Clarion vs Wyndham/ parking at Disneyland

[sandiegoDeva]

Hi,

Someone just gave us a gift certificate for either the Clarion or Wyndham in Anaheim. We would like to use it to take our son to Disneyland for his second birthday. I realize niether of these is in an ideal location, but since the room will be free we are willing to put up with a little inconvenience.

The Clarion is closer, but not available on our son's actual birthday. They do have a shuttle which the Wyndham does not. I would prefer to do the Wyndam since it is available on the days we want, however, we would have to park and Disneyland which we have never done before. We'd have to park in the lot and leave once in the middle of the day for my boy's afternoon nap.

I'm wondering...what would you do? How big of a deal is parking at Disneyland? Will it be enough trouble that we should just go on a different day and stay at the Clarion? Is there anything else I should know about either of these hotels? Also, does Disneyland parking include in-out privelages for the day?

Sorry for the multi-part question...thanks in advance for any thoughts!

 

[DSNY4ever]

I am sorry I don't know anything about either of these hotels, but here is my advice.

Before you count on the hotel shuttle, make sure you find out when the operating hours are- does it start before the park opens and run till closing time? (Getting there early with a toddler to do Fantasyland will be important). Sometimes they only start running at 9 and the park opens at 8 or they stop running in the evening, but you want to stay longer or enjoy Downtown Disney- so make sure you find out before you count on it.

The parking lots do not allow in and out privileges, so you would have to pay twice- is there any way you can bring stuff to make your toddler comfy in the stroller for a nap? You could get some lunch at whitewater snacks at the Grand Californian Hotel and then you could find somewhere in the shade/quiet to relax outside in their back garden area, or a quiet nook in the lobby. I know the hotel wouldn't care if you sat there, but for some kids this would be too hard.

Good Luck!

 

[avalon451]

You know, Clarion's a LOT closer, it's really almost walking distance if you are fairly hearty and have a stroller for your DS. If they do have a shuttle, to me it's almost a gimme to stay there. Because even if the shuttle is not convenient right when you want it, you can grab a cab for $7-8 one way, and still save money because parking is, what, $11?

You might want to read Hydroguy's tips on why NOT to drive and park at DL. It's really time consuming, especially when you need to take breaks back at the hotel. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580

Just a couple of points to consider. You are going to have so much fun with your 2-year-old!

 

[bumbershoot]

Actually I've read several times the lots allow in/out privileges, but you have to hold on to your pass and receipt. BUT if the lots fills up after you leave, your'e out of luck.

Is the Clarion's shuttle their own (I think there are only TWO hotels that actually have their own) or do they use ART?

Did you notice the $12 per day parking fee at Clarion?

I just found on the Clarion Anaheim's home page: "The Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle conveniently picks guests up in front of our hotel and takes them within footsteps to all Disney® Attractions.(Nominal Fee) "

So it's not their own shuttle, it's ART.


And on the Wyndham page I see "Our complimentary shuttle transports you anywhere within a five mile radius of our Anaheim hotel."

So I'm a little confused.


With the Wyndham certificate, does it *have to be* that particular hotel, or can you use it for other Wyndham related hotels? For instance, the Wyndham frequent stay program includes HoJo...

 

[DSNY4ever]

Hmm, I could be wrong- maybe they will let you back in. I am sure you could call and confirm, because you definitely wouldn't want to pay twice! Maybe it has only been full when the people I know have gone back. Let us know if you find out

 

[sandiegoDeva]

Thanks for all the advice. It sounds like between the two the Clarion is definitely the better option...trying to park and go in and out would probably be too stressful.

Since I really did want to go on the actual day of his b-day, now we're considering just staying at one of the hotels on Harbor Drive and saving the certificate for another time.

Thanks for the help!