Help with hotel

[New England Eeyore]

We just booked a trip to California 4/25 - 5/5. We plan to spend 3 days in the Disney parks, do Hollywood/LA area, and head down to San Diego for a few nights.

Ideally I'd like to do DL first, as we will have the most energy at the start of our vacation, etc. so I'd like to stay Sun-Thurs at a DL area hotel. I'm having some trouble with that. The only Disney hotel available is the GC, which is more than I want to spend (although doing these searches is making me frustrated enough I'm almost willing to cave.) I've done extensive reading on this board, and liked the sound of HoJo's - just tried that and the only thing available is a king-bed room, which won't work (it will be myself, DH and DsD-21.)

First off, should I worry that these sold-out hotels will mean huge crowds at the park? This is our first trip to DL and I'm not sure what to expect.

I could move DL to later in the trip if that would help - I haven't taken the time to punch in all possible dates into the hotel search engines yet - but in trying to avoid weekend days at the parks, there's only so many possibilities.

What other hotels would you recommend? The only mandatory criteria is that it be within 10-15 minutes walking distance (preferably closer to 10). I'd prefer a fridge and/or microwave (don't care so much about a free breakfast option.) And I'd like something more than a Motel 6 feel - I don't need anything super fancy, but I'm willing to pay a little more for extra space (suite?) since we will be 3 adults in the room. Obviously clean, comfortable, safe, etc as well.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[merrrydeath]

Desert Inn and Suites has been my favorite. It is right by the crosswalk over to Disneyland. About a 5 minute walk to the front gates. I've always found the staff to be incredibley helpful. The rooms are clean and comfortable. They have a microwave and a rather large fridge. Their prices have always seemed very reasonable for how close they are to the park. Parking is limited so you are only allowed 1 car per room.

Another hotel that I have enjoyed is the Anaheim Plaza. It's a bit more of a walk(about 10 minutes) but equally as nice. I believe I got a 2 queen room for $59/night last September. They have a very nice pool, plenty of parking, and a fridge and microwave.

Both are hotels that I would stay at again!

 

[Hawleys]

Keep trying at the Hojo, sometimes rooms open up. The Fairfield Inn (a Marriott hotel) which is right next door to the Hojo has availability in a two queen room for $109 plus tax. This hotel is definitely within walking distance and gets consistently good reviews on this board. Costs way less than than the Grand Californian too.

Many people also like the Candy Cane Inn and I'm sure other folks will chime in with their favorites. You are going to have a great time on the West Coast!

 

[merrrydeath]

Desert Inn and Suites has a deluxe room(two queens) for $79/night or a Parlor Family Suite(two rooms) for $139
http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/

Or you can get two queen beds at Anaheim Plaza Hotel for $49.95/night or a Two room suite for $89!!
http://www.anaheimplazahotel.com/

 

[heatherleigh]

Book through Expedia. They have rooms at the DL properties that they already purchased, that are available. I just checked your dates and Paradise Pier is available all three nights at $215 per night. We did that once.

 

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check all of those out.

I did try Expedia but PP does not have all 4 nights I'm looking for. And their rates for the nights they do have is $250 - GC is only $266 so I'd do that if I were going to stay onsite.

 

[New England Eeyore]

Just talked to DH and his opinion is to go for the Grand, since it's just for a few nights. The frugal side of me is fighting it, but my resistance is faltering - it does look absolutely beautiful!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Just talked to DH and his opinion is to go for the Grand, since it's just for a few nights. The frugal side of me is fighting it, but my resistance is faltering - it does look absolutely beautiful!

It is very beautiful and you may have a hard time going some place else around the land after you stay there. Vacation time is the time to splurge for my family.

Jack

 

[HydroGuy]

First off, should I worry that these sold-out hotels will mean huge crowds at the park? This is our first trip to DL and I'm not sure what to expect.

Traditionally those dates are not very crowded. The only thing that would make it exceptionally crowded is if World of Color opens during that time. For a long while it was reported to have an April 24 debut and now rumors say May 1. There are other rumors of it slipping later into May or even June.

DLR does have a special deal going on the two-fer tix that ends at the end of April so maybe that is causing the hotel crowds? Or maybe there are some non-Disney conferences going on?

Bottom line is if WOC opens it will be more crowded than usual, but if not you should be good.

If it is was me I would go with your Plan A and then if crowds come because of WOC, just do a little more homework and go with the flow. You will have a blast either way.

Finally, not sure how thoroughly you have been reading this forum...but just so you do not show up and are surprised be aware that:

o The Rivers of America are closed until May 6 which will close Fantasmic and several rides

o BTMRR is going down for refurb April 26 so you will miss that unless you can get into DL on Apr 25

For more info see http://www.mouseplanet.com/9166/Disneyland_Resort_Update#Rehabs

o There will be some entertainment reduction on weekdays so plan your park days accordingly - see "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889 and "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

 

[Leofoenget]

Desert Inn and Suites has been my favorite. It is right by the crosswalk over to Disneyland. About a 5 minute walk to the front gates. I've always found the staff to be incredibley helpful. The rooms are clean and comfortable. They have a microwave and a rather large fridge. Their prices have always seemed very reasonable for how close they are to the park. Parking is limited so you are only allowed 1 car per room.

Another hotel that I have enjoyed is the Anaheim Plaza. It's a bit more of a walk(about 10 minutes) but equally as nice. I believe I got a 2 queen room for $59/night last September. They have a very nice pool, plenty of parking, and a fridge and microwave.

Both are hotels that I would stay at again!

I have never had a microwave at Anaheim Plaza. They guy said only some rooms have them, just be aware. Aside from that, I love Anaheim Plaza

 

[New England Eeyore]

Traditionally those dates are not very crowded. The only thing that would make it exceptionally crowded is if World of Color opens during that time. For a long while it was reported to have an April 24 debut and now rumors say May 1. There are other rumors of it slipping later into May or even June.

DLR does have a special deal going on the two-fer tix that ends at the end of April so maybe that is causing the hotel crowds? Or maybe there are some non-Disney conferences going on?

Bottom line is if WOC opens it will be more crowded than usual, but if not you should be good.

If it is was me I would go with your Plan A and then if crowds come because of WOC, just do a little more homework and go with the flow. You will have a blast either way.

Finally, not sure how thoroughly you have been reading this forum...but just so you do not show up and are surprised be aware that:

o The Rivers of America are closed until May 6 which will close Fantasmic and several rides

o BTMRR is going down for refurb April 26 so you will miss that unless you can get into DL on Apr 25

For more info see http://www.mouseplanet.com/9166/Disneyland_Resort_Update#Rehabs

o There will be some entertainment reduction on weekdays so plan your park days accordingly - see "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889 and "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

Thanks for the tips. I have read most of your stickies and they are extremely helpful! Thank you for all the work you put into creating them!

I'm trying not to read too much about the World of Color so I won't be disappointed if it's not open when we're there. The few things I have seen make it seem absolutely amazing! (Although if it opens the first week of May, we *will* make a trip back to see it our last night in CA.)

I did see the rehab list - strangely the only thing I am disappointed about is not being able to do the Columbia. I went to DL several times as a little girl and I have some memories of that. The only thing that would be devastating would be if the Storybook Canal Boats were down. Those are probably #1 on my nostalgia list!

 

[HydroGuy]

The only thing that would be devastating would be if the Storybook Canal Boats were down. Those are probably #1 on my nostalgia list!

IMO the most underrated ride at DL is StoryBook Land Canal Boats. Monstro is waiting to gobble you up! Remember him? Have fun!

 

[maelstrom]

Try the Anabella.

 

[lostatdisney]

One more thought - it's really hard for me to leave Disney because there's no place I'd rather be, and so I try to always schedule it for the end of the trip. That way I have it to look forward to during the rest of the trip!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I'm trying not to read too much about the World of Color so I won't be disappointed if it's not open when we're there. The few things I have seen make it seem absolutely amazing! (Although if it opens the first week of May, we *will* make a trip back to see it our last night in CA.)

Since you haven't been reading much about WOC I thought I would mention, in case you missed it, that there is talk of them using a Show Pass system to distrubute tickets for WOC. So that means if you want to see WOC you would have to go to DCA in the morning to see if you can get the passes to see the show that night.

 

[New England Eeyore]

Lavender Peach - that's good to know - thank you!

So I'm officially booked at the Grand Californian! I knocked one night off so we'll check out on our last park day. So excited!!