Hotel Shuttle?

[jandm]

Which off site hotel has the best shuttle service? We are looking at either the Sheraton Anaheim or the Doubletree. But am open to anymore ideas. Does the Sheraton have their own? Looking for any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Geemo]

Are you asking about an airport shuttle or shuttle to the parks?

 

[jandm]

shuttle to the parks.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We used the Anaheim Sheraton's shuttle several years ago. I assume they still have it. We've also used the Embassy Suites bus. Very convenient since it's so close to the park.

 

[jandm]

Does anyone know if the Doubletree has their own shuttle?

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Yes, the Hilton Doubletree in Orange has it's own free shuttle to Disneyland. We stayed there last summer. It ran every 30 minutes, and was always on time.

The Hilton Anaheim doesn't have it's own shuttle, but you can take ART (Anaheim Resort Transit). ART costs 4.00 per day for unlimited rides.

They Hyatt Regency Orange Count has it's own shuttle, but they started charging in January for it. I believe it now costs 4.00 per day as well.

Hope this helps
Lisa

 

[jandm]

Great! What did you think of the Doubletree? There are SO many hotels to choose from, that it's a little overwhelming! From what I've read so far, it sounds like I would prefer a hotel with it's own reliable shuttle.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

I thought the Hilton Double Tree was your average Hilton. It was definitely nice enough--with a good, bright lobby and free cookies at check in. The only reason I wouldn't necessarily go back is that it felt a little removed from the parks. Some people don't mind this, but I am the type of person who loves staying on property (at one of the DLR hotels). If we can't always afford it then I tend to like staying closer. I actually got a great deal at hotel via Priceline--it was like 49.00 per night, so who am I to complain? I called the hotel right after I booked it via priceline, and requested a Disney fireworks view and two beds in the room. They said they would do their best, and that is what we got. The beds are doubles, not queens--and it was very uncomfortable sharing with my daughter (too small of a bed for two people). I think all of their rooms may be double beds or King bed. We could see fireworks, but it was pretty far away and not that special due to the distance. This Hilton is located in Orange, which is about a 15 minute drive from Disneyland. There are some shops nearby in an area called "Orange on the Block". We didn't look into those.

If you stay in Anaheim this means staying at one of the motels/hotels across the street on Harbor, typically. These places are not as nice as the Hilton. They are often motor coach style motels, which is a different product than the Hilton, you know?

If you don't mind a motor coach style motel (where you actually park in front of your motel room--no view and older, smaller rooms)--but still want a shuttle, then look into Candy Cane Inn. I stayed there with my daughter we loved the shuttle for that place--because it was NEVER crowded and very reliable. The rooms were small and dark and didn't provide much privacy, but the overall feel of the property was family friendly.

If you want a hotel that doesn't have a shuttle but is within walking distance to the parks, look into:
Howard Johnsons (a true hotel--indoor corridors and Disney facing rooms with views)
Fairfield Inn (a Marriot next to Howard Johnsons with outdoor cooridors)

There are some other closer motels, but just remember closer doesn't always mean better!

 

[jandm]

I agree w/ you - I'm not interested in staying at the hotels directly across the street. I would love to stay at one of the onsite Disneyland hotels, but I just can't swallow the price when we can stay at a Hilton or Sheraton for a lot less, yet still have a nice place to stay. Also looking at the Embassy Suites South. I guess we are looking for a nice place with a very reliable shuttle service. Is there any difference between the ART service and a hotel that has a private shuttle service?? Thanks for your help!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

I think it is probably much less complicated to stay at one of the hotels that has it's own shuttle. Less crowds and stops, right? When we stayed at CCI with their shuttle I remember thinking it was just so convienent. If only the motel wasn't so motel-y we would stay there every time!

I am not a super picky person, but when I go on vacation (even at Disneyland!) I want it to feel like a "vacation". So for me, that means staying some place nicer.

Our next trip we are actually staying at the Hilton Anaheim. This will be a first for us--because we have never stayed some where that you have to take ART from. I have seen where that hotel is located, and I know for us, it is too far to walk--so we will take ART. The only reason we are staying there in June is because we are getting Disney view room for free for 3 nights! My husband travels so much for work and has lots of Hilton credits to give us. I will be sure to post my view of the ART experience after we get home.

I have a good friend who has very nice taste and she stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (they have their suites on sale--which is amazing deal for a family)--and she said it was wonderful. She typically likes to stay at the Grand Californian, but she said that they didn't want to leave the Hyatt after their stay. Many people are disgruntled that they now charge for their hotel shuttle, but I read that the reason they did that was so that they would no longer share shuttles with any other hotels around there--and that makes it much more comfortable for the guests. More room and a gauranteed private hotel shuttle.

 

[jandm]

Thank you so much for all of your feedback! We have been to WDW, but this will be our first trip to Disneyland, so I want to make sure we make the right decision