staying at the Holiday Inn on Walnut...tips please

[hpfan100]

I'm booked for a three night stay at the Holiday Inn on Walnut street. Does anyone have any tips on walking to Disney or where to pick up waters and cokes nearby. I thought I saw a shell station on google Earth next door.

 

[CaliDisneyMama]

We're staying there in two weeks, and we've stayed there in the past. We like it.

Before, we just walked all the way around, using Ball and Harbor. It was a long walk, but doable.

This year, we've actually researched it before going, and it seems that we took the very long way there. You can actually walk south on Walnut, then make a left onto Magic Way. The hotel is basically right behind the Mickey and Friends parking garage. When you make that left onto Magic Way, it will take you to the parking garage entrance and the trams, which you can then take to the parks. Or you can continue walking down Magic Way, make a right onto West St., and it will take you to DTD, which will then take you to the esplanade and the parks.

I don't know of anywhere close to get cokes or snacks. We always hit up Target or Food 4 Less before we get there, so that we have food and drinks in the room (we bring a cooler).

This time we'll be there long enough, we're also thinking about just using Vons' delivery service (which is free for your first order). There's also a gift shop in the hotel and I think I remember them having (expensive) snacks and drinks available in addition to the room service that is available.

 

[RayB]

Please don't stay here.Seriously we took son to work at College Program.I had points we got two nights dirt cheap.They stuck us in a building with scaffolding all around it nothing like looking out at some male crack early in the am.This hotel is miles away from the park.We only went one day but man oh man its a long dark walk back late at night and not a lot of companionship.I would not sty here again points or no points.I would stay anywhere on the front of the parks on Harbor.This place is so far back my son was only one that knew where to go for training next day, turns out the cm training is next door.I don't mean to rain on your parade I don't.I mean we tolerated it but man this place was a true dump.I just would not come back here.It's too far away theres nothing around here to eat, yes you can walk back but unlike Harbor with families walking it was real real lonely and we went on a Saturday.For about the same money you can stay at say Tropicana Inn or Carousel ,etc..We still joke about my son knowing where the training center was..I was there about a month ago.

Really anything on Harbor is near McDonalds and other fast food there is nothing around this place except the training center.If you are like us we don't get to go on many vacations don't ruins yours there are many other places on the front of the park here.Please rethink this.

 

[CaliDisneyMama]

Please don't stay here.Seriously we took son to work at College Program.I had points we got two nights dirt cheap.They stuck us in a building with scaffolding all around it nothing like looking out at some male crack early in the am.This hotel is miles away from the park.We only went one day but man oh man its a long dark walk back late at night and not a lot of companionship.I would not sty here again points or no points.I would stay anywhere on the front of the parks on Harbor.This place is so far back my son was only one that knew where to go for training next day, turns out the cm training is next door.I don't mean to rain on your parade I don't.I mean we tolerated it but man this place was a true dump.I just would not come back here.It's too far away theres nothing around here to eat, yes you can walk back but unlike Harbor with families walking it was real real lonely and we went on a Saturday.For about the same money you can stay at say Tropicana Inn or Carousel ,etc..We still joke about my son knowing where the training center was..I was there about a month ago.

Really anything on Harbor is near McDonalds and other fast food there is nothing around this place except the training center.If you are like us we don't get to go on many vacations don't ruins yours there are many other places on the front of the park here.Please rethink this.

Wow. We really enjoyed our stay here. It was nice, clean, quiet, and comfortable. And I'm picky. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but perhaps your experience is the exception?

 

[CaliDisneyMama]

Also, where is the CM Training? The only things around this Holiday Inn (there are a few in the area) are houses, the Mickey and Friends parking structure, a post office, and (in looking at google maps) I think the OP is right that there's a gas station on the corner nearby. I honestly think you might be confusing this Holiday Inn with another one?

Edited to add that I think I see on the map where the casting center is, over by the freeway.

I still maintain that, unless there have been some serious changes in the last two years, this is a completely fine hotel to stay in, and you will be more than comfortable.

This is the only photo I can find from inside our room from our last stay, but you can see that the bed is super comfy. The decor is modern and clean. The staff was really nice.

 

[RayB]

It's right pass the parking structure, look for the gate where the cms go for training.The whole building we were in was surrounded like six floors with scaffolding.There were guys painting and walking by on the scaffolding.You had to walk through a plywood corridor.Seriously it was a dump construction wise.I could not believe they were suing the rooms while all of this was going overhead.And they advertise this place as minutes from the park.About 60 minutes in my humble opinion.Walking back about midnight was really lonely and creepy.No one else on the streets, there is no where around her to eat.I just wanted to give an honest assessment of what this place was like, consider yourself warned.They had all the parking by the building blocked off with police tape.Not a welcoming site.I am not a picky person but there are too m any other options on the front of the park and all the food places are there on Harbor..

The cast building is on Walnut and west Ball called the Ball Gate..

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...=mM4ZUbbxAsKz2gXis4DgBw&sqi=2&ved=0CC0Q8gEwAA



There are several points of entry from outside the park to the backstage areas: Ball Gate (from Ball Road[/B]), T.D.A. Gate (adjacent to the Team Disney Anaheim building), Harbor Pointe (from Harbor Boulevard), and Winston Gate (from Disneyland Drive). Berm Road encircles the park from Firehouse Gate (behind the Main Street Fire Station) to Egghouse Gate (adjacent to the Disneyland Opera House). The road is so called because it generally follows outside the path of Disneyland's berm. A stretch of the road, wedged between Tomorrowland and Harbor Boulevard, is called Schumacher Road. It has two narrow lanes and runs underneath the Monorail track. There are also two railroad bridges that cross Berm Road: one behind City Hall and the other behind Tomorrowland.

recent reviews--check the one from Dorene--thats not me..it refers to the scaffolding..


http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/holiday-inn-express-anaheim-anaheim.en.html#hash-blockdisplay4

 

[LuvSulley]

We're staying there in two weeks, and we've stayed there in the past. We like it.

Before, we just walked all the way around, using Ball and Harbor. It was a long walk, but doable.

This year, we've actually researched it before going, and it seems that we took the very long way there. You can actually walk south on Walnut, then make a left onto Magic Way. The hotel is basically right behind the Mickey and Friends parking garage. When you make that left onto Magic Way, it will take you to the parking garage entrance and the trams, which you can then take to the parks. Or you can continue walking down Magic Way, make a right onto West St., and it will take you to DTD, which will then take you to the esplanade and the parks.

I don't know of anywhere close to get cokes or snacks. We always hit up Target or Food 4 Less before we get there, so that we have food and drinks in the room (we bring a cooler).

This time we'll be there long enough, we're also thinking about just using Vons' delivery service (which is free for your first order). There's also a gift shop in the hotel and I think I remember them having (expensive) snacks and drinks available in addition to the room service that is available.

I stay here often and that's how I usually walk to the park. BTW, I'm a female and usually travel alone and never felt scared walking back/forth. It can be a little deserted but its like walking in a residential area.

If you don't have a car, there is a gas station on the corner where you can pick up drinks/snacks. Or you can take ART to Target maybe?

 

[hpfan100]

I stay here often and that's how I usually walk to the park. BTW, I'm a female and usually travel alone and never felt scared walking back/forth. It can be a little deserted but its like walking in a residential area.

If you don't have a car, there is a gas station on the corner where you can pick up drinks/snacks. Or you can take ART to Target maybe?

good to know! I'm thinking that with no car that finding cheaper cokes and waters will be important. Thanks for your review!

Please don't stay here.Seriously we took son to work at College Program.I had points we got two nights dirt cheap.They stuck us in a building with scaffolding all around it nothing like looking out at some male crack early in the am.This hotel is miles away from the park.We only went one day but man oh man its a long dark walk back late at night and not a lot of companionship.I would not sty here again points or no points.I would stay anywhere on the front of the parks on Harbor.This place is so far back my son was only one that knew where to go for training next day, turns out the cm training is next door.I don't mean to rain on your parade I don't.I mean we tolerated it but man this place was a true dump.I just would not come back here.It's too far away theres nothing around here to eat, yes you can walk back but unlike Harbor with families walking it was real real lonely and we went on a Saturday.For about the same money you can stay at say Tropicana Inn or Carousel ,etc..We still joke about my son knowing where the training center was..I was there about a month ago.

Really anything on Harbor is near McDonalds and other fast food there is nothing around this place except the training center.If you are like us we don't get to go on many vacations don't ruins yours there are many other places on the front of the park here.Please rethink this.

Thanks for all the tips! I was thinking walking to the trams would be pretty simple. We might use the monorail to get back on days when we need a mid-day break. We might be crossing paths as we are staying there the first weekend of March.

 

[CaliDisneyMama]

Thanks for all the tips! I was thinking walking to the trams would be pretty simple. We might use the monorail to get back on days when we need a mid-day break. We might be crossing paths as we are staying there the first weekend of March.

I'm guessing you were talking to me? I wasn't sure because you quoted RayB

We probably WILL cross paths if you'll be there the first week of March. How funny! We check in on the 2nd. I'm getting SO antsy about it. Especially because DS doesn't know when we're going, and we're trying to keep it a secret until the day of. Can't wait!

 

[starshine514]

We might use the monorail to get back on days when we need a mid-day break. We might be crossing paths as we are staying there the first weekend of March.

Would the monorail work for this? I know that their are only 2 monorail stops (one near the Disneyland Hotel and the other in Tomorrowland). I haven't stayed on the east side of the parks, but I was thinking that the tram to the Mickey & Friends garage would be the best option (I'm thinking of staying at the Travelodge over on that side in August).

 

[iheartdisney]

We stayed here last year on points and loved it!
It is right next to the parking garage (our room had a view of it) but you kind of have to walk a long way to get to the trams, so we always cut through the Disneyland Hotel into DTD. I tracked it on one of my walking apps- .69 miles to the DLR, 1.18 to the front gates. It was no more than a 15 minute walk, and that is with my slow-poke children.
We drove in, so brought our own snacks, but if you are looking for budget tips, remember that kids eat free if you want to come back to the hotel for dinner.

There are a few pics on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2880327

 

[Mouser172]

We stayed here 15 months ago and it was great. The walk isn't all that far, and the rooms are newer and nice. I think we're going to stay there again this april.

 

[hpfan100]

I'm guessing you were talking to me? I wasn't sure because you quoted RayB



We probably WILL cross paths if you'll be there the first week of March. How funny! We check in on the 2nd. I'm getting SO antsy about it. Especially because DS doesn't know when we're going, and we're trying to keep it a secret until the day of. Can't wait!

Oh geez...guess I should be checking my quotes before responding. We check in on the 28th! A surprise trip how exciting!!!!!

Would the monorail work for this? I know that their are only 2 monorail stops (one near the Disneyland Hotel and the other in Tomorrowland). I haven't stayed on the east side of the parks, but I was thinking that the tram to the Mickey & Friends garage would be the best option (I'm thinking of staying at the Travelodge over on that side in August).

I was thinking if we are in tomorrowland and decide we are ready for a break then we could hop on the monorail and then walk from the DLH back. I'm not going outta my way for it but thought it might work.

We stayed here last year on points and loved it!
It is right next to the parking garage (our room had a view of it) but you kind of have to walk a long way to get to the trams, so we always cut through the Disneyland Hotel into DTD. I tracked it on one of my walking apps- .69 miles to the DLR, 1.18 to the front gates. It was no more than a 15 minute walk, and that is with my slow-poke children.
We drove in, so brought our own snacks, but if you are looking for budget tips, remember that kids eat free if you want to come back to the hotel for dinner.

There are a few pics on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2880327

thanks for posting pics. No kiddos coming so we won't use the kids eat free promo. Too bad they don't have a boyfriend eats free promo.

We stayed here 15 months ago and it was great. The walk isn't all that far, and the rooms are newer and nice. I think we're going to stay there again this april.

sweet! Thanks for the review.


I'm so ready...two weeks to go and a day....can't wait for some disney magic and all those extra AP hours.

 

[GrandBob]

I was thinking if we are in tomorrowland and decide we are ready for a break then we could hop on the monorail and then walk from the DLH back. I'm not going outta my way for it but thought it might work.

Well, the walk back from the DTD monorail station back to the tram stop is only slightly less than the walk from Tomorrowland, down Main St, out the exit, and to the tram stop. So yes, if you were exactly at the Tomorrowland Monorail station when you decided to leave the park, you'd save a few steps. But what with waiting for the Monorail, it would definitely be quicker just to walk.

OTOH, if I found myself at the DTD monorail stop, rather than walking back to the tram stop, I'd probably just walk towards DLH and out the car entrance to Magic Way. It's a further walk than back to the tram stop, but not too far, and faster.

When we last went, we rented a condo in the complex due west from the M&F structure. We took the tram into the park all the time. Very convenient, and a short walk. OTOH, one day we were meeting DSS (step-son) and DDIL at ESPNZone. They weren't visiting the parks (we had their daughter, our granddaughter, with us). Not being familiar with the layout, they walked to the M&F tram stop, took it to the park, and then walked back to ESPNZone to meet us. When they explained what they did, I chuckled and pointed out the short street back to where they had come from. They said D'Oh! It would have been much shorter for them to just walk down from Magic Way.

-Bob


-Bob

 

[GrandBob]

OTOH, if I found myself at the DTD monorail stop, rather than walking back to the tram stop, I'd probably just walk towards DLH and out the car entrance to Magic Way. It's a further walk than back to the tram stop, but not too far, and faster.

Just for grins, I used Wikimapia to map this out both ways -- using the tram, and just walking. I mapped the distance from the DTD monorail stop to the corner of Magic Way and Walnut. From there, the routes merge, and you'd still need to walk up Walnut to Holiday Inn.

Just walking: 2500 feet from monorail to Magic Way and Walnut.

Taking the tram:
1. Walk back to tram stop: 1350 feet
2. Take the tram to M&F
3. Walk from M&F tram stop to Magic & Walnut: 1375 feet
Total walking by using the tram: 1350+1375 = 2725 feet

Conclusion: if you're at the DTD monorail stop, walk back to the hotel. It's shorter!

-Bob