Parking/hotel questions

[PixieT78]

Currently looking at possibly spending 2-3 days at DLR and want to get an understanding of some of the logistics. We're contemplating being there the third week of March, likely Mon-Wed or Tues-Wed.

Ideally we'd like to be close enough to walk to the parks from the hotel but we will have a car as we'll be coming from Palm Springs and I don't think there is another way to get there!

We'd like to arrive somewhere around opening, give or take an hour or so, on our first day. However, since it will be so early, I don't know if there is a way to avoid parking at the park first since we likely can't check in to any of the hotels that early. Similar for when we leave - we'd be looking at leaving in the evening on our last day, so again, I don't know if there are options to avoid parking at the park?

Also open to hotel suggestions - we did stay at DLH on our last trip and while I really liked it, I don't think I want to pay those prices again. Though we are definitely "in the bubble" WDW/Universal people. I'm also having trouble rooting through all the Good Neighbour hotels - seems like at least someone prefers each one of them? lol We've done both value and moderate at WDW and pool doesn't matter much since we'll be in the parks the majority of the time since it is a short and sweet trip. So I'm open to suggestions!

 

[Mamabun]

Most if not all of the hotels will allow you to check in early (even if you're room is not ready) and leave your car in their lot (some charge for parking, some don't), but at least you won't have to pay for parking at the park.

We recently stayed at the Courtyard Theme Park Entrance - loved it - great location, wonderful staff, really nice, big rooms. But there are definitely less expensive hotels equally close.

 

[BrandonH]

If you can (check with your hotel for their policy), park your car at the hotel and walk/Uber over to the parks.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

Call the hotel and explain your situation. I have found that they often accommodate those who need to park there early, or keep the car there later on their last day.

It's true that many of the hotels along Harbor, especially right across from the entrance crosswalk, have similar reviews. I have stayed at several myself, and none of them stand out as particularly better than the others. The hotels I ended up preferring often had a lot more to do with location (how close they are to the crosswalk) than anything special about the hotel rooms or service. I might give a slight edge to Camelot Inn, but I'd stay in almost any of the hotels again if the price was right. I would probably not stay at Castle Inn again, or anything further away, because the walk was a bit longer than I'd like.

 

[PixieT78]

Thank you!

I had noticed BWPPI restricts their parking so I wasn’t sure if that was something a lot of the hotels do. That said, it’s actually still a decent price, even if I had to pay for parking at the park (or if they’d let me just pay their parking fee for the extra time!).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Currently looking at possibly spending 2-3 days at DLR and want to get an understanding of some of the logistics. We're contemplating being there the third week of March, likely Mon-Wed or Tues-Wed.

Ideally we'd like to be close enough to walk to the parks from the hotel but we will have a car as we'll be coming from Palm Springs and I don't think there is another way to get there!...

Also open to hotel suggestions - we did stay at DLH on our last trip and while I really liked it, I don't think I want to pay those prices again. Though we are definitely "in the bubble" WDW/Universal people. I'm also having trouble rooting through all the Good Neighbour hotels - seems like at least someone prefers each one of them? lol We've done both value and moderate at WDW and pool doesn't matter much since we'll be in the parks the majority of the time since it is a short and sweet trip. So I'm open to suggestions!

Threads with good information for you:
* 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! At DLR, it's not about on site or off site -- 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. The "Good Neighbor" designation really doesn't mean much at DLR, so don't pay too much attention to whether a hotel has it or doesn't.
Our closest go-to is the Candy Cane Inn: clean, close, free private shuttle that runs on time!, free continental breakfast (generous), free parking, great customer service, various discounts (call to see if you qualify for something). We book the Premium rooms -- larger, small fridge and microwave, robes, amenities basket, DVD player and free rentals at the front desk, laminate floors, breakfast delivered to the room (on time!). CCI is next door to the A Mart convenience store and very close to the 7-11 and CVS (24/7), in case you need/forgot something.
Our other go-to is the Sheraton Park -- about a 15+ minute walk on Harbor, inside corridors, very good customer service, etc. Also close to the CVS and Walgreens (both 24/7). The Sheraton Park is a short walk from the Toy Story lot where you can catch the free shuttles to/from the parks if you don't want to walk.

 

[Lauren in NC]

We're fans of Candy Cane Inn because they have free parking and free breakfast, and everyone there is super nice! We've never had any issue with leaving our car there after checkout, so I'd assume they'd be fine with you checking in early - your room won't be ready, but they can still give you the car placard. We actually used the shuttle for the first time on our last trip (no strollers finally!) and it was lovely.

 

[dina444444]

Hotel indigo also offers free parking.

 

[tarheelalum]

I recommend the Hotel Indigo. Book it direct through www.ihg.com But wherever you stay try to book it direct with the property. Stay far, far away from booking anything with Disney. The good neighbor hotel designation at Disneyland is a joke.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I think the GN designation only means that the hotel can sell DLR tickets -- which, nowadays, with the ease of using the Disneyland app to buy your tickets and go right to the gate, doesn't really mean anything special.

 

[PixieT78]

Thank you again! I think I was getting overwhelmed with the choices so it helps to have some recent recommendations! The Candy Cane Inn is definitely a contender - great price and looks to be walking distance if we don’t grab the shuttle?

I’ll take a look at the links provided too - I think I looked at some of them but not in depth.

Mostly I need to get our dates firmed up, hopefully this weekend so I can book the hotel and car rental and see if anyone else is coming (doubtful).

Then it can be real too

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you again! I think I was getting overwhelmed with the choices so it helps to have some recent recommendations! The Candy Cane Inn is definitely a contender - great price and looks to be walking distance if we don’t grab the shuttle?...

CCI is definitely walking distance -- about an 8-10 minute walk, depending on the one signal -- on the same side of Harbor as the parks, so the walk is an easy one.
After you read through the linked threads, come on back with any questions.
By the way, if you go with 3+ day tickets (purchased ahead, not at the booths, and not military discount), you'll receive a Magic Morning (one hour early entry to DL -- FL and TL only -- on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday).

 

[bumbershoot]

Hojo definitely allows parking like you’d need, and is easily walkable.

 

[Becca1007]

The Park Vue Inn is our hotel of choice ... as close as you can get to the Harbor crosswalk. And they have always let us park there early on our check in day and late on our check out day. No specific charge for parking. They have a "resort fee" but it is included in the price advertised on their website and includes, breakfast and wifi.