In need of hotel help...PLEASE!

[Marge123]

My family (husband and toddler son) are planning our FIRST visit to DisneyLand in August. There are SOOO many hotel options we don't know which to choose. DL hotels are too expensive for our budget. After much research, we are thinking of either the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and Water Park OR Ayres Hotel Anaheim. We plan on having a car so distance to DL isn't that big of a deal, but here are my questions:

-Which hotel from the two above would you pick and why?
-Does anyone know if the Ayres Shuttle to DL is free and if so, is it reliable/how often does it run?
-Is the HoJo kids waterpark REALLY worth the extra money?
-Is there another hotel we should be considering (keeping in mind, my husband is VERY worried about Bed Bugs!)

THANKS for all your help!!!!

 

[skiingfast]

we are thinking of either the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and Water Park OR Ayres Hotel Anaheim.

-Which hotel from the two above would you pick and why?

Hojo's because the splash pool is todler appropiate, and it's close. If you didn't have young kids, it wasn't warm summer, or your first visit, I would suggest the opposite.

-Does anyone know if the Ayres Shuttle to DL is free and if so, is it reliable/how often does it run?

It's ART, Anahiem Resort Transit. It's about $4 a day per adult, though with multi day discounts. It runs every 60 minutes.

-Is the HoJo kids waterpark REALLY worth the extra money?

If you use it. I doubt a toddler would appreciate it over another pool.

-Is there another hotel we should be considering (keeping in mind, my husband is VERY worried about Bed Bugs!)

If you don't mind driving you could use Priceline for the South Anaheim area at 4 starts and get a nice hotel. You may pay upto $15 more per day for parking at the hotel. Then rely on ART or drive to Disney parking for another $15 per day.

I would not worry about bed bugs at any of the hotels along Harbor that are across from the parks. From all of those locations you can walk to the parks.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Even though you say you will have a car, I would still pick the HOJO. The convenience of being able to walk to and from DL trumps many other things, especially when travelling with young children.

If you are open to it, you could also consider some of the other Good Neighbor hotels that are right across from the pedestrian entrance. Though the HOJO pool/waterplay area is indeed one of the nicest.

Here is a map that shows the hotels that are closest to the pedestrian entrance.

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

 

[brenda1966]

Hojo's for sure. Due to location. I would leave the car parked. Not only is paying for parking at Disney expensive, dealing with the parking garage and either shuttling to the park or walking from the lot is VERY time consuming. Not worth it.

I disagree that a toddler wouldn't prefer Hojo's over another pool. Hojo's has a great little kiddle pool and splash area with water that squirts up out of the ground. Just perfect for little kids. Mine liked it a lot more than an ice cold swimming pool. Plus the hot tub is right near it.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

You can get a 15% discount at Hojo's if you mention Disboards. I don't have the phone number right now, but you would want to call the Anaheim hotel directly (not the 1-800 number) and ask for the Disboards discount. This may help it be more affordable for you.

 

[Liray777]

Even though you say you will have a car, I would still pick the HOJO. The convenience of being able to walk to and from DL trumps many other things, especially when travelling with young children.

If you are open to it, you could also consider some of the other Good Neighbor hotels that are right across from the pedestrian entrance. Though the HOJO pool/waterplay area is indeed one of the nicest.

Here is a map that shows the hotels that are closest to the pedestrian entrance.

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

If you dont mind driving my favorite off site hotel is the Hilton. Very nice and clean!

 

[mystic_path]

Hojo would be my vote for sure. Its a comfortable clean friendly stay. Generally has decent rates, and has a great pool area for the kids and it is within walking distance with many restaurants around for places to eat. PLUS since its within walking distance, no shuttle is required to get to the park saving on time and money, nor would you have to pay extra for DL Resort parking.

My suggestion to you is to Google Map the Disneyland area, and check out all the hotels on the Harbor BLVD across from Disneyland. You can also walk to streets through Google Earth to get an idea of how close those hotels are. Then when you find the ones that interest you, you can always contact them for pricing, or check multiple online travel agencies for prices.

 

[Marge123]

Thank you for the map...that really helps!! Thank you to everyone else too for your advice. We still haven't decided, but l can see there is yet more research to do....

 

[Hound 109]

My family (husband and toddler son) are planning our FIRST visit to DisneyLand in August. There are SOOO many hotel options we don't know which to choose. DL hotels are too expensive for our budget. After much research, we are thinking of either the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and Water Park OR Ayres Hotel Anaheim. We plan on having a car so distance to DL isn't that big of a deal, but here are my questions:

-Which hotel from the two above would you pick and why?
-Does anyone know if the Ayres Shuttle to DL is free and if so, is it reliable/how often does it run?
-Is the HoJo kids waterpark REALLY worth the extra money?
-Is there another hotel we should be considering (keeping in mind, my husband is VERY worried about Bed Bugs!)

THANKS for all your help!!!!

Walking distance.

If you're not staying on site, stay on Harbor. (I like the Candy Cane for several reasons, but also like the FFI & Hojos & would stay at 2-3 others on Harbor near the crosswalk)

Do more research....start with HG's superthread.

But...stay Walking Distance!