Lots of questions from a Floridian! :)

[Tink522]

Hello, we are planning on visiting Disneyland in August of 2020 as well as attending Celebration at the Anaheim Convention Center. We live in South Florida and visit WDW/Universal Orlando 4 to 5 times a year. DS will be 9 by our trip date and loves roller coasters, so I'm thinking a visit to Knotts Berry as well. We are thinking of staying 9 nights but the thought of eating 3 meals a day for 10 days is not appealing (both cost wise and health wise). Thus I was hoping to find either an extended stay type hotel or a vacation condo nearby. There's tons of those types places around WDW but I only found 2 near DL (Dolphins Cove and Residence Inn Convention Center). I know it's super early but I was hoping to get some recommendations so I can pricing things out. Any other recommendations you can pass along for not to miss restaurants, site, or experiences would be greatly appreciated. :

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

There are also some VBRO/AirBNB options very close to DL - we've stayed in funtierland houses a couple of times as a large group and it worked well.

My biggest recommendation is to check out HydroGuy's thread DLR for WDW Vets. It is thorough and does a great job at pointing out the differences in planning for both: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[MATTERHORN]

Peacock Suites is also decent! Could easily Uber to parks if you don't have a car!

 

[tsumgirl]

The Residence Inn Anaheim Convention Center rooms have a full kitchen, but lately it's been on the pricier side. I just thought I'd mention it, since it would put you in walking distance of both the parks and the convention center.

 

[pharmama]

Homewood Suites would be another reasonable option with a full kitchen. Easy access to the convention center and right next to the Toy Story lot so you can take the shuttle (or its also walkable) to the parks. They also offer free hot breakfast daily and a light dinner option in the evenings (dinner might be weeknights only). I think Hyatt House and Springhill Suites near the convention center also have room options with kitchens. They are all located in the same general area that is convenient to both the convention center and the parks.

Keep an eye on local regulations with regard to VRBO and AirBnB and make sure whoever you rent from is following those rules and has proper permits if you go that route.

I have not heard good things about Dolphin's Cove...

 

[goooof1]

@HydroGuy has all the answers up in the "stickies" above...… "Hydroguys tips "

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Threads with good information for you (many of which have already been mentioned in the above posts):
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- from the sticky threads at the top of the first page -- TONS of great information here!
From that sticky:
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so many helpful threads here!
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- absolute must reading for you!
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- very helpful info here -- ask any questions! As mentioned above, VRBO is not the best option for DLR (and there are still VRBOs that are operating illegally around Anaheim) -- if at all possible, you want to be walking distance to the parks -- at DLR, it's all about location, location, location! What you invest in location/hotel, you will save in sanity, peace of mind, physical wear and tear, major convenience, commute/parking time and money, etc.
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- most WDW vets love MP once they use it -- read up on it here and ask all your questions in this thread!
"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by @3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297 -- very helpful info here -- closest airports to DLR are SNA (John Wayne) and LGB (Long Beach).

Happy trip planning!

This post from another recent thread has great information for you!
Another hotel to look at: The Clementine (by the GardenWalk shopping center) -- used to be the Residence Inn Maingate -- walking distance to the parks and also on the ART route. Keep checking the rates for the Residence Inn and the Springhill Suites by the Convention Center. There is another Springhill Suites on Ball. Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites Garden Grove, Embassy Suites Garden Grove, etc. Garden Grove is just a mile south of the parks -- an easy shuttle or Uber ride and lower rates because you are no longer in the "Anaheim Resort District."

 

[Howry]

We always stay at Dolphins Cove because of timeshare points and its decent. Not great. The updated pool is really nice, its a gated community area so feels nice and safe, parking is free if you get a car. Dennys next door, a liquor store across the st. ART bus stop by Dennys. You may be able to get a decent deal on it if you can find someone doing a time share exchange/points sale. I'm sure there are sites that do that. Peacock suites is also under the RCI time share list as well but I have never stayed there.

 

[bwvBound]

We are at Dolphins Cove right now for the D23 Expo. It is an easy walk to the Convention Center!