it. I do like HoJo as their customer service is awesome. CCI has great customer service as well. CCI rooms are on the smaller side. HoJo room are bigger and that can be important with little ones. has great rates when available. CCI has their rates fairly consistent. I've only seen their rate go down to $99/night a couple months ago as a manager's special.

5). I wish HoJo had breakfast...
If they had breakfast I'd consider HoJo more often than CCI. I would probably stay there all the time if they had breakfast.

6). How is the bus shuttle service to either off property hotel?
HoJo has a stop right in front, but from what I have heard from others it takes awhile to get back home. It's just easier to walk. CCI has the shuttle that leaves at the top of the hour and at the 30 min marker. And it leaves the DLR at 15 and 45 of the hour. They are consistent.

7). What would you DLR veterans do?
If you have the means to splurge a little I'd stay at the DLH. However, the walk to the parks is just as long if not longer. Staying at the GCH for example can be a fairly long walk from room to gate. And I wouldn't only stay onsite only if you are concerned about Carsland (I wouldn't be as February isn't as crowded as the summer or the holidays but if you are going during the holiday weekend it might be).CCI is great just for the shuttle and breakfast alone (and their clean rooms). I love HoJo's for their customer service (CCI's is very good as well). I've stayed at HoJo's, CCI, GCH, and DLH. I would probably do CCI again if it were February just because my kids wouldn't be able to use their awesome pool at HoJo. BUT HoJo might have an awesome rate in February. If they had their retro rate in February, I'd choose them over CCI.

HTH!

If you are able to get up just a littler earlier to wait for the DCA opening to get a FP, I wouldn't worry about staying on property. You will be able to get a FP. BUT if you are planning to jump in line right away you might be looking at a long wait time (DS and I were in line when it was only 30 min, with APEE- it was his second time riding for the morning!) once DCA opened the wait time went up to 110min. AND the ride broke down for about 10 min.

 

[Bungle]

Hojo is very walkable for us around 10 minutes from room to gate. Yes them not serving breakfast is kind of a bummer but it is a great place to stay. However I do not think it is worth rack rate, I would try to get a discount.

I asked about CCI a week or two back and got a lot of really positive reviews. They serve a basic breakfast and have their own shuttle.

For us it doesn't fit in our budget to stay on site and the walk is just as far as hotels across the street honestly. You could expand your area a little more and try to get more for your money. For us our next trip will be farther from DL but have a shuttle and hot breakfast which works fine for us because we are not really rope drop, top of the morning people anyway. I would sit down and make a list of what is important for you on this trip and go from there. If you want to be there at rope drop every day I would stay close enough to walk.

 

[CoCoMo]

Thanks everyone for your valuable information and links! Still thinking about my decision but I think either way I go will be wonderful!