Tell me everything you know about Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort at the Convention Center.. Please and Thank you...

[Absinthe]

We were at Disney the first week of September and stayed at the Residence Inn on Katella. With our 6 & 9 year old, the walk to the park was ~15 minutes (Google stated 11) and while it was not that far, next time we go we are definitely going to book a closer hotel.

The main issue is after a long day at the park walking another 15 minutes to get back can seem much longer; especially for small children who are coming down off all the excitement. There were a few times I had to carry my daughter back as she just could not make it after the “fun” had worn off.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

If I were you, I'd give serious consideration to the Toy Story Bus. Unless things have changed, it should be pretty easy for you to walk in the lot toward the security gates, go through security and get on a bus.

We will be staying for our 3rd time here in about a month, and this is why I like it so much. Have things changed? We always walk the super short distance to use the Toy Story bus - our last visit was Jan 2020.

Breakfast is a bit hectic but superior to other free breakfasts IMHO.

 

[twitch]

We will be staying for our 3rd time here in about a month, and this is why I like it so much. Have things changed? We always walk the super short distance to use the Toy Story bus - our last visit was Jan 2020.

Breakfast is a bit hectic but superior to other free breakfasts IMHO.

When you were there in January 2020, was the security in the Toy Story Parking lot working? (I don't remember when it went online). That might be the only change for you... now you go through security first... then get on a bus... then get dropped off at the entrance plaza (and don't have to go through security again).

 

[lalasmama]

Lovestimone here..

Thanks for the suggestions on the boosters... I talked to DD and she is going to research which one she wants... I am planning on checking out ART and to see if this is something that we could or would use... The thing is when we are ready to go, we are ready to go...that the great thing about Uber only a few minutes and your on your way.. and more walking across a parking lot at the end of a long day, doesn't really seem all that appealing...

So my friend said they make a small bike pump, that they carry with them when they travel, she use it to blow up pillows, she has a serious back problem and has a leg bolster, and neck roll that she must use... Would this be necessary for this or could you blow it up by mouth without passing out? anyone any ideas on this...

So we were just planing on DD and I carry our Crossbody's and a small back pack with snacks, and stuff to keep the little guy busy in line... Now with having to haul a booster seat along, I am thinking that we will want to rent a locker to store the booster seat, to keep from having to carry more... Anyone know if they will fit into a regular size backpack... and how heavy is it really...

Another friend said that they took 2 umbrella strollers with them for their 2 grandkids 7 and 9, and used it to put their backpack, and booster seat in, they had a more traditional booster with them...and at night it was a blessing to let the kids ride at the end of a long day when they were walking out... She said while they were big enough to walk, it made it easier for them, gave them a place leave the backpack, as well as a place to sit and rest, and they clipped the booster seat underneath the stroller. This is not something that I really even thought about, Thoughts?

The ART is difficult because you can't just go when you want to-- you've got to wait at the stop, wait while they pick up others, then reverse the process to get back to your hotel. The idea of waiting for a ride when I've spent hours waiting in other lines just annoys me EDITED TO ADD: Apparently ART is now "on demand." Not sure how long the wait would be now.

You won't need a pump for the Bubble Bum, and it easily fits into a backpack. Another option would be renting a locker. Bubble Bum would easily fit in a small one ($7/day) along with snacks and bottles of water. The Mifold would fit in most crossbody bags.

We've taken 3 different 7yos at this point, and 3 5yos. We never brought a stroller for any of them, and they were completely fine. That being said, there's no way any one of them would have ridden in a stroller at those ages; they would personally be WAY too embarrassed, and likely really squished. If they needed a rest, we'd sit down for a snack, or hop on the train or monorail. We also made sure they had supportive shoes (Nikes vs their normal play shoes from Walmart).

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

When you were there in January 2020, was the security in the Toy Story Parking lot working? (I don't remember when it went online). That might be the only change for you... now you go through security first... then get on a bus... then get dropped off at the entrance plaza (and don't have to go through security again).

Thanks for your reply! Security wasn't running when we were there - I think it was around the 10th of Jan. As long as they are still allowing walk-in's then I should be good!

 

[pharmama]

So my friend said they make a small bike pump, that they carry with them when they travel, she use it to blow up pillows, she has a serious back problem and has a leg bolster, and neck roll that she must use... Would this be necessary for this or could you blow it up by mouth without passing out? anyone any ideas on this...

Not only do you not need a pump for the Bubble Bum, it won't work with one. The valve is custom and designed to be blown into (I don't think you could attach a pump even if you wanted to) but it's very easy to inflate and deflate. We're past booster seat age now but definitely made good used of bubble bums for years. Love them.

 

[lalasmama]

Hi everyone,

ART bus... I saw a you tube video and someone mentioned this? so any info is appreciated... cost? Is there a stop close by?

Thanks for the suggestions on the boosters... I talked to DD and she is going to research which one she wants... I am planning on checking out ART and to see if this is something that we could or would use... The thing is when we are ready to go, we are ready to go...that the great thing about Uber only a few minutes and your on your way.. and more walking across a parking lot at the end of a long day, doesn't really seem all that appealing...

So, I just went on the ART website, and apparently they are now "on demand," so you may want to look into it a bit more. Could be a good middle option if it's not a long wait for the bus to arrive.

 

[LovesTimone]

The ART is difficult because you can't just go when you want to-- you've got to wait at the stop, wait while they pick up others, then reverse the process to get back to your hotel. The idea of waiting for a ride when I've spent hours waiting in other lines just annoys me EDITED TO ADD: Apparently ART is now "on demand." Not sure how long the wait would be now.

You won't need a pump for the Bubble Bum, and it easily fits into a backpack. Another option would be renting a locker. Bubble Bum would easily fit in a small one ($7/day) along with snacks and bottles of water. The Mifold would fit in most crossbody bags.

We've taken 3 different 7yos at this point, and 3 5yos. We never brought a stroller for any of them, and they were completely fine. That being said, there's no way any one of them would have ridden in a stroller at those ages; they would personally be WAY too embarrassed, and likely really squished. If they needed a rest, we'd sit down for a snack, or hop on the train or monorail. We also made sure they had supportive shoes (Nikes vs their normal play shoes from Walmart).

That's a great point on the good shoes, my grandson is growing so fast right now that keeping him in shoes makes my DD crazy... she said he wore a pair to school on Friday, and on Monday they were to tight... Thankfully, I had picked up a play pair at Marshall, the next size up, so she had another pair on hand ready to go... I guess I will wait much closer to time to go before I get him a good pair of shoes for the trip...

My grandson would not want to ride in the stroller either, he would say that's for little kids Mimi... We aren't commando park guest, so no stroller for sure...

We did add the cost of a locker daily into our budget, and plan on getting one. I'm not sure about what the weather is going to be like in early March. Some friends lived out there for several years, and her suggestion was shorts and jeans, and bring a hoodie or sweater along for sure... Anyone on how the weather is in March?

 

[lalasmama]

That's a great point on the good shoes, my grandson is growing so fast right now that keeping him in shoes makes my DD crazy... she said he wore a pair to school on Friday, and on Monday they were to tight... Thankfully, I had picked up a play pair at Marshall, the next size up, so she had another pair on hand ready to go... I guess I will wait much closer to time to go before I get him a good pair of shoes for the trip...

My grandson would not want to ride in the stroller either, he would say that's for little kids Mimi... We aren't commando park guest, so no stroller for sure...

We did add the cost of a locker daily into our budget, and plan on getting one. I'm not sure about what the weather is going to be like in early March. Some friends lived out there for several years, and her suggestion was shorts and jeans, and bring a hoodie or sweater along for sure... Anyone on how the weather is in March?

We tend to buy their new shoes about a week before we go. They are allowed to wear them twice, not to school (because they'd get them tore up in 2 minutes, ha). And then not again until the airport. We also bring some water shoes (usually just flip-flops or water sandals) for water rides. Growth spurts can always be sudden, so waiting until the last minute can be helpful!

Weather in March is tricky. It can definitely vary depending on the the weather system. We usually bring jeans and sweatshirts for after sunset. During the day, we usually just need shorts/capri pants and t-shirts (long or short sleeved).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

That's a great point on the good shoes, my grandson is growing so fast right now that keeping him in shoes makes my DD crazy...

... Anyone on how the weather is in March?

Make sure your GS breaks in whichever shoes he will be wearing to DLR. (This goes for the adults, too.) Also, many people pack 2 or 3 pairs of shoes so that they can alternate each day (or even halfway through each day). Switching shoes helps to alleviate pressure points. And bring good socks (wicking, arch support, etc.) -- good socks can make a big difference in how your feet feel at the end of the day.

As for the weather in March, be checking the threads here about 2 weeks before your trip dates. If there is any strange weather in the forecast (e.g. unusually cold, wet, hot, etc.), there should be threads about it here. And take the locals word for it -- if we think the weather is unusual or weird, believe us. We've had people ignore us/blow us off in the past, who later came back to complain about the awful weather and how it made them miserable in the parks. For averages, here is a helpful thread: Detailed Weather Data for DLR.

 

[LovesTimone]

Make sure your GS breaks in whichever shoes he will be wearing to DLR. (This goes for the adults, too.) Also, many people pack 2 or 3 pairs of shoes so that they can alternate each day (or even halfway through each day). Switching shoes helps to alleviate pressure points. And bring good socks (wicking, arch support, etc.) -- good socks can make a big difference in how your feet feel at the end of the day.

As for the weather in March, be checking the threads here about 2 weeks before your trip dates. If there is any strange weather in the forecast (e.g. unusually cold, wet, hot, etc.), there should be threads about it here. And take the locals word for it -- if we think the weather is unusual or weird, believe us. We've had people ignore us/blow us off in the past, who later came back to complain about the awful weather and how it made them miserable in the parks. For averages, here is a helpful thread: Detailed Weather Data for DLR.

Yes, to the multiple pairs of shoes... and your right it does make a huge difference when walking all day long... I prefer Keds, or Blowfish, and or Sketchers for walking... they are lighter weight and just agree with my feet and legs more, than say a pair of Nike's or Reebok's.. or something along those lines... I do own a pair of them, they just don't really do the trick for me.

I also carry along what my husband calls " heel band-aids" you know the big square ones, and some neo-to go.. to combat getting blisters, in my cross body... I refill everyday what I used the day before... I carry a few different sizes when traveling... I also like socks with the band around the instep of the foot, and wicking is important. I have them on my list for Christmas for everyone this year...

Thanks for the link on the weather...

 

[cdoc29]

Anyone stay here recently? We are booked first week of Jan. Is breakfast grab and go or back to buffet style? Evening reception back on or still on hiatus? Thanks in advance

 

[justinslot]

Stayed here last week--I cannot speak to breakfast (since, being a nite owl, I sleep through breakfast) but the evening reception is still on hiatus.

 

[Katiegrose]

I just stayed at the Hampton on Katella and used Toy Story buses every day. I walked directly to the park day 1, but 2-4 used the buses. It was about a 5 min walk (Homewood is just off Harbor and appears about the same distance that direction so that’s why I’m stating that). Day 2 security had closed, and it was the busiest day at the lot (we left our room at 5 or so because of cold rain and wind all morning). There was essentially no wait (maybe one bus wait due to us using a wheelchair) but Buses were staged and arriving constantly. At the end of the night (park closing basically) we had the shuttle to ourselves with many staged. We did security in way less time on day 3&4 at TS than at the main entrances. I will always book Hampton or Homewood now for the access with TS shuttles.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I love this hotel. The staff is really friendly. With kids and stopping at crosswalks its at least a 20 min walk. I just booked it for our trip but it’s because we need a stove. We may need to feed our kids in the room. I had booked home 2 suites but cancelled because I stayed in one and they only have a sink & fridge.

I don’t know the king bed situation at home2 big I would seriously research it due to the closer walk.

 

[Katiegrose]

I just returned from my trip here- I will likely chose Hampton in the future. Right now, the breakfast isn't very spectacular (honestly hotels are just using it as a cost cutting measure now. MAYBE supply chain issues at best). They offer the same powdered eggs every day, a protein and a carb. We repeated sausage and pancakes over 3 days. There is oatmeal, bananas and oranges and toast and cereal. I don't understand why they need someone to dish out the eggs, but you can get your own toast, oatmeal and cereal. I would like to see hotels in general bring back hard boiled eggs, muffins or other pastries, yogurt etc. There are many other sanitary options (and these opinions aren't specific to the Homewood alone- I have found this at many brands.

With all that, it isn't the reason I won't stay there again. It is that it's the second Homewood we've stayed in with an absolute garbage sofa bed. Honestly, an air mattress would have been better. We opted for Homewood for the full-size fridge since my mom skipped the parks. But I wish we'd done the Hampton with their bunk bed room setup (I can't sleep in the room with my mom). I wasn't crazy about taking the top bunk and thought the sofa bed would be find for our short trip. I am still regretting it. The walk to TS was also a little more annoying off Harbor than Katella.

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here...

Can you still walk to through the Toy Story lot to get to the buses?

Our friends stayed here over the Christmas holidays... and they tried 2 days to walk through the lot, and the CM's sent them away... saying something about safety, and it's not allowed ... She said that the Uber ride to the park was 50.00 bucks and yet back to the hotel on the first night was 35.00 dollars plus tip, the second morning, 40.00 plus tip, that night it was 40.00 plus tip... she said the third morning, they walked through toy story lot and that night it was 50.00 plus tip for Uber again, she said they were all so tired that they could not face walking another step,... they need a car for 5, plus stroller and booster seats... they had to rent 2 lockers each day to hold the booster seats and the jackets, She said that one reason they picked this hotel was to be able to walk... which did not happen except that one morning... plus the additional cost of 2 lockers each day was unplanned... she said that her other DD's family uber bill was all over the place as well... as low as 25 dollars one night, and then back to 50.00 the next morning...

Is this common with the Uber cost fluctuating?...

She agreed with the poster above about the breakfast... Her thoughts were.... pretty basic, and okay for her crew... she said it did the job of giving them something to eat, and get the day started... cereal for the kiddo's, and toast and coffee for the big kids ( adults)... she said they did not have any expectation of much more than that so they were all good with it.

 

[Dug720]

Is this common with the Uber cost fluctuating?...

Yes. Uber (and Lyft) costs will fluctuate depending on passenger demand and driver availability.

 

[LovesTimone]

Yes. Uber (and Lyft) costs will fluctuate depending on passenger demand and driver availability.

I live in Winter Garden Fl, basically WDW back yard... so we Uber alot to and from the parks and Disney Springs... 50.00 bucks seems kinda high for only a few miles... we live about 15 to 20 minutes away, and the most we have ever paid was this past Christmas to Disney Springs 33.00 dollars, 32.00 on Christmas day to Epcot.... and that was for Uber XL... which is what we normally use... so for me that seem high....

Now I am wondering if I should rethink our hotel choice, and move somewhere that offers a free shuttle which might work out better for us... then adding in the booster seat and having to rent a locker daily... I still have time to change hotels... more things to think about for sure...

 

[gelatoni fan]

I live in Winter Garden Fl, basically WDW back yard... so we Uber alot to and from the parks and Disney Springs... 50.00 bucks seems kinda high for only a few miles... we live about 15 to 20 minutes away, and the most we have ever paid was this past Christmas to Disney Springs 33.00 dollars, 32.00 on Christmas day to Epcot.... and that was for Uber XL... which is what we normally use... so for me that seem high....

Now I am wondering if I should rethink our hotel choice, and move somewhere that offers a free shuttle which might work out better for us... then adding in the booster seat and having to rent a locker daily... I still have time to change hotels... more things to think about for sure...

From the Homewood Suites to the Disneyland entrance, an Uber would normally be less than 10 dollars. I often take Ubers from the park entrance to a hotels a little bit further than that along Harbor and it usually fluctuates from between 6 and 9 dollars before tip. Sometimes Lyft is cheaper than Uber. If you happen to leave when a big convention is getting out, its raining or some other weird surge is happen, then prices can get a bit crazy. But even then, I've never seen prices for a Disneyland to any Harbor hotel go up to 50 dollars in my dozens of trips and what your friends experienced was an extreme anomaly if they just got a normal Uber.

For the Homewood Suites, you also have other options such as walking to the Toy Story Lot, taking an ART bus or walking all the way to the entrance in the extremely unlikely situation that Uber is obnoxiously expensive. CMs do occasionally stop people from walking in/out the front of the Toy Story Lot. You can't really predict if/when this will happen because it depends on the individual CM and what they feel like doing in a particular moment. It's sort of like when one day, a part of the park is a fireworks viewing area and the next day some CM decides they want that exact same spot to be a walkway rather than a viewing area.