Rethinking lodging options, need help!

[Jajone]

I currently have Desert Inn and Suites booked. We looked at a lot of options and decided that having enough space and multiple bathrooms was essential. It will be me, DH, DD16, DS14 and DS10. DS&I seemed the best plan at the time. But now, I am looking at our budget and would like to cut a little on lodging to add in some extra fun things. We are WDW veterans and usually rent a townhouse when we go to have extra space. I don't see that mentioned at all on these boards. Do people rent houses in Anaheim? If so, what neighborhoods should I be looking at? Am I missing any other options?

 

[avalon451]

Mmmmmm yes, but they're usually not great for walking purposes, and just as expensive if not more so. Too far to walk, and ART is a pain, especially when leaving at night and the shuttles are very crowded, and you have to wait for a shuttle. Check Airbnb for some examples. Per Hydroguy's Hotel Rule, I would stick where you are-- it's worth a little extra to be so close! You can run back any time for a rest or a meal. Just my opinion.

 

[disneychrista]

Do NOT discount the convenience of being right across the the street, just a few minute walk to the gate. This is great for not only first thing in the AM & especially at the end of the day. Not to mention those mid-day or late-afternoon breaks (or to go grab that sweatshirt at night).

 

[Geemo]

I currently have Desert Inn and Suites booked. We looked at a lot of options and decided that having enough space and multiple bathrooms was essential. It will be me, DH, DD16, DS14 and DS10. DS&I seemed the best plan at the time. But now, I am looking at our budget and would like to cut a little on lodging to add in some extra fun things. We are WDW veterans and usually rent a townhouse when we go to have extra space. I don't see that mentioned at all on these boards. Do people rent houses in Anaheim? If so, what neighborhoods should I be looking at? Am I missing any other options?

How long ago did you book DI&S?
When booking WAY AHEAD of time the rates are very economical, even for suites.
If you are going in 2-3 months, it will be hard to find a location with space for what you are paying at DI&S.

We have stayed in those rooms several times when I have taken 4 grandkids and a daughter-in-law. The space is so nice. Having two bathrooms is even nicer.
The location is hard to beat. Such a short walk after a long day in the parks is greatly appreciated. Not to mention ColdStone Creamery right there too.

It doesn't hurt to look around and see what you can find.

Good luck

Geemo

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I've priced it out and DI&S is WAY more economical and a lot easier to get to etc. I would keep it.

 

[goooof1]

Do NOT discount the convenience of being right across the the street, just a few minute walk to the gate. This is great for not only first thing in the AM & especially at the end of the day. Not to mention those mid-day or late-afternoon breaks (or to go grab that sweatshirt at night).

THIS! renting a house or such or looking at hotels farther out entails driving/parking headaches or ART shuttle hassles. Right across the street is just SO convenient.

 

[Gisele]

THIS! renting a house or such or looking at hotels farther out entails driving/parking headaches or ART shuttle hassles. Right across the street is just SO convenient.

Yea! Lol.......No, really.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Parking at DL is $18/day so remember to add that to the budget if you find a place too far to walk.

 

[mcm574]

To provide an alternative viewpoint - we took a trip in April and rented the Mrs. Mouse Townhouse. Despite what many others have said, I did not find the walk challenging at all - about 15 minutes. That said, my sons (7 and 2) ended up loving riding the tram from the nearby parking lot, so we ended up not even doing the walk many days, and except for one day, found the tram was even quicker. Now, I have no idea whether it would be more or less expensive than DI&S - but I will also point out that this was a 3br, and if you could make do with a 2br, she has some of those available as well.

 

[sheetz]

I don't mind staying further away, but we go when the hours are long, like 8am-midnight. So if we get there at rope drop and stay till after lunch, there's still plenty of time return to our hotel to relax and unwind before heading back in the evening.

 

[smartlabelprint]

It's about the same price if you book early. Plus there's no cleaning fee if mouse has one.

The location of DI&S can't be beat. Plus they have breakfast. Yeah, not a super great one but it's good enough to grab & go first thing until you get in the park.

To provide an alternative viewpoint - we took a trip in April and rented the Mrs. Mouse Townhouse. Despite what many others have said, I did not find the walk challenging at all - about 15 minutes. That said, my sons (7 and 2) ended up loving riding the tram from the nearby parking lot, so we ended up not even doing the walk many days, and except for one day, found the tram was even quicker. Now, I have no idea whether it would be more or less expensive than DI&S - but I will also point out that this was a 3br, and if you could make do with a 2br, she has some of those available as well.

 

[Jajone]

To provide an alternative viewpoint - we took a trip in April and rented the Mrs. Mouse Townhouse. Despite what many others have said, I did not find the walk challenging at all - about 15 minutes. That said, my sons (7 and 2) ended up loving riding the tram from the nearby parking lot, so we ended up not even doing the walk many days, and except for one day, found the tram was even quicker. Now, I have no idea whether it would be more or less expensive than DI&S - but I will also point out that this was a 3br, and if you could make do with a 2br, she has some of those available as well.

This would have been the perfect option for us, however all rate booked for our dates I will keep this link if we ever make another trip out there.

 

[DollBabyKG]

We always book a further hotel and drive. The parking system with the buses and trams are SO convenient, it's never seemed like a problem or inconvenience to us. We did stay at the Dolphin Cove one year on a big, extended family trip, and it worked out really well. It was a 3 bedroom, very affordable, nice grounds, and the walk to the parking lot wasn't bad at all. We did it with our young kids and our 70 year old in-laws.

 

[Jajone]

We always book a further hotel and drive. The parking system with the buses and trams are SO convenient, it's never seemed like a problem or inconvenience to us. We did stay at the Dolphin Cove one year on a big, extended family trip, and it worked out really well. It was a 3 bedroom, very affordable, nice grounds, and the walk to the parking lot wasn't bad at all. We did it with our young kids and our 70 year old in-laws.

How did you book Dolphin Cove? It looks awesome, but its a timeshare.

 

[pepe3penelope]

We are Disneyland annual passholders and locals. We did a mini staycation in October and stayed at Camelot Inn and Suites (the other side of DL entrance). Having a short walk is soooo worth it.

We are having another stay in July for a total of 3 rooms for 14 people (5, 4, 5 people).

I did so much research and price hunting. We finally decided on Desert Inn and Suites as well. Our rooms sleep 6, close proximity, free breakfast, decent parking fee, free wifi, ok pools, rooftop deck.

I agree that I love not having to park in Mickey and Friends for a tram or Toy Story lot for a bus. Saves time.

Good luck!