New Perspective on Walking Distance

[msdaisy]

I am having an inner debate on walking distance hotels and DLR. My family normally travels to WDW, but we have been to DLR once! Last summer we stayed at Embassy Suites North which was around 5 miles from the park.

It was a great hotel with free parking, great breakfast, free booze, and plenty of room. Did I mention free booze?

We stayed at Old Key West which is "on property" this June at WDW and were much further from the parks.

We have decided on DLR for next June, and I know that everyone says that walking distance is a must. We will stay a total of 10 nights. We will have 4 park days throughout that time period mixed with the beach, Hollywood, and the San Diego Zoo. We will have a rental van.

So my big debate is a comfy plush hotel further away or a walking distance hotel. I can't see paying to stay on property. Those prices are out of sight, and I never see any kind of specials for the summer months. Plus we will be getting two rooms since my mom and sister will be joining my family of four.

I want to say we paid right at $100 a night for Embassy Suites in 2013. It was a last minute trip, and I used that MVP code. I thought it was a great rate. Of course I want to be able to hyper plan as if I'm going to Orlando, and it's not really necessary.

Any advice would be appreciated. Oh, my only complaint about that Embassy Suites was the pool. It's inside and small. My kids love pool time so I wish I could find something reasonable with a nice pool and a free breakfast.

 

[figment_jii]

So my big debate is a comfy plush hotel further away or a walking distance hotel.

When possible, I avoid dealing with the parking structure, so I would probably opt for a walking distance hotel.

The only walking distance hotel where I've heard folks talk about the pool is at the Howard Johnson Anaheim. Unfortunately, I don't think it has a free breakfast.

 

[superme80]

I don't mind taking my car. I get my tickets through AAA so I get free parking. My kids love the tram from the parking garage to Downtown Disney. They told me it was one of their favorite rides. I personally would go with the nice hotel that has free booze. I think it would be worth it. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[sheetz]

I don't care what others say. I stay off site at a nice hotel w/ free breakfast and park at the Toy Story Lot.

 

[SweetAlex]

We've done both. Our first trip we stayed across the street and our second we stayed about a 5-7 min drive away. We will never stay in a hotel that isn't within walking distance again. We hated having to rely on the shuttle. If we forgot something important at the hotel, we were pretty much screwed because who wants to waste an hour or more (depending on the schedule) running back and forth. We loved staying across the street the first time. When rain came on all of a sudden, dh just ran back to the hotel to grab our sweaters and umbrellas and we barely skipped a beat. Walking to and from for a mid-day break was easy and we could come and go on our own time.

In December, we're staying across the street again and are SO looking forward to it!

 

[TheSpooph]

We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn this past week and had a great time. They have free breakfast (not as good as Embassy Suites but had muffins, pastries, bagels), an outside pool with a kiddie pool and hot tub, and it's within walking distance. The deluxe rooms are plenty big but felt a little small for us with two small children, pack n play, 2 strollers, suitcases...

The hotel is nice - nothing fancy but not old/stuffy. It reminds me of some of the hotels we stay at in Branson. Definitely felt more family owned and not like a chain. (I have no idea if that is true, but it felt that way!)

The location was great for midday naps and pool breaks. Plus, it's walking distance to Garden Walk with its restaurants.

Good luck!

 

[endy]

Ayres Orange and Ayres Anaheim check all the boxes. Free parking, good hot breakfast, nice rooms, just above the $100 mark. Only downfall are the pools aren't too big. The Orange pool has a nice setup, the Anaheim pool is basically in the parking lot.
Most important was the Mon-Thu evening free wine and beer along with chips and salsa when we were there.
Oh can't forget the cookies at the front desk.

I've stayed at both and wouldn't hesitate to stay at either again. Both are within a few miles. If you're going to a hockey or baseball game then Ayres Anaheim is ideal.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

There used to be a Country Inn & Suites a few miles away with free breakfast and a very nice pool. Of course it's provably changed hands by now. Unfortunately I don't remember the exact location, so I don't know which brand it is now.

I do like Embassy Suites. Their breakfast is nice, as is their social hour. For local walking distance hotels, Holiday Inn Resort on Walnut Ave. is quite nice. You can walk to the park through DTD in less than 20mins. But you can also walk to the Mickey & Friends team stop and ride the tram in. This hotel also has a nice pool, restaurant and (I believe) a bar. They have packages available that include breakfast, but it's not automatically included.

Another nice hotel is Hotel Indigo on Katella. They are owned by IHG, which also owns Holiday Inn. We just stayed there 2 weeks ago and really liked it. The walk is less than 15 mins along a Harbor. Nice pool, great rooms, restaurant & bar, and FREE parking.

Hope this helps.

 

[Speechphi]

We stayed at the Fairfield on Harbor last year & it was very nice. My kids loved the pool (which is in the parking lot basically). I don't think there was breakfast. We are rope drop people though, so we just bring granola bars &/or trail mix to eat while we walk to the park.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Walking distance, but if not, as a PPer says, park in Toy Story, not Mickey and Friends, to save time.

 

[BayGirl22]

To me the Sheraton (the one on Harbor) is the compromise between a comfy, more upscale hotel and walking distance. The walk is a bit longer than I'd prefer to do every day, but I've done it and is fine. (Nothing compared to WDW) Its a step above the other off site hotels in the area in terms of service level. I'm usually there on business or use points, so not sure if breakfast and parking are usually included. The last time I stayed there my rate was very reasonable.

 

[msdaisy]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! We never have this much trouble deciding on a hotel at WDW!

 

[SoonerSean]

We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn this past week and had a great time.

We stayed at the Hilton not too far from the Candy Cane Inn. Almost every time we passed it my daughter said she wanted to go inside and ask if they gave out free candy canes to the guests.

Looked like a nice little hotel... almost had a bungalow feel.

 

[MICKEYFIL]

To me the Sheraton (the one on Harbor) is the compromise between a comfy, more upscale hotel and walking distance. The walk is a bit longer than I'd prefer to do every day, but I've done it and is fine. (Nothing compared to WDW) Its a step above the other off site hotels in the area in terms of service level. I'm usually there on business or use points, so not sure if breakfast and parking are usually included. The last time I stayed there my rate was very reasonable.

I believe you are referring to the Sheraton Park Hotel. My family doesn't have experience at the other hotels, but this upcoming trip will be our third at the Sheraton Park Hotel and it is a decent, well-run hotel. The pool is a little lacking, but for us the best part is using are Starwood points there. For 28,000 points you get the place free for five nights, but for just 32,000 points you can get a club level room with free breakfest and free bottles of juice and water. I'm not saying it is better then all the rest, but it has worked for us and the rates seem reasonable for what you get.

 

[bethy]

I normally will only stay within walking distance - no matter what. I don't care what is offered as free because I wouldn't be at the hotel during the time those "free" things are offered - I'd be at the parks. But we usually only go for about 4 nights total and only do DLR. I do care about cleanliness and basic creature comforts.

HOWEVER, for a 10 day long SoCal trip with only 4 days actually spent at DLR then I too, would opt for a nicer hotel, further away - if I had to choose. In fact for a trip like that, I personally would get a nice hotel near or on the beach and just make the commute to DLR four times. For me, for a long vacation, it's important I stay someplace nice with nice things within walking distance of the hotel - like a beach, cute town, nice restaurants, etc. I'd look at Carlbad or Newport beach.

 

[Tasscrapper]

Another option is to stay at one of the hotels by Toy Story Parking lot and and waking to it. I have heard of multiple people doing that. It doesn't matter if you park there or not you can still ride for free.

 

[jcarwash]

My choice is Best Western Park Place Inn, one of the closest walking distance hotels, directly across from the east side entrance.

There is a charge for parking, but a (decent, not special) breakfast is included. There is a pool although it's pretty plain.

It's the combination of distance/nice rooms/breakfast that I like.

Also, as above, Howard Johnson, Fairfield Inn, Candy Cane Inn are usually recommended.

 

[goooof1]

We stayed at the Hilton not too far from the Candy Cane Inn. Almost every time we passed it my daughter said she wanted to go inside and ask if they gave out free candy canes to the guests.

Looked like a nice little hotel... almost had a bungalow feel.

YES! they do give out candy canes!....
It is a great little place....family owned, immaculate, nice breakfast in the a.m., free parking, and a free shuttle even though it is in easy walking distance (less than 10 minutes). A good, comfortable choice and reasonable rates.

 

[scociny]

Although I haven't stayed here, but as a family, we try to stay at the Hilton Homewood Suites whenever we travel. There is a free breakfast, and they also have a small dinner with free beer and wine at night Sun-Thurs. So, even if the rates are higher, it is a great value because food is included. Not sure about parking costs in Anaheim though. Some hotels also have 2 bedroom,2 bath suites as well so instead of two rooms, you can maybe share to make it more affordable. I like that they have full size fridges too.

 

[goooof1]

Do NOT underestimate the advantages of walking distance!! Driving or shuttling adds time, time, time to your park day. It is so very nice to be able to get to the park entrance in 10 minutes or less. As previously pointed out, not having to wait for shuttles and drop offs or trams and getting out of parking garages/lots....traffic, etc. is worth it. Just a few minutes walk and you are back to your room and able to relax. This is the reason these small and older motels are very popular.