Stay at Disney hotel or not?

[silvaohana808]

I'm a bubble fan too but when the cost is SO much less I have a hard time pulling the trigger on property.

We stayed off site once at HOJO- the room and the staff were beyond compare wonderful but that walk was a killer. At night especially but even toward the end of our vacation, the thought of that walk in the morning brought me to tears (exaggeration but you get it!). And I agree about the panhandlers being really obnoxious when leaving. Some were confrontational and made the cross walk uncomfortable waiting for the light to change.

We are doing a split stay for our trip in Nov- Dec though purely because of cost. BWPPI 11/26-11/28 and moving to GCH 11/29-12/3 because I couldn't do $1000 a night at GCH.

Have so much fun planning!

thank you so much! Last year when we went for a quick trip, we stayed in a Travelodge off of Ball Rd. It seemed really close but the first day we walked...and the walk back to our hotel was awful. especially with 4 tired littles...and our feet were so numb from all the walking during the day. The next day, we ended up driving like 2 minutes to the parking lot just to ride the tram in. LOL.
I was entertaining the thought of a split stay but I think we would lose valuable time just packing and unpacking and moving...and like I said with 4 littles...I think it would be hard. LOL. Thanks for the advice! We are under 9 months out but already trying to work out kinks in our plans! Can't wait to book dining! LOL

 

[Captainkidd76]

I would never stay on site again. Just wasn't worth it when we're hardly in the room other than to sleep and bath. To us, it's nothing like WDW where staying in the bubble is so much more convenient and rewarding.
Hotels on Harbor are very nice and no farther away.

We've only been to Disneyland once. Going for our 2nd trip in April. Been to WDW 50 plus times, and I think the Disneyland bubble is more important to me. We stayed offsite (technically, it was offsite, but was surrounded on 4 sides by Disney) last trip to WDW and even though it wasn't a Disney hotel, it was perfectly fine and didn't feel different much at all. But staying on Harbor, eh - It's not the convenience, it's just the illusion. Staying at DLH or GCH, you never have to see any part of it while there.

 

[StormyCA]

thank you so much! Last year when we went for a quick trip, we stayed in a Travelodge off of Ball Rd. It seemed really close but the first day we walked...and the walk back to our hotel was awful. especially with 4 tired littles...and our feet were so numb from all the walking during the day. The next day, we ended up driving like 2 minutes to the parking lot just to ride the tram in. LOL.
I was entertaining the thought of a split stay but I think we would lose valuable time just packing and unpacking and moving...and like I said with 4 littles...I think it would be hard. LOL. Thanks for the advice! We are under 9 months out but already trying to work out kinks in our plans! Can't wait to book dining! LOL

I know it's harder with kids, but you can check in to the onsite really early. We always spend our arrival night offsite (not paying 'those rates' just to arrive and go to bed), then we normally leave our offsite and check in onsite around 6-7am the next morning (we 'time it' for at least 1 hour before EMH). Check in, check bags (or go drop in room), then hit the turnstiles. Maybe with littles you could 'divvy up'? One takes an Uber to get the room while the other packs up and brings the kids over? Or one takes the kids to the onsite & checks in while the other packs up and Ubers over with the baggage to the onsite?

 

[IslaLila]

I’m sure staying in the Disney bubble is nice - but I can not justify those prices. If it was a small splurge, sure, but when I checked for our upcoming dates, DLH and GCH were over $700 a night. Everyone has their priorities though and we’d rather spend more to stay in an ocean front room at the beach for a couple nights before heading to Disney.

We’re staying at Hojo for $215 a night for a park view room in the remodeled tower. We stayed there in October and loved it. The grounds are nice, people are great, remodeled rooms are truly nice and impeccably clean, and the walk is short - like 2 blocks. There are homeless people on Harbor but we never felt remotely unsafe. I walked to the park alone one morning and felt perfectly safe.

Also I feel like people forget about Lyft and Uber. They are all over Anaheim, will be at your hotel in minutes, and will cost you like 5-6 bucks. If you’re tired or if your hotel is a bit farther than is comfortable to walk, this is an easy and cheap option.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

OP:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- from the sticky threads at the top of the first page
From that sticky:
HydroGuy Tips Compilation. -- SO many helpful threads here!
From that thread:
"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/ -- read through this thread and ask any questions there about the hotels suggested!

... As far as the connecting rooms...I would say a must. I don't want us to be split up. LOL. Is that too much to ask?!

We've stayed on site and off site -- enjoyed both, but right now off site works better for our family. When we have a larger family group that requires connecting rooms, we choose connecting Premium Rooms at the Candy Cane Inn. CCI is clean (!), has great customer service, free parking, free generous continental breakfast, Premium Rooms are larger w/ breakfast delivered to the room every day, CCI has a private shuttle that runs on time, hotel is about an 8-10 minute walk to the gates on the same side of Harbor as the parks. We've done connecting rooms at the GCH, but CCI Premium Rooms work better for us right now. The service is great for us (the shuttle drivers help my parents in/out of the vans every time and front desk staff look after my parents, too). With MP, we don't miss the EMH/EE perk at all.

 

[Chickinvic]

Why not just pick one of the hotels that are a close walk, but not on property? So much cheaper. I've never bothered staying on property at DL.

 

[Chickinvic]

We've only been to Disneyland once. Going for our 2nd trip in April. Been to WDW 50 plus times, and I think the Disneyland bubble is more important to me. We stayed offsite (technically, it was offsite, but was surrounded on 4 sides by Disney) last trip to WDW and even though it wasn't a Disney hotel, it was perfectly fine and didn't feel different much at all. But staying on Harbor, eh - It's not the convenience, it's just the illusion. Staying at DLH or GCH, you never have to see any part of it while there.

I'm the total opposite. Nothing whatsoever about staying off site at DL bothers me at all.

 

[silvaohana808]

I’m sure staying in the Disney bubble is nice - but I can not justify those prices. If it was a small splurge, sure, but when I checked for our upcoming dates, DLH and GCH were over $700 a night. Everyone has their priorities though and we’d rather spend more to stay in an ocean front room at the beach for a couple nights before heading to Disney.

We’re staying at Hojo for $215 a night for a park view room in the remodeled tower. We stayed there in October and loved it. The grounds are nice, people are great, remodeled rooms are truly nice and impeccably clean, and the walk is short - like 2 blocks. There are homeless people on Harbor but we never felt remotely unsafe. I walked to the park alone one morning and felt perfectly safe.

Also I feel like people forget about Lyft and Uber. They are all over Anaheim, will be at your hotel in minutes, and will cost you like 5-6 bucks. If you’re tired or if your hotel is a bit farther than is comfortable to walk, this is an easy and cheap option.

thanks!

OP:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- from the sticky threads at the top of the first page
From that sticky:
HydroGuy Tips Compilation. -- SO many helpful threads here!
From that thread:
"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/ -- read through this thread and ask any questions there about the hotels suggested!


We've stayed on site and off site -- enjoyed both, but right now off site works better for our family. When we have a larger family group that requires connecting rooms, we choose connecting Premium Rooms at the Candy Cane Inn. CCI is clean (!), has great customer service, free parking, free generous continental breakfast, Premium Rooms are larger w/ breakfast delivered to the room every day, CCI has a private shuttle that runs on time, hotel is about an 8-10 minute walk to the gates on the same side of Harbor as the parks. We've done connecting rooms at the GCH, but CCI Premium Rooms work better for us right now. The service is great for us (the shuttle drivers help my parents in/out of the vans every time and front desk staff look after my parents, too). With MP, we don't miss the EMH/EE perk at all.

thank you! yes...been definitely browsing HydroGuy's threads! So much awesome information! thank you!

Why not just pick one of the hotels that are a close walk, but not on property? So much cheaper. I've never bothered staying on property at DL.

That's what I'm leaning towards but I've read good and bad reviews which makes me nervous. I know the caliber of service at Disney hotels and I'm just nervous. We don't have high hotel standards but staying at a Disney property is always so magical...especially with my 4 little boys. LOL. I've been looking at Desert Inn & Suites (love the location, worried about the rooms), Desert Palms (the rooms look really nice...it might be too far for my little ones at the end of a very long day). I've looked at a number of other hotels on Harbor but a lot don't accommodate our party of 7 (maybe 8...last person is still undecided). Desert Inn & Suites and Desert Palms both have 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. We need the 2 bathrooms...LOL. Any input on these hotels or if you have any other suggestions?? Thank you so much!

 

[Malcon10t]

I'm thinking more so 4 & 4 but not sure where my boys will want to sleep...with us or with their grandma and aunty. lol

Another option would be the 2 bedroom suite at the Clementine hotel. It is quite nice, and the kids could all hang out in the living room.

I personally prefer the DLH, Candy Cane, or Hilton. I don't use it as a place to just shower and sleep, I enjoy relaxing too. With grandma along, I'd check out rooms at Howard Johnson's, Candy Cane, Hilton, Fairfield, and Residence Inn too.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Connecting rooms (Premium is our choice) at the Candy Cane would give you 2 bathrooms. That's one reason we do the connecting rooms. (If we have more people, we ask for additional adjoining rooms.) That extra bathroom comes in very handy when we have a larger group! And agree with the pp about the Clementine. That used to be a Residence Inn and it's next to GardenWalk, so there are more restaurant choices within walking distance.

 

[silvaohana808]

Another option would be the 2 bedroom suite at the Clementine hotel. It is quite nice, and the kids could all hang out in the living room.

I personally prefer the DLH, Candy Cane, or Hilton. I don't use it as a place to just shower and sleep, I enjoy relaxing too. With grandma along, I'd check out rooms at Howard Johnson's, Candy Cane, Hilton, Fairfield, and Residence Inn too.

I looked at Clementine...it looks beautiful! How is the walk to the parks? We love DLH hotel too. ..such a magical experience. Last time we were there, booked a standard room but could still see the fireworks! It was a nice surprise.

Connecting rooms (Premium is our choice) at the Candy Cane would give you 2 bathrooms. That's one reason we do the connecting rooms. (If we have more people, we ask for additional adjoining rooms.) That extra bathroom comes in very handy when we have a larger group! And agree with the pp about the Clementine. That used to be a Residence Inn and it's next to GardenWalk, so there are more restaurant choices within walking distance.

I will take a look! Thanks so much!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The Clementine is about a 15+ minute walk (?) at a comfortable pace, depending on how fast your group walks. It is on an ART route, so you could take the shuttles to/from the parks.

 

[tink89]

We stay on site when ever we can. Either the whole trip or we do a partial stay. To us it does feel like a bubble. My family like to use the pool and since the hotel is right there we do end up going back to rest or grab a snack downtown or shop a whole lot more than when we are off site .To us it is much more relaxing. We always have different age groups with us so it does make it easier for the teens to go to the park if they want or for grandparents to head back to the hotel. If you are not going to be in the room at all or enjoy any of the amenities then just book off site and save some $$

 

[crystal1313]

Grand Legacy has a suite with two bathrooms. It's basically two regular hotel rooms with a living room in the middle. So it has two bathrooms, two microwaves, two mini fridges, etc. When we stayed in one, it was the building the furthest back and we asked for a high floor and never heard any noise from the parking lot. They also have a really nice pool area for kids. No slides or anything, but a splash pad area and the pool gradually gets deeper. My boys loved it. Walk is quick and easy to the parks and lots of food options nearby too.

I think the Courtyard Marriott has rooms with two bathrooms as well, but I have never stayed there. Pretty sure Hojos has a room that is two rooms together as well and they have a super fun pool area for kids. (2 queen 2 room bundle)

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Has anyone stayed at Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites?? That seems pretty close to the parks as well.

Yes.

We're a family of 4. The first time we went, we stayed at PPH and loved it. But the walk to and from the gates... not so much. 20 minutes at the end of a long park day seems like 20 miles, even cutting through the GCH.

The next time I went solo, I stayed at the Del Sol. It was fine for what I needed - somewhere close that wouldn't break the bank.

The next we went as a family, we stayed at the DI&S. The kids liked the indoor pool (until other loud and rambunctious kids arrived), and DH and I liked how it was close enough for a break if we wanted. And cheaper than PPH.

The next time, I was at the Clarion, down by the convention centre. I liked how it was across the street from Toy Story parking lot and the bus took us right to the security entrance on Harbor. As I'm not a back-and-forth kind of person, this wouldn't work for your specific situation, but the price sure is awesome.

I went in Feb to DLH with a group and while I loved staying there - the monorail was a quick and easy way into the park and the history and models made me smile - there is no way I could afford it for our family. Sharing the room at a group rate was the only way I could stay there until I win a lottery.

In October, I stayed at the DI&S again. It was just fine. Even though we were waaaaay at the back, it was still closer than PPH.

This March the family is staying at the Tropicana. We got a smokin' good rate on the room and we all appreciate being across the street from the entrance.

In a way I don't mind the delineation of 'bubble' and 'no bubble'. It's nice to have a bit of a break from the relentless Disney-ness of the parks at the end of the day. BUT... if I had the money... we'd be at DLH at least once.

 

[silvaohana808]

The Clementine is about a 15+ minute walk (?) at a comfortable pace, depending on how fast your group walks. It is on an ART route, so you could take the shuttles to/from the parks.

thanks!!

We stay on site when ever we can. Either the whole trip or we do a partial stay. To us it does feel like a bubble. My family like to use the pool and since the hotel is right there we do end up going back to rest or grab a snack downtown or shop a whole lot more than when we are off site .To us it is much more relaxing. We always have different age groups with us so it does make it easier for the teens to go to the park if they want or for grandparents to head back to the hotel. If you are not going to be in the room at all or enjoy any of the amenities then just book off site and save some $$

awesome! thanks!

Grand Legacy has a suite with two bathrooms. It's basically two regular hotel rooms with a living room in the middle. So it has two bathrooms, two microwaves, two mini fridges, etc. When we stayed in one, it was the building the furthest back and we asked for a high floor and never heard any noise from the parking lot. They also have a really nice pool area for kids. No slides or anything, but a splash pad area and the pool gradually gets deeper. My boys loved it. Walk is quick and easy to the parks and lots of food options nearby too.

I think the Courtyard Marriott has rooms with two bathrooms as well, but I have never stayed there. Pretty sure Hojos has a room that is two rooms together as well and they have a super fun pool area for kids. (2 queen 2 room bundle)

thanks! will definitely check those out too!

Yes.

We're a family of 4. The first time we went, we stayed at PPH and loved it. But the walk to and from the gates... not so much. 20 minutes at the end of a long park day seems like 20 miles, even cutting through the GCH.

The next time I went solo, I stayed at the Del Sol. It was fine for what I needed - somewhere close that wouldn't break the bank.

The next we went as a family, we stayed at the DI&S. The kids liked the indoor pool (until other loud and rambunctious kids arrived), and DH and I liked how it was close enough for a break if we wanted. And cheaper than PPH.

The next time, I was at the Clarion, down by the convention centre. I liked how it was across the street from Toy Story parking lot and the bus took us right to the security entrance on Harbor. As I'm not a back-and-forth kind of person, this wouldn't work for your specific situation, but the price sure is awesome.

I went in Feb to DLH with a group and while I loved staying there - the monorail was a quick and easy way into the park and the history and models made me smile - there is no way I could afford it for our family. Sharing the room at a group rate was the only way I could stay there until I win a lottery.

In October, I stayed at the DI&S again. It was just fine. Even though we were waaaaay at the back, it was still closer than PPH.

This March the family is staying at the Tropicana. We got a smokin' good rate on the room and we all appreciate being across the street from the entrance.

In a way I don't mind the delineation of 'bubble' and 'no bubble'. It's nice to have a bit of a break from the relentless Disney-ness of the parks at the end of the day. BUT... if I had the money... we'd be at DLH at least once.

This is a lot of great information...thank you so much! We are still debating on going back and forth to our hotel...we would really love to stay in the park all day but with 4 littles...they may get cranky for early afternoon. We shall see. If we decide that we'll just chill in the park, then the Clarion may be a good option too!

OH man...I loved DLH when we stayed there last...but when we did stay, I was still a cast member and the rates were amazing. It really does break the bank...its worth it but I'm thinking we can spend that money elsewhere. I'm so torn! LOL

Lmk how Tropicana is, I've been looking at that place too!

thanks again!

 

[silvaohana808]

I know it's harder with kids, but you can check in to the onsite really early. We always spend our arrival night offsite (not paying 'those rates' just to arrive and go to bed), then we normally leave our offsite and check in onsite around 6-7am the next morning (we 'time it' for at least 1 hour before EMH). Check in, check bags (or go drop in room), then hit the turnstiles. Maybe with littles you could 'divvy up'? One takes an Uber to get the room while the other packs up and brings the kids over? Or one takes the kids to the onsite & checks in while the other packs up and Ubers over with the baggage to the onsite?

yes! that's another option. we'll have our own car so maybe we'll just load up early morning and switch hotels. I'll check the prices! Thank you@!

 

[crystal1313]

We have thought about adding an extra day to our tip and checking into the DLH at the end of our tip and having a relaxing day at the pool since we have a difficult time spending that much money on a hotel. We used to always stay at the resort hotels before Cars Land, when it was more affordable. So we hadn't stayed on site since 2012ish. We did a quick one night stay last June for the SWGE opening and wow, we had forgotten just how much we LOVE staying on site. It was just SO nice. And while we would absolutely LOVE to stay there every trip, we just financially cannot swing that. Maybe someday when we hit the lotto that we never play. Ha!

 

[silvaohana808]

We have thought about adding an extra day to our tip and checking into the DLH at the end of our tip and having a relaxing day at the pool since we have a difficult time spending that much money on a hotel. We used to always stay at the resort hotels before Cars Land, when it was more affordable. So we hadn't stayed on site since 2012ish. We did a quick one night stay last June for the SWGE opening and wow, we had forgotten just how much we LOVE staying on site. It was just SO nice. And while we would absolutely LOVE to stay there every trip, we just financially cannot swing that. Maybe someday when we hit the lotto that we never play. Ha!

LOL same here!! I'm hoping I win the lottery but never buy any tickets!! LOL! I didn't realize it was that affordable before Cars Land...and I'm guessing since SWGE opened, it's gone up a little more?? I do think its worth it...their customer service, cleanliness, and everything is just magical...is just awesome. We hope we can swing it!

 

[silvaohana808]

I'm also looking at Desert Palms...has anyone stayed there? How long is the walk?