Finally decided where to stay...sigh of relief!

[moonbill2002]

So after much budget crunching and realizing there was no way we would be able to afford a place within walking distance (BWPPI had rooms but it would have been about $1600 for the time we are there for a room big enough to accomodate my family), we decided to go with the place I initially had been looking at. They didn't have rooms available on the first day we had planned to be down there so I discounted even staying there. But since we are also planning on doing several days at Magic Mountain (we have Six Flags season passes as we live near Discovery Kingdom in Northern CA), we decided to do those days at the beginning of our trip and then put the DL stay at the end

So the place we chose was the Holiday Inn Resort...the kids suite. It's $657 for 6 nights, including taxes. Big enough for us and while my 3 year old is napping, my 14 yr old who HATES being by the pool can hang out in the room, playing his video games while we all head to the pool! From what I understand, it's near a lot of restaurants, etc. and I think the parking is free. We have the ART added onto our 5 days for $40 total, which will be nice to have that option if we don't want to drive our vehicle. I know that time will be "wasted" with waiting for lines, shuttles, trams, etc. but I also can't ignore the money we will be saving in the room. That means more money for stuff like Character Dining, treats, souvenirs, and maybe a trip to Knott's in there!

The Embassy Suites would have been nice but it was also $1100 so we will be saving almost $500 there as well. I think the HI Resort on Manchester is a decent enough place to stay so I hope I made the right decision. I do still have that reservation and can switch if anyone here thinks that the $500 isn't worth staying in the HI over the Embassy. The main reason we chose the Embassy were two things: kids eat free and the separate room for naps. But then I figured out that my older son would be more than happy to hang out playing video games in the room while my 3 year old naps and I will get some much needed (and desired) pool time!

Anyone have thoughts to share on this decision? Is it the right one??

 

[skiingfast]

Discovery Kingdom in Northern CA

Is that by chance Marine World Africa USA?

I don't know too much about the HI, I don't like it's location and that is what has kept me from considering it. I've wondered if it has the same problem with noise from I-5 that Hojo and Hotel Menage get?

 

[moonbill2002]

Yes, they changed the name to Discovery Kingdom some time back. It's an easy trip over the mountains for us to take the kiddos there and since I'm a HUGE roller coaster fan and spent many summers at Magic Mountain, we bought season passes (they were under $60). This way, we are able to take them to Discovery Kingdom on the weekends and then hit Magic Mountain for free. There are a few new roller coasters I'm dying to try and I am itching to ride Goliath again.

We have planned for 4 days at DL and 2 days at Magic Mountain. That leaves us with a day or two with nothing planned and we are thinking of visiting Knott's Berry Farm. I haven't been since I was a little kid and I think my 3 1/2 year old would love it (my 11 yr and 14 yr old really want to go!). With the money we will save staying at a less expensive place (HI vs. the Embassy), we will be able to relax and enjoy ourselves without worrying about every dime spent. We have stayed in some pretty "sketchy" places at times so I'm not too worried about the Holiday Inn unless someone here says it's in the ghetto? But if we are going to be far away enough to not be able to walk, then I'm saving money, darn it! Next year, I will plan better and reserve a room at the HOJO sooner (they had rooms except for right in the MIDDLE of our trip...and I'm not about to pack up all my stuff and play switcheroo for a few days just for a little convenience).

 

[starshine514]

We made the same hotel decision for our October trip. I'm hoping its the right one as well...