Hotel Help and a few questions

[hamilkm]

I have been to Disneyland twice in my life (one of those times for only 1 day), and the only off site hotel I have stayed in is the Fairfield. We loved how close the walk was, but weren’t impressed with the pool area. This was fine for that trip as it was only 2 nights and we were in the parks open to close. We are planning to go 6 nights the very first of May 2020. Our plan is to get 5 day park hoppers with max pass. (We used max pass 2 years ago and loved it). It will be 2 (maybe 3) adults and an almost 2 year old. Our first choice of hotels is using our DVC points for a studio at the GC (I know chances of this are slim, but we have to at least try at 7 months. We will use these points for either a Disney World or Vero Beach trip if we don’t get it). Right now I have priced candy cane inn and the Fairfield as back ups. Both are around $1300. We would like to stay close to this price range.
Our priorities are short walk like from the Fairfield and a pretty nice pool. We will more than likely spend one day at the pool with the 2 year old. I was also wondering about the shuttle from the candy cane inn? I would be open to a hotel further away if there is a reliable shuttle.
Second set of questions is our air miles will make us have to fly in to LAX. I was looking at super shuttle? Any better shuttles? Can I use my daughters car seat? She will have one from the plane. We were looking at candy cane because I liked the free parking and had thought about just renting a car. Thanks so much!

 

[Geemo]

I have been to Disneyland twice in my life (one of those times for only 1 day), and the only off site hotel I have stayed in is the Fairfield. We loved how close the walk was, but weren’t impressed with the pool area. This was fine for that trip as it was only 2 nights and we were in the parks open to close. We are planning to go 6 nights the very first of May 2020. Our plan is to get 5 day park hoppers with max pass. (We used max pass 2 years ago and loved it). It will be 2 (maybe 3) adults and an almost 2 year old. Our first choice of hotels is using our DVC points for a studio at the GC (I know chances of this are slim, but we have to at least try at 7 months. We will use these points for either a Disney World or Vero Beach trip if we don’t get it). Right now I have priced candy cane inn and the Fairfield as back ups. Both are around $1300. We would like to stay close to this price range.
Our priorities are short walk like from the Fairfield and a pretty nice pool. We will more than likely spend one day at the pool with the 2 year old. I was also wondering about the shuttle from the candy cane inn? I would be open to a hotel further away if there is a reliable shuttle.
Second set of questions is our air miles will make us have to fly in to LAX. I was looking at super shuttle? Any better shuttles? Can I use my daughters car seat? She will have one from the plane. We were looking at candy cane because I liked the free parking and had thought about just renting a car. Thanks so much!

To know what might be happening in the parks while you're there check the 2019 Calendar of Events. It has some of the 2020 items listed toward the bottom of post #1.

As 2020 approaches I hope “figment_jii” will continue with a new thread for 2020.

Disney has announced the dates for Grad Nights 2020. They take place in May and June.

For a close easy walk to the parks, we like the Tropicana. When we have used the pool area we have had it to ourselves. They generally have a discount when you stay 5 or more nights.
The Tropicana is located right at the crosswalk. Right now early May 2020 is $179 a night.

 

[Kauai4life]

We stopped using supershuttle a few years ago, we use Lyft or Uber it is so convenient price wise it has run us about $40-50 each way, direct to your hotel. Super shuttle can make several stops before your dropped off.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

With a car seat, I don't think Uber or Lyft will be an option. Renting a car will be easier or use a car service, like Lansky's -- very popular here and they provide the car seats. We love the CCI -- clean, great customer service, free parking, nice pool area (small, but clean and comfortable), generous breakfast (continental). They offer various discounts, so check to see if you qualify for something. We like the Premium Rooms (larger, small refrigerator and microwave, bathrobes and amenities basket, DVD player, breakfast delivered to the room).
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/
"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by @3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

 

[hamilkm]

Thanks for all of the great information. My mom is leaning toward the Howard Johnson because of the pool area for my daughter. I’m leaning toward CCI (shuttle) or the best western park place due to a close walk. I also really like the looks of the Marriott water park hotel, but it is slightly out of our price range. My mom is wanting a pool like a Disney World deluxe resort, and I’m just not thinking that is going to happen, lol! Last time we were at Disneyland we had a flight delay home and stayed one night at the Disneyland hotel and now that’s what my mom wants, but for the price of the CCI.


Has anyone used the super shuttle private car option. I priced it to be $145 round trip for 4 people on our dates. I will have my own car seat because my daughter will use one on the airplane so that isn’t an issue.

 

[hamilkm]

To know what might be happening in the parks while you're there check the 2019 Calendar of Events. It has some of the 2020 items listed toward the bottom of post #1.

As 2020 approaches I hope “figment_jii” will continue with a new thread for 2020.

Disney has announced the dates for Grad Nights 2020. They take place in May and June.

For a close easy walk to the parks, we like the Tropicana. When we have used the pool area we have had it to ourselves. They generally have a discount when you stay 5 or more nights.
The Tropicana is located right at the crosswalk. Right now early May 2020 is $179 a night.

The Tropicana looks nice. We are planning to go April 30-May 6, so it looks like we will miss grad nights (I’m assuming that’s a good thing).

 

[hamilkm]

We stopped using supershuttle a few years ago, we use Lyft or Uber it is so convenient price wise it has run us about $40-50 each way, direct to your hotel. Super shuttle can make several stops before your dropped off.

We used an Uber last time and it was great, but I will have an almost 2 year old this time. I am looking at the super shuttle private transfers. They seem to be pretty economical and will let me bring a seat for my daughter.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks for all of the great information. My mom is leaning toward the Howard Johnson because of the pool area for my daughter. I’m leaning toward CCI (shuttle) or the best western park place due to a close walk. I also really like the looks of the Marriott water park hotel, but it is slightly out of our price range. My mom is wanting a pool like a Disney World deluxe resort, and I’m just not thinking that is going to happen, lol!..

Considering your DD's age, the HoJo pool area would be ideal. One thing to consider with the Marriott pool area is that there is a height requirement for some of the water slides. This isn't always an issue, but sometimes a little one sees what they are restricted from using... and things don't go so well after that. Someone posted that it just made pool time really difficult with their little one fighting every day to go on slides that were off limits.
Ask about the Super Shuttle private car option in this thread: "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by @3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297. You'll get good help there.

 

[emacat]

Thanks for all of the great information. My mom is leaning toward the Howard Johnson because of the pool area for my daughter. I’m leaning toward CCI (shuttle) or the best western park place due to a close walk. I also really like the looks of the Marriott water park hotel, but it is slightly out of our price range. My mom is wanting a pool like a Disney World deluxe resort, and I’m just not thinking that is going to happen, lol! Last time we were at Disneyland we had a flight delay home and stayed one night at the Disneyland hotel and now that’s what my mom wants, but for the price of the CCI.


Has anyone used the super shuttle private car option. I priced it to be $145 round trip for 4 people on our dates. I will have my own car seat because my daughter will use one on the airplane so that isn’t an issue.

There is a shuttle from Hojo available daily. That always worked well for us in the past. The Pirate play area and seperate pool are wonderful.

 

[Where's Wall-E]

There is a shuttle from Hojo available daily. That always worked well for us in the past. The Pirate play area and seperate pool are wonderful.

Are you thinking of the ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) service? This is a paid shuttle that makes stops at various locations, with the final drop off being at the shuttle drop off area near the DL/DCA esplanade. You have to buy a pass on a daily basis. IMO, the HoJo is well within walking distance, with appreciation that those with mobility issues may wish to use it.

 

[kirstie101]

Thanks for all of the great information. My mom is leaning toward the Howard Johnson because of the pool area for my daughter. I’m leaning toward CCI (shuttle) or the best western park place due to a close walk. I also really like the looks of the Marriott water park hotel, but it is slightly out of our price range. My mom is wanting a pool like a Disney World deluxe resort, and I’m just not thinking that is going to happen, lol! Last time we were at Disneyland we had a flight delay home and stayed one night at the Disneyland hotel and now that’s what my mom wants, but for the price of the CCI.


Has anyone used the super shuttle private car option. I priced it to be $145 round trip for 4 people on our dates. I will have my own car seat because my daughter will use one on the airplane so that isn’t an issue.

I’d recommend to Howard Johnson on Harbor. The kiddie pool area is great (as is the bigger pool) and the walk isn’t much more than Fairfield Inn. We have done the walk countless times and it’s only about a minute longer than Fairfield.

 

[ChrissyLou]

We have never flown into LAX, so I can't speak to transportation from there, we've always used Super Shuttle from John Wayne to DL area w/ no issues (and when kids were small enough we needed car seats). It's a longer drive from LAX and is definately not a luxurious van ride, but it's probably the least expensive option and we have always found it reliable and sufficient.

We've stayed at CCI once and had a great time. There pool area is small, but although located in the parking lot (I am not a fan of those type of pool areas enclosed in concrete with not one plant in sight, but that's me) it is quite beautifully landscaped and at least when we were there it was never too busy, major benefits to CCI in addition to beautiful pool area are the free breakfast and free dedicated shuttle. We found we did't use it the majority of the time because the walk is not that far, but the shuttle is a nice benefit to have, especially at the end of the day.

We also like HoJo's and have stayed many times over the years. The pirate themed kids water play area would be a hit with your little one, but the garden pool (quieter, nicely landscaped) is also nice. Downfalls, no dedicated shuttle and no free breakfast.

I would suggest either CCI or HoJo's without hesitation, maybe giving a slight edge to CCI because of the dedicated shuttle and free breakfast.

 

[Becca1007]

We used an Uber last time and it was great, but I will have an almost 2 year old this time. I am looking at the super shuttle private transfers. They seem to be pretty economical and will let me bring a seat for my daughter.

You can definitely use your car seat in an Uber or Lyft. We do this ALL the time. The only time I have ever had an issue is in Tennessee where a lot of the Uber's were trucks (an the top tether anchors are in weird places in some trucks). If you are still rear facing (rear facing is required under 2 years old in CA) I recommend the Cosco Scenera Next as a travel seat, it is lightweight and easy to install on planes and cars and is SUPER cheap at Walmart.

 

[hamilkm]

We have never flown into LAX, so I can't speak to transportation from there, we've always used Super Shuttle from John Wayne to DL area w/ no issues (and when kids were small enough we needed car seats). It's a longer drive from LAX and is definately not a luxurious van ride, but it's probably the least expensive option and we have always found it reliable and sufficient.

We've stayed at CCI once and had a great time. There pool area is small, but although located in the parking lot (I am not a fan of those type of pool areas enclosed in concrete with not one plant in sight, but that's me) it is quite beautifully landscaped and at least when we were there it was never too busy, major benefits to CCI in addition to beautiful pool area are the free breakfast and free dedicated shuttle. We found we did't use it the majority of the time because the walk is not that far, but the shuttle is a nice benefit to have, especially at the end of the day.

We also like HoJo's and have stayed many times over the years. The pirate themed kids water play area would be a hit with your little one, but the garden pool (quieter, nicely landscaped) is also nice. Downfalls, no dedicated shuttle and no free breakfast.

I would suggest either CCI or HoJo's without hesitation, maybe giving a slight edge to CCI because of the dedicated shuttle and free breakfast.

Thanks! I just wanted to know if super shuttle was a reliable company. I’m actually looking into a private car transfer from them.

 

[hamilkm]

I’d recommend to Howard Johnson on Harbor. The kiddie pool area is great (as is the bigger pool) and the walk isn’t much more than Fairfield Inn. We have done the walk countless times and it’s only about a minute longer than Fairfield.

I think we are going to do the Howard Johnson. We didn’t think the Fairfield walk was bad at all! With 5 park days, I think a couple of pool afternoons will be needed!

 

[hamilkm]

You can definitely use your car seat in an Uber or Lyft. We do this ALL the time. The only time I have ever had an issue is in Tennessee where a lot of the Uber's were trucks (an the top tether anchors are in weird places in some trucks). If you are still rear facing (rear facing is required under 2 years old in CA) I recommend the Cosco Scenera Next as a travel seat, it is lightweight and easy to install on planes and cars and is SUPER cheap at Walmart.

Thanks! I didn’t know if they would let you install your own seat. We will definitely be rear facing and I am planning to buy the Cosco scenera next closer to time.

 

[Becca1007]

One other piece of advice... we took are almost 2 year old a lot in that timeframe (he's 4 now) and having an ergo carrier was great in the evenings. So if you have one you might take it too. We tended to carry him for fireworks/fantasmic as it is very difficult to navigate with a stroller at those times and if he was up on our backs or fronts then he could see a lot better too. So we could stash the stroller in a parking spot out of the crowds and walk around then pick the stroller back up for the walk back to the hotel. The other thought is that if you find a much cheaper alternative to the Hojo (Tropicana/Park Vue etc) than you could spring for a full day cabana rental at either GC or Disneyland Hotel with the savings and have your one pool day be there.

 

[hamilkm]

One other piece of advice... we took are almost 2 year old a lot in that timeframe (he's 4 now) and having an ergo carrier was great in the evenings. So if you have one you might take it too. We tended to carry him for fireworks/fantasmic as it is very difficult to navigate with a stroller at those times and if he was up on our backs or fronts then he could see a lot better too. So we could stash the stroller in a parking spot out of the crowds and walk around then pick the stroller back up for the walk back to the hotel. The other thought is that if you find a much cheaper alternative to the Hojo (Tropicana/Park Vue etc) than you could spring for a full day cabana rental at either GC or Disneyland Hotel with the savings and have your one pool day be there.

Can you use the pools there if you aren’t staying there???? With a mousesavers discount the Hojo is only 10 bucks more per night than the Tropicana . I can’t find pricing on the Park Vue online. I will need to call them. My mom is pretty set on the Hojo. We are still holding out a small candle of hope that we can get GC in a studio at 7 months, lol!

 

[Becca1007]

Can you use the pools there if you aren’t staying there???? With a mousesavers discount the Hojo is only 10 bucks more per night than the Tropicana . I can’t find pricing on the Park Vue online. I will need to call them. My mom is pretty set on the Hojo. We are still holding out a small candle of hope that we can get GC in a studio at 7 months, lol!

If you rent a cabana, it gets a certain number of people use of the pool area all day.

 

[oumagic]

If you book HoJo, I suggest you do not book the non-refundable and non-cancel rate. I just booked that rate on Sunday for our October trip and found a lower rate the next day and they will not match the lower rate.