Hotel for Disneyland

[danceintherain]

I feel like you're talking about my mom. She was on FB Messenger, which was blowing up since she wasn't answering her phone on rides. I guess most people are used to my mom being available all day for a chat. The best part of our trip was when her charging cord stopped working, so she could finally disconnect for awhile. Once we figured out it was her cord, she spent about 4 hrs on the last day of her trip checking up on everyone who was leaving her messages. I hope things stay peaceful for your mom, so you can all enjoy your trip!

Regarding hotel rooms, the last time I booked the Springhill, I was actually upgraded to the Residence Inn, because they overbooked. Both locations are convenient and spacious, so you can't go wrong either way.

Yeah, we went to tour model homes the other day, and she "forgot" her phone. I honestly wonder if she did do it on purpose, because she spends pretty much all day on it. Some of that is talking to me....and my older sister, which I hope isn't particularly stressful, but a lot of it is her mom and sisters and occasionally her brothers if something really crazy is going down.

She was in the hospital several years back and her entire FOO was calling to "check on her" but ended up telling her about all of their ailments. Every time she was on the phone with any of them, her blood pressure went up. She also has this one super needy friend, who gets really whiny and offended if my Mom doesn't text her back immediately or cancels plans for any reason. She was literally down for 2+ weeks with COVID last year, and this friend complained that she wasn't calling her back and didn't want to schedule a lunch date.
In any case, I've learned a lot about how NOT to manage relationships from my Mom.

She does seem intrigued by the concept of going to Disney with just ONE grandchild. She has 9 (13 and under) and they're typically all fighting for her attention. Plus, DS has a fairly easy going temperament. He only gets really sulky if I try to make him have fun in an "uncool" way. For example, I tried to make him hide a geocache this week..... I'm a lame mom, obviously.
As long as we're all focused on him, it should be pretty smooth sailing.

I use a lot of my Marriott certificates in Anaheim, and really like the Springhill Suites. The rooms are spacious, and if proximity to your folks is what you want while also having your own room, it sounds like a good compromise. I've stayed at the Fairfield Inn a lot too, and while the proximity to the parks is great ... the room at Springhill is soooo much more relaxing, I use FF when we're planning on being in the parks all day and just need a place to crash, but Springhill is preferred for me. Sometimes I can get Courtyard Convention Center AAA rates that are reasonable but I never seem to be able to use the certificates there. Would like to stay at the Element sometime but ... its just so far from the parks ...

That's my main issue with the Element too.
Maybe if go on a solo trip? Or with one of my younger kids? DS has some issues that cause him to tire more easily.
DD could be a good candidate. She is a never ending stream of energy and incredibly persistent. She has practically asked for a signed affidavit in my blood confirming the exact details for her special trip to Disneyland with me. My intention was to take her when she's 10, but I will not be surprised if we work it out next year, when she's 9, even though we're already planning a WDW trip for my Mom's 60th. In any case, if a hotel is "cute" enough, she'll probably be fine walking a bit.

My younger boys are still developing into their personalities too much to know whether or not they'd be up for a longer walk at the end of the day in 5-8 years from now.

DH would probably need to stay as close as possible, if I can ever convince him to go with me at all.

 

[tsumgirl]

In any case, I've learned a lot about how NOT to manage relationships from my Mom.

She does seem intrigued by the concept of going to Disney with just ONE grandchild. She has 9 (13 and under) and they're typically all fighting for her attention. Plus, DS has a fairly easy going temperament. He only gets really sulky if I try to make him have fun in an "uncool" way. For example, I tried to make him hide a geocache this week..... I'm a lame mom, obviously.
As long as we're all focused on him, it should be pretty smooth sailing.

So true...it'll be great for you guys to have some bonding time. I hope your trip is amazing!