WDW Veteran, DL first-timer - Experts opinions needed

[MARCIAKAZ]

Hello Experts!! Family of 4 adults, and one child (9) planning a trip for early October this year. No car. I've looked at lots of hotel options, and some vacation rental/air-bnb options, and need some insider info!! Thing is we really want two bathrooms, so we will either need 2 hotel rooms, or vacation rental/air-bnb. Unless anyone knows of a suite-hotel with at least 1.5 baths!

How important is it to stay close to the parks? At WDW, we never go back to the hotel for a break, so I don't think we need to for that convenience factor. What about staying a little further out (to save $$, given 2 hotel rooms), but close to an ART stop? Is ART pretty quick/reliable? I know there's always Uber...

 

[FCDub]

Everyone says staying across the street is a must, but I'm going to go against the grain and say it'd never be a choice I'd make. If you're open to Uber, there are very nice – nicer than most of the very-close hotel/motels – options less than a 10-minute ride away.

Last year, I was at the Ayres in a MASSIVE room, free hot breakfast, and just a quick ride away from the parks.

 

[loloandstitch]

Everything depends on your budget but you can start here for hotels: https://www.getawaytoday.com/travel-blog/best-disneyland-hotels-for-large-families. I know that Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn Convention, Portofino, and Homewood Suites Anaheim have 2bath suites. They are not right across the street from the park though.
And I agree with PP, you do not have to stay close to the park if you're willing to Uber. The only thing you need to consider is that with 5 people you need an Uber/Lyft XL which means a bit more $.

 

[Howry]

Hello Experts!! Family of 4 adults, and one child (9) planning a trip for early October this year. No car. I've looked at lots of hotel options, and some vacation rental/air-bnb options, and need some insider info!! Thing is we really want two bathrooms, so we will either need 2 hotel rooms, or vacation rental/air-bnb. Unless anyone knows of a suite-hotel with at least 1.5 baths!

How important is it to stay close to the parks? At WDW, we never go back to the hotel for a break, so I don't think we need to for that convenience factor. What about staying a little further out (to save $$, given 2 hotel rooms), but close to an ART stop? Is ART pretty quick/reliable? I know there's always Uber...

Dolphins Cove has some 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. Its an older renovated apartment complex. They just redid the pool and hot tubs and its pretty nice. Has full kitchen which saves money as well as free on site laundry. The rooms overall are average however.

There is a Dennys next door and liquor store across the street. The Art bus pickup is right around the corner. A couple of minute walk.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

Everyone saying staying across the street is a must, but I'm going to go against the grain and say it'd never be a choice I'd make. If you're open to Uber, there are very nice – nicer than most of the very-close hotel/motels – options less than a 10-minute ride away.

Last year, I was at the Ayres in a MASSIVE room, free hot breakfast, and just a quick ride away from the parks.

Good to hear this - I was literally just looking at this hotel online, and it looks like it offers quite a bit for the $$! Did you happen to use their shuttle to get to the parks?

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

Everything depends on your budget but you can start here for hotels: https://www.getawaytoday.com/travel-blog/best-disneyland-hotels-for-large-families. I know that Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn Convention, Portofino, and Homewood Suites Anaheim have 2bath suites. They are not right across the street from the park though.
And I agree with PP, you do not have to stay close to the park if you're willing to Uber. The only thing you need to consider is that with 5 people you need an Uber/Lyft XL which means a bit more $.

Thanks, checking this out right now!

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

Dolphins Cove has some 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. Its an older renovated apartment complex. They just redid the pool and hot tubs and its pretty nice. Has full kitchen which saves money as well as free on site laundry. The rooms overall are average however.

There is a Dennys next door and liquor store across the street. The Art bus pickup is right around the corner. A couple of minute walk.

Great! I will look into this one as well

 

[FCDub]

Good to hear this - I was literally just looking at this hotel online, and it looks like it offers quite a bit for the $$! Did you happen to use their shuttle to get to the parks?

I didn't. I was up early and wanted to be one of the first in the park, so I just took a Lyft.

 

[HydroGuy]

Wait, wait, wait!

Putting aside the two-bathroom/large group issue for a moment, I have to say I think it is an absolute no brainer to stay within easy walking distance at DLR. It makes all the difference in a trip when you have easy access to your room and can walk out and be at the gates in 5-10 minutes. I know some people here have said otherwise but please be careful feeling like that validates a decision. You said you are a DLR first time and are looking for advice so I am giving it. IMO it is a classic WDW vet mistake to bring WDW-type thinking on lodging to DLR and forfeit a huge DLR advantage.

OK, with that said, do what seems best for you. This thread may help: "Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/

Also, I found out on a recent trip that Tropicana does have suites and that may work for you and not have to give up close walking distance - see https://tropicanainn-anaheim.com/good-neighbor-hotel-rooms/

 

[goooof1]

Wait, wait, wait!

Putting aside the two-bathroom/large group issue for a moment, I have to say I think it is an absolute no brainer to stay within easy walking distance at DLR. It makes all the difference in a trip when you have easy access to your room and can walk out and be at the gates in 5-10 minutes. I know some people here have said otherwise but please be careful feeling like that validates a decision. You said you are a DLR first time and are looking for advice so I am giving it. IMO it is a classic WDW vet mistake to bring WDW-type thinking on lodging to DLR and forfeit a huge DLR advantage.

OK, with that said, do what seems best for you. This thread may help: "Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/

Also, I found out on a recent trip that Tropicana does have suites and that may work for you and not have to give up close walking distance - see https://tropicanainn-anaheim.com/good-neighbor-hotel-rooms/

AGREE, AGREE, AGREE !!
It is so much easier to not rely on ART busses or uber or whatever. Cannot say enough about the convenience of a short walk to the parks.... a huge plus with DLR.

 

[ember1205]

AGREE, AGREE, AGREE !!
It is so much easier to not rely on ART busses or uber or whatever. Cannot say enough about the convenience of a short walk to the parks.... a huge plus with DLR.

Same here.

I was in Anaheim for work in 2017 and 2018 (January) and stayed at the Marriott and hung around a few more days for some fun at DLR. The Hilton is right there as well. It’s a couple of blocks to get to the entrance and it was a HUGE benefit to be that close. No buses, no Uber, no waiting.

Also, do NOT bring a WDW attitude on anything to DLR. it’s a very different experience - much more laid back and relaxed. And, with the two parks basically being across the street from another, park hopping is a giant benefit.

 

[loloandstitch]

Wait, wait, wait!

Putting aside the two-bathroom/large group issue for a moment, I have to say I think it is an absolute no brainer to stay within easy walking distance at DLR. It makes all the difference in a trip when you have easy access to your room and can walk out and be at the gates in 5-10 minutes. I know some people here have said otherwise but please be careful feeling like that validates a decision. You said you are a DLR first time and are looking for advice so I am giving it. IMO it is a classic WDW vet mistake to bring WDW-type thinking on lodging to DLR and forfeit a huge DLR advantage.

OK, with that said, do what seems best for you. This thread may help: "Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/

Also, I found out on a recent trip that Tropicana does have suites and that may work for you and not have to give up close walking distance - see https://tropicanainn-anaheim.com/good-neighbor-hotel-rooms/

I think it is a general consensus that walking from lodging at DLR is a major convenience and should be capitalized on. However, I think that a lot of people find the hotels north of Katella to be a little pricier based on location advantage, and although I am unsure of exact price differences, if budget is a crucial factor, staying a little further can still be considered and there are still options for transport. Especially if you do not need to leave the park during the day. Also, walking is an option for most hotels on/adjacent to Harbor, it's just a matter of how long you want that to be

 

[agamble]

First of all I agree with Hydroguy that if you can stay close enough to walk you should. Secondly, we have stayed both across the street and farther away. Our preference is to stay somewhere like the Desert Inn that is walking distance. They do have suites with 2 bathrooms as they are essentially adjoined rooms.

We have stayed at the Dolphins cove as mentioned above with timeshare points as well as the Peacock Suites and the large Wyndham tower. These are nice, but they all require a bus. The Art picks up outside the Peacock and Wyndham and that costs money. From Dolphins cove you can walk to the Toy Story lot if you like and take the busses for free, but it is a bit of a walk and then the transport time.

When it comes to DL vs WDW there are a few things Disneyland has going for it. Of course the Walt charm. However staying within a 5 to 10 min walk is another great advantage. Another is the compactness and closeness of the parks. Because the parks are smaller you may find yourself walking all over the place and even park hopping and getting a lot of steps. So being close at the end of a long day is great. Also, although there are less shows and other "attractions" Disneyland Resort actually has MORE rides than WDW. These are all things to keep in mind when planning how close to stay. If you can get a room closer at a reasonable price you should.

 

[HydroGuy]

I think it is a general consensus that walking from lodging at DLR is a major convenience and should be capitalized on. However, I think that a lot of people find the hotels north of Katella to be a little pricier based on location advantage, and although I am unsure of exact price differences, if budget is a crucial factor, staying a little further can still be considered and there are still options for transport. Especially if you do not need to leave the park during the day. Also, walking is an option for most hotels on/adjacent to Harbor, it's just a matter of how long you want that to be

Thanks for pointing that out. It is a consideration. I will say though that the Harbor hotels are not that expensive. Especially when talking to the OP, a WDW vet likely accustomed to dealing with Disney prices.

For someone who wants to stay farther away and use Uber, even if you do not not take an afternoon break, that is going to cost you each way. With a tip each time maybe $25 each day for smaller family of 4? Double that for taking an afternoon break. Afternoon breaks are especially needed for warmer months and those with younger children. So the cost savings on a hotel room near DLR has to be substantial to overcome that.

But everyone is different of course and I try and cover that in the hotel thread link I gave.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

I appreciate everyone's input - I don't necessarily want to stay farther away, if I can find the right accomodation within walking distance. I was afraid that the cost of two rooms would force us farther away, so it comes down to the price via transportation trade-off. That said, thanks for the tip about the Tropicana Inn option! It is a bit pricey, but may be the right compromise for our needs!!

 

[ember1205]

I appreciate everyone's input - I don't necessarily want to stay farther away, if I can find the right accomodation within walking distance. I was afraid that the cost of two rooms would force us farther away, so it comes down to the price via transportation trade-off. That said, thanks for the tip about the Tropicana Inn option! It is a bit pricey, but may be the right compromise for our needs!!

I think you’re already seeing it like this, but in case you aren’t (or for others that may happen along later)...

Evaluate where to stay based on the cost of lodging itself PLUS the cost of transportation to/from that location and be sure to add in a value that translates for your own time and convenience. Only then can you decide where the cheapest place to stay is.