New here - need some suggestions

[Chauntae]

Hi everyone!

Our family is heading back to SoCal in September, and last time we stayed at the Fairfield Inn - we won't be returning this time.

I was looking at the disney site for hotel information and I know that most places don't seem to offer a breakfast. I think we're wanting to go this route this time, mainly because we'll save money, but also because I think it will save us time, as well. I'm finding that the Suite category hotels offer this, but am not sure about any superior or moderate. Does anyone know of any? If so, do you recommend them?

Also, I liked the location of the FFI, and would like something in a similar proximity. I seem to like the Desert Palms Suites, but wanted to know of others' experiences. One site says 150 yds away from Disney, another says 2 blocks. How far is it really and if it's farther, Iis there a hotel you'd recommend that is closer than that?

My inlaws are joining us, but we'll be booking seperately. Us for four (DH and I and two kids - 14, 8) and then my inlaws - just the two of them. The price I saw at Desert was $1400 for 5 nights stay and 5 days in parks. And if I book through Costco.com, we get a $20 Disney GC and a free Character Meal per person (which we'd likely use on dinner, since it seems to be the most expensive).

We live in NorCal, so we'll be driving, and we get free parking through AAA, but I'd rather stay closer if we could.

I know it's a lot of questions, but I'm an OCD planner and need to get this booked now, lol.

I'm going to be reading other threads for info as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tzeitel]

I really like this site for the map
http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

There is a Desert Inn and Suites and I believe there is a Desert palms - the Inn is right across the street from DLR but Palms is farther away.

 

[skiingfast]

I really like this site for the map
http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

There is a Desert Inn and Suites and I believe there is a Desert palms - the Inn is right across the street from DLR but Palms is farther away.

I think that is why the two distances. Though honestly the Desert Palms Suites isn't that bad of a walk. I think I timed it at 10 minutes down a fairly quiet sidewalk.


OP, I'm not sure what you mean be superior and moderate. Where did the FFI fall in to this grouping?

By my estimate no superiors are going to have free breakfast. Not the Sheratons and Hiltons. Though some very good independent hotels do.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We like the Candy Cane Inn right next door. It is an easy walk, they offere a free shuttle, and they have free breakfast. We've stayed their twice and plan to go back there this summer. We have two teen boys and while the rooms are a tad small, it is do-able.

We also like Embassy Suites South. They are a mile away so you will need to drive. They have an amazing breakfast and manager's cocktail hour in the evening. The rooms are large and we loved it. However, lately we've been preferring the quick walk from CCI.

 

[Chauntae]

Sorry, I was referencing the hotels by superior and moderate, based on what Disney.com has them listed as when you look into booking. Actually, a lot of the suites offer free breakfast. I would actually expect it to be opposite - the higher priced hotels = free breakfast, but what do I know? LOL!

 

[PinkBudgie]

You may want to price the hotel alone and not get a package. It might be cheaper but you will just have to check both ways to see. We've never done a package. Now we have APs but we used to buy the tickets from AAA to get the free parking and then make the hotel reservations ourselves.

 

[QueenDoOver]

I would consider the value of the breakfast, vs just having breakfast things in the room. (grocery delivery?) I don't think any of the Harbour Motels have a breakfast any better than what you could have in the room. In my opinion, if you aren't specifically looking for a lovely cooked breakfast option (and if saving time is the purpose, then it would seem not?) then I would not let that free breakfast thing be the determining factor.

My kids love to stay at HOJO. The rooms are just bigger, which really helps with the fighting (I have two, about the same ages as yours). The walk is easy for that age (a bit harder for younger), and we all love the option of Mimi's and McDonalds as we go back and forth. It really makes it easy to meet everyone's needs and save a little money. We do grocery delivery for breakfast stuff and water and I usually throw in some extra microwaveable pockets and little alcohol (which is super nice at the end of the day).

We love the kids suites for even more space, but even just the queen rooms are way bigger than most hotel rooms.

Good luck in your planning.

 

[Mickeybell]

I know that the Carousel on Harbor has a free continential breakfast. They have donuts, muffins, cereal, coffee and milk. I know they also offer a small breakfast burrito for a buck or two (not sure exactly how much they cost because we didnt get one).
The last time we went we stayed at the Fairfield and since they dont offer a breakfast I brought stuff with us (we drove). I also didnt want to waste too much time or money on breakfast so this worked out for us. I brought hard boiled eggs, mini bagels and cream cheese, nutrigran bars and poptarts. We had plenty for everyone to choose from.
So that may be an idea. If you find a hotel you want to stay at but doesnt have a free breakfast as long as it has a fridge your good! We actually found this worked better for us because the eggs made it more substantial of a breakfast and we werent as hungry as early for lunch.