Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[lucky1]

cabo port adventures are now posted on the DCL website

 

[szubieta]

Since we're talking about hotels, the latest one I was looking at was Park Vue Inn? Has anyone stayed there? I need two rooms and with the cruise and everything, I just really don't want to spend that much. I'm looking at it for proximity, but I'm worried I'll be disappointed, because I am a bit picky about hotels. Any assistance is appreciated.

This winter we are going to try the Park Vue or Desert Inn. The 2 were recommended by my principal. They have AP and go about 5 times a year. Says that the Park Vue's breakfast is better.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Does that help?

Yes, it does! Thanks, everybody - I think we'll try the GCH this time. Who knows when we'll get another opportunity to stay there.

The rate is the fall special that just came out for a standard view; I think it's good for stays between Oct 1 and mid-December.

We booked with Randi's. I read DCL's excursion and it sounded a lot like Randi's, does anyone know if it's the same?

No, Randi definitely does not do the DCL excursion. I don't have any personal experience, but last time we went to Mazatlan we spoke to some people who had done the ship's riding excursion on Stone Island (Royal Caribbean, not Disney) and they talked about what poor shape the horses were in and how they had to just walk them the whole time. And I think it cost more than just booking direct with Randi! Don't know what vendor DCL uses (I would hope it's a good one) but we saw some sad ponies out there.

 

[deseriemilburn]

I've stayed at the Park Vue, it's practically across the street. It's okay.. so how picky are you? I love the Fairfield Marriot, which is just a few hotels down next to Mimis and Mc Donalds. It's a hotel with a lobby, elevators, and the beds are super comfy with down pillows. I've gotten great discounts cheaper than Park Vue or Joe Rodgers hotel. The only thing they don't have is the continental breakfast. But, the breakfast at Park Vue was dry pastries and donuts, very limited. We go down 2-3 times a year and that is where we always stay for the past 4 years. We don't stay long in our room, but when I want a nap, or after the long day of walking and waiting in lines, that comfy bed with soft sheets is really nice! Good luck with your decision.

 

[lucky1]

I've gotten great discounts cheaper than Park Vue or Joe Rodgers hotel.
.

I think you mean the Jolly Roger Hotel at Disneyland. Wouldn't Joe Rodgers just be down the street from you

We have always driven past he Jolly Roger and wondered how it was. I will have to go to trip advisor to read a review. There are some cute hotels on backside of DCA.
When we can't stay at one of the Disney Hotels, we have done Anabella Hotel, BWPPI (not one of my favorites, but very close) and HOJO's. HOJO's seems to be a favorite of this board and it was nice, but found crossing one busy street without a light to be too much for us.

But with the new 40% off during November at DGC. I am going to see if we can swing this for DH birthday!!!

 

[Brooklyn]

So I started to look through the port adventures and I was cracking up at the "Salsa Salsa" one in Mazatlan. The kid in the picture has a lanyard on from Princess Cruise Line. Not sure how Disney missed that one!

I need an opinion from anyone who's stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel (or anyone else who'd like to chime in ). I got a great deal of $228/night (plus taxes, fees, etc) for 4 nights at GCH for our Veterans' Day trip to DLR, but that's still double what it would cost to stay at Candy Cane Inn. We've never stayed on property before and love CCI, but it seems like a shame to pass up a chance to stay at GCH. But is it worth double the cost? We're get-there-before-the-gates-open kind of people, so I know we'd take advantage of the extra early entries, and it would be nice to be so close, but still, double? I think I really need someone to tell me it's worth it - Disney enablers, help me out please!

IMHO I do not think the GCH is worth it. It is nice to be able to enter and exit through the hotel but our family usually heads to the parks before DCA opens so we would always have to walk over to DL anyway. I think the rooms are ok but not worth $200+. I think the rooms at the DL hotel (Sierra Tower) with the 2 Queens and the Day Bed are much more roomier.

We usually don't stay on property anymore though. We find that the hotels on Harbor are a faster walk then the on propery hotels. We also save a ton of money so we can go back more often.

 

[LiserAnn]

Hi everyone...just taking a moment out of my crazy and frustrating work day to say hello. And now, I guess that means I must go back to it. Hope everyone's doing well. Oh yeah, is it April yet?!

 

[Susiesark]

I checked at the Grand entrance into DCA this morning, about using that entrance. I was told that hotel guests, from any of the Disney hotels (GC, DLH,PP) can use the entrance from the hotel from 9-10am (make sure you have your room key), then ALL ticket holders and passholders can use this entrance after 10am. It is right in front of the area to get your tickets for World of Color. And they were still giving out tickets after 12:00 today. (I'm sure for the late, late show)

 

[szubieta]

I've stayed at the Park Vue, it's practically across the street. It's okay.. so how picky are you? I love the Fairfield Marriot, which is just a few hotels down next to Mimis and Mc Donalds. It's a hotel with a lobby, elevators, and the beds are super comfy with down pillows. I've gotten great discounts cheaper than Park Vue or Joe Rodgers hotel. The only thing they don't have is the continental breakfast. But, the breakfast at Park Vue was dry pastries and donuts, very limited. We go down 2-3 times a year and that is where we always stay for the past 4 years. We don't stay long in our room, but when I want a nap, or after the long day of walking and waiting in lines, that comfy bed with soft sheets is really nice! Good luck with your decision.

Is it that bad? Maybe we'll try the Desert Inn.

I think you mean the Jolly Roger Hotel at Disneyland. Wouldn't Joe Rodgers just be down the street from you

We have always driven past he Jolly Roger and wondered how it was. I will have to go to trip advisor to read a review. There are some cute hotels on backside of DCA.
When we can't stay at one of the Disney Hotels, we have done Anabella Hotel, BWPPI (not one of my favorites, but very close) and HOJO's. HOJO's seems to be a favorite of this board and it was nice, but found crossing one busy street without a light to be too much for us.

But with the new 40% off during November at DGC. I am going to see if we can swing this for DH birthday!!!

It was really crumby back in 2001.

I checked at the Grand entrance into DCA this morning, about using that entrance. I was told that hotel guests, from any of the Disney hotels (GC, DLH,PP) can use the entrance from the hotel from 9-10am (make sure you have your room key), then ALL ticket holders and passholders can use this entrance after 10am. It is right in front of the area to get your tickets for World of Color. And they were still giving out tickets after 12:00 today. (I'm sure for the late, late show)

Nice to know they changed their policy. The GCH entrance is a great short cut and the security has never been a wait there either.

 

[michellert]

So I started to look through the port adventures and I was cracking up at the "Salsa Salsa" one in Mazatlan. The kid in the picture has a lanyard on from Princess Cruise Line. Not sure how Disney missed that one!


.

I think i'm looking on the wrong website for port adventures - where are these updated lists??

 

[lucky1]

I think i'm looking on the wrong website for port adventures - where are these updated lists??

Michelle - Try here and then select your port of choice on the right hand side (Under the video)


http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/

 

[michellert]

Michelle - Try here and then select your port of choice on the right hand side (Under the video)


http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/

Thank you! Didn't notice the right hand side with lots more options at first!

 

[MousseauMob]

So I started to look through the port adventures and I was cracking up at the "Salsa Salsa" one in Mazatlan. The kid in the picture has a lanyard on from Princess Cruise Line. Not sure how Disney missed that one!

That is TOO funny!

I've stayed at the Park Vue, it's practically across the street. It's okay.. so how picky are you? I love the Fairfield Marriot, which is just a few hotels down next to Mimis and Mc Donalds. It's a hotel with a lobby, elevators, and the beds are super comfy with down pillows. I've gotten great discounts cheaper than Park Vue or Joe Rodgers hotel. The only thing they don't have is the continental breakfast. But, the breakfast at Park Vue was dry pastries and donuts, very limited. We go down 2-3 times a year and that is where we always stay for the past 4 years. We don't stay long in our room, but when I want a nap, or after the long day of walking and waiting in lines, that comfy bed with soft sheets is really nice! Good luck with your decision.

I am pretty picky, that's why I'm nervous about this. But I don't want to be too far either. I had looked at the Fairfield, I'll take a closer look at it. Thanks.

No, Randi definitely does not do the DCL excursion. I don't have any personal experience, but last time we went to Mazatlan we spoke to some people who had done the ship's riding excursion on Stone Island (Royal Caribbean, not Disney) and they talked about what poor shape the horses were in and how they had to just walk them the whole time. And I think it cost more than just booking direct with Randi! Don't know what vendor DCL uses (I would hope it's a good one) but we saw some sad ponies out there.

Thanks!

 

[coffman6]

Hi Everyone! Has anyone stayed at the Howard Johnsons? It says it too is walking distance and with AAA it is reasonable. Thanks, Vicki

 

[lucky1]

Hi Everyone! Has anyone stayed at the Howard Johnsons? It says it too is walking distance and with AAA it is reasonable. Thanks, Vicki

Take a look at this link..

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&u...ocal_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CCQQnwIwAQ

The walkway to the entrance to both parks are across from Anaheim Camlot inn and suites (approximate).. While the walking distance is not far, I found crossing Manchester Street to be a bit dangerous when we stayed there in 2006. There is no light and cars tend to zip down that street after turning off Harbor.

Because of that DH doesn't want to stay there again, even though it was a nice hotel.

 

[lucky1]

deleted

 

[coffman6]

Take a look at this link..

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&u...ocal_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CCQQnwIwAQ

The walkway to the entrance to both parks are across from Anaheim Camlot inn and suites (approximate).. While the walking distance is not far, I found crossing Manchester Street to be a bit dangerous when we stayed there in 2006. There is no light and cars tend to zip down that street after turning off Harbor.

Because of that DH doesn't want to stay there again, even though it was a nice hotel.

Ohhhh thanks for that info!! Do you suggest the Camelot inn?? a suite there is less then the Howard Johnsons plus you get breakfast. We are also kicking around the Disney hotels too.

 

[Brooklyn]

Hi Everyone! Has anyone stayed at the Howard Johnsons? It says it too is walking distance and with AAA it is reasonable. Thanks, Vicki

We love the Hojo...we stayed there 2 weeks ago and will back next weekend. They have added a really nice water play area that is pirate themed. The girls have a ton of fun playing there.

Manchester has a light now and is totally safe to cross. I could def see it being unsafe if there was not a light there. Here is a tip...cross Harbor at Manchester and walk on the side closest to Disneyland. Cross over where the shuttle buses and it saves a few mins.

The cross over is not in front of the Camelot Inn...if you zoom in that is only the entrance for certain vehicles. The walkway is between the Best Western and IHOP. You can see the big white lines painted and that is where you would cross.

If you chose the Hojo my suggestion is to stay in building 1....I am not a fan of bulding 2. The other buildings 3, 4 and 5 only have double beds and not queens. Building 2 is ok but building one has a better lay out of rooms. We usually just chose the standard queen beds. The deluxe has a microwave and the premium have a view and microwave.

If you are an annual passholder you can get rates as low as $59.

As far as pools go I think the Hojo has the cleanest and nicest pool areas.

We have stayed in all but 3 hotels on Harbor and they all have positives and negatives. If you are thinking of any others just let me know and I can tell you of our experiences.

 

[True Romance]

Hi Everyone! Has anyone stayed at the Howard Johnsons? It says it too is walking distance and with AAA it is reasonable. Thanks, Vicki

We stayed at the HoJo Anaheim in June and loved, loved, loved it. They have a fantastic Entertainment Book rate starting at $59. It is only available on certain days, but it seems most dates it is available. We got it in June 2010. They have a great water park for the kids that is Pirate themed. The walk is quick, less than 10 minutes.

Check out their site, lots of pics and even a message board.
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/

 

[Susiesark]

So I have this question for all you DCL vets. How do I know what is a good night to book a reservation for Palo, when I don't know what our restaurant rotation will be? I don't want to miss out on something great , like other fun dining or entertainment. And where do the kids eat since it is adults only? Thanks!