Planning 1st trip to DLR need help!

[adisneymama]

My family has visited WDW a number of times now. We have never been to DLR. We are planning on arriving on 12/21/10 and departing 12/27/10. We will most likely drive. DH has plenty of time off work and we want to add in a few stops along the way. My main questions are:
If a good neighbor hotel says it is 2 blocks away do we really need the ART? Or would we be able to walk it?
Do you have to book a package thru disneyland.com to get the dining plans? Or can you book directly with a good neighbor hotel?

Any good neighbor hotel you would recommend or better yet advise against?
Thanks!
Debbie

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

My family has visited WDW a number of times now. We have never been to DLR. We are planning on arriving on 12/21/10 and departing 12/27/10. We will most likely drive. DH has plenty of time off work and we want to add in a few stops along the way. My main questions are:
If a good neighbor hotel says it is 2 blocks away do we really need the ART? Or would we be able to walk it?
Do you have to book a package thru disneyland.com to get the dining plans? Or can you book directly with a good neighbor hotel?

Any good neighbor hotel you would recommend or better yet advise against?
Thanks!
Debbie

The thing you have to be careful of when a hotel says they are "2 blocks away" or "just across the street" from Disneyland, is that while they be near Disneyland, they might not be near the ENTRANCE to Disneyland...in other words, they are across from the backstage side of Disneyland or something like that. Check out online maps. The Main walking entrance to Disneyland is on Harbor Blvd halfway between Disney Way and Manchester Ave.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Dining Plan is not worth it! There is literally zero savings since they give you vouchers, so I would shop it our seperately. It's usually cheaper.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Dining Plan is not worth it! There is literally zero savings since they give you vouchers, so I would shop it our seperately. It's usually cheaper.

Oops. Missed that part of the question. Shannon's right....skip the dining plan.

 

[adisneymama]

Thanks I had priced it out and it is cheaper to do without the dining plan. Thanks for the info.

Tom I was looking at the Red Lion Hotel. Do you know anything about it?

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Thanks I had priced it out and it is cheaper to do without the dining plan. Thanks for the info.

Tom I was looking at the Red Lion Hotel. Do you know anything about it?

We stayed there when it used to be a Radisson and weren't very happy. I've heard good things since Red Lion took over.

It's on the SE corner of Harbor & Katella. A bit of a walk. Not too bad for adults, but might be much for little ones.

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

It is easier to give advice with a little more information....
How many are in your group?

Do you want or need a grown up bedroom with a door or are you happy to share a room with the kids?

How old are your children?

Do you like/use a hot tub or pool?

Do you want or need breakfast in the hotel?

What is your budget for hotel?

Do you want a King sized bed or are you happy with a queen or even a full?

 

[adisneymama]

We stayed there when it used to be a Radisson and weren't very happy. I've heard good things since Red Lion took over.

It's on the SE corner of Harbor & Katella. A bit of a walk. Not too bad for adults, but might be much for little ones.

Is there one that you would recommend? Not looking for fancy, just clean and safe.

It is easier to give advice with a little more information....
How many are in your group?
4 including 2 children who will be 8 and 3 at the time of the trip.

Do you want or need a grown up bedroom with a door or are you happy to share a room with the kids?
Don't mind sharing.
How old are your children?

Do you like/use a hot tub or pool?
Pool possibly, but not a deal breaker.
Do you want or need breakfast in the hotel?
Nice option to have, but not mandatory.
What is your budget for hotel?
Would like to stay for around $125/nt or less
Do you want a King sized bed or are you happy with a queen or even a full?

2 queens would be the best option.

Thanks so much!

 

[HydroGuy]

The thing you have to be careful of when a hotel says they are "2 blocks away" or "just across the street" from Disneyland, is that while they be near Disneyland, they might not be near the ENTRANCE to Disneyland...in other words, they are across from the backstage side of Disneyland or something like that. Check out online maps. The Main walking entrance to Disneyland is on Harbor Blvd halfway between Disney Way and Manchester Ave.

Yes, very true. See these maps...

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

 

[ILoveJack]

I've stayed at the Ramada Maingate, the Carousel Inn, and the Anaheim Fairfield Inn. All are within walking distance of about 5-10 minutes. I have also stayed at the Ramada North and have used the A.R.T. system which wasn't too bad. But if I have the extra money I prefer just staying across the street.

 

[adisneymama]

Well I just booked the Candy Cane Inn for 12/22 to 12/28. From the reviews I have read and thanks to the link to the map I hope it is a good decision!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Well I just booked the Candy Cane Inn for 12/22 to 12/28. From the reviews I have read and thanks to the link to the map I hope it is a good decision!

Great choice. Comfy rooms. Beautiful grounds. Filling continental breakfast. Easy walk to the park (and their own shuttle if you don't feel like walking).

 

[californiamomof4grls]

You can also google map anything that your a searching for while you are doing your Disney planning.We were just using this last night while planing our March trip last night!
Highlight the address cut and past into google then click maps. It will load the map and you can do one of two things you can click street view which is literally like walking down harbor. Or you can look at an ariel (sp?) shot that will show you all of the hotels around Disney. It's all marked so it will show you the entrance of the park in comparison to the hotels that are really across the street and so on. It also lists restaurants and stores in the area.

 

[itradehilton]

Places on Harbor Blvd. are good options. We were just at the Hilton by the convention center and it was an easy walk to the park. Also only a $6 taxi ride back. This was cheaper then using the bus system for our group of 6. When the kids were little we would stay right across the street at the Dessert Inn and suites. It is directly across from the Maingate of Disneyland and next door to Denny's.

 

[adisneymama]

Thanks everybody. We are so excited! So much to learn though! Keep any advice coming!