Help me pick a hotel!

[maryland24]

So is our first trip to disneyland and I keep changing my mind about where to stay! We are planning to go june 2 to june 8. My husband is going to Iraq mid june. Wish I had plan before but just got the block leave dates. We are traveling from Hawaii with our two girls 7 and 3. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated!!

Anyway I am torn between this hotels:

Hojo (like the pool, but they only have a double room available)
Fairfield Inn (seems close)
Sheraton Park (has a shuttle, looks really nice and clean)
Candy Cane Inn (it looks like is really close to the park)

We don't need a fancy hotel but also want to go to a decent place I am a little nervous because I know that this kind of trips should be plan in advance and now I feel desperate!! haha I am writing a list with the hotel options for when my husband comes home. Also how many days you suggest for going to the parks? for now I am thinking 3 day park hopper. So it would be 3 days disneyland 1 day pool at the hotel. 1 day universal studios and 1 day for driving around and take some pictures.

I know this post is long so thank you!!!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

We love Hojos, but for us double beds are too small (even the "oversize" ones at Hojos). With that being said, we would still probably stay there, especially if the entertainment rate was available. Just FYI, Fairfield Inn is right next door to Hojo, so only a couple minutes closer to the parks.

 

[blackjackdelta]

So is our first trip to disneyland and I keep changing my mind about where to stay! We are planning to go june 2 to june 8. My husband is going to Iraq mid june. Wish I had plan before but just got the block leave dates. We are traveling from Hawaii with our two girls 7 and 3. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated!!

Anyway I am torn between this hotels:

Hojo (like the pool, but they only have a double room available)
Fairfield Inn (seems close)
Sheraton Park (has a shuttle, looks really nice and clean)
Candy Cane Inn (it looks like is really close to the park)

We don't need a fancy hotel but also want to go to a decent place I am a little nervous because I know that this kind of trips should be plan in advance and now I feel desperate!! haha I am writing a list with the hotel options for when my husband comes home. Also how many days you suggest for going to the parks? for now I am thinking 3 day park hopper. So it would be 3 days disneyland 1 day pool at the hotel. 1 day universal studios and 1 day for driving around and take some pictures.

I know this post is long so thank you!!!

Off Topic; Thank you for serving our country!

Jack

 

[Petraman]

So is our first trip to disneyland and I keep changing my mind about where to stay! We are planning to go june 2 to june 8. My husband is going to Iraq mid june. Wish I had plan before but just got the block leave dates. We are traveling from Hawaii with our two girls 7 and 3. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated!!

Anyway I am torn between this hotels:

Hojo (like the pool, but they only have a double room available)
Fairfield Inn (seems close)
Sheraton Park (has a shuttle, looks really nice and clean)
Candy Cane Inn (it looks like is really close to the park)

We don't need a fancy hotel but also want to go to a decent place I am a little nervous because I know that this kind of trips should be plan in advance and now I feel desperate!! haha I am writing a list with the hotel options for when my husband comes home. Also how many days you suggest for going to the parks? for now I am thinking 3 day park hopper. So it would be 3 days disneyland 1 day pool at the hotel. 1 day universal studios and 1 day for driving around and take some pictures.

I know this post is long so thank you!!!

Well, it really depends on what your priorities are...
Location, Amenities, etc

We always preferred location as first priority. You mentioned Fairfield beng close, but actually Fairfield and Hojo are on the wrong side of the park from the entrance. It would be a hefty walk, so you are looking at shuttle service. We loved staying at ParVue, Park Place Inn, or Anaheim delSol because they are literally right across the street from the entrance. A short 5-10 min walk and you are in! For us this is important, we always found any shuttle service very hit and miss.

Of the hotels you mentioned, I would probaly recommend Candy Cane Inn. They remodeled a few years back and the rooms are very nice!. Plus it is still close enough to just walk up the block to the entrance.

Have Fun!

 

[specialks]

I seem to be linking to this map a lot today. But, it is nice for seeing which hotels are closest to the pedestrian walkway. Then check the websites for those hotels or a travel booking site and see which ones have the best deal.

http://anaheim411.com/Resort_Map.html

Also, thank you to you, your family and your husband for your sacrifice and service.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

You mentioned Fairfield beng close, but actually Fairfield and Hojo are on the wrong side of the park from the entrance. It would be a hefty walk, so you are looking at shuttle service.

It takes us about 8 minutes to walk to and from Hojos. Not bad at all IMO.

 

[maryland24]

so now I am between Hojo (think the girls would love the pool) I checked again and they now have a double and a queen room available entertainment rate is not avaiblable for that week...the candy cane because is close and also has a shuttle just in case I guess.

what about the 3 day park hopper is that enough? thanks

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We have stayed at 3 of the 4 hotels on your list: HOJOs, Fairfield, and Candy Cane. All 3 of these hotels are a comfortable walking distance.

We like HOJOs best but have always stayed in the deluxe room in building 2 overlooking the pool. I am not sure we would be as comfortable in a double-double room. HOJOs has the fun water play area, a separate pool, nice grounds, and plenty of parking.

Fairfield to us was just a place to sleep. It was clean but otherwise unexceptional. Parking was annoying (and I hear they charge extra for it now).

Candy Cane was a pleasant experience for us. I do remember the rooms feeling a bit small. (We always just went with standard.) We prefer a second floor room away from the street since I can sometimes be over-sensitive to noise. The continental breakfast was a lot better than many in the area but nothing fancy. My sons love it though. The pool is tiny; we never used it. The nice extra perk the Candy Cane has to offer is their own private shuttle. While the walking distance isn't significantly different from the walk to HOJOs, it was sometimes nice to have that shuttle option if we could get our timing right. And if we couldn't, then we knew we could always walk and weren't "stranded."

I would book with the Candy Cane but keep an eye on the availability at HOJOs. As you get closer to your dates, you may find that your preferred room opens up at a comparable or better price. Whichever one you end up in, you should have a fine experience.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

what about the 3 day park hopper is that enough? thanks

We did 3 days our first trip with a 5 year old and 3 year old at a peak time of year, and I wish we had done 5 days. You are not going at a peak time, so 3 days might be adequate. I would probably opt for at least 4 days anyway though so I wouldn't feel rushed (or tempted to curtail anyone's rest times).

 

[DisSarahK]

I haven't stayed there myself, but if you're planning on a pool day, then I would go for Hojo's--their pool looks so fun!! The walk doesn't sound great (we stayed at Desert Inn & Suites which is RIGHT by the crosswalk) but I think the pool would make up for that.

 

[maryland24]

does Hojo included breakfast?

 

[Flitterific]

does Hojo included breakfast?

HoJo doesn't include breakfasts but Mimi's is their partner restaurant and they have really good food (huge portions for great prices).

I've only stayed at FFI and HoJo and much prefer the latter. The two are practically next to each other and even the walk from HoJo to DLR is only about 10 minutes. Definitely keep looking at the Entertainment Rate discount as your days could open up as they get closer. I just got all my days for our Memorial Day weekend trip (May 29-31)

 

[NewbieMouse]

I would book with the Candy Cane but keep an eye on the availability at HOJOs. As you get closer to your dates, you may find that your preferred room opens up at a comparable or better price.

I haven't been to either, but I did research these two extensively before the deal on the DLH showed up and I agree with all of those that have been there and give these two the thumbs up - they are both first on my list for the next time we go!

I really encourage making it a daily habit to just check the HOJO's to see if something comes up; it wouldn't surprise me. Lots of people keep several reservations to keep their options open and then cancel as the time draws near, so if you book the Candy Cane now, at least you'd know you have it. Something could very well come up at HOJO in the room type you want in the meantime. Jees, I still check the DLH rates every morning to be sure I'm not getting screwed on the rate!

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

I havent stayed at any of the hotels mentioned, but im planning a summer trip come this June and really want the HoJo ET/AP rate to come to play. My kids would LOVE the pool area and that would definately be worth the extra 10 minute walk.
Im sure no matter where you stay you and your family will have a magical time!
Again, thank you for your sacrafice and for serving our country!!!!

 

[Somegirl]

I'm jumping in here a little late, but I've always really loved the Candy Cane. The rooms are very nice, good linens and clean rooms. Breakfast is a little above average and the shuttle is great when you are tired.
I did do a lot of research on the Sheraton Park and I think staying there may give you a slightly more upscale experience. You know, drinks by the pool that sort of thing, but it is farther away.
What ever you choose I hope you have a great time with your family.

 

[maryland24]

Thank You all! I decided to book Candy Cane Inn...because I really like the idea of been close to the park and having a shuttle available in case we need it. I am really excited! I read that in june crowds are big even the first week? well thank you again for all the help

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Thank You all! I decided to book Candy Cane Inn...because I really like the idea of been close to the park and having a shuttle available in case we need it. I am really excited! I read that in june crowds are big even the first week? well thank you again for all the help

Good choice ~ I haven't stayed there but I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We do love HoJo but are a bit spoiled by the ent rate, keep an eye on the board www.hojoanaheim.com and if your dates open up I think it'd be worth a hotel swap. Your days will probably be busy but you're lucky you found this site, go with a plan, get there early, take a mid day break when/if you need to. Collect Fast Passes early in the day and hold on to them till later in the day.

 

[Somegirl]

If you're searching for more info on the Candy Cane look at the Trip Advisor reviews if you haven't already. Lots of tips and pics. Have fun!

 

[heatherleigh]

I don't think 3 days is enough. I would do a minimum of 4, but 5 would be best. I like the CCI- glad you selected it! You guys will have a great time.

 

[maryland24]

I don't think 3 days is enough. I would do a minimum of 4, but 5 would be best. I like the CCI- glad you selected it! You guys will have a great time.

thank you. I was looking only and they have the promotion buy the 3 day park hopper and get two days free so I guess we would be doing that. Had plans to go to universal but I think this should be better with small kids.

thank You