Trip Report - Hojo's May 4-8

[SFMommy]

We just returned from a 4-night stay at Hojo’s, May 4-8. We stayed in the King Suite, me, my DH and DD5.

It was an easy walk to the parks, much shorter than I remembered. We had our own stroller, which was great. We were all packed up with water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. Breezed through security and hopped in line. About 10 minutes from Building 1 to the DL gates.

The King Suite was great…700 square feet, so spacious and roomy. Great views of the Pirates Cove water area and excellent views of the DL fireworks. They were so loud! Glad that they weren’t every night!

The only downside to the King Suite (and probably all of the rooms on the upper floors) is the high windows that do not have any shades. It makes for a bright hotel room…we never turned on a light, except in the bathroom. But when we wanted to put our daughter to bed at 7:30, it was hard for her to fall asleep. And the sun was out bright and early at 6:00 a.m. Not the end of the world, but it was a bit of a nuisance.

My daughter LOVED the Pirate Cove water area. It was a highlight of the trip for her and something that I hadn’t really considered when booking the hotel. It is very safe, so I was able to sit on a lounge chair and watch her play without having to get into a swimming pool with her.

We found the hotel to be safe, clean and very convenient. The market downstairs had a good selection of souvenirs, beverages and snacks…reasonable prices too. It was a great trip!

 

[Piglet99645]

Yay for a great trip!!

 

[smiles33]

Hooray! I just booked our trip at HoJo in October and didn't think my 5 year old DD would like all the water play but maybe she will like yours? Keeping my fingers crossed!

Were the older kids nice/gentle? I'm afraid some older ones might try to water cannon her and she will freak out.

 

[Brewmeister]

We just got back from a 3rd-8th at the Hojo as Well, and we also loved it. We both considered the walk to be very short and safe (we stuck to the park side of the street and cut in at the bus stop).

At 16 months, DS was always the youngest at the Pirate Cove area, but still had a lot of fun. We did have to watch him around the older kids (3-4 year olds; the ones older than that seemed to know better) a little bit, but since we were always right there with him, it was never an issue. The splash area was the main reason that we chose Hojo over the closer hotels, and I don't regret that decision...I only regret not going to the cove more often.

We had a Delux Queen with a view of the garden pool, and the room was very quiet except for the fireworks. We expected the Friday fireworks at 9:30pm, but the Saturday fireworks for the Pirate's Premier at 11:30pm was a bit much! They woke me up, and I'm not sure how DS managed to sleep through them.

I won't say that the room was super clean upon check in, but it got better over the time that we were there. The in-room safe didn't work (dead battery, I think), and it didn't ever get fixed even though we reported it the first night. Not a big issue since we didn't have anything more than a Kindle to worry about.

All in all, we'll definietely stay there again on our next trip (unless I can somehow afford DLH or GC).

 

[granismith]

Hooray! I just booked our trip at HoJo in October and didn't think my 5 year old DD would like all the water play but maybe she will like yours? Keeping my fingers crossed!

Were the older kids nice/gentle? I'm afraid some older ones might try to water cannon her and she will freak out.

We ruturned from a trip there recently and my 5 year old daughter who can be cautious of the water had the best time ever!!

There was usually a lifeguard/girl up on the slide area watching the kids and making sure they were safe and taking turns. But the whole area is built in a way that you can see the kids really well and it isn't deep at all. There were not too many overly active kids making her afraid either. Probably because it is really geared for younger kids. So I think you will be pleasantly suprised as I was!

 

[SFMommy]

@smiles33 - My daughter does not like to get splashed AT ALL. She figured out very quickly to steer clear of the dumping bucket when the bell starts to ring and the kids with the guns could only shoot so far, so she just walked around. But she loved going down the small slide, splashing in the baby pool (1 foot deep) and the turtle jumping water area. I found some kids to be rough, but there are enough quiet spots that my daughter just avoided the rougher areas.

 

[smiles33]

Thank you all! I am super excited to hear timid kids have options, too. I know my 2 year old will love it but the 5 year old is very hesitant about physical activities.

 

[Go Mickey]

Really getting excited for our stay there in October. =) Sounds like all the kiddo's with us are going to enjoy themselves.