I stayed at the Candy Cane Inn last summer. I will be honest and say that I expected much more (mostly due to the great reviews), but once I wrapped my brain around what it was--I adjusted. It is a motor coach style motel with no elevator. Very retro, and not in that kitchy sort of way...but really retro. The elevator thing may not be a problem for most people, but it was hard for me to drag our suitcases up the concrete outdoor steps (hubby didn't go with us on this trip). The pool is super tiny--almost to the point where I thought "you are kidding me, right?"...but very clean and well kept. That is when I realized what this place is all about. It isn't nice or swanky in anyone's definiton. It is NOT hotel-ey. It is a very well kept motor coach motel. Clean, and very family friendly. My daughter ended up going to the pool, and I sat by the side of it in a lawn chair--and it was actually really nice that it was so small, because I could keep an eye on her without worrying. They piped in music at the pool to make it more pleasant.
The shuttle was the greatest thing ever for us when we stayed there--totally on time and easy. We used it our entire stay, and loved it. It was so great not to have to walk back to the hotel. We are use to walking because we typically stay either at the
Disneyland Hotel (or one of the other resort hotels) or if off property at a hotel on Harbor. This way we didn't have to worry about walking at all. We just timed our leaving with the time we knew the bus would be there. It was flawless for us as far as a shuttle goes.
The room was very dingy and old (the bathroom was musty smelling in the old cabinets--you won't find granite countertops and hotel style shelves here), but comfortable enough. The beds were too soft--sort of like the kind of mattresses that you can get for very cheap from Sears--the ones that cost very little and feel soft at first lay down, but then you realize that they are very low quality and that is what makes them so soft. I am a person who loves a soft bed, so I didn't think this would be a problem, but by our last night we were ready to get out of there. Even my daughter who never talks about mattress comfort complained to me.
But the people who ran the hotel were very nice and you could tell they cared about it--and the people who stayed there were THERE for Disneyland. It was all families--and very family friendly and safe feeling. I appreciated that part of it, and would stay again now that I know what to expect. I think it is great if you are driving, because you can park right in front of your room. I would recommend getting a 1st floor room due to this. The free breakfast was very modest--like boxed donuts and cereal type thing.
There are no views from this motel--it is a horse-shoe shaped motel that faces the parking area. You don't want to have your blinds open anyway, because people walk right by your room and can look right in. There is a Subway across the street for sandwiches, and a 7-11 right there on the corner.
I haven't stayed at the FFI, but I think it is more of a hotel type experience, and you do have the option of a view if you care about that. So basically, you are comparing two different kinds of places to stay. It just depends on what you like more.
Never stayed at either of those hotels.... was tempted to stay at both, as both seem nice. FFI just remodeled and now has Disney themed Rooms.... CCI seems to have the charm most places are lacking.... If it is your first visit- both of these places fall slightly over $140- I would save the extra $60- since your trip isn't till next year- and stay at the PPH. And if you could splurge and save even more- then The Grand! Start selling stuff on Craigslist/Ebay... garage sales,coin jar going.... RECYCLE EVERYTHING LOL... Good Luck!
If the motels are clean & Customer Service is pleasant & caring then I think we will be
