Please Help Me With Planning.....

[Flattes]

My head is about to explode with all my options/decisions and I keep going around and around achieving nothing! Hoping you experienced folks can help me out!

I am from Canada and heading off on a cruise over Christmas, disembarking in San Pedro on January 3rd. Figured that we would add on 3 extra days at the end and do Disney. Travelling will be myself, mom, and DD (10) and DS (6). We did Disneyland 8 years ago but have not been there since....

1. Getting from San Pedro pier to whichever hotel we book in Anaheim: I am thinking either private van/shuttle/cab/uber rather than having to wait for others to depart. Any recommendations on best/cheapest/reliable options? In terms of car seats - do I need one in California? Both my kids have outgrown the height/weight requirements in Canada but wondering if the 6 year old would still need one in California?

2. Hotel in Anaheim: AAAAGGH! Last time we went we stayed at Park Vue Inn and were happy with it - great location, decent rooms, ok breakfast. Difference was, back then we paid $89 a night. The dates we are looking for it's closer to $200 a night at Park Vue - we liked it well enough, but we didn't like it $200 a night enough! I remember last year searching on here and finding a breakdown of all the good neighbour hotels and their pros/cons/reviews. For the life of me I can't find it now! Can anyone point me to it? I currently have a hold on Desert Inn and Suites (family parlor suite) and Hilton Anaheim (2 rooms). I like the location of Desert Inn but my mom is really picky with hotels and is concerned about the fact that it is older and there are many bad reviews about cleanliness, etc. We are looking for either a 2 bedroom suite OR two rooms and trying to keep the budget under $1,000 for 3 nights (Jan 3rd to 6th). A friend recommended the Hilton and Marriott hotels at the convention centre. They both look nice and claim to be within walking distance - is this true? I don't mind a 10-15 minute walk to get to Disney, but can't imagine dragging the kids back after a long day at the park. If anyone can help with hotel recommendations I would be sooooo happy!

3. Disney tickets: Once again, sticker shock hit when comparing the pricing to last time we were there! I think 3 day Park Hoppers are the obvious choice, but what is the cheapest/best way to purchase? Any promos/deals that can be had?

4. Flight out to Canada on the 6th is at 7am from LAX (yuck). I assume this will be international and requires us to be at the airport by 4am? What is the best (and most economical) way to get there?

Thanks in advance for any/all help and suggestions!!!

 

[Geemo]

My head is about to explode with all my options/decisions and I keep going around and around achieving nothing! Hoping you experienced folks can help me out!

I am from Canada and heading off on a cruise over Christmas, disembarking in San Pedro on January 3rd. Figured that we would add on 3 extra days at the end and do Disney. Travelling will be myself, mom, and DD (10) and DS (6). We did Disneyland 8 years ago but have not been there since....

1. Getting from San Pedro pier to whichever hotel we book in Anaheim: I am thinking either private van/shuttle/cab/uber rather than having to wait for others to depart. Any recommendations on best/cheapest/reliable options? In terms of car seats - do I need one in California? Both my kids have outgrown the height/weight requirements in Canada but wondering if the 6 year old would still need one in California?

2. Hotel in Anaheim: AAAAGGH! Last time we went we stayed at Park Vue Inn and were happy with it - great location, decent rooms, ok breakfast. Difference was, back then we paid $89 a night. The dates we are looking for it's closer to $200 a night at Park Vue - we liked it well enough, but we didn't like it $200 a night enough! I remember last year searching on here and finding a breakdown of all the good neighbour hotels and their pros/cons/reviews. For the life of me I can't find it now! Can anyone point me to it? I currently have a hold on Desert Inn and Suites (family parlor suite) and Hilton Anaheim (2 rooms). I like the location of Desert Inn but my mom is really picky with hotels and is concerned about the fact that it is older and there are many bad reviews about cleanliness, etc. We are looking for either a 2 bedroom suite OR two rooms and trying to keep the budget under $1,000 for 3 nights (Jan 3rd to 6th). A friend recommended the Hilton and Marriott hotels at the convention centre. They both look nice and claim to be within walking distance - is this true? I don't mind a 10-15 minute walk to get to Disney, but can't imagine dragging the kids back after a long day at the park. If anyone can help with hotel recommendations I would be sooooo happy!

3. Disney tickets: Once again, sticker shock hit when comparing the pricing to last time we were there! I think 3 day Park Hoppers are the obvious choice, but what is the cheapest/best way to purchase? Any promos/deals that can be had?

4. Flight out to Canada on the 6th is at 7am from LAX (yuck). I assume this will be international and requires us to be at the airport by 4am? What is the best (and most economical) way to get there?

Thanks in advance for any/all help and suggestions!!!

Check out this thread by HydroGuy It has tons of links to info that you may find helpful.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/hydroguys-hotel-rule.1199862/

I've stayed at the DI&S a year or so ago. While it's old, it was clean and I felt safe being there by myself with two small kids.
The location is great.

My other go to place, close to the Harbor crosswalk is the Tropicana. They have just completed a remodel of their rooms. I was there before the remodel and it was clean and comfortable.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Look at HomeWood Suites convention center.

Yes to Uber. Up to 8 must be in a booster. Check out bubble bum.

Getawaytoday has discounted tickets.

I'd stay near the airport your last night.

 

[lalasmama]

Tropicana is $159/night for your dates, if you can handle all being in 1 room (2 queens). Their rooms are fair sized, in my opinion. Newly renovated. Clean, comfortable. So close to the pedestrian entrance! $559 on their website, including taxes.

Via Getawaytoday.com, all with taxes included, for Jan 3-6: Castle Inn and Suites ($451)... Springhill Suites Maingate ($548)... Hotel Menage ($416)... Camelot ($608)... Portofino ($425)... Best Western Anaheim Inn or Stovalls Inn ($452)...

My quick issues with Desert Inn and Suites: Socks grey after walking around without shoes while getting ready. Regular rooms are really small (bestie and I couldn't pass each other at the end of the beds). Pillows were flat (like 3 pillows stacked to get a normal-fluffed pillow), and mattresses were hard enough I considered going to Target or Walmart to get an air mattress.... Got a lovely case of folliculitis (bacterial infection of the hair follicles from my waist down), and a chemical reaction from the pool and hot tub not being properly maintained; not fun trying to wear pants at Disneyland with, essentially, a chemical burn covering my thighs to my ankles! We made reservations with one debit card, and in the time from making the reservation to the actual trip, we received new debit cards with the chip in it; they didn't want to charge the new card unless they cancelled my reservation and gave me the "walk-in rate" (in other words, the $69/night price I had would have been more around $120/night because they didn't want to allow me to use a different card). After some belly-aching, they relented and gave me my original rate, but we were checking in at 2am--the last thing I wanted to do was argue with them at check-in! They also called 4 times while we were on the plane. I noted that we would be checking in around 11pm, and the calls started at 8pm, seeing when we were going to be there. I called them after call #2, and they *still* called me again, despite me telling them our flights were delayed, but we would be there around 1:30am, wanting to see how far away we were! We've had other issues with them, but it would take too long to list here. If you cancel, though, make sure to ask for a cancellation number, because they don't always remember to actually cancel your reservation. All this being said, others like Desert Inn as a cheap hotel across the street, and they will always have a following due to their location!

 

[cmpeter]

I've stayed at the Hilton Anaheim. It's fine...rooms are very large. But, it's huge. I much prefer the Homewood Suites Convention Center. You can get a family room with bunk beds, queen, sleeper sofa and small kitchen. Free great breakfast and it's even closer to the Toy Story parking lot/shuttle (it's the closest of all the Convention center area hotels..

 

[Flattes]

Thanks for the tips so far...

After some more research/reading I am thinking I will cancel Desert Inn and Suites. I will hold onto Hilton Anaheim for now as we got a good rate.

The other hotels I am considering are: Grand Legacy, SpringHill Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Hyatt House Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center. I'm just not sure about the distance from each to the park - I recall the shuttle being time consuming and crowded the one time we took it to a restaurant. Is it worth it to just pay the extra and go with Park Vue/Tropicana so we have the convenience? We definitely need either 2 rooms or two separate bedrooms if only one room, so for Park Vue (for example) we would be looking at $560 times two....which seems a lot for an older hotel with few bells and whistles....

 

[corrie563]

Look at HomeWood Suites convention center.

Yes to Uber. Up to 8 must be in a booster. Check out bubble bum.

Getawaytoday has discounted tickets.

I'd stay near the airport your last night.

Bubble bum looks amazing, you may have just saved us 100's of dollars in car services! Thanks...

 

[smartlabelprint]

Thanks for the tips so far...

After some more research/reading I am thinking I will cancel Desert Inn and Suites. I will hold onto Hilton Anaheim for now as we got a good rate.

The other hotels I am considering are: Grand Legacy, SpringHill Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Hyatt House Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center. I'm just not sure about the distance from each to the park - I recall the shuttle being time consuming and crowded the one time we took it to a restaurant. Is it worth it to just pay the extra and go with Park Vue/Tropicana so we have the convenience? We definitely need either 2 rooms or two separate bedrooms if only one room, so for Park Vue (for example) we would be looking at $560 times two....which seems a lot for an older hotel with few bells and whistles....

I LOVE HomeWood suites convention! They are soooo nice there. You get a nice, hot breakfast. And free dinners Monday through Thursday nights.

It's a 15 min walk to the gates. Or you can walk 5 min and ride the free shuttle in the toy story parking lot. It took us about the same amount of time and with our double stroller it was a hassle. So we just walked there and shuttled home. But with your older kids it may work out really well.

ETA: we got the bunk bed suite at HomeWood. The're all in the same room but the bunks are off to one side. Alternately there is a couch bed in the living room. Our kids have sensory issues and can't share rooms. Especially our oldest can't sleep with DH snoring. But they were scared (toddlers) and had a hard time adjusting to the new place. I slept on the couch bed with one kid in the pack n play. DH slept in the room with other kid in pack n play. We had my adult sibs in the bunks. There is a 3rd trundle bed under the bunks. You may be able to pull the mattress off that and put it in living room for one of your kids.

We're doing this again in March.

 

[Astylla]

Thanks for the tips so far...

After some more research/reading I am thinking I will cancel Desert Inn and Suites. I will hold onto Hilton Anaheim for now as we got a good rate.

The other hotels I am considering are: Grand Legacy, SpringHill Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Hyatt House Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center. I'm just not sure about the distance from each to the park - I recall the shuttle being time consuming and crowded the one time we took it to a restaurant. Is it worth it to just pay the extra and go with Park Vue/Tropicana so we have the convenience? We definitely need either 2 rooms or two separate bedrooms if only one room, so for Park Vue (for example) we would be looking at $560 times two....which seems a lot for an older hotel with few bells and whistles....

As an AP holder over 5 years it took us as an adult couple 4 years to understand the value in walking distance. Now your mielage may vary as again we are only an adult couple and no kids in our late 30's.
I personally prefer the convience of across the street and just stayed at Tropicana for the first time two weeks ago. They are just finishing renovating the rooms. They have large Samsumg flat screen tv's , updated furtniture , freshly painted walls with palm tree decals , triple sheeted beds with very comfy pillows , very cold yet quiet AC units ( kept it ice cold when it was over 100 degrees out), refrigerator and microwave and best of all its so close to the walkway. They also have a store called The Cove which opens at 6am I think it is until 1am that also offer ssome breakfast items , snacks and drinks too. They have recebtly added new types of suites at Tropicana that may be worth checking out :

http://www.tropicanainn-anaheim.com/two-room-kitchen-suite/

http://www.tropicanainn-anaheim.com/family-suites/


Grand Legacy - Used to be a decent value as they had a tolerable breakfast but now they charge more for parking and their breakfast is a snack bag. The basic rooms are still old and unless you pay for the premier ones they cna still be kind of run down. I don't think it's worth the cost anymore.

SpringHill Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center - It is a newer hotel and offers breakfast and is about the furthest I would want to walk at night just because it feels longer on the way back lol. I've heard positive things though and mostly positive. It also has a CVS below it and is a regular stop for stocking up on things for me.

Hyatt House/ Residence Inn Convention Center - Hyatt House is across the street from SpringHill Suites and one of the newest hotels - has a Walgreens below it. It seems to be a newer popular choice as well.
Residence Inn is a bit further back and could be a longer walk due to the setup closer to the convention center. I've heard mixed things for being such a new property.

HomewoodSuites Convention Center - This has been a HUGE HIT with locals and guests since it opened. It offers many different room types including bunk beds and larger suites with breakfast and While it is further , it is nextdoor to the toy story lot in which you can grab the FREE shuttle but deoending on lines could be just as fast to walk the 15 minutes to the park esplanade. Though at night can be just as busy could be easier to take.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Look at the Candy Cane Inn. It is possible to get 2 connecting rooms for under $1,000 for 3 nights (we've done this, but you would have to check the rates for your chosen dates -- call the hotel directly for the best rates and discounts). The rooms are clean, continental breakfast is free and generous, parking is free, there is a private shuttle (runs on time!), customer service is great. The CCI is on the same side of Harbor as the parks (about a 10-15 minute walk to the parks). There are 2 convenience stores right by the CCI for snacks, beverages, and any sundries.

 

[Flattes]

Look at the Candy Cane Inn. It is possible to get 2 connecting rooms for under $1,000 for 3 nights (we've done this, but you would have to check the rates for your chosen dates -- call the hotel directly for the best rates and discounts). The rooms are clean, continental breakfast is free and generous, parking is free, there is a private shuttle (runs on time!), customer service is great. The CCI is on the same side of Harbor as the parks (about a 10-15 minute walk to the parks). There are 2 convenience stores right by the CCI for snacks, beverages, and any sundries.

Thanks for this - I did check out CCI when I first started the process. It comes up over $600 per room. While I would pay this for one of the newer/fancier places, I don't think I would be too happy to pay that rate for the older ones, especially if not across the street from the park! I am liking the look of Homewood Suites for the breakfast and dinner that are included so may try to put a hold on that and cancel DI and S....

 

[Frozen2014]

We just stayed at Dessert Inn & Suites and had a great stay. The rooms are spacious (we were in parlour suite - so 2 queens in main room and a front room with sofa bed). There is lots of drawer space, the sink area is outside of the toilet/shower, which helps for efficiency (e.g. one can shower while another brushes their teeth). I also liked how they provided many towels, whereas a lot of places give you bare minimum an I always need to request more. Decor is older and not the prettiest but that didn't bother us . We found the place clean. The breakfast is basic but fine and got us going. We did not use the pool as we spent our days at the park. It's indoor though if you are looking for outdoor (and I see negative experience from above with it). And it's right across the street from Disneyland so perfect location (next to Park Vue)!

P.S. - At one point we did cancel and then rebook (due to price going down) and had no issues. They sent a cancellation email.

 

[Flattes]

Thanks all for the input and suggestions, I have cancelled the room at DIandS as mom really wasn't keen on it. I still have a hold (no payment and free cancellation) on two rooms at Hilton Anaheim - total cost for 3 nights/two rooms around $850. I also have a hold on two rooms at Homewood Suites Convention Centre (one king and one family) - total cost if we take 2 rooms will be around $1300 but trying to convince mom that we can swing the family room for all of us! (Did I mention she is picky???) I like the idea of breakfast and also afternoon/evening snacks but if we have to go for the 2 rooms option, do you think the extra $$$ is worth it to take Homewood over Hilton?

I will keep both places on hold right now in the hope that awesome deals come up...ha ha

 

[smartlabelprint]

Thanks all for the input and suggestions, I have cancelled the room at DIandS as mom really wasn't keen on it. I still have a hold (no payment and free cancellation) on two rooms at Hilton Anaheim - total cost for 3 nights/two rooms around $850. I also have a hold on two rooms at Homewood Suites Convention Centre (one king and one family) - total cost if we take 2 rooms will be around $1300 but trying to convince mom that we can swing the family room for all of us! (Did I mention she is picky???) I like the idea of breakfast and also afternoon/evening snacks but if we have to go for the 2 rooms option, do you think the extra $$$ is worth it to take Homewood over Hilton?

I will keep both places on hold right now in the hope that awesome deals come up...ha ha

They won't allow more than 6 individuals in the room.

The breakfast alone will make up for the cost if Hilton doesn't include breakfast. Not necessarily in cost but definitely in time and convenience. If you can take your afternoon break, eat the dinner mon-thurs then head back to the parks for closing it will be even better.

ETA: I was confusing you with a different family. Definitely only get the family suite! You'll all fit easily. 3 beds on the bunk. One pulls out on the floor. Let your mom have the king size. Hahaha!

 

[smartlabelprint]

$716 for the HomeWood family suite for 3 nights. Plus the breakfast. Way better deal.

 

[Flattes]

Excellent - thank you!!! Now to convince mom that the family suite will work for all of us.....

 

[cmpeter]

I agree with the Homewood decision. Hilton Anaheim is just huge...it can easily add another 5-10 minutes to your travel back to the room time depending on where your room is. It's also kind of dark. The rooms are very large, but all a bit dark (I've stayed there twice).

 

[Flattes]

I agree with the Homewood decision. Hilton Anaheim is just huge...it can easily add another 5-10 minutes to your travel back to the room time depending on where your room is. It's also kind of dark. The rooms are very large, but all a bit dark (I've stayed there twice).

Thank you - I am leaning more toward Homewood!!