Change of plans...but still going!

[MinnieMama09]

OK, just had to share my mini-drama with my DIS friends...hope that's ok! We have been planning this December trip (first holiday trip) to DLR for months...had room at DLH booked 3 months ago, got a 35% pin, so great deal...then even got the rennovated froom for only $20 extra a night. Then, of course, as we get closer, certain things happen, making $ a little tight, long story short...we are still able to go, but had to make some changes. We're now staying at HOJO, since his parents are coming, that's where they booked their room...1/2 the price as DLH, and I have heard GREAT things about the HOJO (from you all) so I'm trying to get excited. We now, though, are only spending 3 days at the parks (instead of 4), since DH's dad is retired military and we can get the $99 tickets...as opposed to paying twice that for one more day.

All in all, I'm accepting our changes. It cut our expenses in 1/2! Glad we still are going...I think I would have taken it worse than my DS if not!

Thanks all! Still have questions about HOJO, what building, what room, etc., but I'm researching all the threads to get some answers...plus also thinking of using ART since we have the 2 small kiddos and father-in-law has knee troubles. On to more planning...

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

You will have a great time! We have stayed at Hojos ten times and enjoyed our stay each time. Honestly, we don't spend that much time in the room anyway, but when we were there we were comfortable. The rooms are a good size and have usually been very clean. Whenever anything was amiss, the front desk was really quick to respond to our needs. We have only stayed at the DLH once and loved it, but that was before all the renovations began. We probably won't stay there again until they are done. Our thinking is that if we spend that much money for a hotel, even if we could get a renovated room, why do we want to be bothered with construction hassles. My brother has stayed more recently than me and complained a bit about the bulldozers and noise and so on. Saving money now is good. Maybe you'll get a chance to stay in the DLH when the construction is done eventually.

The walk from Hojos isn't bad, but you're right that ART is an option. I will tell you though that I always found ART a pain with a stroller because you have to take the kiddo out, fold the stroller, and then reverse the process on the other end. You might almost do better to have one adult who doesn't mind the walk push the stroller and let the rest of your party take the ART. Just a thought. I'm sure you'll be fine either way.

 

[MinnieMama09]

You will have a great time! We have stayed at Hojos ten times and enjoyed our stay each time. Honestly, we don't spend that much time in the room anyway, but when we were there we were comfortable. The rooms are a good size and have usually been very clean. Whenever anything was amiss, the front desk was really quick to respond to our needs. We have only stayed at the DLH once and loved it, but that was before all the renovations began. We probably won't stay there again until they are done. Our thinking is that if we spend that much money for a hotel, even if we could get a renovated room, why do we want to be bothered with construction hassles. My brother has stayed more recently than me and complained a bit about the bulldozers and noise and so on. Saving money now is good. Maybe you'll get a chance to stay in the DLH when the construction is done eventually.

The walk from Hojos isn't bad, but you're right that ART is an option. I will tell you though that I always found ART a pain with a stroller because you have to take the kiddo out, fold the stroller, and then reverse the process on the other end. You might almost do better to have one adult who doesn't mind the walk push the stroller and let the rest of your party take the ART. Just a thought. I'm sure you'll be fine either way.

Thank you, very good points about the construction at DLH...and my DH "promised" we'll plan for it on our next trip! That's helpful about HoJos. I definitely wouldn't mind the walk...and yes, I am the Dis fanatic in this household!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I agree ART is a pain with a stroller. DH ended up walking with our double stroller (and 2 sleeping kids) to the Hampton Inn (MUCH further than HOJOs) last December while I rode ART with our 2 oldest. What you could do is have one person walk with the stroller and the rest can ride ART. Don't be surprised if the walker is waiting for the rest to get off the bus though!

 

[specialks]

I can't really help with your questions but I just want to say "GOOD JOB". I am glad you were able to roll with the punches and still make plans for a vacation for your family. From everything people have said here and from youtube videos I have seen, I bet you will love HoJos. Also, you might want to split up and have someone (DH) walk the kids back to HoJos in the strollers while you help your DFIL take the ART. Oh, just realized that is exactly what 3Minnies1Mickey said! So, ditto her advice!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Sounds mike smart decisions all around... Disneyland is not as fun if you are stressing about paying for it the whole time you are there!

 

[MinnieMama09]

Thank you all! I know we will have a great time regardless! I mean, it truly is my "happiest place" so I am SO thankful we are still going! Thanks again for all the comments and advice on the HoJo and ART...very helpful!

 

[pixiewings71]

I'd suggest walking it one day, if at the end of the day you just can't walk back to the HoJo just grab a taxi outside of DLR, they are pretty inexpensive since the HoJo is so close. Then if you need ART the rest of the stay you can get the tickets at the HoJo.
I'm glad you're still able to go, have fun!

 

[Brady's Mom]

You could also get/consider an ECV for your FIL. My mom used one on our Christmas trip and we stayed at the HoJo. She found it very helpful. Our kids have walked to and from HoJo without problems and when they were smaller we would use our double jogger stroller and it worked out great.

ART frustrates me and doesn't seem worth it from HoJo. But I agree with a PP that trying it one time to see how it works for your group could be worth it.

I think taxis to the HoJo are not very expensive - under $10 (probably less), it might be worth it for your group.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

You'll enjoy the HoJo *we do and we've spent several nights at the DLH ~ the HoJo is just as close to the parks as the DLH I doubt you'll need ART, we've never used it for the times we've stay at HJ.