Hotel Advice - November Trip and what will be closed?

[Yukonjack]

So I used to be a Disney ninja (thanks to this board and everyone here!) but my last trip was more than a few years ago so I am trying to learn all over again. I am planning to take my daughters (9 & 11), and my wife to Disney in early November. I am going to stay off site just because it makes more financial sense.

I am looking at HOJO, the Tropicana, Park Vue and the Fairfield Inn. Does anyone have any advice? I know the HOJO gets great reviews, but I have also heard it is a bit of a hike after a long day in the park. My family is pretty fit, so that is not a huge problem, but if there are better/comparable options I am all ears.

Also, is there a listing where I can see what is generally closed for refurb/maint. in November? I don't want to miss out on too many big attractions.

Thanks everyone!

Greg

 

[ImDMous]

Tropicana and Carousel are our go-to cheap hotels if we're just there to sleep. Very close, usually good rates, rooms are fine, Tropicana has a really good coffee place in their convenience store. We haven't used the pools or anything but if you do long days in the parks and need a place to crash, they are great.

 

[Angrose]

Fall Dapper Day will fall in early November this year, Nov 6th. The event offers about half off the onsite hotels. If your dates include Nov 6th then that may make staying onsite more accessible.

Hojo is maybe another five minutes walk past Tropicana, which is almost right at the cross walk. Fairfield is almost next door to Hojo. I have stayed at Hojo and Tropicana and honestly we were fine walking back and forth to Hojo, just me and DS7 last summer. The walk felt about as far as if we were staying at the DLH.

Regarding closures, depending on your dates, IASW and Jungle Cruise may be down and getting their holiday overlays. I think they usually reopen sometime in the 2nd week of Nov, just before the official kick-off to the holiday season.

 

[Yukonjack]

So would we get the entire stay half off if we stayed Nov 6th through like the 9th on site?

I couldnt tell whether there were any Mariotts within reasonable walking distance. We have some points we can burn if the rate is reasonable.

 

[ImDMous]

We've stayed at the Fairfield for Marriott points before, that walk is very reasonable too. Sometimes their rates can be out of line with that I consider a motel (outside corridors, crappy pool next to the parking lot, etc), so definitely check your dates. They have some Disney theme rooms, but we haven't stayed in those.

 

[Butterfly123]

You can use your points at the Fairfield...it's a Marriot.

 

[Yukonjack]

That half off deal looks really great! I might be able to convince myself to stay at the Grand Californian which would only be about $130 more for the three nights total.

 

[gottalovepluto]

That half off deal looks really great! I might be able to convince myself to stay at the Grand Californian which would only be about $130 more for the three nights total.

Ohhhh that would be tempting! I'm jealous your dates match up with those rates!

 

[Yukonjack]

Nuts, I forgot to factor in taxes, etc. Its actually almost twice as expensive! I can't really justify that (and we have stayed there before anyway). Looks like Fairfield or HOJO

 

[Angrose]

There is also a brand new Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance that's sandwiched between Fairfield and Hojo. It's an actual hotel, rather than a motel and the water park looks super fun, bigger and better than the one at Hojo. It is a lot more though, usually around $300/nt whenever I've looked.

 

[Yukonjack]

Wow, that Courtyard is super expensive! With the Dapper Days discount it is more expensive than the Grand! We just made reservations at the Fairfield, and with points, paid for two of the three nights. Who spends much time in their hotel when they go to Disney anyway, right?

 

[eeyorefanuk]

What is dapper day discount?
Can anyone use this
Where can I find I fi
Thank you so much

 

[Davin_Felth]

It's also possible that Space Mountain would be closed at the beginning of November. They'll probably be removing the Ghost Galaxy overlay.

 

[Angrose]

What is dapper day discount?
Can anyone use this
Where can I find I fi
Thank you so much

Dapper Day is an unofficial event held in the parks twice a year, in the fall and spring. People dress "dapper" in their finest like folks used to do when going out. A lot of people wear 40's, 50's, 60's vintage style clothes. The Dapper Day organizers arrange a convention rate at the onsite hotels. There is no official registration process to join in on the festivities or to use the discounted rates. However, it looks like fun, so if I was going to participate then I would definitely want to dress up.
You can find more info on their website. Just google Dapper Day Disneyland. The dates for this year are May 1 and Nov 6. To qualify for the discounted hotel rates your stay must include one of the event days.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Hi

So that means that is a busy week?

 

[Yukonjack]

Not sure about whether that will be a busy week, as I have never been there for it.

Speaking of which, anyone have thoughts on what the crowds will be like the 2nd week of November (during the week)? Hoping that it isn't too busy so we can really relax and enjoy ourselves.

 

[ImDMous]

Avengers Half Marathon weekend is 11-13. We'll be getting there on Thursday as that is when the race Expo opens. I think Thursday and Friday might be a lot busier then the rest of the week. Also, that is usually the first weekend of the Christmas festivities. The days leading up to that should be fairly quiet I would think.

 

[Whistlebee]

We've stayed at all the onsite hotels and the New Courtyard and The Fairfield. Of course we love staying onsite and the Courtyard was awesome too but I was actually really happy with our stay at the Fairfield. The staff is great. Very friendly, always wishing us a good day and welcoming us back after a long day in the parks. Great customer service! Our room was perfect for us and I like that the sink and vanity are on the outside of the bathroom. For me it was a 6 minute walk to the security lines (pushing a double stroller). If you have littles that are walking it may be a little longer. I will happily stay there again. Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Nuts, I forgot to factor in taxes, etc. Its actually almost twice as expensive! I can't really justify that (and we have stayed there before anyway). Looks like Fairfield or HOJO

I hate that moment when you figure out you forgot the taxes & fees. You'll still have a great trip though!

 

[Yukonjack]

So do you folks have any idea what the crowds will be like? I am hoping it is super quiet, but I guess those are days long past?