Carousel inn or fairfield inn??

[jmkmum]

Hi, we are looking to book a trip, and want to stay in a GNH. The two that look the nicest directly across from the park entry are the carousel inn and Fairfield inn. I would love if anyone can give me any advice on which to book , and which room to get. I like the look of the kids rooms and themed rooms, but the prices are quite good for the concierge.
Thank you!!

 

[IBLarsen]

I personally like the Fairfield, we stay here each trip to DLR. It is by no means a fancy hotel. But large enough rooms, clean, no noise problems, very comfy beds. I haven't really ever read of any negatives on here about this hotel, it's very reliable. (Oh and has had a recent remodel). I have considered the Carousel, however, upon reading through the trip advisor reviews, which are hit or miss, I tend to stick with what we are comfortable with an know we won't have any issues.
The standard rooms at the FFI all are nice and have Disney Pictures on the wall, so while they aren't 'themed' rooms, it hasn't ever bothered us. We did get put into a Themed room during our trip when we had toilet issues in our current room, so they moved and upgraded us. It was a pirates of the caribbean theme, it was very cool. Personally for our family, I don't feel it's worth the extra cost, but if you don't mind that, the theme is an added bonus.
We do always ask for Park View. It's fun to see the matterhorn and some of the park and the fireworks from our room, we still feel like we are at Disney


Hope that helps with one hotel! I'm sure others can give your their experiences on the Carousel for you to compare and make your choice

~Brianna

 

[jmkmum]

Thank you!! I think I am leaning that way, and you make a good point about the themed rooms. It is essentially a wall border and rug on the bed from what I can see, with a view of fireworks, I don't think the kids will care too much about the border. Thanks again!!

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

I'm looking for insight on the FFI's breakfast (if any). We stayed at the Carousel Inn in June. I wish they had more hot breakfast options other than toast. The rest is pastries, eggs and cereal.

Also I have to say the first time I plopped on one of the pillows I was in heaven - so comfortable. I may have been really tired though, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

You'll probably find this helpful

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2948202&highlight=carousel+inn

 

[noga]

We have stayed at FFI a few times now and like the hotel. Like the pp's it's not fancy but it's clean and rooms are big enough. Plus customer service is good.
Can't say anything about breakfast because we didn't do breakfast there the last few times we stayed. However the Residence Inn down the road WOW talk about breakfast options

We are staying at FFI again in September.

 

[OnTheRoadAgain]

There is no breakfast at the Fairfield Inn. There is a big McDonalds at the front of their parking lot and Mimi's Cafe right there also.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

Thanks. I also wasn't sure where FFI was in relation to Carousel and DLR entrances, but I know exactly where McDonald's is haha

 

[jmkmum]

Thanks for all the advice! After all that though, we couldn't get rooms booked for our whole stay, then late last week I got an email from the hojo for a super family rate. We rang and booked immediately. The walk is a little further, but we get a disney view, and the kids will love the play areas there. Still a bit sad at not staying on site, but we liked the offsite hotel at WDW better than the pop century, so maybe we will be lucky again this time. : )

 

[IBLarsen]

Thanks for all the advice! After all that though, we couldn't get rooms booked for our whole stay, then late last week I got an email from the hojo for a super family rate. We rang and booked immediately. The walk is a little further, but we get a disney view, and the kids will love the play areas there. Still a bit sad at not staying on site, but we liked the offsite hotel at WDW better than the pop century, so maybe we will be lucky again this time. : )

Glad you got it all worked out! A lot of people really like the HOJO here. As far as being disappointed about not staying onsite. These hotels will not come close to being the same or as good as. But it is still convenient and much much cheaper. If you just think of it as a place to sleep while you get to enjoy your days and Disneyland, you will be fine Just have to have realistic expectations. I was really really worried about staying at the Fairfield our first visit, I'm a little snobby about old dingy hotels, and I was pleasantly surprised and now recommend it to everybody on the boards!

Enjoy your trip!