DL first timer off site hotel questions

[BarryCF]

My wife and I will be making our first pilgrimage to DL next June. DW has some mobility issues, which are improving, but I would still like to make the morning and evening commutes as easy on her as possible. I'm trying to decide between Candy Cane Inn, for the free shuttle that drops off in the DL unloading area, or the Sheraton Park, and parking in the TS parking lot and riding the DL bus to the DL unloading area. The Sheraton is a little cheaper for our dates but when I add parking fees for the Hotel and TS parking lot, it's about the same price. Opinions on these options or others would be appreciated. I don't think the ART would be a good option for us because it drops off outside of DL. DW doesn't use an ECV, but the amount of walking on a Disney trip can be hard on her. Thanks for the input.

 

[mouseknotts]

With the amount of walking you might also consider renting an ECV, as pain and discomfort can dampen the time. I have not stayed at the Candy can Inn but I have read that some people really like the hotel for its location and price. We have been staying at the Tropicana as it is had a decent price for a hotel close to the park.
It looks like the Candy Cane Inn might be your best option of the 2 you listed.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all the shuttles drop off in the same area, so I don't know why art would be any different. That said, skip the shuttles!! Go with Best Western Park Place or Park Vue. Both are right at the crosswalk and barely any further then the shuttle stop. That way your wife can easily pop back to the hotel for a rest and not have to worry about shuttle schedules.

 

[pharmama]

@Cal-Pie is correct. All the shuttles/buses (hotel shuttles, ART and the Toy Story shuttle) all drop off essentially in the same place- the large bus depot on the Harbor Blvd side of the Esplanade between the two parks.

Here's a screen shot of Google Maps with some added text that might be helpful.


I've also labeled "the crosswalk" with where the main crosswalk on Harbor is located for those coming from Harbor hotels. I think your best bet is as mentioned above- try to get one of the "crosswalk hotels" that's basically right there across the street and skip shuttles and buses altogether.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Both those are our go-to hotels for DLR. For your situation, I would choose the CCI, Premium Rooms (ground floor). The hotel will give you excellent customer service and even charge the ECV for you. (People here give great reviews to Deckert's for ECV rentals -- pick up and drop off at your hotel.) We have very reliable DISers who use ECVs and give high praise to the CCI. The shuttles run on time (!) and the drivers are very helpful. Grounds and rooms are clean, breakfast is generous (expanded continental), Premium Rooms are larger and have extras. CCI offers various discounts, so check to see if you qualify for something. Parking is free, too.

 

[Jimsig]

We love the CCI. and were just there in late Aug. We have stayed the past 2 years and can't see staying anywhere else. Can't beat the three freebies of free parking, free breakfast, and free shuttle (I know you actually pay for them ). The staff is great and as @theluckyrabbit said the grounds and rooms are clean. Saw them actually shampooing the carpets in numerous rooms on different days while we were there. If you wife's mobility get's better by then and she is up for it from time to time it's just under a 10 min flat walk from the CCI to DL security.

I wrote a review in TripAdvisor if you want to check it out.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUse...933471-Candy_Cane_Inn-Anaheim_California.html

 

[BarryCF]

Thank you all so much. If we do end up renting an ECV, is the shuttle at CCI accessible?

 

[BarryCF]

@Cal-Pie is correct. All the shuttles/buses (hotel shuttles, ART and the Toy Story shuttle) all drop off essentially in the same place- the large bus depot on the Harbor Blvd side of the Esplanade between the two parks.

Here's a screen shot of Google Maps with some added text that might be helpful.
View attachment 446889

I've also labeled "the crosswalk" with where the main crosswalk on Harbor is located for those coming from Harbor hotels. I think your best bet is as mentioned above- try to get one of the "crosswalk hotels" that's basically right there across the street and skip shuttles and buses altogether.

Thank you for the info. I was under the impression that ART dropped off on Harbor Blvd. How far is the walk from the hotels on the other side of the crosswalk? I can't tell from the aerial views if it's 100 yards or 1/2 a mile...lol

 

[pharmama]

Thank you for the info. I was under the impression that ART dropped off on Harbor Blvd. How far is the walk from the hotels on the other side of the crosswalk? I can't tell from the aerial views if it's 100 yards or 1/2 a mile...lol

There are regular city buses that do drop off on Harbor as well as a couple that drop off in the bus zone that's parallel to Harbor in the top half of the image above but the ART lines drop off in the zone shown above.

It's about 850ft from the security checkpoint to enter the Esplanade (the blue-green squares on the brick to the left of the bus depot area) to the far side of the crosswalk, though some of that you will walk from the bus dropoff too. Then the walk from there would depend on the hotel but the BWPPI, for example, is basically right there at the crosswalk.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Thank you for the info. I was under the impression that ART dropped off on Harbor Blvd. How far is the walk from the hotels on the other side of the crosswalk? I can't tell from the aerial views if it's 100 yards or 1/2 a mile...lol

Adding to what @pharmama posted, from Best Western Park Place to security, .2 miles, from the furthest point in the shuttle drop off to security, .1 mile. The hotels near the crosswalk are REALLY that close.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you all so much. If we do end up renting an ECV, is the shuttle at CCI accessible?

I think it is. We have a respected DISer who uses an ECV, stays at the CCI, and uses the shuttle -- she gives the CCI high marks all around. @Malcon10t: Anything more to add?

ETA: Call the CCI to ask about the shuttle and accessibility. I know that with my parents (some mobility issues, but no ECVs), the drivers have a small step stool and help them in/out of the shuttle every time.

 

[Malcon10t]

I do not believe the shuttle is accessible. What we usually do is my daughters take the shuttle and I ride the scooter and meet them at the drop off area. It is a quick ride. I usually depart while they are loading and get there as they pull in.

And we love CCI, Premium rooms, ground floor. It is my offsite choice.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I do not believe the shuttle is accessible. What we usually do is my daughters take the shuttle and I ride the scooter and meet them at the drop off area. It is a quick ride. I usually depart while they are loading and get there as they pull in.

And we love CCI, Premium rooms, ground floor. It is my offsite choice.

Thanks for chiming in! I knew your information would be helpful!