Residence Inn next to the Gardenwalk?

[Mouse13]

We've always been fortunate enough to get a room at the Entertainment Rate at the HoJo but this year for our end of May trip it's not looking so good. Anyway, if I'm going to pay a higher rate at the HoJo I thought I would check out some other hotel options. I've decided that the Residence Inn (we'd get the studio room) next to the Gardenwalk might be a good choice for us.

We all love to swim and find the garden pool at the HoJo to be too cold for comfort. We also enjoy a nice jacuzzi at the end of a Disney day but I'd really like to have one that isn't filled with kids jumping in and out to get warm from the cold water at the Pirate Playground. It would also be nice for DS to be able to enjoy a swim in the pool while the adults enjoy the hot tub.

I measured the walk differences with an online pedometer and the walk to the center of the esplanade is roughly 800 feet farther from the RI than the walk from building 2 of the HoJo. We like to get to the parks earlier so we would plan to walk over each morning. I know we can use the ART shuttle if we want to, but I also thought it also might be possible to ride the Gardenwalk shuttle back at the end of the day and then walk back to the hotel from there.

We're not huge breakfast eaters at home, but sometimes enjoy eating breakfast on vacation. The RI has a full breakfast buffet but I'm not sure about what time it's served.

Any thoughts on the Residence Inn or my plans? or any other hotel suggestions within walking distance? I'd love to know what you all think.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I've never stayed at the RI but stayed at the Super 8 which is also next to Garden Walk and we thought the walk to DLR was fine. We were there 2 days and walked back and forth both days. If I were staying 4+ days then I might get tired of walking that far but it was fine for a couple of days. Also, if there was a major heat wave it might be a bit far since most of the walk is probably in the sun. We went in April and it was warm without being too hot so it was fine. I didn't learn about the Gardenwalk Shuttle until after we got back so I don't know anything about taking it but it seems like it might be a good plan if their schedule fit your schedule.

I personally like the CCI but not sure if it meets your needs. There is a breakfast but no hot items (except for toast and oatmeal). They do have a free shuttle though which is great.

 

[Mouse13]

LavenderPeach, thanks so much for your input! I hadn't thought about walking in the sun. I checked the Candy Cane Inn but I can get a lower rate at the RI with a few more amenities.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We have stayed there a numerous times and loved it. They open breakfast at 0630 and there were really not many people in the area. They have an evening managers special during the week. You can us ART, but sometimes walking is timelier. Glad to answer any questions about this property.

 

[VeeB]

I just booked this hotel yesterday for 2/16-2/18. I have not stayed here, we usually stay at the Fairfield Disneyland Resort, and had a reservation there. But I work for Marriott and this popped up at the employee rate so I switched due to the free parking, breakfast, evening snacks, and a full kitchen.

I have stayed at Residence Inns before, and the breakfast is always very nice. It's hot, so there will be eggs and such. They usually have some packaged items as well, so it's nice to take those for a snack for later. On the evenings they do evening receptions, you can actually almost use that as a replacement for dinner, it's pretty hearty. They usually serve beer and wine, but I don't know if this one will due to the number of children that stay.

It gets good reviews on Yelp.

 

[Mouse13]

Thanks for the info, blackjackdelta and VeeB. It's nice to know more about the evening reception and breakfast offerings. Can anyone comment on the size of the studio room? Possibly compare it to one of the rooms at the HoJo?

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks for the info, blackjackdelta and VeeB. It's nice to know more about the evening reception and breakfast offerings. Can anyone comment on the size of the studio room? Possibly compare it to one of the rooms at the HoJo?

Hojo standard =353
Studio RI =455

Jack

 

[Mouse13]

Hojo standard =353
Studio RI =455

Jack

Thanks, Jack, you are awesome! That 100 square feet really matters when you're living in a small space for a week. I also really think that we'll enjoy having the small table and chairs to sit down and eat at or to use as a computer desk. I read reports (maybe on Trip Advisor - I can't remember for sure) that the internet was slow. I hope not, but we can deal with that if it is. I've also heard that the heated pool was actually warm and I really hope that is the case.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks, Jack, you are awesome! That 100 square feet really matters when you're living in a small space for a week. I also really think that we'll enjoy having the small table and chairs to sit down and eat at or to use as a computer desk. I read reports (maybe on Trip Advisor - I can't remember for sure) that the internet was slow. I hope not, but we can deal with that if it is. I've also heard that the heated pool was actually warm and I really hope that is the case.

Did not find the internet slow, but not like at home. I uploaded photo;s and worked well for that.

Jack

 

[Mouse13]

Did not find the internet slow, but not like at home. I uploaded photo;s and worked well for that.

Jack

Good to know. We'll just need to check email, do flight check ins and read the DIS of course.

 

[PrincessInOz]

We've stayed at RI Maingate in 2008. We took a 1 bedroom suite. The suite comes with full kitchen, sitting room, dining table and chairs...and then the bedroom. The rooms are comfortable, clean and reasonably up to date. It's nice to come back to the room and be able to dump bags, jackets etc in the living room and walk into a neat bedroom. Lots of space and if you have a car, parking is FREE. The hot breakfast is a bonus but it does get busy at the peak breakfast times. We hit breakfast early and it wasn't too bad. You can always take the breakfast back to your room and eat there is the crowds are bad.
There is a guest room off the lobby with 2 or 3 computer terminals, hooked up to a share printer. Access is free for guest and was a bonus for us as we wanted to look for specific shops to go to in the area.

It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to walk to DL going via Disney Way with kids. I walked it to the DL gates in 6 - 8 minutes on one of the mornings by myself. The ART does pick up and drop off at RI - but we never used it.

 

[HydroGuy]

I measured the walk differences with an online pedometer and the walk to the center of the esplanade is roughly 800 feet farther from the RI than the walk from building 2 of the HoJo. We like to get to the parks earlier so we would plan to walk over each morning. I know we can use the ART shuttle if we want to, but I also thought it also might be possible to ride the Gardenwalk shuttle back at the end of the day and then walk back to the hotel from there.

Does anyone know if one can do this?

 

[Mouse13]

I really don't know why you couldn't do it but I, too, would like to have confirmation. In theory, I could leave Disneyland to go to the GardenWalk for lunch or dinner. The fact that my hotel just happens to be right next door seems irrelevant. I've seen the nice big GardenWalk buses in the DLR loading area during our last two trips (Oct. 2009 and June 2009) and am just assuming that they'll still be running during the busier times of the year. I hope someone can confirm it. If not, the ART will work for the trip back if needed.

 

[Mouse13]

We've stayed at RI Maingate in 2008. We took a 1 bedroom suite. The suite comes with full kitchen, sitting room, dining table and chairs...and then the bedroom.

It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to walk to DL going via Disney Way with kids. I walked it to the DL gates in 6 - 8 minutes on one of the mornings by myself. The ART does pick up and drop off at RI - but we never used it.

The studio room has a full kitchen, too. I really don't think that we'll do anything more than heat something up in the microwave but, who knows, maybe we'll surprise ourselves and cook on vacation. Wow, what a concept!

Thanks for the info on the walk. It seems like like I always walk faster by myself, too!

 

[HydroGuy]

I really don't know why you couldn't do it but I, too, would like to have confirmation. In theory, I could leave Disneyland to go to the GardenWalk for lunch or dinner. The fact that my hotel just happens to be right next door seems irrelevant. I've seen the nice big GardenWalk buses in the DLR loading area during our last two trips (Oct. 2009 and June 2009) and am just assuming that they'll still be running during the busier times of the year. I hope someone can confirm it. If not, the ART will work for the trip back if needed.

I have never even been to GW. Are there buses, trams, or what? How often to do they leave? Where to they pick up? Where do they drop off?

I am thinking about RI for our trip this summer.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I have never even been to GW. Are there buses, trams, or what? How often to do they leave? Where to they pick up? Where do they drop off?

I am thinking about RI for our trip this summer.

I think you will like it. We like a number of things they offer.

Jack

 

[Mouse13]

I have never even been to GW. Are there buses, trams, or what? How often to do they leave? Where to they pick up? Where do they drop off?

I am thinking about RI for our trip this summer.

I don't know where they pick up at the GardenWalk but I've seen their big buses picking up at DLR. For more info go to http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/. We have eaten at Fire & Ice and thought it was OK. You can get a restaurant.com gift certificate if you want to try them. Use the code heart at check out to get 80% off. With the code you can get a $25 gift certificate for $2. Check the certificate for stipulations, but we find that it makes trying new places inexpensive and fun!

I don't know how many nights you plan to stay, but I got a special rate for styaing 5 or more nights. I just put in my dates (end of May trip) and the special rate came up. I don't know when your trip is or if you'll stay that long, but it was only $109 per night for me.

 

[HydroGuy]

I think you will like it. We like a number of things they offer.

Jack

We will either do BWPPI, RI (where we have not stayed at DLR but have in other places), or maybe even GCH. We will probably do three nights and 2 1/2 days at the parks.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I really like Residence Inn Maingate. I've stayed at other ones, and have enjoyed their breakfasts. I've checked out the rooms at the RI Maingate, and like them. The studio offers a nice living space. Though the beds are not in a separate room, it's nice to have a sitting area and a kitchen with a table to eat at.

 

[Mouse13]

I really like Residence Inn Maingate. I've stayed at other ones, and have enjoyed their breakfasts. I've checked out the rooms at the RI Maingate, and like them. The studio offers a nice living space. Though the beds are not in a separate room, it's nice to have a sitting area and a kitchen with a table to eat at.

My thoughts, exactly, Mary Jo. Having a separate bedroom is not really that big of a deal to us. It will just be DH, DS, and myself and I know we'll enjoy having a little kitchen table and sofa. I also think the room, with the sofa and kitchen area, will feel more friendly when DD and her husband drive over from Claremont to visit and hang out. I'm already getting excited about this trip and looking forward to staying someplace new for a change!!!!